Road to Hana (Hana Highway)

The Road to Hana is Maui's most iconic scenic drive, stretching 52 miles along the island's lush northeastern coastline. With 620 curves and 59 bridges, it winds through tropical rainforest, past waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and panoramic ocean views. This unforgettable journey is a full-day adventure for travelers seeking Hawaii's natural beauty and hidden gems.

Road to Hana, Maui

The Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway, is one of Maui’s most popular attractions. You can either drive this adventurous road yourself or book a road to Hana tour with one of the local activity companies. Both options have advantages. If you drive yourself, you can stop wherever you wish and as often as you want. If you’re on a tour bus, you can relax and let your tour guide do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the views.

Even though this legendary road is just 52 miles (84 km) long (from Kahului to Hana), it takes around three hours and can be quite a challenge to navigate. That’s because it is narrow and winding. There are about 620 curves and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one-lane bridges. It can take a toll on one’s nerves, especially if one is used to driving on wide, multiple-lane highways. That’s why the Road to Hana is also known as the “Divorce Highway,” because it has caused quite a few arguments among some couples.

The drive is very much worth it though and offers many scenic views of Maui’s northern coastline, rainforests, black-sand beaches, waterfalls and lush, tropical vegetation. The Road to Hana is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hana itself is a sleepy little town. There is a luxurious hotel, the Travaasa Hana, an art gallery and some small shops, eateries and road stands.

So in case you plan to drive yourself, just take your time and make an entire day of this road trip. Stop at the scenic lookout points and take in all the views. Also, stop at some of the roadside stands that sell local foods, including really good banana breads and Hawaiian coffee.

Just south of Hana is another popular attraction, the Oheo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. The road continues as a dirt road, the Piilani Highway (Highway 31).

Key Features of the Road to Hana

Scenic coastal route: Runs 52 miles from Kahului to Hana through Maui's rainforest-covered cliffs.
Countless curves and bridges: Over 620 curves and 59 bridges, 46 of them one-lane.
Waterfalls and black sand beaches: Notable stops include Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.
Historic and cultural stops: Includes Hana town, Ke'anae Peninsula, and Hawaiian churches and taro fields.
Full-day experience: Ideal to start early and take time exploring the various natural and cultural attractions.

Reviews and Comments:


This is a must see must do while in Maui. Along the twisted road you have waterfalls, botanical gardens, Oheo Gulch, black sand beach, quant churches and many more jaw dropping views. The road is paved and many years ago it wasn't so this experience is even better. If you do nothing else while in Maui this is a must. It takes hours and hours to get there but every minute you are welcomed with what nature has to offer.
CindyR, Thu Mar 24, 2011