Road to Hana:
Complete Driving Guide
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Hana Drive Time Calculator
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Build Your Perfect Hana Day
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Total Stop Time
5h 45m
Twin Falls
Easy waterfall hike perfect for warming up. Two beautiful falls with swimming holes.
Garden of Eden Arboretum
Botanical garden with stunning ocean views and well-maintained trails.
Keanae Peninsula
Historic Hawaiian village with dramatic lava rock coastline and taro farms.
Halfway to Hana Stand
Famous banana bread stand. Try the coconut candy and fresh fruit!
Wailua Falls
Roadside waterfall with easy viewing. No hiking required!
Hana Town
Charming town with restaurants, shops, and Hana Bay beach.
Hamoa Beach
Beautiful crescent beach with great swimming and bodyboarding.
Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Series of pools and waterfalls in Haleakala National Park. Check conditions before visiting.
Your Custom Hana Itinerary
You've selected 5 stops with approximately 5h 45m of stop time
Smart Tools for Your Journey
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Hana Packing Checklist
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Best Start Time Calculator
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Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) Conditions
Swimming conditions at Oheo Gulch change frequently based on rainfall and ocean conditions. Always check current status before visiting.
Safe Conditions
Clear water, no recent rain, calm ocean
Caution
Recent light rain, slightly murky water
Closed
Heavy rain, flash flood warning, high surf
Safety Reminders
- Never swim during or after heavy rain
- Watch for flash flood warnings
- Rocks can be extremely slippery
- No lifeguards on duty
- Check NPS website for current conditions
Sample Itineraries with Time Blocks
Choose a pre-planned route or use these as inspiration for your custom journey
Highlights Only
8-hour day
BEST FOR:
Detailed Schedule
Depart from hotel
Paia
Quick waterfall hike
Twin Falls (Mile 2)
30 min
Scenic views & photos
Garden of Eden (Mile 10)
45 min
Coastal views & banana bread
Keanae Peninsula (Mile 16)
30 min
Lunch break
Hana Town (Mile 52)
60 min
Beach time
Hamoa Beach (Mile 54)
45 min
Begin return journey
Start driving back
2.5 hours
Arrive back at hotel
Paia area
Full Experience
12-hour day
BEST FOR:
Detailed Schedule
Early departure
Paia
Waterfall hike & swim
Twin Falls (Mile 2)
45 min
Botanical garden walk
Garden of Eden (Mile 10)
60 min
Coastal exploration
Keanae Peninsula (Mile 16)
30 min
Banana bread stop
Halfway to Hana (Mile 17)
15 min
Quick waterfall photo
Wailua Falls (Mile 45)
15 min
Lunch & beach
Hana Town & Bay (Mile 52)
90 min
Swimming & relaxation
Hamoa Beach (Mile 54)
45 min
Pools & waterfall hike
Oheo Gulch (Mile 60)
90 min
Begin return journey
Start driving back
2.5 hours
Arrive back (sunset drive)
Paia area
Reverse Route
10-hour day
BEST FOR:
Detailed Schedule
Drive south around island
Paia to Kipahulu
2 hours
Pools & waterfall (no crowds!)
Oheo Gulch (Mile 60)
120 min
Beach & swimming
Hamoa Beach (Mile 54)
60 min
Lunch in town
Hana Town (Mile 52)
60 min
Waterfall viewing
Wailua Falls (Mile 45)
15 min
Banana bread & snacks
Halfway to Hana (Mile 17)
20 min
Coastal views
Keanae Peninsula (Mile 16)
30 min
Final stop & photos
Garden of Eden (Mile 10)
45 min
Short drive back
Return to Paia
30 min
Arrive back at hotel
Paia area
Want a Custom Itinerary?
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What You Need to Know Before You Go
Critical information about road conditions, rental cars, and safety tips
Road Conditions
Narrow Bridges
59 one-lane bridges require yielding. If you're on the bridge first, you have right of way. Otherwise, wait for oncoming traffic to clear.
Hairpin Turns
620+ curves with many blind corners. Drive slowly (15-25 mph on curves), use your horn before blind turns, and stay in your lane.
Road Surface
Mostly paved but can be wet and slippery. Watch for falling rocks, debris, and occasional potholes. Road is well-maintained but narrow.
Limited Pullouts
Few places to pull over safely. Never stop in the middle of the road. Use designated pullouts and be courteous to faster drivers.
Rental Car Restrictions
4WD NOT Required
A regular car is perfectly fine for the Road to Hana. The road is paved and doesn't require 4-wheel drive.
Check Your Contract
Some rental companies restrict driving on certain roads. Read your contract carefully. Most allow the Road to Hana, but some prohibit the "back road" past Hana.
Insurance Coverage
Verify your insurance covers the Road to Hana. Some policies exclude certain roads. Consider additional coverage for peace of mind.
Recommended Features
Choose a car with good brakes, responsive steering, and a backup camera if possible. Smaller cars are easier to maneuver on narrow roads.
Fuel Planning
Last Gas Station
Paia (Mile 0) - Fill up here before starting!
There are NO gas stations along the Road to Hana or in Hana town. The next station is back in Paia or in Kipahulu (if taking the back road).
Critical Warning
Running out of gas on the Road to Hana is a common problem. Always start with a full tank!
Fuel Requirements
Paia to Hana and back
Based on average vehicle (25-30 MPG)
Start with a completely full tank
Safety Tips
Driving Tips
- Drive slowly (15-25 mph on curves)
- Use horn before blind corners
- Pull over to let faster cars pass
- Stay in your lane on curves
- Watch for oncoming traffic
Health & Comfort
- Take motion sickness medication
- Bring plenty of water & snacks
- Use restrooms when available
- Apply sunscreen regularly
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue
Emergency Prep
- Download offline maps
- Limited cell service on route
- Bring first aid kit
- Have emergency contacts ready
- Know your rental car assistance #
Respect the Road & Community
The Road to Hana passes through local communities. Be respectful of private property, don't trespass, and follow all posted signs. Pack out all trash and leave no trace. Support local businesses by purchasing food and souvenirs along the way.
More Amazing Maui Experiences
Don't stop at Hana! Discover other incredible attractions and activities across Maui
Haleakala Sunrise
Witness an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds at 10,000 feet. One of Maui's most iconic experiences.
Whale Watching
See humpback whales during their annual migration. Maui offers some of the best whale watching in the world.
Molokini Snorkeling
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters at this crescent-shaped volcanic crater. Home to 250+ species of tropical fish.
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Plan Your Full Maui Trip
Use our comprehensive planning tools to create the perfect Maui itinerary beyond just the Road to Hana.
Related Travel Guides
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Road to Hana Quick Facts
Everything You Need to Know
Get answers to the most common questions about the Road to Hana
No, you do not need a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the Road to Hana. The road is completely paved and a regular car is perfectly fine. However, some rental companies restrict driving on the "back road" past Hana (Piilani Highway), so check your rental agreement. A smaller car can be easier to maneuver on the narrow, winding roads.
Still Have Questions?
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Ready to Plan Your Road to Hana Adventure?
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