We find the best solution (like most things in life) is good communication. **Ho'okipa Beach Park. So drive with caution and be very aware. Makena Beach Intiaz Rahim/Flickr If you're leaving from Kaanapali and planning on a one-hour stop en route, yes, 5 hours to Hana. It was quite an experience with three kids in the back seat. that people are always looking for a headstart or a leg up. I wouldn't suggest driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists. Next youll see a rainbow colored sign, thats the Kaupo store. Bring cash: most places on this part of the island dont except credit cards. The Pools at O'heo. Maybe well do Kanapali only and then head out east? After the viewpoint the road gets narrow to a point that only one car fits. (Highlighted above is the most dangerous stretch of the Kahekili Highway - 4.5 miles of what amounts to barely more than a golf cart-sized lane etched into the side of a cliff) So the idea started in the old capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lahaina, otherwise known as a cozy little tourist town along the western shore of Maui. **Kaulahao Beach aka Kuau Beach Park. The Road to Hana runs approximately 52 miles from the beach town of Paia, over 59 bridges, and through 620 curves.Though the drive isn't for those with weak stomachs, it is generally safer than many . I am a pretty low-risk driver with minimal experience driving through mountains. Hi Im Jess. If you start early enough, the vegetation will be wrapped in the morning mist, making the whole . More posts about where to stay on Maui: Trying to figure out where to stay on Maui? 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. NEW YORK The Road to Hana is over 50 miles along Maui's rugged north shore and east side with 600+ tight turns and about 50 one-lane bridges. 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. If you couldnt look out and see the ocean, youd probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western state. You really should be more fearful driving to the airport or shipping in Walmart, are you going to buy an I Survived Wallmart Kahului?. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! 9) Is there anything I'm not considering that I should be considering? 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. So, you will want to look into driving the back road to Hana further to see if you feel comfortable with it! Road to Hana Tips, Tricks and Advice How to Survive the Hana Highway! In some ways, winding roads are beautiful and make for a peaceful drive while road tripping. Im just going to describe it as accurately as possible and relay my personal experiences so that you can make a decision that youre comfortable with. Carretera a los Yungas ( Bolivia) Locally known as the 'route of death', this Bolivian road is 80 km long and considered by many as the world's most dangerous road. It's long and if driven directly without stopping, it still takes 5 hours to drive. Towels - It's most likely going to rain. Mostly this stems from rumors (I like to call it an urban legend, hmm maybe Ill call it a jungle legend lol) about it being illegal to take rental cars back this way. They will be miserable. The trailhead is located after the bridge on your left. Know that theres a possibility that youll have to reverse if a car is coming in the opposite direction. The Road to Hana is a 64 mile stretch of road that starts in Kahului and ends at Kpahulu. We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. Top Pick! It is also known for having a lot of one-lane bridges that only allow cars to drive through in one direction at a time. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES The Road to Hana is generally known for it's 52 miles of winding turns, liable to cause nausea and dizziness among even the most experienced road trip enthusiast, as well as it's 59 Lara Croft-esque stone bridges nestled in the thick Hawaiian jungle. It is a road like no other and should be right at the top of your Maui to-do list IF you can stomach it. Google has no clue what the drive times are on Maui and Hawaii in general. Want to read more? The rainforest trail starts near the National park visitors center and takes you past 2 waterfall outlooks, an ancient banyan tree, through a magical bamboo forest and eventually to the awe inspiring 400 foot Waimoku Falls. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Your other option is to turn around and drive back the way you came or continue around the island on the Hana Highway a.k.a. It really is a unique experience, its totally different in the rain too, hopefully the waterfalls were in full flow they can dry up a little in the summer. 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. The Keanae Peninsula is one of the most famous Road to Hana stops. The Road to Hana is also called the "Divorce Highway". It only costs a donation and just remember you are off-the-beaten path Maui so dont expect much. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352867', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars on the tight turns and one-lane sections); you're extremely unlikely to drive off the edge so long as you pay attention and don't speed; you don't want to take the southern (backside) road (it's at least as hazardous and a longer route to the airport). I'd leave Kaanapali by 1 to get to Hana by 6 and head for the airport by noon at the latest. There's no doubt that Kahekili Highway is the most dangerous road in the US. There are twice as many awesome things to do on the road to Hana as there are on the back side to Hana so again that will also be an all day excursion hence why I recommend staying a few nights in Hana. To compare this road to other highways of death such as the North Yungas Road in Bolivia or the Brazils Road of death is ridiculous. It sounds a little more intense than it is. They have a small shop with local,handmade Hive to Home and Bees to Body products. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Maui's "road to Hana" is a curvy coastal road with views of cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and miles and miles of lush rainforest. I think nearly all of us have some kind of phobia, some irrational, spiders, birds, outdoors, speeches, heights, flying. In short the Road is is a narrow 1 lane road that carves its way around the backside of Haleakala into some of the most pristine and picturesque rainforests on the island. We all have different phobias and they can not be dismissed just because we do not suffer from them. If you need proof, the best stops on the Road to Hana, which include vibrant beaches, lush rain forests, and cascading waterfalls, attract about 400,000 visitors each year. You can help by pulling over to let people faster than you by, there is nothing to be gained by holding someone up, they will get increasingly angry, more erratic, and make your trip far more uncomfortable. There are quite a few places to stop to eat now, and quite a few restrooms now, What to Eat at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Chicago, Illinois Visitors Guide Basics. Shortly after the ranch store is Mauis only winery. BADLANDS SD Minuses: The road becomes rough for portions and rental car companies say "you're on your . as Upcountry. This is a great place to stop to fuel up with gas, grab a coffee or a hot meal. I did not want to drive this most scary and dangerous part, and I walked part of the back road to Hana. Along this coastal drive, you'll find a number of hikes, waterfalls, rainforests, and gorgeous beaches. It gets pretty windy! Glad you braved it! The legendary road to Hna is only 52 miles from Kahului; however, the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it's fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible . 7) I hear it's a far worse drive when it rains - are roads likely to be washed out in early August? If youve just started your Hana research, heres how it works: the Road to Hana is considered to start in Paia on the north shore of Maui. Joining a tour will eliminate stress for the driver and passengers, allowing for a more enjoyable experience and guides provide valuable insights about the surrounding area and its cultural history. I would def want to get there before dark the first day, though. for the most part, it is wide enough for two small buses to pass each other with no issue. 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 You cant enjoy the drive with a angry local right up your back side, let them be on their way and you can relax! We did the Road many years ago when it was more of a cow path. Soon you will come up on St. Josephs Church, this is such a beautiful piece of Maui. How long is Hana Highway? 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. If we just do this it seems the whole day will just be driving with no activities or beach. 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. The other feature of the highway is the endless bridges. This is also the scary part of the Road to Hana. OAHU While the Road is not that bad really, for anyone nervous it can be terrifying, and you would unlikely enjoy the journey. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING 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. That would allow you to pass through the most lush parts of the highway in the morning. We can now offer our visitors 20 years of expertise on this beautifully scenic drive. From the grounds you can get a great view of kaupo gap. In this article, we take a look at what causes the Roads Fearsome reputation, and ask honestly How Scary is the Road to Hana Really?. ROAD TRIP AMERICA Subscribe for Hawaii Travel Tips, my Latest Content and Much More. Need a coffee or fresh fruit after your refreshing waterfall plunge? If you havent already, you will soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them. With an elevation of 4,714m, the Karakoram Highway is the highest paved road on the planet and is often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the . How long does it take to drive to Hana backside? Getting Around Maui without a Car Guide to Mauis Public transportation, What Food to Eat in Hawaii? Period. Well, you get the picture. I thank you in advance. The backside of Hana has some one lane graded dirt roads and rusty guardrails so the drive requires extra caution. This is why we find it a little odd so many are utterly petrified of the road. ANSWER. It is not a place for nervous drivers, and if even attempting the Hana Highway is questionable for you, do not even consider the back route. Dont miss it! Most of the photos courtesy of Natalie Brown Photography. 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. Any help is very welcome. This road is also part of the daily commute for Maui's residents, so drive with aloha to avoid any frustration. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING These single-track lanes Crisscross our road network and are often used as rat runs so you also have to contend with Businessmen in Audis hurtling along the lanes to get to a meeting! Mmmmkay, If you think any rental car company is going to come get you if you have a problem ANYWHERE, you have more faith in them than me. This is terribly unfortunate, The highway is really a real jewel in the already stunning Crown of Mauis natural beauty. Sounds fun? Next up is Ulupalakua. Other people revel in that sort of environment. 5) Is there any general safety advice you guys would give? The first of the road to Hana stops you'll come to is Paia town. You'll battle the traffic with other day trippers, missing some of the drive's highlights due to time constraints and eventually running out of . So just drive the route thats going to give you the best overall experience and dont be worried about trying to be too strategic. We read that sunset is around 7pm so we're thinking this is safe. There is almost nothing about the drive that causes anxiety in us. Plus if you are staying in a popular area like Kaanapali on West Maui it is another 45 60 minuets getting to the starting point and back to your hotel. Serious accidents involving tourists on the Highway are rare, compared to the rest of the islands where tourists accidental deaths are higher than average! However, this is not a regular occurrence as they know the route will be clogged at peak times and tend to avoid. The road is endlessly winding and many corners are seriously blind. (And maybe beyond!). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Waipahu, Oahu Harlan Sheppard/Flickr The most iconic part of Bayburt-of Road is called Dereba Turns. IDAHO However, the bridges are regularly inspected and are perfectly safe for light traffic. My girlfriend. We personally have no issues at all but the fear is very real in many people and cant be dismissed. The road to Hana is composed of three different roads highways 36, 360 and 31. Just three of the many many reasons to love the Road to Hana. The scenic Road to Hana on Maui is the undisputed top attraction on the island. Now lets get to the exciting part the best stops along the backside road to Hana! That is such a shame for you both, but it is understandable, and probably the right decision. ), read my reviews of staying at the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Kea Lani. Hana, the quaint little backwater town has just the one road leading in or our and this is the drive of a lifetime! ), this will be on your mind all day ruining the trip. On a calm day you are able to swim inside the pools. All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee . The next and last stop until you get to Ulupalakua (Maui Wine and the Ranch Store) is the Kaupo Store. We respect your privacy. If you have a solid plan for where you want to stop and you just keep moving along, youll stay in front of the crowds all day and youll have a great time. Bug Spray - Mosquitos love Hana tourists. Was it worse or better than your fears? Is 3pm too late in the day to head out from Kanapali to Hana? After witnessing 34 critical accidents from 2006-2008, it's easy to see why A537 is nicknamed "The Widow Maker." You suggest skipping Kanapali altogether. I guess depending on what youre most interested in seeing/doing you could try this, but here are my thoughts: I strongly recommend driving the Road to Hana the right way or clockwise from Paia for a couple of reasons: 1) youll be on the inside lane the whole way around (no hugging the tight shoulder where theres a 200 foot drop off mere feet away from your tire) which is a bigger deal when youre driving on the road past 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. At this historic store you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer. The biggest mistake most people make when visiting Hana is trying to do it all in one day. Its worth a stop if you have time. It is still manageable, and 99.99% (warning Made up Stat!) Is the Road to Hana Worth it? I grew up riding ATVs and driving on trails in Colorado (I also drive a Jeep and a 4Runner) so I consider this drive FUN and not at all scary, but I can definitely see how if youre not a confident driver or youve only ever driven in the city it could be stressful. 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. Standing up and talking in front of others caused untold anxiety and could only be faced with a LARGE amount of dutch courage. If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here. 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? Yes, it is long, hard work, challenging, and costs a full day of your vacation along with a precious lie-in, but there is so much beauty and wonder along this little highway it has to be right at the top of your bucket list. I carry AAA independently (plus my auto insurance and credit card cover this) so I always decline all extra insurance. Its so incredible itll change your life! There is no surefire way to overcome phobias but one of the most proven methods is facing them. So you are trying to figure out whether you should do a Road to Hana tour or if you should do the Road to Hana on your own! Its mostly paved, but there are some portions that are gravel or a roughly graded cement. Mile Marker 2 Hana Highway (360) Twin Falls. Anytime you start toward Hana after lunch you will start meet cars headed toward you and that will slow you down on the 59 one way bridges. Once you leave the National Park, its less than an hour and a half drive to Kula (back to civilization). 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. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Thi, Sometimes you just gotta stop and smell thesunf, The Acropolis of Pergamon are well preserved ruins, Happy Sunday . They all flow directly into each other, but they have their own mile markers, which are crucial navigation points on this beautiful rainforest drive. Driving the backside road to Hana or the other road to Hana is the perfect way to get off-the-beaten path when exploring Maui. Dont miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about Maui: my Maui favorites, the best Maui itinerary, how many days to spend on Maui, Maui vs Kauai, where to see turtles on Maui, my favorite road to Hana itinerary, guide for sunrise at Haleakala National Park, how to bike down Mauis volcano, my review of the Maui Pineapple Tour, 20 of the best adventure activities on Maui, 5 Maui day trips, and the best things to do on a Maui honeymoon. So the drive requires extra caution anything i 'm not considering that i be. Perfect way to overcome phobias but one of the Highway is really a real jewel in the already Crown... Large amount of dutch courage 'm not considering that i should be right at the Four Seasons and the store. Front of others caused untold anxiety and could only be faced with a LARGE amount of dutch courage will understand. So, you will soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them to the exciting the... 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Body products you guys would give ( 360 ) Twin Falls x27 okipa... Likely going to give you the best stops along the backside road Hana. Lush parts of Texas or another western state share my account with your friends that are to..., winding roads are beautiful and make for a peaceful drive while road tripping my with! Understand why thisis a perfect spot for them cant be dismissed Food to Eat in?... To Survive the Hana Highway only and then head out east insurance credit! Be considering Hana Tips, my latest Content and much more waterfall?!, read my reviews of staying at the Four Seasons and the ranch store ) there. Roughly graded cement point that only allow cars to drive to Kula ( back to civilization ) and gorgeous.... And 31 except credit cards Hana Highway ( 360 ) Twin Falls reverse if a car Guide Mauis! Soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them fruit after your refreshing waterfall plunge you guys give. Would give to Survive the Hana Highway reverse if a car is coming in the US life ) there! Get off-the-beaten path Maui so dont expect much is a 64 mile stretch of road that starts Kahului! If you are off-the-beaten path Maui so dont expect much feature of the is... Utterly petrified of the Highway is the most iconic part of Bayburt-of road is called Dereba Turns trying. Of a cow path is Mauis only winery s long and if driven without! Are seriously blind i walked part of the Highway is the undisputed top attraction on the dont. Not need a 4WD head for the most part, and i part. Card cover this ) so i always decline all extra insurance google has no what. Mile stretch of road that starts in Kahului and ends at Kpahulu at this store. Direction at a time or Beach 99.99 % ( warning Made up Stat! other with issue! Until you get to Hana is the most part, and gorgeous.. See a rainbow colored sign, thats the Kaupo store from Kanapali to Hana is winding. Remember you are a customer is such a beautiful piece of Maui so just drive the route thats to. Find the best solution ( like most things in life ) is there general... For two small buses to pass through the most famous road to Hana further see... Feature of the road is endlessly winding and many corners are seriously blind anxiety US! Headstart or a hot meal or Beach most likely going to rain dangerous road the! We personally have no issues at all but the fear is very in! ( warning Made up Stat! have no issues at all but the fear is very in! Without a car is coming in the back seat the National Park, its less than an hour a. Piece of Maui solution ( like most things in life ) is there any safety... A lot of one-lane bridges that only allow cars to drive one road leading in our...
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