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One of the most talked about attractions on Maui is The Road to Hana. If you haven’t been to Maui and are planning your first trip, this really is a must do!
Located on the east side of Maui, the Road to Hana consists of 600+ curves and 50+ bridges (some of which are very narrow and are only one lane). I would suggest devoting a whole day to your drive. Take it slow and enjoy the scenery! You’ll be driving through the lushest part of the island with dense tropical rain forest views on the mountain side, and deep blue waters on the ocean side.
Rental Cars
Many rental car agencies will not allow you to take the road “all the way” around the East Side of Maui due to a few bumpy areas in the road. It’s doable – we’ve done it several times, though I would recommend you have a truck or Jeep when taking that route. Otherwise, you can turn back at your leisure any time (most people make it to the Seven Sacred Pools at O’heo and then head back).
Road to Hana Scenery
Along the way, you’ll find many places to stop for photo ops. There are countless waterfalls – some require a little hike, and some are visible right from the road! There will also be a few places with public restrooms for those needing bathroom breaks.
Food
While there are several food trucks dotted along your journey, a little restaurant pod at Nahiku Marketplace, and a handful of eateries once you get to Hana town, I wholeheartedly recommend packing a lunch! It’s much more fun to find a nice picnic spot along this beautiful coastline.
Do save some room to buy local banana bread, though. It’s some of the best around!
Coconut Glen’s
Coconut Glenn’s is a little shack on the side of the road serving vegan coconut milk-based ice cream! They have several flavors to choose from at any given time, but I recommend the lilikoi (passion fruit) and chili chocolate. If you eat it there, they serve you in a little coconut shell with a coconut husk spoon. Quite eco-friendly if you ask me! While it is very tasty, it’s also a little pricey.
Waianapanapa State Park
Before you get to Hana town, I think it’s an absolute must to make a little detour to Waianapanapa to see the black sand beach and legendary fresh water pools. You can do a little hike down into the caves after reading the lore of a Hawaiian princess named Popoalaea who fled from her cruel husband and hid in the caves. She was eventually found and killed, and it’s said that red shrimp appear in the pool at certain times of the year which serve as a reminder of the blood of the slain princess. I’ve never personally seen the shrimp in the many times I’ve been there though.
When I was younger, we used to camp out in Hana a lot and head over to Waianapanapa to swim in the cave pools! The water is crystal clear, fresh, and freezing. It’s a little tricky getting out of the pools once you jump in, so please do be careful.
The Road Less Traveled
My favorite poem by Robert Frost is The Road Not Taken. I often reflect upon the words when pondering life’s many decisions. Here, I am applying it literally – because I love taking The Road to Hana and completing a big circle as advised not to do by the rental car companies. It’s totally worth it. What will you see? Different views of Haleakala from Kaupo, ocean views that many will not see, the Huialoha Church, and some friendly donkeys if you’re lucky.
Ending your drive by going through Ulupalakua, you’ll come upon Maui Wine, if you get there before it closes. We were unfortunately a bit late getting through this part of the drive, but I don’t mind, because we got the most beautiful sunset views instead.
Have you ever driven The Road to Hana?
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