Is it better to drive the Road to Hana yourself or take a tour?

This depends on what type of traveler you are and how much time you have. If you'd rather not drive, and you want a guide you can ask questions to, a Hana van tour is the best option. If you want a little more control over where you go, and you want to do your own research, driving is your best option.



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Yes, you can certainly drive the Road to Hana on your own. However, if you'd like some extra guidance on your trip, a driving guide from Action Tour Guide will make for the perfect travel buddy. Driving the Road to Hana is a thrilling and breathtaking experience.

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The most popular route for the Road to Hana is to drive from Kahului to Hana along Route 360. This iconic route will take you through Paia Town and down Route 360 towards Hana Town. This is an out and back Road to Hana route. With this route for the Road to Hana, you will make stops as you drive toward Hana.

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As you can see, there is so much along the Road to Hana full loop that it really takes a whole day. You could even spread it out over a couple of days if you wanted! Weather permitting, it is definitely worth the extra effort to take the full loop, rather than returning after Hana.

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The 64-mile route on Maui connects the towns of Kahului and Hana. It only takes about three hours from point A to point B if you don't stop — but stop you must, as the sights along the way are part of the adventure.

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Driving along the Road to Hana requires careful attention. The roads can be crowded with drivers who don't always know where they're going, and unexpected traffic backups around curves can lead to sudden stops and accidents.

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Last Words: Reverse Road To Hana Driving in reverse has its advantages like avoiding crowds and congestion at the most popular stops and finding parking spots. The Road to Hana is an incredible experience from breathtaking waterfalls and black sand beaches to lush greenery and local culture.

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Sundays and Thursdays are heavy travel days (arriving and leaving the island) so the road to Hana may be less crowded. Start early to get the most out of your day. This is one of the best things to do in Maui on a budget.

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The roads can get a little dicey, especially if you're starting from the Seven Sacred Pools. The highway can get extremely narrow, bumpy, and turn into a one-lane road. Not to mention the local goats that have free reign. These little guys can surprise you if you're not careful.

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There is also a Road to Hana which is a bus tour. The Deluxe Road to Hana transports you via an 8 passenger van and it is definitely worth the difference in price!

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One of the main dangers on the Road to Hana is the narrow and winding nature of the road itself. The road is only two lanes wide, and it winds through the rainforest, with sharp turns and steep drop-offs. There are also many one-lane bridges along the route, which can be difficult to navigate.

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Tip 2: Take nausea medicine. I have a friend who took medicine before going on the Road to Hana and her group still had to turn back because she got so sick. Getting motion sickness is pretty common along this fairly wind-y road so if you can prepare in advance, that will help immensely.

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If you want more freedom and spontaneity on your trip, then GyPSy Guide may be for you. If, however, you prefer to follow a more ordered itinerary that has a bit more Hawaiian Local flair to it, then Shaka Guide is the perfect virtual companion for your trip. At Hawaiian Planner we have tried them both.

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On the back road to Hana you'll drive along some dirt roads, over cliffs with rusty guardrails and along narrow coastal roads.

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The 64.4 mile Road to Hana starts officially in the town of Kahului. From there, it winds along the northeastern edge of Maui, where it concludes in the village of Hana. Cutting through high-speed urban areas and rural mountain passes, the Road to Hana offers stunning views.

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Visit us between December and March to enjoy the low chance of rain and gorgeous outdoor attractions on the windward side of the island. We recommend checking out the car rentals and embarking on the iconic Road to Hana!

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Bring cash Whether you stop at food trucks or roadside produce stands, it's a good idea to bring cash with you on your Road to Hana drive. While some vendors — such as the famous Aunty Sandy's banana bread stop — accept credit and debit cards, many businesses on the east side of Maui accept payment in cash only.

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The best road trips are those where you can cruise around on the open road at your leisure, playing road trip songs or just enjoying the sounds of nature, stress-free. The Road to Hana is the opposite. It's crowded, fairly dangerous, and definitely stressful.

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So here's what you need to know before you embark on your Hawaiian road trip to Hana. You're in for 64 miles of hairpin curves — 620 curves to be exact. 54 one lane bridges. And a journey that takes about 8-10 hours roundtrip to complete.

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