The road that makes you slow down
As you set out on the Road to Hana, you’ll first encounter a curve. And then another curve. You’ll often find yourself driving slowly, sometimes around 20 miles per hour, as the road winds through tight curves.
But as you slow down, you’ll be able to take in the beauty. The majestic, green cliffs. The lush rainforests. The azure ocean roaring below. And then you’ll see it. Cascading water. It’s the first of many breathtaking waterfalls you’ll see.
Driving along the Road to Hana is an amazing journey. You’ll drive through hundreds of curves and more than 50 bridges. You’ll encounter a black sand beach, enormous waterfalls, and the quiet serenity of Maui.
But managing so many curves and taking in so much beauty can be overwhelming. That’s where Action Tour Guide’s Self-Guided Audio Tour comes in. The audio tour will direct you through the Road to Hana while also telling you the hidden history of Maui. There’s no need to complete hours of research trying to navigate the Road to Hana. Just play the audio tour, slow down, and enjoy the tranquility of Maui.
The Hana mindset (this is not a checklist)
There’s a Hawaiian saying that says Hana is not a place. It’s a feeling.
The Road to Hana isn’t just a road; it’s a story. As you drive along, you’ll see majestic waterfalls, try roadside banana bread, and listen to Hawaiian legends.
Since the Road to Hana has so many curves, there’s no way to rush it. You have no choice but to slow down and enjoy it. Breathe and take in the thunderous waterfalls and raw cliffs. The further along the Road you drive, the more you will want to pull over and take it all in.
The one mistake almost everyone makes
Since there is so much to see and do along the Road to Hana, many visitors try to do it all. That’s a major mistake.
It’s far too difficult and stressful to try to see every waterfall and beach. Instead, it’s better to select 5-7 quality stops and enjoy the scenery along the way. If you see a stop that looks too crowded or stressful, admire it from your car and keep driving. Action Tour Guide’s Self-Guided Audio Tour can help you decide which stops to make, and tell you all about the others.
Remember that the point of the Road to Hana isn’t to try to see everything. It’s about enjoying the drive itself. So slow down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Maui.
A day on the road (early morning → late afternoon)
As you set out on the Road to Hana early in the morning, one of your first stops will be Twin Falls. Multiple waterfalls cascade over dark lava rock, ending in clear pools. Bamboo, vines, and massive ferns surround the falls. You may be tempted to wade in the pools, which you can as long as it’s safe.
As you continue your journey, you’ll encounter rainbow eucalyptus. Just as the name suggests, these colorful trees resemble a rainbow. Stop to marvel at the incredible colors. For a peaceful rest, stop at Honomanū Bay, a unique black pebble beach.
At Nahiku Viewpoint, you’ll see some of the best views of the island. Soon it will be time for a quick snack. At Nahiku Marketplace, you can try a local treat like coconut candy or BBQ.
After a quick bite, see what the inside of a volcano looks like at the Hana Lava Tube. There’ll be more twists and curves before you reach Hana Bay Beach Park, where you can relax by the water.
If you started early enough, don’t turn around yet! Continue past Hana town to the Kipahulu District (Haleakalā National Park). This is the true finish line, where you can hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls. By late afternoon, it will be time to head back, enjoying the gorgeous landscapes and ocean one last time.
The stops that feel worth your time
While there are many places to stop along the Road to Hana, there are a few must-sees:
- Twin Falls: This spectacular waterfall is one of the first stops on the Road to Hana and a perfect warm-up hike.
- Ke’anae Peninsula: A stunning detour featuring jagged black lava rocks, crashing waves, and famous banana bread.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach): One of the most iconic stops on the drive, home to a black sand beach and lava caves. Note: A timed reservation is required for entry.
- Hana Lava Tube: Explore a massive underground lava tube created by cooling lava flows.
- Pipiwai Trail (Haleakala National Park): The ultimate finish line. This hike takes you through a magical bamboo forest to the base of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Tips for Driving the Road to Hana
While driving the Road to Hana is an adventure, you do want to make sure that you’re prepared for it.
Ensure your car is up for the drive: Before you set out, make sure that your car is in excellent driving condition and filled with gas.
Time out your trip: Driving the Road to Hana takes a very long time. For most people, it takes roughly 10-12 hours. Be sure to start your drive early in the morning and plan out your stops in advance. The audio tour can help you with this.
Bring snacks and water: You don’t want to get too hungry or thirsty along the drive, so pack lots of snacks and water for in-between stops.
How the audio tour fits into this kind of day
The audio tour is your own personal companion along the Road to Hana. Your guide will enthrall you with the history of Maui, tell you when to stop, and ensure you don’t get lost.
With the audio guide, you’re in control. So if you decide you want to spend more time at a stop, simply stop or pause the tour, and start it again once you’re ready.
There’s no need to feel stressed along the Road to Hana. The audio guide lets you relax and take it all in at your own pace.
The feeling you’ll carry back with you
Once you finish the Road to Hana, you might feel mentally worn out. That’s a natural feeling; after all, navigating such a complex road is tiring. But you’ll also feel bliss. Driving the Road to Hana is a great accomplishment! You’ll have seen so many beautiful waterfalls, serene beaches, and rugged cliffs that you’ll feel just as tranquil as the nature around you.
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