The world-famous street to Hana is likely one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It may be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic street journey when you’ve gotten restricted time. So we’ve rounded up all of the street to Hana stops that we did on Maui’s epic coastal drive. You don’t must see the whole lot (except you’ve gotten the time) so we’re right here that can assist you select what are the highest stops that you could make.
The Street to Hana, aka The Hana Freeway, takes you from the surf city of Paia to the peaceable city of Hana. It’s simple to seek out the perfect stops on the street to Hana, all it’s worthwhile to do is observe the mile markers. Now we 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 Street To Hana
Most individuals make a day journey out of the street to Hana drive and start in Paia within the morning spending the remainder of the day working their approach out to Hana City stopping alongside the best way. We as a substitute drove instantly out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana City and its close by points of interest earlier than making our approach again slowly within the afternoon. It was the perfect choice we made. We prevented the visitors and had most of the prime stops on the Street to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Freeway is likely one of the hottest day trips on Maui, so it could possibly get very busy quick. We advocate 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 may hike the Pipiwai Path to Waimoku Falls in relative peace and quiet after which, you possibly can then spend the day slowly making your approach again to Paia.
Really helpful Street To Hana Excursions
Prime Street to Hana Stops
Site visitors on the street to Hana from Paia to Hana is plugged and stopped later within the day. Seeing the sights in reverse order, enables you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your personal tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the best way again, approach higher than on the best way out as we have been on the fitting aspect of the street with unobstructed views!
Refill Earlier than you Go away Paia
Get your Maui self guided tour to discover the highest websites on Maui and verify with CarRentals.com to match automobile rental charges. And see our suggestions for locations to remain in Maui at Where to Stay in Maui – The Best Hotels
Sizzling Hana Freeway Tip
Earlier than heading out, seize some connoisseur picnic lunches to take with you on the Street to Hana. The Hana Picnic Lunch Company places collectively lunch and breakfast on your street journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm in an effort to set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you possibly can cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you possibly can seize some banana bread and a espresso earlier than leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Be aware: The espresso retailers and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you wish to decide up provides for the day, we recommend 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. Positioned 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 Seaside Park is a good place to look at the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Seaside is a stupendous lengthy sandy seaside that may 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 technique to Hana. After choosing up a espresso at Paia Bay Espresso Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we have been on our approach.
2. Haleakala Nationwide Park
As we talked about above we drove on to the top of the Street to Hana to start our street journey. Getting in the wrong way of the visitors.
The maps and guides could have Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Swimming pools) as your final cease on the street to Hana, however we prefer to be completely different, so that is the primary cease of our day.
Positioned half-hour past Hana at Mile Marker 42, this department of Haleakala Nationwide Park is beautiful. When you arrive, you’ll stroll the Pipiwai Path to a few of the most scenic points of interest on Maui. This lovely 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 undoubtedly the spotlight of our street 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 may spend the day right here sooner or later, 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 stuffed with scenic views. The 4-mile mountain climbing path is a stupendous scenic stroll that takes you thru big Banyan bushes and an unlimited bamboo forest earlier than you attain your ultimate vacation spot on the lovely and really excessive Waimoku Falls. In case you are into mountain climbing be sure to take a look at our information Top 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. Now we have by no means seen such a pristine bamboo forest exterior of Asia. The bamboo was delivered to Maui by Asian migrants engaged on pineapple farms to make use of as scaffolding. There’s a boardwalk that cuts by means of the forest and strolling trails placing you within the middle of this gorgeous scene. Be sure to spend a little bit of time right here, it’s beautiful 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 advocate having a very good pair of water footwear or Tevas as you’ll be crossing streams. By arriving early, we shared the waterfall views with just one different particular person. It was actually spectacular.
Be aware: Obey the indicators to not get too near the falls. We noticed different individuals ignoring it, however have heard that there have been deaths at these falls as a result of 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 points of interest to see on Maui and they’re additionally positioned within the Nationwide Park. They’ll get very crowded, so it’s value getting there early. It’s a pretty cascading steps waterfall. It’s a brief loop path of solely 1km.
Bear in mind, the Seven Sacred Swimming pools Path is usually closed as a result of flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and observe the foundations.
Upon getting completed up within the Nationwide Park it’s time to make your approach again to Paia. We advocate stopping as a lot as attainable at any scenic lookout you can.
We stopped at most of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best way again and actually loved driving on this course. For one, we have been now on the fitting aspect of the street 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 may cease right here for some photograph alternatives. It’s probably the most accessible waterfall on the street to Hana and it’s a pretty cascade of 80 ft over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is positioned a mile marker 45 in your approach again from the Swimming pools of O’he’o. You possibly can swim within the plunge pool beneath these waterfalls
8. Koki Seaside Park
Koki Seaside Park is a pleasant photograph cease since it’s a combination of purple, black, and white sand. It’s not an acceptable swimming space because of the robust currents, however it’s a good photograph cease for a scenic view. It’s positioned simply exterior of Hana and is an effective spot to benefit from the connoisseur picnic lunch that you simply had packed earlier than leaving Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Seaside is positioned at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Seaside
Hamoa Seaside is that excellent crescent-shaped sandy seaside that everybody is searching for. There’s a 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 company who’ve entry to all of the facilities. However there are restrooms open to most of the people. In case you keep the night time in Hana, this can be a good seaside to spend a while at.
Hamoa Seaside is positioned at Mile Marker 50 and there’s a parking zone right here. The stroll down is steep so be ready you probably have mobility points.
10. Hana City
By the point we acquired 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.
In case you resolve to spend the night time in or round Hana, it’s a fantastic place to loosen up for the day. You possibly can try the cultural middle, loosen up on the seaside or take pleasure in some downtime on the spa. There’s a picnic space the place you possibly can seize a chunk to eat and loosen up by the water taking within the ocean views or you possibly can hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the common retailer as a substitute of choosing a sit-down lunch. There was an excessive amount of to see and we didn’t need to waste time consuming. So with our automobile stocked once more with meals, we have been on our approach. At any time when we’re on a street journey, we want meals 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 lovely scenic viewpoints and a black sand seaside, it’s a must-stop for no less than {a photograph}. There are some mountain climbing trails, caves, and a blowhole to discover right here.
It’s right here that you simply’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 possibly can stand up shut with the sleek black pebbles lining the shore.
Be aware: Wai’anapanapa State Park is positioned simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you could make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
That is your probability to go inside a lava tube in case you’ve by no means been. The Hana Lava Tube was fashioned by lava flowing to the ocean for a two-year interval. Because the outer layer cooled, the lava continued to stream inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital 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 positioned at Mile Marker 31 and the doorway payment is $15 per particular person for a self-guided tour. There are restrooms right here.
13. Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls
Two of the stops on the best way again which might be positioned earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls. You possibly can hike to see them however simply be sure to discover a secure parking spot that doesn’t block visitors.
The falls are positioned 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 certainly one of Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls could be considered from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the street to Hana). The cascade of Hanawi Falls drops 200 ft into the plunge pool beneath. 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 you can take pleasure in beneath the shade.
14. Midway to Hana Stand
The street to Hana is brief. In case you depart early within the morning and drive instantly, you could be by means of it in 90 minutes. However in case 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 street journey within the US is 17 Mile Drive in California.
This little store is understood for its banana bread constituted of native bananas. In addition they promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There may be even an atm in case you discover you might be operating brief 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 try Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread which is about 4. miles earlier than you attain Midway to Hana.
15. Ke’anae Arboretum
What is sweet about this cease on the Hana Freeway is that it’s free. The principle attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus bushes. We thought the Eurcaplytus bushes of Maui have been the best factor. They’re an invasive species imported from Asia, however you possibly can’t assist however cease to take pictures. They’re eye-catching. It’s a brief path so it received’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 achieved at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a well-liked cease on the Hana Freeway, so you will see fewer individuals right here if you’re searching for a spot with out crowds.
Positioned 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. It is a cease on the Hana Freeway that you simply’ll need to do solely you probably have time as you possibly can’t drive down except you’ve gotten a 4X4. So you will want to hike.
17. Backyard of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Freeway, it’s simple to seek out the stops on the street as there are mile markers all alongside the street. The Maui Backyard of Eden is positioned on Mile Marker 10. There are 2 1/2 miles of maintained strolling trails and you may 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 outdated mango tree, and strolling trails by means of the immaculately stored gardens. , so be sure to 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 positioned within the Backyard of Eden the place you possibly can 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 street to Hana. There are the decrease falls and the higher falls and it’s a brief one-mile hike making it an simply accessible waterfall for everybody to take pleasure in. It’s a fantastic place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you possibly can swim there. There may be additionally a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is positioned at mile marker 2 and there’s a parking zone that’s restricted. There may be solely room for 50 automobiles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the street to Hana, we advocate stopping right here instantly as soon as you permit Paia as a result of there’s a good probability you received’t get a parking spot within the parking zone and can miss it. There is no such thing as a parking on the street 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 street to Hana, this can be a nice cease for sundown on the best way again. Positioned simply exterior of Paia on the Hana Freeway is Ho’okipa Seaside Park. It is likely one of the finest spots on the island for sundown and a fantastic place to look at the professionals at work.
You possibly can’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers capturing by means of the water as you method. The waves are big right here due to the right waves that break on its north shore. If you’re going to discover ways to Kite surf or windsurf don’t go right here. That is for professionals solely. Do what we did and go to Kahului Seaside as a substitute.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been an extended day. (no less than if you’re nuts like us) and supper time. Top-of-the-line 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 stuff you noticed at present on the Hana Freeway.
The place to Keep on the Street to Hana
There are just a few lodges in Hana in case you resolve 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 possibly can verify VRBO for trip leases within the space like this lovely stay in Hana.
We advise leaving early to beat the visitors. The Street to Hana can turn out to be overcrowded shortly. When you have two days, we advocate taking the complete two days as there are many websites to see! There are just a few lodges in Hana, we recommend the Hana Maui Resort: Check rates and availability
We stayed at the Paia Inn in Paia and it was fabulous. It’s positioned on the seaside and is inside strolling distance of most of the prime Paia points of interest. The boutique resort has a hip vibe and affords yoga lessons, recent Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Fast Ideas For Driving The Hana Freeway
- Be sure to select up The Street to Hana CD at any memento store in Maui. Flip it on in Paia and observe their suggestions as you go. It performs some native music and it’s fairly entertaining as well.
- Cease in Paia to select up a field lunch at CJ’s Diner.
- Go away 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.
- Be sure to have sturdy water footwear with a very good grip for the waterfall trails.
- We advise taking 2 days to actually discover the Hana Freeway, one isn’t sufficient to see the whole lot. There are lodging in Hana.
- Drive on to Hana stopping just for just a few of the waterfall and scenic ocean views in an effort to get to the park earlier than the crowds.
- Enable no less than 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 approach slowly again alongside the freeway stopping in any respect the spots you missed on the best way out.
- Cease on the black sand seaside in your approach 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 best way again to Paia so take pleasure in your afternoon.
- Pay particular consideration to the one-lane bridges, they are often tough on winding roads.
About The Hana Freeway
Maui’s Hana Freeway is taken into account one of many world’s great coastal drives and probably the most lovely 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 whenever you cease in any respect the gorgeous sights alongside the best way. Learn extra: The Most Amazing Facts About Hawaii
The twisting street to Hana is stuffed with 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slim street clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you usually come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It’s not really useful for somebody who isn’t used to driving, so in case you don’t have lots of expertise behind the wheel, we recommend taking a tour of the Hana Highway as a substitute of driving it your self. However in case you prefer to drive, and don’t thoughts one-lane bridges, get your self a cool automobile rental and hop on this street for a stupendous day in Maui.
To get to Hana from Paia you’ll truly 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 Seaside. This culturally delicate space is on personal property and is off-limits to guests. Please respect the posted indicators and don’t go to Pink Sand Seaside.
The Greatest Tip for Driving the Hana Freeway
The most effective tip for driving the street 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 record to cease at on the best way again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our approach slowly again in direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was a fantastic 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 pleased with our choice once we noticed the lengthy traces of automobiles on the opposite aspect of the street as we drove in the wrong way of all of the visitors.
