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 have got 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 every thing (except you have got the time) so we’re right here that can assist you select what are the highest stops that you have 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 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 addition 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 method out to Hana City stopping alongside the way in which. We as a substitute drove instantly out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana City and its close by sights earlier than making our method again slowly within the afternoon. It was the perfect resolution we made. We averted the visitors and had lots of the prime 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 could actually 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 method again to Paia.
Really helpful Street To Hana Excursions
High 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, permits you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your personal tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the way in which again, method higher than on the way in which out as we had been on the suitable aspect of the street with unobstructed views!
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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 to your street journey. Order the day earlier than 2 pm so as to 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 retailers and eating places don’t open till 7 am, so if you wish to choose up provides for the day, we recommend doing it the night time earlier than and making a espresso out of your lodge.
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 phenomenal lengthy sandy seaside that may be a must-visit.
Making our base in Paia we stayed on the hip boutique lodge, the Paia Inn, the place we woke early to make our solution 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 method.
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. Stepping into 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 totally 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 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 undoubtedly the spotlight of our street journey and we spent nearly all 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 might spend the day right here in the future, 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 mountaineering path is a phenomenal scenic stroll that takes you thru enormous Banyan timber and an infinite bamboo forest earlier than you attain your last vacation spot on the stunning and really excessive Waimoku Falls. In case you are into mountaineering ensure that to take a look at our information High 12 Hikes in Maui to Take your Breath Away for some nice ideas 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 dropped at 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 gorgeous scene. Ensure 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 pair of water sneakers 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.
Notice: 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 attributable to falling rocks. It feels secure 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 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 beautiful cascading steps waterfall. It’s a quick loop path of solely 1km.
Remember, the Seven Sacred Swimming pools Path is commonly closed attributable to 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 method again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as potential at any scenic lookout you can.
We stopped at lots of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the way in which again and actually loved driving on this course. For one, we had been now on the suitable 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’ll cease right here for some picture alternatives. It’s essentially the most accessible waterfall on the street to Hana and it’s a beautiful cascade of 80 toes over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is situated a mile marker 45 in your method again from the Swimming pools of O’he’o. You’ll be able to swim within the plunge pool beneath these waterfalls
8. Koki Seashore Park
Koki Seashore Park is a pleasant picture cease since it’s a combination of pink, black, and white sand. It isn’t an acceptable swimming space because of the sturdy currents, however it’s a good picture cease for a scenic view. It’s situated 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 Seashore is situated at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Seashore
Hamoa Seashore is that excellent crescent-shaped sandy seaside that everybody is on the lookout for. There’s a parking zone right here, that fills up quick and you must stroll down a set of stairs to get to the seaside. The seaside is owned by Hana Maui Resort, so you’ll be sharing it with company 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 seaside to spend a while at.
Hamoa Seashore is situated at Mile Marker 50 and there’s a parking zone right here. The stroll down is steep so be ready in case you 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 count on on the Hawaiian Islands. I think about that is what Paia was like a few many years in the past.
In the event you resolve to spend the night time in or round Hana, it’s an incredible place to calm down for the day. You’ll be able to try the cultural middle, calm down on the seaside 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 calm down 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 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 had been on our method. At any time when we’re on a street 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 picture of the Hana Freeway. With stunning scenic viewpoints and a black sand seaside, it’s a must-stop for at the very least {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 seaside of Maui. There’s a stairway main right down to the seaside the place you’ll be able to rise up shut with the sleek black pebbles lining the shore.
Notice: Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you have to make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
That is your probability to go inside a lava tube for those who’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 move inside making a tube. Give your self an hour to see it. It’s undoubtedly 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 are situated earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls. You’ll be able to hike to see them however simply ensure 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 totally different lengths. You’ll be able to go for a swim right here or simply calm down on the boulders and benefit from the views of one in all Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls will 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 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 will 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 the event you depart early within the morning and drive instantly, you will be by it in 90 minutes. However for those who take your time, you may 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 constructed from native bananas. In addition they promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There may be even an atm for those who 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 attempt 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 timber. We thought the Eurcaplytus timber 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 photographs. 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 completed 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 on the lookout for a spot with out crowds.
Situated at Mile Marker 14, Honomanu Bay is a lush shoreline of Maui the place components 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 need to do solely in case you have time as you’ll be able to’t drive down except you have got a 4X4. So you have to to hike.
17. Backyard of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Freeway, it’s straightforward to seek 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 value 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 to have the time to essentially 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 guide 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 quick one-mile hike making it an simply accessible waterfall for everybody to take pleasure in. It’s an incredible 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 may be additionally a farm stand the place you should buy snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is situated at mile marker 2 and there’s a parking zone that’s restricted. There may be solely room for 50 vehicles 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 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 way in which again. Situated simply exterior of Paia on the Hana Freeway is Ho’okipa Seashore Park. It is without doubt one of the finest spots on the island for sundown and an incredible place to observe the professionals at work.
You’ll be able to’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers capturing by the water as you strategy. The waves are enormous 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. (at the very least if you’re 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 wonderful belongings you noticed right now on the Hana Freeway.
The place to Keep on the Street to Hana
There are just a few lodges in Hana for those who 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’ll be able to test VRBO for trip leases within the space like this beautiful keep in Hana.
We advise leaving early to beat the visitors. The Street to Hana can change into overcrowded rapidly. You probably have two days, we suggest taking the complete two days as there are many websites to see! There are a couple of lodges in Hana, we recommend the Hana Maui Resort: Verify 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 lodge has a hip vibe and presents yoga courses, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Fast Suggestions For Driving The Hana Freeway
- Ensure 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 in addition.
- 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 additional water.
- Ensure to have sturdy water sneakers with grip for the waterfall trails.
- We advise taking 2 days to essentially discover the Hana Freeway, one isn’t sufficient to see every thing. There are lodging in Hana.
- Drive on to Hana stopping just for a couple of of the waterfall and scenic ocean views so as to get to the park earlier than the crowds.
- Permit at the very least 2 to three hours within the park to discover the mountaineering trails and make it out to the waterfalls.
- As soon as you might be completed within the park, make your method 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 method 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 is just 45 miles (72 km) to Hana from Paia, however the drive can take a whole day once you cease in any respect the attractive sights alongside the way in which. Learn extra: The Most Wonderful Info About Hawaii
The twisting street to Hana is full of 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slender street clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you typically come face-to-face with oncoming visitors.
It isn’t really useful for somebody who shouldn’t be used to driving, so for those who don’t have a whole lot of expertise behind the wheel, we recommend taking a tour of the Hana Freeway as a substitute of driving it your self. However for those who wish to drive, and don’t thoughts one-lane bridges, get your self a cool automobile rental and hop on this street for a phenomenal 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 the direction of Hana after which after 9.5 miles, we turned onto freeway 360 to Hana.
In some sources, you may 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 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 listing to cease at on the way in which again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our method slowly again in the direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was an incredible alternative 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 alternative and felt fairly pleased with our resolution after we noticed the lengthy strains of vehicles on the opposite aspect of the street as we drove in the wrong way of all of the visitors.
