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Make the most of your precious vacation time on Maui. The “Valley Isle” is well known for its wide range of experiences. On Maui you’ll find pristine beaches, the stunning Road to Hana drive, sunrise or sunset atop Haleakala volcano, the lush and sacred Iao Valley, seeing migrating humpback whales in season, and world-class and diverse dining choices. Many adventures await.
With so many activities and attractions that you won’t want to miss, you’ll need a Maui vacation guide to help you plan your trip. That’s why this travel guide to Maui was created to give you everything you need to prepare for your getaway, and help make sure you can enjoy every single minute of your vacation.
This is the Original and in our opinion – still the best way – to experience the Road to Hana. This is the route that created the legendary status of this amazing drive. And all rental cars are permitted on this route.
Start in Central Maui by the airport, and follow the coastline using Highways 36 and 360 from Paia to Hana, and then extend to the ‘O’heo Gulch at Kipahulu – aka: the 7 Sacred Pools. Then turn around and drive back the same way.
Leave early to get ahead of the crowds. This tour focusses on doing your sightseeing as we drive outbound, while we are still feeling energetic and the sun is most predictably shining – fingers crossed. Expect to spend about 6 hours or more taking in the variety of sights and many places of interest along the way.
When we reach the end of the official Road to Hana tour route, we’ll turn around and start driving back towards Paia. We most likely will start to feel a little less energetic after packing in so many enjoyable stops, so the tour is designed to be driven non-stop on the return trip. We’ll point out the “must-stop” places on the way back again, but we also have many fascinating Hawaiian stories to help pass the time.
It’s not required to continue drive all the way to ‘O’heo Gulch – but we encourage you to continue past Hana if you can, as 3 of our favorite places are in the last 45 minutes of the outbound drive.
The Clockwise Loop route starts out like the Original Road to Hana trip, but the variation is that instead of turning around at ‘O’heo Gulch (7 Sacred Pools), continue driving on Highway 31 around the backside of Haleakala. The road then climbs through the Upcountry of Maui, before returning to Central Maui near the airport – same place as where we begin the tour. Commentary is provided for the entire journey.
The Counter-clockwise Loop route begins by climbing to the Maui Upcountry before passing around the backside of Haleakala to reach the ‘O’heo Gulch at Kipahulu, aka: the 7 Sacred Pools. This is the place where experiencing the actual Road to Hana starts. All the sightseeing stops and suggestions are provided in detail driving in the direction of Hana to Paia. Commentary is provided for the entire journey.
It is always best to leave early to get ahead of the crowds. This tour focusses on making sightseeing stops as we drive towards Hana and Kipahulu. There are no not-to-be-missed stops on the “Back Road” (Highway 31).
Our honest opinion is that this our least favorite way to experience the Road to Hana. Why? Driving 3 hours to where the real Road to Hana experience begins is too tiring and makes you less energetic to enjoy many stops along the way – especially since there are no not-be-be-missed locations on the backside.
Join anywhere on Maui, with no required start; commentary plays at the next audio point on your route (tap More Info for details), from West Maui (Ka’anapali, Kapalua) take Hwy 30, and from South Maui (Wailea, Kihei) take Hwy 31.
Expect to spend 3+ Days out touring.
The distance of the drive is 120 miles return, from the start point to the Oheo Pools and return.
Reservations are required to access Wai’anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach), visit gostateparks.hawaii.gov for reservations. You cannot make same day reservations.
See how to make a reservation, for what time and other FAQs.
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