The world-famous highway to Hana is likely one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It may be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic highway journey when you might have restricted time. So we’ve rounded up all of the highway to Hana stops that we did on Maui’s epic coastal drive. You don’t need to see every thing (until you might have the time) so we’re right here that will help you select what are the highest stops that you should make.
The Highway to Hana, aka The Hana Freeway, takes you from the surf city of Paia to the peaceable city of Hana. It’s simple to search out one of the best stops on the highway to Hana, all it is advisable do is comply with the mile markers. We now have included the mile marker for every cease on the Hana Freeway on this information. It’s a welcome boost to any Maui trip.
The Highway To Hana
Most individuals make a day journey out of the highway to Hana drive and start in Paia within the morning spending the remainder of the day working their manner out to Hana City stopping alongside the way in which. We as an alternative drove immediately out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana City and its close by sights earlier than making our manner again slowly within the afternoon. It was one of the best choice we made. We averted the visitors and had lots of the prime stops on the Highway to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Freeway is likely one of the hottest day journeys on Maui, so it might get very busy quick. We suggest leaving early and driving on to the Swimming pools at O’he’o Gulch a part of Haleakala Nationwide Park which is about half-hour past Hana. Getting there early beats the crowds and you’ll hike the Pipiwai Path to Waimoku Falls in relative peace and quiet after which, you may then spend the day slowly making your manner again to Paia.
Beneficial Highway To Hana Excursions
High Highway to Hana Stops
Site visitors on the highway to Hana from Paia to Hana is plugged and stopped later within the day. Seeing the sights in reverse order, helps you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your individual tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the way in which again, manner higher than on the way in which out as we have been on the suitable aspect of the highway with unobstructed views!
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Scorching Hana Freeway Tip
Earlier than heading out, seize some gourmand picnic lunches to take with you on the Highway to Hana. The Hana Picnic Lunch Firm places collectively lunch and breakfast to your highway journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm to be able to set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you may cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you may seize some banana bread and a espresso earlier than leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Word: The espresso outlets and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you wish to decide up provides for the day, we propose doing it the night time earlier than and making a espresso out of your resort.
1. Paia City
Paia isn’t only a cease on the Hana Freeway, it’s a vacation spot unto itself. Situated on the North Shore of Maui, there are many issues to do in Paia to maintain you occupied. We advise spending a few nights having fun with this surfer’s city. Ho’okipa Seashore Park is a good place to observe the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Seashore is a wonderful lengthy sandy seaside that could be a must-visit.
Making our base in Paia we stayed on the hip boutique resort, the Paia Inn, the place we woke early to make our strategy to Hana. After selecting up a espresso at Paia Bay Espresso Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we have been on our manner.
2. Haleakala Nationwide Park
As we talked about above we drove on to the top of the Highway to Hana to start our highway journey. Stepping into the wrong way of the visitors.
The maps and guides can have Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Swimming pools) as your final cease on the highway to Hana, however we wish to be completely different, so that is the primary cease of our day.
Situated half-hour past Hana at Mile Marker 42, this department of Haleakala Nationwide Park is attractive. When you arrive, you’ll stroll the Pipiwai Path to a few of the most scenic sights on Maui. This stunning portion of the nationwide park homes a bamboo forest, the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls, the Seven Sacred Swimming pools ( Oheo Gulch), and the Haleakala volcano. This was positively the spotlight of our highway journey and we spent the vast majority of the morning right here.
It prices $30 per automobile to enter Haleakala Nationwide Park. This provides you entry to the nationwide park for 3 Days which incorporates the Haleakala Summit. So you can spend the day right here at some point, after which head to Upcountry Maui and catch the dawn on the Haleakala Summit the next day.
3. Pipiwai Path
The Pipiwai Path is a straightforward path full of scenic views. The 4-mile mountain climbing path is a wonderful scenic stroll that takes you thru big Banyan timber and an infinite bamboo forest earlier than you attain your ultimate vacation spot on the stunning and really excessive Waimoku Falls. If you’re into mountain climbing be sure that to take a look at our information High 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice strategies across the island.
4. Bamboo Forest
The bamboo forest was a spotlight of the path. We now have by no means seen such a pristine bamboo forest exterior of Asia. The bamboo was dropped at Maui by Asian migrants engaged on pineapple farms to make use of as scaffolding. There’s a boardwalk that cuts via the forest and strolling trails placing you within the heart of this beautiful scene. Make sure that to spend a little bit of time right here, it’s attractive and really uncommon to see.
5. Waimoku Falls
The top of the path involves the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls. It’s postcard-perfect for pictures. We suggest having a great pair of water footwear or Tevas as you’ll be crossing streams. By arriving early, we shared the waterfall views with just one different individual. It was really spectacular.
Word: Obey the indicators to not get too near the falls. We noticed different folks ignoring it, however have heard that there have been deaths at these falls attributable to falling rocks. It feels secure sufficient to have a look at, however it’s harmful.
6. Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Also called the Swimming pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many prime sights to see on Maui and they’re additionally situated within the Nationwide Park. They will get very crowded, so it’s value getting there early. It’s a pretty cascading steps waterfall. It’s a quick loop path of solely 1km.
Remember, the Seven Sacred Swimming pools Path is usually closed attributable to flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and comply with the foundations.
After you have completed up within the Nationwide Park it’s time to make your manner again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as potential at any scenic lookout which you can.
We stopped at lots of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the way in which again and actually loved driving on this route. For one, we have been now on the suitable aspect of the highway to have the cliff views and two, we weren’t sitting in visitors till the night.
7. Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is taken into account Maui’s most photographed waterfall and you’ll cease right here for some photograph alternatives. It’s essentially the most accessible waterfall on the highway to Hana and it’s a pretty cascade of 80 ft over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is situated a mile marker 45 in your manner again from the Swimming pools of O’he’o. You possibly can swim within the plunge pool under these waterfalls
8. Koki Seashore Park
Koki Seashore Park is a pleasant photograph cease since it’s a combination of purple, black, and white sand. It’s not an appropriate swimming space as a result of sturdy currents, however it’s a good photograph cease for a scenic view. It’s situated simply exterior of Hana and is an effective spot to benefit from the gourmand picnic lunch that you just had packed earlier than leaving Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Seashore is situated at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Seashore
Hamoa Seashore is that excellent crescent-shaped sandy seaside that everybody is in search of. There’s a car parking zone right here, that fills up quick and it’s a must to stroll down a set of stairs to get to the seaside. The seaside is owned by Hana Maui Resort, so you can be sharing it with friends who’ve entry to all of the facilities. However there are restrooms open to most people. If you happen to keep the night time in Hana, it is a good seaside to spend a while at.
Hamoa Seashore is situated at Mile Marker 50 and there’s a car parking zone right here. The stroll down is steep so be ready if in case you have mobility points.
10. Hana City
By the point we received to Hana City (aptly nicknamed heavenly Hana), it was time for some meals. Hana is taken into account the “conventional Maui” feeling like a sleepy city you’d anticipate on the Hawaiian Islands. I think about that is what Paia was like a few a long time in the past.
If you happen to determine to spend the night time in or round Hana, it’s an excellent place to loosen up for the day. You possibly can take a look at the cultural heart, loosen up on the seaside or take pleasure in some downtime on the spa. There’s a picnic space the place you may seize a chew to eat and loosen up by the water taking within the ocean views or you may hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the common retailer as an alternative of choosing a sit-down lunch. There was an excessive amount of to see and we didn’t wish to waste time consuming. So with our automotive stocked once more with meals, we have been on our manner. Each time we’re on a highway journey, we want meals readily available.
11. Wai’anapanapa State Park
In a nutshell, Wai’anapanapa State Park is the place you get that traditional photograph of the Hana Freeway. With stunning scenic viewpoints and a black sand seaside, it’s a must-stop for a minimum of {a photograph}. There are some mountain climbing trails, caves, and a blowhole to discover right here.
It’s right here that you just’ll see the Pa’iloa, the traditional black sand seaside of Maui. There’s a stairway main right down to the seaside the place you may stand up shut with the sleek black pebbles lining the shore.
Word: Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you should make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
That is your likelihood to go inside a lava tube when you’ve by no means been. The Hana Lava Tube was shaped by lava flowing to the ocean for a two-year interval. Because the outer layer cooled, the lava continued to circulation inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It’s positively one of the crucial underrated stops on the Hana Freeway the place guests can discover the 0.3 miles on their very own to discover the caverns, stalagmites, and lava tubes.
- The Hana Lava Tube is situated at Mile Marker 31 and the doorway payment is $15 per individual for a self-guided tour. There are restrooms right here.
13. Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls
Two of the stops on the way in which again which can be situated earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls. You possibly can hike to see them however simply be sure that to discover a secure parking spot that doesn’t block visitors.
The falls are situated at Mile Markers 19 and 24 respecively.
Higher Waikani Falls
If you wish to cease at waterfalls, there are 18 alongside the Hana Freeway. Higher Waikani Falls is sometimes called the Three Bears with the papa, mama, and child bear waterfalls cascading at completely different lengths. You possibly can go for a swim right here or simply loosen up on the boulders and benefit from the views of one in every of Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls might be seen from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the highway to Hana). The cascade of Hanawi Falls drops 200 ft into the plunge pool under. The water is chilly right here so it isn’t one of many waterfalls to go swimming in.
Close by there may be the Nahiku Market place the place you may get some espresso, tacos, sorbet, and different snacks which you can take pleasure in beneath the shade.
14. Midway to Hana Stand
The highway to Hana is brief. If you happen to depart early within the morning and drive immediately, you might be via it in 90 minutes. However when you take your time, you is likely to be prepared for a relaxation cease and a brief snack by the point you get to mile marker 17. One other nice highway journey within the US is 17 Mile Drive in California.
This little store is thought for its banana bread created from native bananas. In addition they promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There’s even an atm when you discover you might be working quick on money. There’s a little picnic space the place you sit beneath the shade to take pleasure in your ice cream too. If you wish to strive one other nice banana bread take a look at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread which is about 4. miles earlier than you attain Midway to Hana.
15. Ke’anae Arboretum
What is nice about this cease on the Hana Freeway is that it’s free. The primary attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus timber. We thought the Eurcaplytus timber of Maui have been the good factor. They’re an invasive species imported from Asia, however you may’t assist however cease to take images. They’re eye-catching. It’s a brief path so it gained’t take up an excessive amount of time on the Hana Freeway to see them.
16. Honomanu Bay
If you wish to see one other black sand seaside it may be carried out at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Freeway, so you can see fewer folks right here if you’re in search of a spot with out crowds.
Situated at Mile Marker 14, Honomanu Bay is a lush shoreline of Maui the place elements of Jurrasic Park have been filmed. We snapped a shot of the coast from a helicopter. This can be a cease on the Hana Freeway that you just’ll wish to do solely if in case you have time as you may’t drive down until you might have a 4X4. So you’ll need to hike.
17. Backyard of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Freeway, it’s simple to search out the stops on the highway as there are mile markers all alongside the highway. The Maui Backyard of Eden is situated on Mile Marker 10. There are 2 1/2 miles of maintained strolling trails and you’ll see the Puohokamoa waterfalls from the Backyard of Eden. It ought to take out about an hour.
There’s a cost of $15 to get into the Backyard of Eden however it’s value it if you wish to see the flora of the island. There’s an previous mango tree, and strolling trails via the immaculately stored gardens. , so be sure you have the time to actually discover the gardens.
18. Canyoning at Rappel Maui at Backyard of Eden
If you wish to do one thing adventurous in Maui, Rappel Maui is situated within the Backyard of Eden the place you may e-book a full-day tour to rappel down Puohokamoa Waterfall. We’ve rappelled down a waterfall and it’s wildly enjoyable!
19. Twin Falls
Twin falls is one other waterfall cease on the highway to Hana. There are the decrease falls and the higher falls and it’s a quick one-mile hike making it an simply accessible waterfall for everybody to take pleasure in. It’s an excellent place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you may swim there. There’s additionally a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is situated at mile marker 2 and there’s a car parking zone that’s restricted. There’s solely room for 50 vehicles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the highway to Hana, we suggest stopping right here instantly as soon as you permit Paia as a result of there’s a good likelihood you gained’t get a parking spot within the car parking zone and can miss it. There is no such thing as a parking on the highway to Hana.
20. Ho’Okipa Lookout
We talked about Ho’Okipa Lookout as one of many issues to do in Paia. However when driving the highway to Hana, it is a nice cease for sundown on the way in which again. Situated simply exterior of Paia on the Hana Freeway is Ho’okipa Seashore Park. It is likely one of the greatest spots on the island for sundown and an excellent place to observe the professionals at work.
You possibly can’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers capturing via the water as you method. The waves are big right here because of the proper waves that break on its north shore. If you will learn to Kite surf or windsurf don’t go right here. That is for professionals solely. Do what we did and go to Kahului Seashore as an alternative.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been a protracted day. (a minimum of if you’re nuts like us) and meal time. Among the finest locations to eat in Paia is the Paia Fish Market. Seize a plate of Mahi Mahi at this native favourite and reminisce concerning the wonderful belongings you noticed at present on the Hana Freeway.
The place to Keep on the Highway to Hana
There are only some inns in Hana when you determine to remain the night time which is a good thought to permit extra time to discover. The lodging on this aspect of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you may verify VRBO for trip leases within the space like this pretty keep in Hana.
We advise leaving early to beat the visitors. The Highway to Hana can turn out to be overcrowded rapidly. You probably have two days, we suggest taking the complete two days as there are many websites to see! There are just a few inns in Hana, we propose the Hana Maui Resort: Examine charges and availability
We stayed at the Paia Inn in Paia and it was fabulous. It’s situated on the seaside and is inside strolling distance of lots of the prime Paia sights. The boutique resort has a hip vibe and affords yoga courses, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Fast Suggestions For Driving The Hana Freeway
- Make sure that to select up The Highway to Hana CD at any memento store in Maui. Flip it on in Paia and comply with their suggestions as you go. It performs some native music and it’s fairly entertaining besides.
- Cease in Paia to select up a field lunch at CJ’s Diner.
- Depart early, the roads are completely free and away from visitors within the morning and also you’ll have the freeway all to your self.
- Pack further water.
- Make sure that to have sturdy water footwear with a great grip for the waterfall trails.
- We advise taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Freeway, one isn’t sufficient to see every thing. There are lodging in Hana.
- Drive on to Hana stopping just for just a few of the waterfall and scenic ocean views to be able to get to the park earlier than the crowds.
- Enable a minimum of 2 to three hours within the park to discover the mountain climbing trails and make it out to the waterfalls.
- As soon as you might be completed within the park, make your manner slowly again alongside the freeway stopping in any respect the spots you missed on the way in which out.
- Cease on the black sand seaside in your manner again to Hana from the park to see the locals picnicking and browsing.
- We discovered the freeway to be a extra scenic drive on the way in which again to Paia so take pleasure in your afternoon.
- Pay particular consideration to the one-lane bridges, they are often difficult on winding roads.
About The Hana Freeway
Maui’s Hana Freeway is taken into account one of many world’s nice coastal drives and essentially the most stunning drive in Hawaii. beginning in Paia and ending simply previous the city of Hana. It’s only 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a complete day while you cease in any respect the gorgeous sights alongside the way in which. Learn extra: The Most Wonderful Info About Hawaii
The twisting highway to Hana is full of 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slim highway clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you typically come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It’s not beneficial for somebody who will not be used to driving, so when you don’t have quite a lot of expertise behind the wheel, we propose taking a tour of the Hana Freeway as an alternative of driving it your self. However when you wish to drive, and don’t thoughts one-lane bridges, get your self a cool automotive rental and hop on this highway for a wonderful day in Maui.
To get to Hana from Paia you’ll really take highways 36 and 360. However the Hana Freeway sounds a lot cooler. We hopped on Freeway 36 in direction of Hana after which after 9.5 miles, we turned onto freeway 360 to Hana.
In some sources, you may learn concerning the Kaihalulu Pink Sand Seashore. This culturally delicate space is on non-public property and is off-limits to guests. Please respect the posted indicators and don’t go to Pink Sand Seashore.
The Finest Tip for Driving the Hana Freeway
The perfect tip for driving the highway to Hana is to b-line it to Hana after which drive again slowly in the wrong way. We drove on to O’he’o Gulch very first thing within the morning. It’s simply previous the city of Hana which we placed on our listing to cease at on the way in which again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our manner slowly again in direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was an excellent selection as we didn’t have to take a seat in visitors. Plus we had the Pipiwai Path to the waterfalls and thru the bamboo forest all to ourselves. We have been grateful for our selection and felt fairly happy with our choice after we noticed the lengthy traces of vehicles on the opposite aspect of the highway as we drove in the wrong way of all of the visitors.
