What is the scary part of the Road to Hana?

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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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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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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If you're setting off on a Road to Hana tour in Maui, you'll want to make the most of the daylight hours. The safest and most pleasant way to travel on the Road to Hana is during daylight hours. Leaving around 7 am will leave you plenty of time for driving and a few interesting stops.

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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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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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It is IMPOSSIBLE to do everything and see all the sights in 1 day (trust us, we've tried.) The best way is to pick a few sights to see each day and stay overnight. Hana is about slowing down and enjoying nature.

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Pull over for local traffic. Do not hold up vehicles behind you. Do not park along the Hana Highway in spaces that are not designated parking stalls. Visit State parks and County parks for access to bathroom facilities, do not use the roadsides or forest as restrooms.

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East Maui (ie. Road to Hana, Hana town) is very wet, jungle-like, and forested, so mosquitoes are more abundant there. DEET-based mosquito repellent works well, but I don't like the poisonous chemicals involved, so I prefer citronella candles or citronella-based mosquito repellent wrist bands.

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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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That's right – driving the Road to Hana in reverse instead of forward! This way, you'll get to see all of the sights from a different perspective while still enjoying the beauty that this historic road has to offer. And, the best part is that you avoid the crowds!

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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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Can you go half way down the road to Hana, see a few waterfalls, skip the road side stands, turn around and come back? Yes, you can. Go to MM25, see the pool waterfall to the left of the bridge, and that's plenty. You'll see 4-5 waterfalls along the way, a few of them next to the road visible from a bridge.

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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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There are over 600 hairpin curves and 59 one-lane bridges to cross. With all of those, numerous blind-spots and the 25mph speed limit (or slower), those 52 miles will take about two and a half hours if you don't run into any distractions. However, this road is FILLED with one incredible distraction after another!

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Wear something comfortable You'll be spending much of the day driving, so be comfortable. Also, bring a swim suit, These luxury vans make stops where you have the opportunity to swim in fresh water pools and beaches along the way for those who want to cool off.

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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 road is unpaved but well-graded dirt for five miles, and at some points it is only one lane wide and has precipitous drop-offs, but at no point is 4WD essential. The only time you would need 4WD is during a torrential rainstorm—and in that situation, you should stay off the road altogether.

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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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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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Road to Hana Starting Point. The Road to Hana starting point is Kahului on Route 36, Hana Highway. Beginning at Kahului Harbor, Hana Highway switches to Route 360 at Mile Marker Zero for the Road to Hana, 16 miles past Paia Town.

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