Road to Hana Visitors Guide
A Long and Winding Road
Traveling the Hana Highway along Maui's north shore 52 miles from Paia to Hana town is a legendary journey with over 600 hairpin turns and 59 bridges—most of which are one-lane. This unforgettable trip is immensely popular due to countless hidden treasures found along the way such as breathtaking ocean views, waterfalls that cast rainbows into the sky and charming towns that will make you love this paradise even more. But the real excitement begins beyond Hana town as the road continues around the remote backside of Haleakala. The full loop around Maui's great volcano winds its way to Kipahulu, Kaupo and eventually to Kula.
Learn About the Road to Hana
Waterfalls
The Road to Hana has waterfalls around almost every corner. Each waterfall is one of a kind with different vantage points, heights and surrounding landscapes. You will want to stop at as many as you can!
Transportation Options
The Road to Hana is a long and winding road but it is worth every second of travel time. Choosing how you travel on this route is a big decision because it determines how much everyone in your group will enjoy this trip.
Protecting Maui's Resources
Hawaii's natural resources are irreplaceable. As part of our Do Good. Have Fun. mission, we work to preserve the natural resources on our islands including the area along the Road to Hana.
East Maui Watershed
The waterfalls along the Road to Hana are fed by the East Maui Watershed. This watershed covers an area of 100,000 acres and generates 60 billion gallons of freshwater every year.
Caring for Our Island
When enjoying the beauty and natural wonder of the Road to Hana, remember to respect the native plants and animals that call this area home. As part of the community, Skyline Hawaii includes conservation as an important part of their mission.
Jaws is Home to Monster Waves
Every winter, the North Shore of Maui gets massive swells – creating some of the largest waves on Earth. At Peahi on Maui, those waves are met by the best big wave surfers in the world. The surf break, known locally as Peahi, is commonly called Jaws by surfers and spectators. Waves here regularly reach 60 feet in height, with wave heights of over 80 feet occurring on the biggest of days. In order to reach Jaws you must drive about a mile off of Hana Highway, down rough 4x4 roads – through abandoned Pineapple fields – and you will eventually reach the 100-foot-tall cliffs which overlook the surf break. Jaws only breaks on the biggest of winter surf swells – occurring a few times each year between the months of November an April. For those lucky enough to be on Maui when Jaws is breaking, it is an awe-inspiring experience to witness – but just be sure you have a truck or Jeep with 4-wheel drive because reaching Jaws can be an adventure itself.
Maui's Waterfalls
The waterfalls on Maui come in all different shapes and sizes, they form based on the natural structures around them or sometimes influence the structures around them by becoming wider over time. Most waterfalls are larger during the more rainy times of the year on the island.
Getting There
Self-guided Trips
Thousands of visitors travel on Hana Highway every year. The road is well-marked in most areas, but also extremely windy and requires caution. Plan ahead, and get out at the various points of interest along the way to make the most of your adventure.
Going with a Tour Guide
Guided tours are a great option for enjoying the Road to Hana. Local operators can navigate the roads and provide a worry-free experience for your group, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn more about the area from your guide. Tours provide round-trip transportation from most area hotels.
Weather on the Road to Hana
Our Road to Hana Tours will run in rain or shine and we will always have a great time. But, if you are choosing to drive yourself, be sure to check the forecast ahead of time because rainy conditions can add extra stress during your drive due to decreased visibility and sometimes slippery conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
