Road to Hana, Maui

Route description

From Kahului, near the main airport on Maui, HI-36 runs east to Paia, a small surf town with cafés and shops. Just beyond, Hoʻokipa Beach is known for windsurfers and green sea turtles resting on the sand. After Paia, the Hana Highway, HI-360, begins its famous winding course along the north coast.

The road has hundreds of curves and dozens of one-lane bridges, passing through rainforest, past waterfalls, bamboo groves and viewpoints over the ocean. At one-lane bridges, yield to oncoming traffic in small groups, and only stop in marked pullouts. Near Hana, Waiʻānapanapa State Park has a black sand beach, sea caves and lava arches; entry and parking must be reserved in advance.

Hana is a quiet town at the end of the road with a small bay and a few places to eat. Farther south, the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park has the pools of ʻOheʻo Gulch and the Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest to a tall waterfall. Many rental contracts prohibit driving on the rough road beyond, so check your agreement before continuing around the island.

Start early to avoid the traffic, allow a full day, and consider staying overnight in Hana. Large motorhomes are not practical on this road; a car or small campervan is better. Respect private property and no-parking signs, which are common along the way.