Staff Pick

Road Trip Maui – Road to Hana & Haleakala

Kahului Hana
105
km
4h
drive
All seasons
season

The Itinerary

Maui's Hana Highway is arguably the world's twistiest road: 105 km, 620 curves and 59 bridges (46 single-lane) connecting Kahului to Hana along the northeast coast. Rainforest, waterfalls plunging straight into the ocean, beaches of improbable sand colours.

Legendary stops: Twin Falls (a refreshing twin-cascade swim), Garden of Eden Arboretum (botanical garden with breathtaking views), Wai'anapanapa State Park and its Pa'iloa black-sand beach, the Halfway to Hana banana bread stand, and Hamoa Bay (called "the most beautiful beach in the world" by James Michener).

Beyond Hana, Route 31 wraps around the south of the island — controversial and discouraged by rental agencies (gravel, cliffs). It does reach Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) of Haleakala National Park. Mount Haleakala (3,055 m, dormant volcano) at the island's centre offers a sunrise above the clouds — reserved on reservation.gov, one of Hawaii's most mystical experiences.

Points of Interest

  • ✦
    Wai'anapanapa State Park
    Pa'iloa black-sand beach, sea caves.
  • ✦
    Twin Falls
    Twin waterfalls, swimming, first major stop.
  • ✦
    Garden of Eden
    Botanical garden, ocean views, Jurassic Park opening scene.
  • ✦
    Haleakala Sunrise
    3,055 m volcano, sunrise above clouds, reservation required.
  • ✦
    Hamoa Beach
    "Most beautiful beach in the world" per James Michener.
Practical info
  • Departure Kahului
  • Destination Hana
  • Distance 105 km
  • Duration 4h
  • Category Medium (100–250 km)
  • Best season All seasons
Themes
tropical waterfall beach volcano hawaii winding-road unique Ocean

Plan your adventure with our interactive map

Open the map
All road trips