Should I do the Road to Hana in reverse?

For many, this is considered the “safe” option since the road is completely paved and well-maintained. But, by starting from the back and driving in reverse you will be stopping at some of the most popular spots first with more energy, fewer crowds at the attractions, and no problems finding parking spots.



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Don't assume the trip won't be worth your time. As long as there hasn't been a torrential rain falling, the Road to Hana waterfalls will be gorgeous. Too much rain, however, can make them muddy and less appealing.

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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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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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Experience tells me that a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are probably best - mainly because there is LESS traffic to deal with. The Road to Hana is one of THE most popular drives on Maui, and while you cannot “escape” the traffic, the heaviest times are the beginnings and endings of the week, generally…

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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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No problem. Folks who are short on time can drive small portions of the Road to Hana if they prefer. Driving to Twin Falls or to the Rainbow Eucalyptus stand, passing a couple of nice sights and waterfalls can be just enough of the Road to Hana for some visitors.

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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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It's a beautiful scenic drive with a huge amount to see. Unfortunately, most visitors only plan to spend one day on this adventure and end up being rushed and missing many of the sights. If you are lucky enough to have a bit of spare time in your Maui itinerary, I highly recommend making this a two-day excursion!

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It's best to be on the road, leaving your resort by at least 7:30 am. If you start late, the Road to Hana can be crowded with other drivers. That can mean that you might find yourself crawling along behind slower drivers at time.

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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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The road has over 600 turns and many stops. If you were to drive straight from Ka'anapali to Hana without any stops, you could make the journey in two hours and 40 minutes. With stops, expect that you'll spend six hours getting to Hana. You likely won't stop on your way back, so the return trip should take three hours.

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Located near mile marker 12 on the Road to Hana, Upper Puohokamoa Falls is a real gem worth a stop. The falls are just two minutes from the road, so you can take a break from your road trip and go for a nice swim.

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