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. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Risks include tow trucks that take a long time and costs lots of money. Sipping pineapple wine is an unusual thing to do in Maui and is one of the best things to do Upcountry Maui although I recommend that you spend a separate day exploring as there are many cool things to do Upcountry. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hana Highway - Road to Hana: Road to Hana Day Trip (From C$293.76) Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup (From C$293.76) Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour (From C$472.71) Famous Road to Hana Mercedes van with Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach & Lunch (From C . That is such a shame for you both, but it is understandable, and probably the right decision. Its 60ish miles of continuously bending tarmac slice right through some unbelievable scenery, with countless waterfalls, dense jungle foliage, and plunging seacliffs allowing sweeping vistas down the coast. So if the Road is not particularly dangerous, or even that scary why does it have such a fearsome reputation, and why are so many terrified of the road? Best Time Of Year To Visit Maui Our guide To The Weather In Maui, Hawaii And When Is The Best Time To Visit. Initially, we just thought it was just nervous drivers or drivers with little experience of this type of road. The Highway is very popular, and the narrow. This part of Maui is known as Upcountry. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Its a completely different adventure than driving the front side. Yes, it's curvy, and yes, you do need to be careful around blind curves, but it's paved all the way and not bad to drive. The 3-5 miles just past Kipahulu (the National Park, AKA Seven Sacred Pools) are the worst, but its not unlike the last few miles leading up to Kipahulu on the other side (past Hana coming into the National Park). Also, youre going to want to decide between staying on the south side or the west side so this post about Wailea vs Kaanapali is golden. Subscribe for Hawaii Travel Tips, my Latest Content and Much More. You can't miss Nahiku Marketplace, just before mile marker 29 on the road to Hana, Maui. Ive written a lot here about this and I dont want it to sound scary, but I also want you to know EXACTLY what youre signing up for. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING 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! Avengers Campus Disney California Adventure- Ultimate Guide, 10 Best Things To Do In Chicago, Illinois Our Guide to the Top Attractions in Chicago, Illinois. The steep valleys encrusted in the jungle start off the imagination and you half expect to bump into a Dinosaur. The problem is we all confront fears in a different way. More! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. My favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free flights to Hawaii. #travelp. 1. The average visitor is not going to think twice about the number of people they encounter along this road unless they were truly thinking they would be the ONLY ones driving to Hana. 7) I hear it's a far worse drive when it rains - are roads likely to be washed out in early August? So heres the scenario: people read about long lines of cars, limited parking spaces, and crowded hikes, waterfalls, etc. What about a convertible? The only sketchy part is if you're driving along the cliffs edge backwards into Hana on the waters edge. 1. 3 Bears Upper Waikani Falls (MM 19) Another quick stop on the side of the road a must stop on the road to hana. Dont be surprised to share space with several chickens and cows that live here. At this historic store you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer. What is it about the road that strikes terror into your heart? It really is just better for everyone to pull over and just let less patient people past. Road to Hana. other than a slight hindrance to your rate of progress there is nothing to worry about. I have regretted not trying since we arrived home. This snake-like road is 52 miles (84 km) long and runs from Kahului 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 backside of Hana has some one lane graded dirt roads and rusty guardrails so the drive requires extra caution. Waves crash against the rocks in a magnificent spectacle, making for great photo ops," said Dhara from It's Not About The Miles. An out and back drive if you will. Dont miss it! So on to the practicalities of the road itself. Parking can be bad later in the day, but this stop is worth it. 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. Most of the road is one lane with pullouts. Hamoa Beach (MM 51) Heading away from Hana, turn makai (toward the ocean) onto Haneoo Road when you reach it. But is the Road to Hana any more or less dangerous than other roads in Hawaii, the Mainland, or anywhere else in the world? Fun fact: there are more than seven of them! Make sure your partner is aware of your fears and explain they may not be entirely rational but still real. They all flow directly into each other, but they have their own mile markers, which are crucial navigation points on this beautiful rainforest drive. and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one lane. About 40 minutes into your drive youll spot the Kihikinui wind turbines. People that make it all the way to Kipahulu are usually the ones that ask about turning back and retracing their path back through Hana and on to Paia or driving through (continuing clockwise around the island) the backside of the Road to Hana. If you get above 30 mph you are doing well! 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. Yikes. Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph. TRAVEL TIP: If you would prefer to follow along to an audio tour I recommend the Shaka Guide! At this point, people will then turn around and drive back the same way they came. The Numbers really do not match the roads reputation. 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 RtH has too much traffic and has been widened and or paved in most scary sections. I guess the Internet has opened up so much more information and opinions (hello blog!) Break up the drive with a great hike Kaumana Trail. Hawaii is known for some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls, and Maui is no exception. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Also to note, the Hawaii tourism people do encourage you to do a Road to Hana tour because of the potential dangers of the Road to Hana. While the area around the falls is inside private property (Wailele Farm), it is easily accessible to the . Even though the road covers a relatively short distance, the turns and low speed limits . I wouldn't suggest driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists. But it comes with risks and possibly some stress. We can now offer our visitors 20 years of expertise on this beautifully scenic drive. 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. It takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete depending how long you stop and take it in. Hana, the quaint little backwater town has just the one road leading in or our and this is the drive of a lifetime! Charged Cameras - Many photo opps await you! Just curious why do you feel this to be a better choice than enjoying a couple hours at the beach first? The Road often apps up in worlds most dangerous roads lists, along with other such shock journalism. Also, is anyone planning a drive but is fearful of the road? Even though it's only 64.4 miles long it takes the average tourists 2-3 hours to drive. Located at the extreme southeast of the island of Maui, the city of Hana is like another island. While most of the road has been repaved in the last twenty years, Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation. The Pipiwai Trailis a moderate hike that is 4 miles out and back. Try to leave Paia by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark. That said, of course DO take care while you are driving the Road to Hana! 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. Maui's Road to Hana is one of the most famous (or infamous) drives in the world and in my opinion is the #1 don't miss thing to do on Maui. 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. 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. What is the Weather Like in Chicago, Illinois? 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 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. . Besides the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, this really is the crown jewel of the Road to Hana. Full Gas Tank - You most likely won't need a whole tank, but just in case. **Paia Historic Town. Thanks for the great article, we read it AFTER our drive on the road to Hana today. Preparation is an important part of safety, so make sure to plan your Road to Hana tour ahead of time. If you only have one day, theres still a lot to see, so snap a picture and be on your way. . A very anxious and scared driver is a dangerous one. 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. 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? It becomes a dirt road for long stretches and even though we left for the day at 7AM, after a few stops and not really rushing we ended up in a situation where we were driving the most treacherous parts after dark (we almost hit a cow at one point, as herds will just wonder over the road in certain parts). Side Note: If youre looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. As we made our way along the southern coast of Maui, we found the scenery to be beautiful and varied. Makena Beach Intiaz Rahim/Flickr It was a marvelous experience, bu t we live in the mountains in the country where such things were normal when we were growing up. 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. 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. Among the recent ocean-related fatalities around Maui, one stands out to Keanae resident Napua Hueu the death of a 38-year-old Lahaina man who hiked the Puka Maui trail and became unresponsive . Malama Aina which means take care of the land. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. 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 . Am I missing something youre trying to tell me? The road to Hana is composed of three different roads highways 36, 360 and 31. The next and last stop until you get to Ulupalakua (Maui Wine and the Ranch Store) is the Kaupo Store. Hiking Shoes - If you want to hike. Hna Maui. There are 620 bends, many of them extremely sharp or hairpin turns, over the course of that 64 miles. There are many adventures to have in Hana so I always recommend staying a night or two in Hana to be able to experience all that Hana has to offer. Just three of the many many reasons to love the Road to Hana. Unsubscribe at any time. However, it also comes with a fearsome reputation, and strikes fear into the hearts of many. 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. But this doesn't stop many adrenaline junkies from taking on the route which separates Bolivia's capital, La Paz, and Coroico in the Yungas region. I carry AAA independently (plus my auto insurance and credit card cover this) so I always decline all extra insurance. That would allow you to pass through the most lush parts of the highway in the morning. It wouldnt be fun to do that on the front side with all the traffic and narrow winding roads! Top Pick! You land in the morningcoming from mainland or another island? paia town. Read the fine print as driving the back road to Hana, Maui maybreach your rental car agreement or insurance. ), this will be on your mind all day ruining the trip. You are driving the Hana Highway to the town of Hana! Get your car inspected . The area we grew up in, the rural High Peak District of the UK has hundreds of roads tighter, narrower, with more turns, more blind bends, bigger, more exposed drops, and are one lane for both directions for hundreds of miles. It's a well paved road, but you do need to keep your wits about you when you drive it because of the many sharp curves and one-lane bridges. * *The final 5 stops are on the natural route along the Hana Hwy, but come prior to Mile Marker 0 *. Check out these Hana guides to assist you on your travels. These are the main reasons people find the road uncomfortable. And should you consider avoiding it for legitimate safety concerns? 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. I will say though, that while I have driven this in a Jeep, Ive also driven it in a sedan and a full size pickup. Next on the left side of the road perched on a hill, youll see a little shop with several potted plants and such. We intend to stop only at Hanawi Falls briefly (1 hour), and we understand that it is otherwise a 2 hour drive. Period. 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. Ewa Beach, Oahu Robert Linsdell/Flickr The National Drug Intelligence Center mentions the high use of methamphetamine in Ewa Beach as well, and according to AreaVibes, you have a 1 in 27 chance of being a crime victim. What is scary to some is nothing to others. We would love to hear from those who braved the road though. More posts about where to stay on Maui: Trying to figure out where to stay on Maui? There's no stress involved when a knowledgeable driver points out and stops at the most beautiful spots. I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. IDAHO **Baldwin Beach Park. The Road to Hana has 617 turns & 59 bridges, many only 1 lane. This being said, travel at your own risk. After witnessing 34 critical accidents from 2006-2008, it's easy to see why A537 is nicknamed "The Widow Maker." It is a long and difficult drive on a narrow winding mountain road. Just my opinion, and I've done it several times. This is great to know thanks. The trailhead is located after the bridge on your left. If the front side is lush and jungle-like, the backside is dry and desert-like (once you get past Kipahulu). The backside road is VERY different from the front road and definitely worth experiencing. The Signs of fear are an elevated heart rate, sweaty palms, increased alertness, and a sense of dread and fear. Be prepared. These Rickety looking relics strike fear into many peoples hearts as they meet traffic head-on with no passing place and drops either side. It is! Bug Spray - Mosquitos love Hana tourists. So if you have no problem with the highway spouting off you dont see the big issue isnt particularly helpful to those that do fear it! It is such a unique and wonderful Road through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Three Bears Falls. 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