The world-famous street to Hana is without doubt one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It may be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic street journey when you might have 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 should see every thing (except you might have the time) so we’re right here that will help you select what are the highest stops that it’s essential to 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 straightforward to search out one of the best stops on the street to Hana, all it’s good to do is observe 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 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 manner out to Hana City stopping alongside the best way. We as a substitute drove straight out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana City and its close by points of interest earlier than making our manner again slowly within the afternoon. It was one of the best determination we made. We prevented the visitors and had lots of the high stops on the Street to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Freeway is without doubt 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’ll be able to then spend the day slowly making your manner again to Paia.
Really useful Street To Hana Excursions
High Street to Hana Stops
Visitors on the street 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 best way again, manner higher than on the best way out as we had been on the best facet of the street with unobstructed views!
Replenish Earlier than you Depart Paia
Get your Maui self guided tour to discover the highest websites on Maui and verify with CarRentals.com to check automotive rental charges. And see our suggestions for locations to remain in Maui at The place to Keep in Maui – The Finest Resorts
Scorching 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 Firm places collectively lunch and breakfast in your street journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm so that you could set out early within the morning. There are picnic tables alongside the route the place you’ll be able to cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you’ll be able to seize some banana bread and a espresso earlier than leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Notice: The espresso outlets and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you wish to choose up provides for the day, we advise 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 recommend spending a few nights having fun with this surfer’s city. Ho’okipa Seashore Park is a superb place to look at the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Seashore is a fantastic lengthy sandy seashore 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 method to Hana. After selecting up a espresso at Paia Bay Espresso Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we had been on our manner.
2. Haleakala Nationwide Park
As we talked about above we drove on to the tip 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 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 among the most scenic points of interest 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 undoubtedly the spotlight of our street journey and we spent the vast majority of the morning right here.
It prices $30 per car to enter Haleakala Nationwide Park. This offers you entry to the nationwide park for 3 Days which incorporates the Haleakala Summit. So you would spend the day right here someday, 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 simple path full of scenic views. The 4-mile mountaineering path is a fantastic scenic stroll that takes you thru large Banyan bushes and an unlimited bamboo forest earlier than you attain your closing vacation spot on the stunning and really excessive Waimoku Falls. In case you are into mountaineering ensure to take a look at our information High 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice solutions 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 outdoors 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 the forest and strolling trails placing you within the middle of this beautiful scene. Be sure 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 images. We suggest having a very good pair of water sneakers or Tevas as you’ll be crossing streams. By arriving early, we shared the waterfall views with just one different particular person. It was really spectacular.
Notice: 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 on account of falling rocks. It feels protected sufficient to take a look at, however it’s harmful.
6. Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Also referred to as the Swimming pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many high points of interest to see on Maui and they’re additionally situated within the Nationwide Park. They’ll get very crowded, so it’s price 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 on account of flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and observe the principles.
After getting completed up within the Nationwide Park it’s time to make your manner again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as doable at any scenic lookout which you could.
We stopped at lots of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best way again and actually loved driving on this route. For one, we had been now on the best facet 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’ll 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 toes 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 may 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 pink, black, and white sand. It isn’t an acceptable swimming space because of the robust currents, however it’s a good photograph cease for a scenic view. It’s situated simply outdoors of Hana and is an efficient spot to benefit from the connoisseur picnic lunch that you simply 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 good crescent-shaped sandy seashore that everybody is on the lookout for. There’s a car parking zone right here, that fills up quick and you need to stroll down a set of stairs to get to the seashore. The seashore is owned by Hana Maui Resort, so you may be sharing it with visitors who’ve entry to all of the facilities. However there are restrooms open to most of the people. In the event you keep the night time in Hana, this can be a good seashore 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 you probably have mobility points.
10. Hana City
By the point we obtained 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 the event you determine to spend the night time in or round Hana, it’s an awesome place to loosen up for the day. You may try the cultural middle, loosen up on the seashore or take pleasure in some downtime on the spa. There’s a picnic space the place you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat and loosen up by the water taking within the ocean views or you’ll be able to hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the normal retailer as a substitute 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 had been on our manner. 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 stunning scenic viewpoints and a black sand seashore, it’s a must-stop for no less than {a photograph}. There are some mountaineering 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 seashore of Maui. There’s a stairway main all the way down to the seashore the place you’ll be able to rise up shut with the graceful black pebbles lining the shore.
Notice: Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated simply previous Mile Marker 32 and it’s essential to 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 fashioned by lava flowing to the ocean for a two-year interval. Because the outer layer cooled, the lava continued to move inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It’s undoubtedly probably the most 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 charge 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 can be situated earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls. You may hike to see them however simply ensure to discover a protected 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 may go for a swim right here or simply loosen up on the boulders and benefit from the views of one in all Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls may be considered from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the street to Hana). The cascade of Hanawi Falls drops 200 toes into the plunge pool under. The water is chilly right here so it’s not one of many waterfalls to go swimming in.
Close by there may be the Nahiku Market place the place you will get some espresso, tacos, sorbet, and different snacks which you could take pleasure in beneath the shade.
14. Midway to Hana Stand
The street to Hana is brief. In the event you depart early within the morning and drive straight, you may be by 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 street journey within the US is 17 Mile Drive in California.
This little store is thought for its banana bread constituted of native bananas. Additionally they promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There’s even an atm when you discover you’re 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 primary attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus bushes. We thought the Eurcaplytus bushes of Maui had been the best factor. They’re an invasive species imported from Asia, however you’ll be able to’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 seashore it may be carried out at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Freeway, so one can find fewer folks right here in case you are on the lookout for a spot with out crowds.
Situated at Mile Marker 14, Honomanu Bay is a lush shoreline of Maui the place elements of Jurrasic Park had been filmed. We snapped a shot of the coast from a helicopter. This can be a cease on the Hana Freeway that you simply’ll wish to do solely you probably have time as you’ll be able to’t drive down except you might have a 4X4. So you’ll need to hike.
17. Backyard of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Freeway, it’s straightforward to search out the stops on the street as there are mile markers all alongside the street. 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 price it if you wish to see the flora of the island. There’s an previous mango tree, and strolling trails by the immaculately saved 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’ll be able to 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 an awesome place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you’ll be able to 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 automobiles at Twin Falls, so when driving out on the street to Hana, we suggest stopping right here instantly as soon as you allow 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 isn’t 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. Situated simply outdoors of Paia on the Hana Freeway is Ho’okipa Seashore Park. It is without doubt one of the greatest spots on the island for sundown and an awesome place to look at the professionals at work.
You may’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers capturing by the water as you method. The waves are large right here due to the right waves that break on its north shore. If you’re going to 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 a substitute.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been a protracted day. (no less than in case you are nuts like us) and supper time. Probably the greatest locations to eat in Paia is the Paia Fish Market. Seize a plate of Mahi Mahi at this native favourite and reminisce in regards to the superb belongings 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 when you determine to remain the night time which is a superb concept to permit extra time to discover. The lodging on this facet of Maui as it’s extra of rugged and distant, however you’ll be able to verify VRBO for trip leases within the space like this pretty keep in Hana.
We recommend leaving early to beat the visitors. The Street to Hana can turn into overcrowded shortly. When you’ve got two days, we suggest taking the total two days as there are many websites to see! There are just a few lodges in Hana, we advise the Hana Maui Resort: Test charges and availability
We stayed at the Paia Inn in Paia and it was fabulous. It’s situated on the seashore and is inside strolling distance of lots of the high Paia points of interest. The boutique resort has a hip vibe and affords yoga courses, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Fast Ideas For Driving The Hana Freeway
- Be sure to choose 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 in addition.
- Cease in Paia to choose 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 additional water.
- Be sure to have sturdy water sneakers with a very good grip for the waterfall trails.
- We recommend 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 so that you could get to the park earlier than the crowds.
- Permit no less than 2 to three hours within the park to discover the mountaineering trails and make it out to the waterfalls.
- As soon as you’re completed within the park, make your manner slowly again alongside the freeway stopping in any respect the spots you missed on the best way out.
- Cease on the black sand seashore 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 best way 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 probably the most stunning drive in Hawaii. beginning in Paia and ending simply previous the city of Hana. It is just 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a complete day if you cease in any respect the attractive sights alongside the best way. Learn extra: The Most Superb Information About Hawaii
The twisting street to Hana is full of 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slim street clings to the facet of excessive sea cliffs and also you usually come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It isn’t advisable for somebody who just isn’t used to driving, so when you don’t have numerous expertise behind the wheel, we advise taking a tour of the Hana Freeway as a substitute 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 street for a fantastic 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 would possibly learn in regards to the Kaihalulu Purple 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 Purple Sand Seashore.
The Finest Tip for Driving the Hana Freeway
The very best 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 listing to cease at on the best way 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 awesome selection as we didn’t have to sit down in visitors. Plus we had the Pipiwai Path to the waterfalls and thru the bamboo forest all to ourselves. We had been grateful for our selection and felt fairly pleased with our determination once we noticed the lengthy strains of automobiles on the opposite facet of the street as we drove in the wrong way of all of the visitors.
