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 could 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 must see the whole lot (except you could have the time) so we’re right here that can assist you select what are the highest stops that you should 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 simple to search out the most effective stops on the street to Hana, all it’s essential do is comply with the mile markers. We’ve got 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 an alternative drove instantly out to Hana earlier than dawn to discover Hana City and its close by sights earlier than making our manner again slowly within the afternoon. It was the most effective choice we made. We prevented the site 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 will probably 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 may hike the Pipiwai Path to Waimoku Falls in relative peace and quiet after which, you may then spend the day slowly making your manner 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, enables you to benefit from the viewpoints and waterfalls at your personal tempo. Plus, we discovered the views on the best way again, manner higher than on the best way out as we have been on the proper aspect of the street with unobstructed views!
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Sizzling 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 may cease to benefit from the extraordinary ocean views. Or you may 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 decide up provides for the day, we advise doing it the evening 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. Positioned 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 Seaside Park is a good place to observe the world-class surfers and windsurfers and Baldwin Seaside is a phenomenal lengthy sandy seaside that could 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 approach to Hana. After selecting up a espresso at Paia Bay Espresso Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner we have been on our manner.
2. Haleakala Nationwide Park
As we talked about above we drove on to the top of the Street to Hana to start our street journey. Entering into the wrong way of the site 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.
Positioned half-hour past Hana at Mile Marker 42, this department of Haleakala Nationwide Park is beautiful. When you arrive, you’ll stroll the Pipiwai Path to a few of the most scenic sights on Maui. This lovely 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 positively 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 provides you entry to the nationwide park for 3 Days which incorporates the Haleakala Summit. So you possibly can spend the day right here at some point, 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 stuffed with scenic views. The 4-mile mountaineering path is a phenomenal scenic stroll that takes you thru big Banyan bushes and an unlimited bamboo forest earlier than you attain your ultimate vacation spot on the lovely and really excessive Waimoku Falls. In case you are into mountaineering be sure that 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’ve got by no means seen such a pristine bamboo forest exterior 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 via the forest and strolling trails placing you within the middle of this beautiful scene. Make certain to spend a little bit of time right here, it’s beautiful and really uncommon to see.
5. Waimoku Falls
The tip of the path involves the 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls. It’s postcard-perfect for images. We suggest having an excellent 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 actually 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 on account of falling rocks. It feels secure sufficient to have a look at, however it’s harmful.
6. Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Swimming pools (Also called the Swimming pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of many prime sights to see on Maui and they’re additionally positioned within the Nationwide Park. They’ll get very crowded, so it’s value getting there early. It’s a pretty cascading steps waterfall. It’s a brief loop path of solely 1km.
Remember, the Seven Sacred Swimming pools Path is commonly closed on account of flooding and there have been deaths at Oheo Gulch obey the indicators and comply with the foundations.
After you have completed up within the Nationwide Park it’s time to make your manner again to Paia. We suggest stopping as a lot as potential at any scenic lookout that you could.
We stopped at lots of the waterfalls and scenic lookouts on the best way again and actually loved driving on this course. For one, we have been now on the proper aspect of the street to have the cliff views and two, we weren’t sitting in site visitors till the night.
7. Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is taken into account Maui’s most photographed waterfall and you may cease right here for some photograph alternatives. It’s essentially the most accessible waterfall on the street to Hana and it’s a pretty cascade of 80 ft over a rocky jungle setting.
Wailua Falls is positioned a mile marker 45 in your manner again from the Swimming pools of O’he’o. You may swim within the plunge pool beneath these waterfalls
8. Koki Seaside Park
Koki Seaside Park is a pleasant photograph cease since it’s a combination of crimson, black, and white sand. It isn’t an acceptable swimming space as a result of sturdy currents, however it’s a good photograph cease for a scenic view. It’s positioned simply exterior of Hana and is an efficient spot to benefit from the connoisseur picnic lunch that you just had packed earlier than leaving Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Seaside is positioned at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Seaside
Hamoa Seaside is that good crescent-shaped sandy seaside that everybody is in search of. 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 seaside. The seaside is owned by Hana Maui Resort, so you can be sharing it with visitors who’ve entry to all of the facilities. However there are restrooms open to most people. Should you keep the evening in Hana, it is a good seaside to spend a while at.
Hamoa Seaside is positioned at Mile Marker 50 and there’s a car parking zone right here. The stroll down is steep so be ready when you have mobility points.
10. Hana City
By the point we bought 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.
Should you resolve to spend the evening in or round Hana, it’s a fantastic place to chill out for the day. You may take a look at the cultural middle, chill out on the seaside or take pleasure in some downtime on the spa. There’s a picnic space the place you may seize a chunk to eat and chill out by the water taking within the ocean views or you may hit one of many eating places.
We grabbed snacks on the normal retailer as an alternative 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 have been on our manner. Every time 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 basic photograph of the Hana Freeway. With lovely scenic viewpoints and a black sand seaside, it’s a must-stop for not less than {a photograph}. There are some mountaineering trails, caves, and a blowhole to discover right here.
It’s right here that you just’ll see the Pa’iloa, the basic black sand seaside of Maui. There’s a stairway main all the way down to the seaside the place you may stand up shut with the sleek black pebbles lining the shore.
Notice: Wai’anapanapa State Park is positioned simply previous Mile Marker 32 and you should make reservations to enter the State Park.
12. Hana Lava Tube
That is your likelihood to go inside a lava tube should 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 positively one of the vital 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 positioned at Mile Marker 31 and the doorway price 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 positioned earlier than midway to Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Higher Waikani Falls. You may hike to see them however simply be sure that to discover a secure parking spot that doesn’t block site visitors.
The falls are positioned 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 also known as the Three Bears with the papa, mama, and child bear waterfalls cascading at totally different lengths. You may go for a swim right here or simply chill out on the boulders and benefit from the views of one in all Maui’s hottest waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls will be seen from Hanawi Stream’s bridge, (one of many 80 bridges alongside the street to Hana). The cascade of Hanawi Falls drops 200 ft into the plunge pool beneath. 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 that you could take pleasure in underneath the shade.
14. Midway to Hana Stand
The street to Hana is brief. Should you go away early within the morning and drive instantly, you will be via it in 90 minutes. However should you take your time, you is perhaps 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. Additionally they promote Maui’s favourite “shave ice,” ice cream, and different snack bar favorites. There may be even an atm should you discover you might be operating brief on money. There’s a little picnic space the place you sit underneath the shade to take pleasure in your ice cream too. If you wish to attempt one other nice banana bread take a look at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread which is about 4. miles earlier than you attain Midway to Hana.
15. Ke’anae Arboretum
What is nice about this cease on the Hana Freeway is that it’s free. The principle attraction on the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus bushes. We thought the Eurcaplytus bushes of Maui have been the good factor. They’re an invasive species imported from Asia, however you may’t assist however cease to take photographs. 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 seaside it may be performed at Honomanu Bay. This isn’t a preferred cease on the Hana Freeway, so you’ll discover fewer individuals right here if you’re in search of a spot with out crowds.
Positioned at Mile Marker 14, Honomanu Bay is a lush shoreline of Maui the place components of Jurrasic Park have been filmed. We snapped a shot of the coast from a helicopter. This can be a cease on the Hana Freeway that you just’ll wish to do solely when you have time as you may’t drive down except you could have a 4X4. So you will have to hike.
17. Backyard of Eden Arboretum
When driving the Hana Freeway, it’s simple to search out the stops on the street as there are mile markers all alongside the street. The Maui Backyard of Eden is positioned on Mile Marker 10. There are 2 1/2 miles of maintained strolling trails and you may 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 outdated mango tree, and strolling trails via 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 positioned within the Backyard of Eden the place you may 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 a fantastic place for a dip in one of many swimming pools. We didn’t go for a swim however you may swim there. There may be additionally a farm stand the place you should purchase snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is positioned at mile marker 2 and there’s a car 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 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, it is a nice cease for sundown on the best way again. Positioned simply exterior of Paia on the Hana Freeway is Ho’okipa Seaside Park. It is without doubt one of the greatest spots on the island for sundown and a fantastic place to observe the professionals at work.
You may’t miss it since you’ll see all of the windsurfers taking pictures via the water as you strategy. The waves are big right here because of the proper waves that break on its north shore. If you’ll learn to Kite surf or windsurf don’t go right here. That is for professionals solely. Do what we did and go to Kahului Seaside as an alternative.
21. Paia Fish Market
It’s been a protracted day. (not less than if you’re nuts like us) and meal 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 as we speak on the Hana Freeway.
The place to Keep on the Street to Hana
There are only some resorts in Hana should you resolve to remain the evening 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 may examine VRBO for trip leases within the space like this pretty keep in Hana.
We advise leaving early to beat the site visitors. The Street to Hana can change into overcrowded shortly. You probably have two days, we suggest taking the total two days as there are many websites to see! There are a number of resorts in Hana, we advise the Hana Maui Resort: Examine charges and availability
We stayed on the Paia Inn in Paia and it was fabulous. It’s positioned on the seaside and is inside strolling distance of lots of the prime Paia sights. The boutique lodge has a hip vibe and affords yoga lessons, contemporary Kona espresso, and stylish rooms.
Fast Suggestions For Driving The Hana Freeway
Make certain to select up The Street to Hana CD at any memento store in Maui. Flip it on in Paia and comply with their suggestions as you go. It performs some native music and it’s fairly entertaining besides. Cease in Paia to select up a field lunch at CJ’s Diner. Depart early, the roads are completely free and away from site visitors within the morning and also you’ll have the freeway all to your self. Pack additional water. Make certain to have sturdy water sneakers with an excellent grip for the waterfall trails. We advise taking 2 days to essentially discover the Hana Freeway, one isn’t sufficient to see the whole lot. There are lodging in Hana. Drive on to Hana stopping just for a number of of the waterfall and scenic ocean views so as to get to the park earlier than the crowds. Enable not 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 might be 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 seaside 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 tough 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 lovely 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 while you cease in any respect the attractive sights alongside the best way. Learn extra: The Most Wonderful Details About Hawaii
The twisting street to Hana is stuffed with 600 hairpin turns crossing 59 bridges. The slender street clings to the aspect of excessive sea cliffs and also you usually come face-to-face with oncoming site visitors.
It isn’t beneficial for somebody who isn’t used to driving, so should you don’t have plenty of expertise behind the wheel, we advise taking a tour of the Hana Freeway as an alternative of driving it your self. However should 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 phenomenal day in Maui.
To get to Hana from Paia you’ll really 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 would possibly learn in regards to the Kaihalulu Purple Sand Seaside. 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 Seaside.
The Greatest 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 checklist to cease at on the best way again. After exploring the paths and waterfalls, we then made our manner slowly again in the direction of Paia for the remainder of the day.
It was a fantastic selection as we didn’t have to take a seat in site visitors. Plus we had the Pipiwai Path to the waterfalls and thru the bamboo forest all to ourselves. We have been grateful for our selection and felt fairly pleased with our choice once we noticed the lengthy traces of vehicles on the opposite aspect of the street as we drove in the wrong way of all of the site visitors.