Can You Survive Maui's Wild, Winding, Wonderful "Road to Hana"? by Kelly Stoneman

Most visitors to Maui agree, no visit to the island is complete until you've journeyed East on the Hana Highway. Considered one of the nation's most scenic highways, and one of Maui's major tourist attractions, the Hana Highway was designated a National Millennium Legacy Trail in 1999 and much of the roadway was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

This notoriously narrow, winding coastal road offers a thrill for visitors with panoramic views, 600 hairpin turns and 54 one-lane, historic bridges and was carved by hand using pickaxes and man power. The mud-and-gravel road was often subject to landslides and washouts, hence the saying "I survived the Road to Hana". The road was eventually paved in 1962, when tourist traffic began to increase. Today more than 1,000 cars traverse the road daily; that equals about 500,000 people a year on this road!

Relatively isolated from the development on most of Maui, Hana, and the "long & winding road" that lead there offers picturesque views, bamboo forests, rugged coastline and hidden waterfalls that many only dream of. Be sure to allow time to stop and explore along the way or you'll miss the very best of Maui; stay overnight, if time allows. For most, Paia is considered the "starting point of your journey. Once a thriving sugar-mill town, the historic buildings play host to a variety of restaurants, trendy shops and family owned business. Be sure to gas up; there isn't another gas station until Hana!

Beaches & Parks

About five miles from Paia, is Ho'okipa Beach. This busy beach park is an international windsurfing mecca lures extreme sports enthusiasts, surfers and windsurfers from around the globe. During winter months, keep your eyes open for the Humpback Whales and the occasional Hawaiian Monk Seal. Spinner Dolphins and Green Sea Turtles frequent the reef areas of this beach all year long.

Waianapanapa State Park is a 120-acre park on an ancient a'a lava flow, offering sea cliffs, lava tubes, arches, caves and hiking trails. The jet-black sand of the beach is stunning with bright-green jungle foliage on three sides and cobalt-blue water lapping at its feet, making this a must.

Hamoa Beach is a white crescent-shaped beach that James Michener referred to as "the most perfect beach in the Pacific." Located a few minutes South of Hana Town, this beach offers body-surfing, swimming, and snorkeling.
Kokee Beach is just a few minutes from Hamoa and is a spectacular beach for surfing, body surfing and sun bathing. This is also a perfect place to collect seashells.

Finally, Oheo Gulch or Kipahulu, is the wet-side of Haleakala. Often referred to as Seven Sacred Pools, this National Park provides over 100 fresh water pools and the spectacular, cascading waterfalls of Oheo Stream. Thousands of acres of bamboo forests, tropical vegetation and fruit scented jungles provide the perfect location or hiking, swimming and exploring the tropical beauty of Hana. Guided Tours & Sightseeing

Unfortunately, the driver is the one who misses out on the Hana Highway! Keeping an eye on the road and watching out for other drivers often means missing out on the sights. Personal experience taught me that there are times when a guide is the best way to learn the most in a short time.

There are a number of land-based tours that allow you to relax and enjoy the ride. Maui (often Hana) residents with a wealth of knowledge will enable you to make the most of your day as they share knowledge of the history, geography and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. These guides are also the best people to show you the out of the way places you may not find in the average tour guide.

For the ultimate in sightseeing, splurge on one of many helicopter flights from Kahului. Local guides show you the sights without the traffic. Many tour operators offer a variety of flight times and pricing options, making this possible on almost any budget. There are even combination tours that will allow you to ride to Hana and fly back, taking in the vast Haleakala Crater along the way!

Remember to "live aloha" while enjoying your journey and forget your mainland road rules. Yield at the one-lane bridges, wave to oncoming motorists, and pull over to let the local traffic pass; remember, some folks are not on vacation! Relax and "hang loose" to experience a true taste of paradise.

Top Hana Visitor Attractions Hana Cave Quest Wainapanapa State Park Kipahulu National Park//Haleakala.