Nahiku Marketplace in Hana, Maui, Hawaii

Drive the Hana Highway

Hana, Maui

The historic Hana Highway is the most legendary road in Hawaii, not only as an engineering feat but also as one of the most beautifully scenic roads in the state. With 617 curves and 56 single lane bridges going just one-way to Hana, you will begin to realize that this road is a more about the journey then the destination. If you try to go to fast and see it all you will find the road can quickly wear you down and reduce your fun. Take your time and enjoy the ride and you will begin to get a deeper sense of peace as you explore this very special roadway.

At a Glance:
Highlights: The most beautiful scenic road on the whole island, and one of the best in the state. The windward Maui rainforest that surrounds the road provides endless photos and opportunities for exploring nature.
Options: Group van guided tour, private tour with guide or self-guided touring. There are many different kinds of Hana Highway tours research online to find your perfect fit. For great private tours contact Jay at Mauiadventurespecialist.com
Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous due to the windy nature of roadway
Preparations: Changes of clothing for the day, swimsuit, a camera, beverages and snacks. Dramamine if you get nausea from the drive.
Warnings!: There is very little cell reception in cases of emergency. Look out for debris on road such as rocks, or tree branches. Do not tailgate or speed!
Costs: A guided tour can run $125 to $250 per person, but there are no fees on the road. If you wish to shop with roadside vendors, bring some cash.

The Hana Highway is a bit of a living and breathing phenomenon, with hundreds of people utilizing it everyday for connecting rural eastern Maui with central Maui. You can see both tourists and residents trying their best to get where they are going, while maintaining their sanity. Here are some veteran tour guides top tips for getting into a successful Hana Highway groove that will make the day go more smoothly.

Top 5 Hana Highway tips:
1: Get ready to pull over often. This is not a race, but residents have timetables to maintain and you do not, pulling over for faster traffic is a must. The bonus is each pull out has a scenic view, flower, or waterfall to check out. Pulling over and not being the "leader of the pack" creates many more picture opportunities that the "speed racers" never have a chance to see.
2: Pace yourself: The primary way to maintain sanity for your tour of Hana is to make a consistent flow for breaks, explorations and pictures. The drive to and from Hana is a 100+ mile endeavor, 60 miles of which are extremely curvy, some stops every few miles, allows you to minimize road stresses on your passengers.
Locals tip: About to make a stop but you see one or more tour buses at the location, try to skip ahead and make it a stop on your way back.
3: After mile marker 3, put your car in a low gear: Being the driver on this road is stressful enough, stopping and braking weaving and curving can reduce your relaxation and give you and your passengers hyper-tension. Putting your automatic transmission car into a lower gear below "D" will let the cars gearing help you pace yourself and keep you from having to hit the brakes to reduce your speed.
4: DO NOT tailgate! This road is too dangerous to be following closely behind another vehicle. They may have no clue what is around the next bend, and will certainly skid to a halt for something unexpected such as an object in the road.
Best locals tip: If someone is tailgating you, especially aggressive locals in a hurry, then politely pull over. Don't let stress rule your drive or mess with your vacation fun factor.
5: If the road gets stressful, pull over and take many "mini-breaks": There are no medals awarded, nor record times to beat when it comes to the Hana Highway journey. It will be a far more enjoyable day if you slow it down. Your vacation rental will be there no matter what time you get home. Some of the best Hana days occur when you take a few out of the car variety rest stops.

Starting in Paia:
The first and last bit of civilization on the Hana Highway drive until you reach Hana. A good coffee or breakfast town, or dinner on your way back. Several beaches including Baldwin Beach and Hookipa Beach Parks, are in the area and make for a good start or finish to the Hana journey. Check your supplies, water, snacks, food, and gas are not ready available until you get to Hana which is 40 miles away. There are stores and a 2 gas stations in Paia town, what you do not buy hear gets harder to find and more expensive down the road. Heading East out of Paia on HI-route 36 the road mile markers will climb from 7 to 16 all the while driving through country residential areas. As the road curves sharply and descends then curves uphill and straightens out, you will notice the mile markers have reset to zero and now you are on HI-route 360 the Hana Highway Scenic Heritage Drive. The segments from now on are broken up by these new mileposts. The Hana Highway journey begins: For the purpose of being able to break down the full Hana journey into portions that are easily used forward or backward in planning your day to Hana. This portion is written in sections delineated by mileposts

Mile 0 to 2: Twin Falls
The road straightens out and speed limit rises briefly, you will then slow down at mile post 2 for the pedestrian congested area around "Twin Falls". This spot is amazing, but skip it in the morning on your way out and you will get ahead of all those cars you see parked in the lot. Make "Twin Falls" a separate day trip or utilize it as a fall back if your trip to Hana has to turn around. It is an amazing spot and worth follow up, but will slow your roll if the goal is Hana in a day.

Mile 3 to 7: The major curves begin
The road has revealed its' curvy nature at this point, best to drive slow and put the car in a lower drive gear. The small residential area of Kailua is the stand out in this section. The folks living out here support the massive aqua duct system that was built for the sugar cane plantations. You will see several of these rock walled open ditches carrying water next to, or below the road. Warning! Look out for the hairpin turn between miles 6 and 7, just after a huge yellow curve sign marked "15 mph" . Go slow, in low gear and use your horn to warn on coming traffic. The pull out just past the hairpin turn heading toward Hana is for the Bamboo Forest hike. If the bamboo forest is packed, drive past and check out the striking Rainbow Eucalyptus on the roadside at several locations in the next mile, but pull of the road safely to do so.

Mile 8 to 11: Entering the rainforest
The road is showing its true nature, the curves never end, but neither does the scenery. These miles mark some of the most beautiful stretches of the roadway. There are many pullouts for safely taking a break to look at the wondrous nature you are driving through. The bridge near mile marker 10 provides a short walk to a waterfall, just watch for floods. A true stand out in this stretch of road is the "Garden of Eden Arboretum" just past mile marker 10. The 30 acre site has some of the best tropical flowers, walking trails, and foliage of any location along the Hana Highway. The $15 admission is a pretty good deal compared to the high cost of most activities on island. There are picnic grounds and secure parking, so if the road is wearing down your crew, perhaps this stop will make for a good relaxing recharge. Just past the Garden are two different gulches spanning streams and accessing waterfalls. Just be aware of the flash flood potential of these streams and avoid them when flooding.

Mile 11 to 14: Hanamanu Bay, and Kaumahina Wayside
The Kaumahina Wayside is a great pull out to access how the road is treating you. It is just past mile 12 and prior to 2 big gulches that will test your patience and driving skill. The wayside has a stunning view of the coast ahead, allowing for great pictures and a chance to look at the weather to come. Public restrooms and picnic tables are available for use. After the wayside as you begun to wind into the Hanamanu Valley, you are entering some of the most beautiful views of the entire roadway. Be cautious and use a little horn around the blind turns to warn cars ahead. If in doubt the best thing a tourist can do is to slow down pull to the right and stop briefly to allow the uphill traffic to pass you slowly. As you descend into the valley you will see the black and grey sand beach fronting the ocean. This is a great spot to stop, but most people fly by it unaware. When you cross the bridge at the bottom of the valley and drive uphill, look for mile marker 14, the road to the beach is on the sharp left 100 feet past mile marker 14. A small paved to dirt road goes 200 yards toward the coast and deposits you on this remote beach. With no lifeguard on duty, the safest swim is actually in the fresh water stream that meets the ocean here. Enjoy a break from the road and some refreshing ocean breeze until your ready for more winding highway.

Mile 15 to 17: Keanae the deciding point
The next valley past Hanamanu has the road stretching out straighter and traffic speeds up. Careful that this momentum doesn't push you past the upcoming sites. The scenic pull out just past mile 16 at the top of the hill climb is a great look out. Pull aside, look out for traffic and walk over to the guardrail for a view. Continuing down the highway you are coming to the Keanae Arboretum hike and the turn off for Keanae peninsula and bicoastal views. All of these should be explored and it allows for some goodtime out of your vehicle. As you continue out of Keanae on route 360 make sure to visit the lookout just past mile marker 17, the view of the peninsula is like a window back in time.

Mile 18 to 21: Wailua Village and the climb into the forest
After leaving Keanae you will drive through some residential areas and eventually climb slowly uphill along a stretch of road featuring several scenic pullouts on both sides of the road. Visit them to stretch your legs and shoot a few pictures before the windy forest section of road ahead. The waterfall bridges are often congested with tourists when heading out to Hana. Remember these bridges and stop on the way back when there is more room to park and take your pictures safely.

Mile 22 to 25: Tall forests and lush gulches
Driving this next portion of the road you will see the trees get larger and the signs of civilization disappear. The state manages this forest around the road and the tall trees are mostly Eucalyptus, with some native Hapu'u tree ferns visible on the hills below the road. Caution to go slow in this section as there are many "blind curves" and the bridges are often short and narrow. There is a state wayside with restrooms in this area as well, the paved walkways across the street from it lead to a set of picnic benches and a waterfall view. Slow down at the bridge near mile marker 24 to catch a glimpse of one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the whole drive.

Miles 25 to 30: Almost to Hana: Nahiku
After many miles of forested roadsides, the view toward Hana and the ocean reveals itself. You are entering Nahiku, the wettest district along the highway and the character of the forest changes yet again. Parts of this section are residential, and some of these residents have figured out that a roadside stand to share their crafts, flowers and produce can bring a little extra income. The cute self service fruit and flower stands make for good pictures, and if you are getting hungry or road weary get ready to take a break at the "Nahiku Marketplace" just before mile 29. It is home to several local eateries, with a particular highlight being the taco stand. Try the fresh fish tacos Sunday through Thursday. There is also a shrimp truck, Thai food, gift shop, and Coffee shop to fuel you up before the Hana fun starts.

Miles 31- 35: Welcome to Hana
The roadway now begins to look more and more residential, as the miles count up you are entering both the district and then the town of Hana. No traffic lights, no fast food chains, no commotion, just local Hawaiian charm and a reflection of life in old Hawaii in a town that exists in its own time. Slow your role and enjoy the break from the winding road. Signs point out botanical gardens, fruit stands, and historic sites for guests to explore. A must-see before the town is near mile marker 32 is the black sand beach "Waianapanapa", this state park is worth 30 to 45 minutes to explore lava caves and and sea arches. There is no admission fee and public restrooms and picnic tables.

Hana town sites:
1. Hana Bay: Following the roadway into town, you will come to a crossroads. Make a left and drive the roadway along Hana Bay and beach. Remnants of the old piers that allowed ships to supply the district before the roadways existence sit amidst glistening blue water. This is the safest ocean access in Hana and there are picnic pavilions, showers, as well as a snack shop and restrooms. You might even catch a glimpse of families celebrating, or a canoe team practice for some modern day Hawaiian culture.
2. Hana Cultural Center: This small museum has interpretive exhibits educating visitors about the culture and history of Hawaii and of Hana town. Open Monday through Thursday and sometimes Fridays 10 am to 4 pm. From Hana Bay turn right at the stop sign heading uphill and it is on the left in 100 feet.
3. Hasagawa's Store: The little store that has any and everything from souvenirs to fish tackle and medicine to picnic supplies. This family owned business has been a staple provider for this community for generations. Try stopping in if even for a look. It is on the main street in town near the gas station.
4. Hana Ranch Restaurant: The only sit down eatery in town just up the hill across from Hasagawa's.
5. Fagan's Cross hike: Stunning view of Hana and the ocean.

Kahuna Gardens

Hana, Maui

Also know as the National Tropical Botanical Garden,this sweeping ocean front landscape is a historical landmark, housing the remnants of a temple complex dating back to the nearly 1200 A.D. Constructed over several hundred years then named "Pi'ilanihale" in honor of Maui's most beloved chief Pi'ilani, who ruled back in the 16th century A.D.. The grounds of Kahanu are seeped in history, and surrounded by Polynesian plants that became the staples of Hawaiian culture. Modern day replicas of native thatched pavilions create ample rest areas to sit back and ponder the landscape that looks very similar to how it may have appeared for centuries before contact with the outside world.

Highlights:
Not far from the edge of Hana town, this garden's 464-acre grounds are steeped in history of the Hawaiian cultural use preserved in perpetuity by a non-profit that oversees its upkeep and showcases the plants that made pre-contact Hawaii thrive.

Location:
Hana, Maui

Hours:
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday( sometimes as late as 3:30 pm.)

Hazards:
Do not approach the ocean at this site, as access is unsafe. Boundaries are clearly marked so stay on the safe side. Do not walk under the coconut trees, they are untrimmed and falling coconuts are a very real danger.

Fees:
$10 adult admission, with children under 12 free of charge.

Kahanu Gardens houses a rare 60-foot tall stonework temple considered the largest in Polynesia. This significant cultural site is registered as a National Historic Landmark, but the incredible beauty in the landscape around the temple complex is just as precious. Layers of Polynesian voyaging plants surround open fields with coconut groves, and a large replica canoe house with carved wooden canoe, make this "garden" seem like an open-air museum. The sense of history and the ingenuity of the Polynesian settlers thriving here is evident as you walk about the acres of this oceanfront Eden that once was once a fishing village at the base of a huge watershed, called Honom'ele.

A great guidebook is given to you upon purchasing entry to the garden. It is a teaching guide to the plants and significant sites on the grounds. A self-guided tour can easily be stretched to a relaxing hour of shaded bench breaks and short walks between views, and those in more quick-step fashion a half hour will get you some amazing pictures and quiet perspective.

A section of the garden just left of the entry house is the world's largest collection of breadfruit cultivars. This genetic storehouse of Polynesia's staple food crop has 120 varieties present, making it a very significant grove for preserving this culturally significant plant that followed the Polynesians wherever they established landfall.

Local's Tip:
Kahanu is situated at a great rest stop point along the Hana Highway. The admission fee of $10 per person creates a buffer from the more hectic "free areas" around Hana. The peace and quiet that results is actually priceless, and creates a very secure feeling as you relax amongst the grounds, unwind and even picnic if you like.

Address:
650 Ulaino Rd, Hana, HI 96713

Phone:
(808) 248-8912

Directions:
As you drive on the Hana Highway, aka HI-route 360, heading toward Hana look for mile marker 31 and turn left toward the ocean on 'Ula'ini Road. There will be big "Kahanu Gardens" that direct you 1 mile down the road to a stream crossing. DO not cross if stream is flooding. If stream is clear, cross streambed and turn right into Kahanu. Stop at the gatehouse to get orientated and pay for entry.

Upper Waikani Falls

Hana, Maui

This picturesque cascading waterfall is one of the most easily viewed along the historic scenic route known as the "Hana Highway". It is so popular that it almost always has a crowd at the viewing area, but that often depends on the time of day. The falls are also sometimes affectionately referred to as the "Three Bears".

Highlights:
One of the most photographed waterfalls along the beautifully scenic Hana Highway. It forms a nice side by side triple waterfall during low flow, and is a raging vertical river during floods.
Hazards!: Best not to attempt to reach the stream at the bottom of the waterfalls. There is no trail, and the drop off is 40 feet to the bottom so skip trying to reach this one. Pictures only!

The most beautiful bridge along the entire Hana Highway marks your arrival at the easily viewed Upper Waikani Falls. This waterfall never dries up, unlike some of its seasonal neighbors. If you are lucky enough to catch this waterfall flooding you are in for a treat. The road is safely above flood level, allowing you to view the falls as its sound and fury carve up the streambed bellow.

Local's Tip:
The popularity of this falls has made for adjustments to the parking areas. As you approach the bridge, you may decide to drop off your friends and family at the bridge viewing area and shuttle your vehicle 100 yards past the bridge to the safe parking areas on the left. If it is crowded, save it for your return trip from Hana later in the day.

Directions:
Between mile marker 19 and 20 on the Hana Highway, aka HI-route 360.
If heading from town toward Hana, the Waikani Falls are approximately mile past the Wailua scenic lookout. A 1 hour drive from Kahului.

Painted Forest - Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees

Hana, Maui

The enchanted and iconic Road to Hana features an overwhelming abundance of sights, smells, and unreal beauty as it winds down to the sleepy town nestled in the middle of the rainforest in south Maui. Located near the beginning of the curvy trek is the "painted forest" of rainbow eucalyptus trees, a stunning site that drivers often miss as they fly past on their way to other, more talked-about destinations. However, this unique display of painted trees in Maui is worth slowing down the car for. If space is available to pull off to the side of the road, take a moment to walk amongst the trees and be pulled in by their distinct, one-of-a-kind beauty.

Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree, Maui

Eucalyptus trees may look like painted, but they are all-natural. These trees with spectacular colours are also known as Mindanao Gum or the Rainbow Gum tree. Here's more you must know about rainbow eucalyptus trees in Maui:

Details – Amazing Trees with Rainbow coloured bark
Location – Early on the Hana Highway, located in two groves
Mile Marker – 6.5 – 6.5 (+0.5)
Parking Spot - Roadside, there is no specific parking spot
Facilities – None
Time Needed – Quick Stop, need just a few minutes
Cost – Free

Important Note - Very easy-to-miss spot, so be watchful

Visiting Details

These colourful trees are next to the highway, so park your car alongside the road and take a few minutes to watch them. You will find one large grove here, which features around 20 Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees. Further up the highway, you will find more trees looking so mesmerising that they will surely leave you amazed.

AT A GLANCE:

Rainbow Eucalyptus in Maui originate from a southern island in the Philippines and thrive only in warm, humid climates. The outer layer of the tree's bark peels away to reveal the vibrant green layer underneath. As time passes, the bright green slowly fades to a darker green and then to blue, purple, pink, orange, and maroon before returning to brown and beginning the process. Each tree displays a "rainbow" of colours simultaneously because different layers on the same tree peel away at different times, revealing multiple brushstrokes of various colours.
Heading toward Hana, the painted forest will be on your left just before mile marker seven along Hana Highway. A very small shoulder to the right allows cars to pull over, but only a couple of cars can pull over at a time. If there is no room, be careful not to stop or interfere with traffic flow. Continue ahead to the next pull-off and walk back.

Must Visit Location

While driving on the Road to Hana, watch for these trees and don't miss them! Maui's Rainbow Trees are a true beauty and much more colourful than you can expect them to be. No doubt these trees grow in many places worldwide, but in Mauii, they are different, a little more vibrant and breathtaking. In short, the eucalyptus forest in Maui is a worthwhile stop that will add beautiful pictures to your camera from your Maui trip.

Address:

Hana Highway, just before Mile Marker 7

Directions:

From Paia, head south on Highway 36 (Hana Highway). The painted forest is on the left (makai) side, approximately seven miles down the road.

Alelele Falls

Hana, Maui

If you are traveling the "backside road" to or from the Kipahulu district via Maui's Pi'ilani Highway, aka HI-route 31, this waterfall is a must. A short hike from the roadway gets you a 80 foot tall natural waterfall with refreshing pool at the bottom. Most people drive right by Alelele as they speed off to one of the more popular nearby destinations, such as the pools at Oheo, making this waterfall peaceful and quiet.

Highlights:
An 80 foot tall slot-canyon waterfall at the bottom of a rainforest reserve at the base of the mountains above, is a short a 10-minute walk up old Hawaiian terraces.

Location:
Kipahulu, Maui

Amenities:
None

Hazards!:
Do not cross the stream if it is flooding, also be aware of the unstable overhead terrain which has rock fall potential after rains and during high winds.

Where to start:
This waterfall is under the jurisdiction of the National Park, but is outside the larger more popular "Pools of Oheo" portion. The access to the trail is right along the bridge and contours and eventually crosses the stream. Be prepared for a 10 minute walk through some uneven and unstable terrain. Facing up valley with the ocean to your back. The trail starts at the right side of the bridge and continues through several old rock walled terraces indicating that this area may have been once inhabited.

Local's Tip:
Alelele is a seasonal waterfall with a fluctuating flow of water based on recent rainfall. Before making the hike in, check how much water is running under the bridge. It will give you an idea of what to expect to find at the top.

Directions:
From Hana Area: Driving past "Oheo Gulch" and the National Park proceed slowly through the rural neighborhood until the road narrows and descends toward the rocky beach below. Continue on, passing mile marker 39 then rounding into the next valley along the waterfront roadway. In the next gulch you will cross a white bridge with the word "alelele" etched into it. Cross the bridge and park on the shoulder.

From Ulupalakua/Kaupo area: After decending the cliffside roadway around mile marker 38 entering the Kalepa Gulch, cross Kalepa Bridge and round the next cliffside portion of the highway. When you see the oceanfront fresh water pool look for parking roadside before the white bridge.