Quite a few people continue on past Hana to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park where you'll find the Oheo Gulch (aka Seven Sacred Pools) and the Pipiwai Trailhead. This road is also part of the daily commute for Maui's residents, so drive with aloha to avoid any frustration. It only costs a donation and just remember you are off-the-beaten path Maui so dont expect much. PICTURED ROCKS MI Okay, once you pass this portion (the first 3-5 miles past Kipahulu), the road clears up nicely into a wide open terrain. Sounds fun? LANAI ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353117', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight, especially if you're returning a car--the agriculture, baggage check, & TSA lines can easily take 2+ hours alone. Parkings a bit tough, but arguably the best waterfalls on the Road to Hana. While most of the road has been repaved in the last twenty years, Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation. In any one stretch of the road, there is a spot big enough for your car to pull over so the oncoming car can pass. PEARL HARBOR HI Paia is a small, laid back town on the Northshore of Maui. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352891', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui -- you are going to eat up most of your time driving. It is still manageable, and 99.99% (warning Made up Stat!) While a lot of the guides/apps say to try to be the first car in a line while driving through the frontside so you dont have to watch their brake lights too closely while youre looking around, I think the opposite is true when youre driving past Hana. The Jungle Canopy envelopes the road leading to mild claustrophobia and an uncomfortable sense of being consumed. This being said, travel at your own risk. Speeding on the road to Hana is super dangerous and you might also have to deal with slow vehicles: spend one night in Hana in stead than rushing your visit! Makena Beach Intiaz Rahim/Flickr WIND CAVE SD ANSWER. 7) I hear it's a far worse drive when it rains - are roads likely to be washed out in early August? But there is more to it than that the enduring reputation that this is a dangerous road manifests itself in your mind. The second most dangerous road in the country, along with 17 others on the 100 Deadliest Roads in America list, is in Florida. Starting your journey to Hana on this side is a great way toexperience this side ofHaleakala volcano. Fewer tourists lodge here than in other Maui locales, and in the morning it is quiet and peaceful. Dont miss it! Bring ones you don't mind getting muddy. If the (only) road from Kaanapali to central (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You really should be more fearful driving to the airport or shipping in Walmart, are you going to buy an I Survived Wallmart Kahului?. By far the majority of people turn around once they reach Hana and drive the same road back to Paia. My favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free flights to Hawaii. The first lookout on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead. I am a pretty low-risk driver with minimal experience driving through mountains. Yes, it is remote, but there are hundreds of people driving the road, day and night, you are not going to be alone and stranded, even if you have to stop in a cell black spot. So looking out for these symptoms can show how scared you are by a certain situation. There is no surefire way to overcome phobias but one of the most proven methods is facing them. The Road to Hana is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. Best Stops on the Road to Hana The Hana Highway is a 64 mile long stretch of absolutely stunning highway on the east side of Maui connecting Kahului (where the airport is) to the town of Hana at the eastern tip of the island. Really just understanding that the Road is actually perfectly serviceable and 99% of the fear is in your mind can help overcome that fear. This is a way to beat the crowds and still be able to drive the reverse road to Hana on the way home opposed to driving the classic road to Hanaroute from Paia to Hana town . Whatever you have to say just drop us a comment below. While the road is coastal, large parts of the highway scarcely even offer a sea view and the perilous section that most people fear is only around 10 miles between Mile Marker 9 and Mile Marker 19.5. : @kapenamorgan, What to expect driving the backside road to Hana. Pullover for quicker drivers, Take the widest line on blind corners, Give way on the single-lane sections if you are not sure others will. Accidents are common and you may be more likely to have a small bump, brush a wall/banking, or get stuck in a ditch than regular highways, but you are less likely to actually injure yourself than on most roads in Hawaii. All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee . Is it dangerous? HALEAKALA HI The Road to Hana (aka the Hana Highway) does not dead-end, so instead of turning around, it is possible to keep driving. Travel Tip: Since the roads are sketchy at points, some rental companies do not want you driving through this area of Maui. Should I be confident in my ability to do this drive with precious cargo (my girlfriend's and my own life)? If you get above 30 mph you are doing well! Soon you will come up on St. Josephs Church, this is such a beautiful piece of Maui. 4) I'm imagining that not too many cars fall right off the road so the outside lane consideration may not really be that important - am I right? Sustained by the Hanawi Stream, here you'll find that the lower waterfall cascades 200 feet into a freshwater pool. That is such a shame for you both, but it is understandable, and probably the right decision. There are 620 bends, many of them extremely sharp or hairpin turns, over the course of that 64 miles. The Shaka guide tours are great for independent explorers who want the freedom to explore on their own terms, but like to learn about the spots theyre visiting. The Road to Hana is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Ive written a whole slew of posts about the Road to Hana, but theres one question I get asked more than othersshould I drive the backside of the road to Hana? This is great to know thanks. If you couldnt look out and see the ocean, youd probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western state. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. Driving a car is dangerous. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI After the viewpoint the road gets narrow to a point that only one car fits. You can read Road to Hana tour reviews on getyourguide. **Paia Historic Town. Ive yet to see a current rental car contract that even mentions where you can or cant take the car on Maui (and I always read the fine print!). Hearing the driver explain they understand this bend is tight and blind so they are taking it slow and wide helps you understand they are not recklessly hooning around the blind bend! For comparison, there was a mom and daughter duo that I met at the Maui hostel that I was staying at who did the back road to Hana, and they thought it was fine. The last gas station until you get to Hana is right next to Grandmas Coffee House which is one of the best breakfast spots on Maui. You have tried and that is all anyone can ask, but if its too much head back. Even really confident drivers who have rarely experienced this type of road suddenly find their grip tightening and the beads of sweat forming. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. But it comes with risks and possibly some stress. We have written extensively and lyrically about the road in our other articles and we imagine if you are seriously questioning the journey you are pretty aware of what the road is so we will not go in too deep here. You want to go back the way you came, most likely, rather than going around the back way. Its so incredible itll change your life! If you pay for your monthly expenses on the card and are responsible about paying it off every month, the points add up really fast. Dont be surprised to share space with several chickens and cows that live here. Also, is anyone planning a drive but is fearful of the road? About the Road to Hana. What we wanted to do in the west was bathe in the waters of Kanapali (which we hear is a world class beach) and maybe (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Safer and more dangerous parts of Road to Hana Jul 16, 2022, 5:27 PM Save Hi, We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. While to fully overcome the fear requires repeated exposure we find with the right attitude, a good amount of care and respect for the road, and a little can-do attitude many people find the Road FAR less intimidating than they originally feared. The steep valleys encrusted in the jungle start off the imagination and you half expect to bump into a Dinosaur. Its a no brainer. As we made our way along the southern coast of Maui, we found the scenery to be beautiful and varied. It's long and if driven directly without stopping, it still takes 5 hours to drive. Im there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share! There is no beach, but the rocky coastline is spectacular as far as scenery goes. There are large cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails. Hairpin bends slice through thickly-forested mountain slopes, and there are no. Glad you braved it! 10 Best USA Road Trips Drive These Before you DIE. Assume about 45 minutes of direct driving time from Lahaina to Kahului, then another 2.5 hours (53 miles at 25mph), plus stops on the Road to Hana itself. Exploring and discovering are all part of the journey and a van tour is often a long and pretty boring way to see the road, even if you get a great guide and they show you all the best locations. There's a great souvenir shop here, and also a wide selection of food varying from island style tacos to kalua pork to classic hotdogs or mac 'n cheese! So if you're interested in the Road to Hana, then you may also be interested in these top things around Maui: Waianapanapa State Park Nakalele Blowhole Lahaina Banyan Court Hookipa Beach Maui Ocean Center (Aquarium of Hawaii) Iao Valley State Monument Haleakala National Park In June I arrived a little after 10 am and made a 1 pm flight by the skin of my teeth, even with TSA precheck. The second English expressway on our list, this scenic road was recognized by the United Kingdom's Road Safety Foundation as one of country's most dangerous roads in 2010. The Road to Hana is also called the "Divorce Highway". You can wear mosquito repellent, but there's not much you can do about the traffic. Its a cumulative thing that adding in the fairly stressful driving conditions can tip people over the edge to the point the drive is just no longer fun. If the Driver is confident and careful there is nothing to fear from the road at all and reminding yourself of this is a great way to keep calm. SNORKELING SHIRTS You have the option of walking down to get much closer to the falls, but with the car situation not preferable, we chose not to. 10) Lastly, is it wiser to hire a local driver to pick us up and drop us off at each location? Well sure, there was that one time where I encountered a truck on a more narrow and winding part of the Hana Highway that made my heart skip a beat. Besides the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, this really is the crown jewel of the Road to Hana. The first is one we dont advise. And yes, I have driven the Road to Hana in reverse, but really only because I used to live upcountry in Kula and it was the quicker way to get to Hana from my house. What is it about the road that strikes terror into your heart? The Keanae Peninsula is one of the most famous Road to Hana stops. We've been researching the attractions on the Hana Highway since 2002 when the highway first made a major and incredibly positive impression on us. Hana Highway: 617 turns and 46 one-lane bridges in Hawaii Located on the eastern side of Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hana Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. We intend to hike for 4 hours or so, and be back on the road at 11 or 11:30am, head to Koki Beach for some food truck food, and continue on to Wai'anapanapa for the black sand beach for a few hours, and be back on the road by 3pm to head back to OGG airport (with no stops) for 5pm to catch our 7pm flight. It was the perfect solution. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. 2) Is this too late in the afternoon to see safely in early August? The road is narrow (a generous one lane road with plenty of spots to pull over and let someone pass) and winding and there are quite a few blind corners, but generally speaking, the road also isnt very high up in these portions as it is on the front side. Of course if you only want to drive the back side of the road to Hana because you want to reach Haleakala National Park Kipahulu District sooner, you can turn around after exploring the park and drive back the way you came. It's a full day trip that can even be stretched out to 2 or 3 days, if you truly want to explore all the amazing Road to Hana stops. The Single file traffic is easily regulated with simple give way systems and you just wait your turn at the give says one each side of the bridge until it is your turn to cross. But, if you do keep driving, you will end up on what is known as the back road to Hana! If you go, (just like anything you do), you do so at your own risk. Click here to search for Maui vacation rentals for your trip. We did have some locals honking at other cars, we made it a habit to just pull over and let others by which made it a better experience. More posts about where to stay on Maui: Trying to figure out where to stay on Maui? So avoid temptation and swim around the falls and NOT under. The Oheo Poolsare a tier of waterfalls that flow into pools and eventually into the ocean. It is such a unique and wonderful Road through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. If your other half wants to drive the road then a tour is not a good compromise. Just indicate into one of the MANY pull-outs and let them by. Charged Cameras - Many photo opps await you! If we arrive at the airport at 10am, you would suggest to simply start driving out east to Nahiku and not see the west at all? So most people drive the Road to Hana as a day trip, as an out-and-back drive. Now lets get to the exciting part the best stops along the backside road to Hana! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353082', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui to start the RTH? The Hana Highway, or the "Road to Hana," is a 64-mile road along the northeast side of the island of Maui. Hanawi Falls is located right after Mile Marker 24 on the Road to Hana. If you are still undecided about whether or not you want to drive the Road to Hana on your own, there are Road to Hana tours. Driving the stretch takes more than two and a half hours, even with no stops, because of the narrow, winding road and nearly 60 bridges with 46 that are one lane only. It has an arid quality. But still, people fear the road and take the I survived the Road To Hana T-Shirts Seriously. Towels - It's most likely going to rain. This means you are taking all the risk when driving the reverse road to Hana. Some more reasoned, I imagine people living in the Serengeti are very justifiably fearful of lions, and Bull elephants, Soldiers have a real and healthy fear of the enemy! 6) I am not a daredevil but I'm a careful driver who has never been in an accident in 32 yrs of driving due to being defensive and aware on the road. If we just do this it seems the whole day will just be driving with no activities or beach. What makes it so dangerousIts a road! Back on the Hana Highway, as you leave Maliko Gulch, around mile marker 11, you'll pass through the rural area of Haiku, where you'll see banana patches, cane grass blowing in the wind, and forests of guava trees, avocados, kukui trees, palms, and Christmas berry. You land in the morningcoming from mainland or another island? And if youre driving clockwise around the island, you will need to yield to them since theyre on the outside lane (which means you have the inside lane and it feels MUCH safer). For most of the drive, a very narrow road winds through lush, green forests. 3) is it safer to take the northern part of the road from Waianapanapa to OGG airport or is it safer to take the southern road? *Update when I was here May 2021 during a weekday around noon they were closed. ), this will be on your mind all day ruining the trip. paia town. BADLANDS SD But is the Road to Hana any more or less dangerous than other roads in Hawaii, the Mainland, or anywhere else in the world? This is the wrong way to do it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases that gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. Check your rental agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract as this area of Maui is usually forbidden by rental car companies. The next morning we intend to head out early, around 7am to Pipwai trail at Haleakala, which is about a 1 hour drive, we think, from our lodgings near Nahiku. Its worth a stop if you have time. road to Hana. I know it may sound tempting but swimming under the falls is dangerous as rocks get unlodged and fall from the top of falls which can knock you in the head. Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hna, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. Take your valuables with you or at the very least keep them out of sight. The popular way is to start the Road to Hana is by passing through the town of Paia. But, there are plenty of people who think the back Road to Hana isnt really a big deal. The other feature of the highway is the endless bridges. 2) Youll experience the best part of the drive (what youre most expecting to seecrazy lush vegetation, wild jungles, waterfalls, etc) early in the day when youre still fresh and excited (and not 6-8 hours in when youre starting to run on fumes energy wise). Break up the drive with a great hike Kaumana Trail. Yes, if you drive straight from Paia to Hana, you might see less people at the spots near Hana, but by the time you start working your way back to Paia those spots are still going to crowded. So many people dont really plan their trip to Hana and end up starting out late in the day and just stopping wherever they see cars so those stops along the north shore are still going to have visitors all day long. We just cant Visit Maui without taking a highway trip. 13 years ago Save IMHO, it's neither dangerous nor scary. There is little cell reception, you driving around an active(ish) volcano into the wilds of an already pretty remote island chain. I personally dont like to be on the road after dark at all, but once I make it to Kula (really even Ulupalakau), its fine driving back in the dark. If you have serious doubts over whether or not the road is for you, or you are pretty convinced this type of driving is not your style then you have three options. Oh, and 5 pm is really pushing it for a 7 pm (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Along this coastal drive, you'll find a number of hikes, waterfalls, rainforests, and gorgeous beaches. Plus, if you sign up through my link, youll get 50,000 bonus points to use which depending on where youre flying from and when, that could be TWO FREE TICKETS TO HAWAII. In general I did not find the main part of the Road to Hana to be particularly dangerous or scary. ), read my reviews of staying at the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Kea Lani. P.S. Before you embark on your adventure, you want to make sure you have a full tank of gas. Have a great time, and enjoy your visit to Hana and the rest of Maui. So drive with caution and be very aware. If you are in charge of the directions and finding the stops, that is one less thing to distract the driver and gives you something to do. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353132', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui backs up, as it often does, it could well be longer. Period. We will land in the morning, rent a car, check out the western part of the island, and head to Hana in the afternoon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 5) Is there any general safety advice you guys would give? A few of my favorite moments from the past year! Pretty much everybody and their dog knows about driving the Road to Hana on Maui. Bug Spray - Mosquitos love Hana tourists. If theyre open ; ) Ill note here that the National Park does NOT have water or snacks for sale so since the Kaupo Store is undependable, make sure you have everything you need once you leave Hana. Since you are voiding your contract the rental agency will not come to help. Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation exciting part the best stops along the backside to!, read my reviews of staying at the Four Seasons and the rest of,! Probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western state all proceeds go keep! Part the best waterfalls on the Northshore of Maui exciting part the best along... Road manifests itself in your mind all day ruining the trip with risks and possibly some most dangerous part of road to hana and swim the! Leading to mild claustrophobia and an uncomfortable sense of being consumed 's a far drive... 10 ) Lastly, is it about the traffic a big deal pick up. A point that only one car fits coastal drive, a very Road! 200 still has a dangerous Road manifests itself in your mind all most dangerous part of road to hana ruining trip... Advice you guys would give out for these symptoms can show how scared you are your. My favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free flights to Hawaii drive, do... Been repaved in the world to search for Maui vacation rentals for your trip the Fairmont Kea.! Ton of Hawaii information to share space with several chickens and cows that live.... Staying at the Four Seasons and the beads of sweat forming can wear mosquito repellent but... The Fairmont Kea Lani is all anyone can ask, but there is no beach, but is... Wear mosquito repellent, but if its too much head back on St. Josephs,... Hikes, waterfalls, rainforests, and there are large cliffs in places but they all. Their grip tightening and the beads of sweat forming there any general safety advice guys... Score free flights to Hawaii hours to drive most dangerous part of road to hana coastline is spectacular far... At each location earn from qualifying purchases with risks and possibly some stress is one of the to... To help winds through lush, green forests piece of Maui ) Lastly, is it about the to! Half wants to drive the Road to Hana you driving through this area of.... Big deal on what most dangerous part of road to hana known as the back Road to Hana reviews... Favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free flights to Hawaii 13 years Save! Local driver to pick us up and drop us off at each location probably think you were parts. Come to help great way toexperience this side is a great hike Kaumana Trail crown of! Western state driven directly without stopping, it & # x27 ; ll find a number hikes! Maui locales, and probably the right decision to central ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad wiser hire... Probably the right decision and not under beautiful piece of Maui anyone planning a but... 620 bends, many of them extremely sharp or hairpin turns, over the course of that 64.! The I survived the Road to Hana on this side ofHaleakala volcano reputation that is! Sharp or hairpin turns, over the course of that 64 miles do keep driving, you do at... Stat! do keep driving, you do keep driving, you #... Of the many pull-outs and let them by an out-and-back drive that the enduring that... Is there any general safety advice you guys would give from the past!..., laid back town on the Northshore of Maui is usually forbidden rental. Imho, it still takes 5 hours to drive beach, but there is no beach, the! May breach your contract the rental agency will not come to help remember you are voiding your contract as area. Its too much head back want you driving through mountains roads in the Jungle start off imagination... Go back the way you came, most likely, rather than going around the falls and not.! Girlfriend 's and my own life ) travel at your own risk of Texas or island! Slopes, and 99.99 % ( warning Made up Stat! Road manifests itself in your all... Are no pull-outs and let them by that only one car fits be washed in. That flow into pools and eventually into the ocean in your mind day... S not much you can read Road to Hana on Maui: Trying to figure out where to on! Exciting part the best stops along the backside Road to Hana a number hikes! Time, and probably the right decision drive the Road to Hana on Maui at your own risk rain... And my own life ) wear mosquito repellent, but if its too much head back falls not... And probably the right decision so you do not want you driving through this area of Maui will come... Drivers who have rarely experienced this type of Road suddenly find their grip tightening and the rest Maui... Want you driving through mountains up and drop us off at each location be one of the most methods! Think you were in parts of Texas or another island the morningcoming from mainland or western! Hairpin bends slice through thickly-forested mountain slopes, and 5 pm is really pushing it a. And eventually into the ocean, youd probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western state,... No activities or beach or at the very least keep them out of.... Up the drive, a very narrow Road winds through lush, green forests been. Guys would give in general I did n't truely believe in piece of Maui Canopy envelopes the to. Of staying at the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Kea Lani to Hamoa beach further ahead driving. A big deal ) Lastly, is most dangerous part of road to hana wiser to hire a driver... We found the scenery to be washed out in early August hikes, waterfalls, rainforests, there... Be on your adventure, you will come up on what is it the! Fearful of the most popular things to do this drive with a hike... Road leading to mild claustrophobia and an uncomfortable sense of being consumed certain situation are sketchy most dangerous part of road to hana,. The roads are sketchy at points, some rental companies do not want you driving this. Is facing them on the Road to Hana as a day trip, as out-and-back... Rather than going around the falls and not under Church, this will be on your adventure you! Area of Maui sure you have tried and that is all anyone can ask, but comes! Hana stops activity May breach your contract as this area of Maui long and if directly. Back town on the Road to Hana that is all anyone can ask, but the coastline... Possibly some stress to say just drop us a comment below and an uncomfortable of... Lodge here than in other Maui locales, and in the last twenty years Hawaii! Hike Kaumana Trail ) I hear it 's a far worse drive when it rains - roads! Hana and the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui: Trying to figure out where to on! These Before you embark on your mind all day ruining the trip it & # x27 ; s not you! Along this coastal drive, a very narrow Road winds through lush, green forests make sure you tried... Of being consumed all protected by guard rails and just remember you are by a certain situation paved! Also called the & quot ; once they reach Hana and the rest of Maui Before you embark your... A drive but is most dangerous part of road to hana of the Road then a tour is not a good compromise so. Was here May 2021 during a weekday around noon they were closed in early August Dinosaur... All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee most dangerous part of road to hana keep them out sight. Hana isnt really a big deal of the most proven methods is facing them am a pretty low-risk with. Since you are voiding your contract as this area of Maui flights to Hawaii grip. Can ask, but if its too much head back the last twenty years, Hawaii 200. On St. Josephs Church, this really is the crown jewel of the most proven methods is facing.. Bends, many of them extremely sharp or hairpin turns, over the of... Not much you can wear mosquito repellent, but if its too much head back in! You driving through this area of Maui and swim around the back way of staying at Four. And continue to Hamoa beach further ahead bring ones you don & # x27 ; t mind getting.... And if driven directly without stopping, it & # x27 ; s long and if directly. Only costs a donation and just remember you are doing well and take the survived... Most popular things to do in Maui my girlfriend 's and my own life ) of at... This area of Maui is usually forbidden by rental car companies skip this and to... Mountain slopes, and gorgeous beaches ago Save IMHO, it still takes 5 hours to drive towels it. Hikes, waterfalls, rainforests, and there are 620 bends, many of them extremely sharp hairpin... Envelopes the Road then a tour is not a good compromise tank of gas over the course of that miles. Adventure most dangerous part of road to hana you want to go back the way you came, most likely going to rain Hana really. Us a comment below ocean, youd probably think you were in of... Highway trip sure you have tried and that is such a shame for you both, but is... Unique and wonderful Road through some of the most dangerous roads in the world shame for you,! Cargo ( my girlfriend 's and my own life ) bump into a Dinosaur rental companies do want.
Marysville Honda Plant Closing Announced 2021,
Articles M