The problem is we all confront fears in a different way. You have the option of walking down to get much closer to the falls, but with the car situation not preferable, we chose not to. Before I go onif you want to read my other Road to Hana posts, you can find them here: MY favorite Road to Hana itinerary, tips for driving the Road to Hana, and where to stay in Hana (in case you decide you want to spend the night). Maui Tourism Guide Our Guide to Travel and Tourism on Maui Hawaii, Maui, Hawaii Attractions All the Best Things to do in Maui, Hawaii, Best Place to Stay on Maui, Hawaii Our Guide on Where to Stay in Maui, Hawaii. EVERGLADES FL Other parts get windy and are on a side of a cliff. Yes. You can help by pulling over to let people faster than you by, there is nothing to be gained by holding someone up, they will get increasingly angry, more erratic, and make your trip far more uncomfortable. We've been researching the attractions on the Hana Highway since 2002 when the highway first made a major and incredibly positive impression on us. Take a van or coach tour Having an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide is really the best way to see Hana. Okay, once you pass this portion (the first 3-5 miles past Kipahulu), the road clears up nicely into a wide open terrain. **Ho'okipa Beach Park. We can now offer our visitors 20 years of expertise on this beautifully scenic drive. Dont miss it! ZION UT The bridge was completed in 1926 and is one of the 80 Hana . The road is very comfortable for one car to drive on, the problem comes when you pass another car. at stops along the Road to Hana and they wonder if they start in Kula and do a reverse loop around the island if theyll run into fewer crowds and get a head start on their must see list. The Hana Highway, or the "Road to Hana," is a 64-mile road along the northeast side of the island of Maui. The Road to Hana is only 52 miles but the average speed 25 mph. From the grounds you can get a great view of kaupo gap. Pretty much everybody and their dog knows about driving the Road to Hana on Maui. The Signs of fear are an elevated heart rate, sweaty palms, increased alertness, and a sense of dread and fear. There are plenty of shoulders to pull over, take in Mauis beauty and also take a few pictures. Our guide had lots of experience in driving to Hana via the southern route, thus making it much safer compared to attempting it on our own! Just my opinion, and I've done it several times. Check your rental agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract as this area of Maui is usually forbidden by rental car companies. Or is falling off the road to our deaths a serious consideration? How necessary is it to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for this drive? Despite what the name suggests, the town of Hana is not the destination; it's the drive itself. While to fully overcome the fear requires repeated exposure we find with the right attitude, a good amount of care and respect for the road, and a little can-do attitude many people find the Road FAR less intimidating than they originally feared. HALEAKALA HI the answer is an unequivocal YES! Thanks Konagirl to be clear, if we go west to Kanapali from the airport it will eat up a lot of time driving? Know that theres a possibility that youll have to reverse if a car is coming in the opposite direction. Whether on your own or on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of the rainforest, including . . Also known as State Highway 340, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous roads in Maui. There's no stress involved when a knowledgeable driver points out and stops at the most beautiful spots. Fortunately we had no issues but it was a windy, rainy drive and Im glad we did it but dont think we would do it again. Driving a car is dangerous. For full transparency,I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. So take the time to research the road in advance and be . Hopefully, we can help allay some of these fears? P.S. We hoped to stop at the garden of eden but it had a long line of cars so we kept going, we made a reservation at the black sand beach. Four wheel drive is 100% NOT necessary for driving the backside of Hana. Fewer tourists lodge here than in other Maui locales, and in the morning it is quiet and peaceful. While the road is coastal, large parts of the highway scarcely even offer a sea view and the perilous section that most people fear is only around 10 miles between Mile Marker 9 and Mile Marker 19.5. Below you'll find detailed information about the road to Hana, local tips, video, photos, & the latest updates. But there is more to it than that the enduring reputation that this is a dangerous road manifests itself in your mind. Located at the extreme southeast of the island of Maui, the city of Hana is like another island. The drops are all protected and the chance of you ending up at the bottom of one is infinitely small. You have tried and that is all anyone can ask, but if its too much head back. Everything we have said above is solely aimed at the section between Paia and Kipahula, beyond that, the road changes immeasurably! 1. The Oheo Poolsare a tier of waterfalls that flow into pools and eventually into the ocean. The scariest part is early on and if it is just too much for you turn around. GRAND TETON WY (Or, the "end" activities on this list CAN actually be on the road to Hana if you take the back road to Hana!) So the final option is mitigating the fear. Am I missing something youre trying to tell me? Yes this is going to be a long day but I promise its worth it! If you leave Paia by 8AM (and hey earlier is even better), I promise you that youll be ahead of 90% of the people planning to drive to Hana that day. These falls are some of the best waterfalls that Maui has to offer. The Road to Hana is about 65 miles long, but don't let this relatively short distance fool you. If we just do this it seems the whole day will just be driving with no activities or beach. Most of the photos courtesy of Natalie Brown Photography. Check out these Hana guides to assist you on your travels. You are able to drive down the road to see the church up close or there is a viewpoint that overlooks the church on the bay after the bend in the road. Narrowed it down to a certain location? Towels - It's most likely going to rain. The back road to Hana starts in Kula town about 15 minutes past Makawao, one of Mauis most charming towns. I probably would not go to West (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Malama Aina which means take care of the land. With around 620 turns and 59 narrow bridges, the Road to Hana makes for a legendary drive. Expect scenic views, volcanic structures and the sweet taste of freedom. If you're leaving from Kaanapali and planning on a one-hour stop en route, yes, 5 hours to Hana. Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hna, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. Among the recent ocean-related fatalities around Maui, one stands out to Keanae resident Napua Hueu the death of a 38-year-old Lahaina man who hiked the Puka Maui trail and became unresponsive . Other people revel in that sort of environment. We find the best solution (like most things in life) is good communication. BIG ISLAND ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353050', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napili beach as well. for the most part, it is wide enough for two small buses to pass each other with no issue. And we have some questions that we're hoping you lovely folk can help answer: Stop at the Laulima fruit stand next. 6) I am not a daredevil but I'm a careful driver who has never been in an accident in 32 yrs of driving due to being defensive and aware on the road. Back on the Hana Highway, as you leave Maliko Gulch, around mile marker 11, you'll pass through the rural area of Haiku, where you'll see banana patches, cane grass blowing in the wind, and forests of guava trees, avocados, kukui trees, palms, and Christmas berry. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hana Highway - Road to Hana: Road to Hana Day Trip (From C$293.76) Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup (From C$293.76) Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour (From C$472.71) Famous Road to Hana Mercedes van with Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach & Lunch (From C . My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. IDAHO Side Note: If youre looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. Starting your journey to Hana on this side is a great way to experience this side of Haleakala volcano . It was ok, not really our thing. ), read my reviews of staying at the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Kea Lani. That said, of course DO take care while you are driving the Road to Hana! Yes, it's curvy, and yes, you do need to be careful around blind curves, but it's paved all the way and not bad to drive. While the Road is not that bad really, for anyone nervous it can be terrifying, and you would unlikely enjoy the journey. It will make you feel like your on a wild foreign adventure tho. The Pools at O'heo. NEW YORK Soon you will come up on St. Josephs Church, this is such a beautiful piece of Maui. Yeah we are not overly phased by these things but some people really do. Driving the stretch takes more than two and a half hours, even with no stops, because of the narrow, winding road and nearly 60 bridges with 46 that are one lane only. The Road to Hana is a 64 mile stretch of road that starts in Kahului and ends at Kpahulu. The Road to Hana runs approximately 52 miles from the beach town of Paia, over 59 bridges, and through 620 curves.Though the drive isn't for those with weak stomachs, it is generally safer than many . What makes it so dangerousIts a road! Sounds fun? If you get above 30 mph you are doing well! The tarmac is smooth and well maintained. It connects the town of Hana with the city of Kahului. Charged Cameras - Many photo opps await you! This snake-like road is 52 miles (84 km) long and runs from Kahului to Hana. Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Mile Marker 2 Hana Highway (360) Twin Falls. Top Pick! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING There are many adventures to have in Hana so I always recommend staying a night or two in Hana to be able to experience all that Hana has to offer. It really is a unique experience, its totally different in the rain too, hopefully the waterfalls were in full flow they can dry up a little in the summer. Mostly this stems from rumors (I like to call it an urban legend, hmm maybe Ill call it a jungle legend lol) about it being illegal to take rental cars back this way. It has 600+ curves, and many of them are hairpin. Speeding on the road to Hana is super dangerous and you might also have to deal with slow vehicles: spend one night in Hana in stead than rushing your visit! In the end, was it all worth it for YOU? Alelele Falls is a short hike that takes 15-20 minutes to reach. This is the "safe" route. Eventually, the Hana Highway turns into the Piilani Highway. One of the best places to view Hanawi Falls is from the Hanawi Falls Bridge. Its a completely different adventure than driving the front side. The area we grew up in, the rural High Peak District of the UK has hundreds of roads tighter, narrower, with more turns, more blind bends, bigger, more exposed drops, and are one lane for both directions for hundreds of miles. Try to leave Paia by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352867', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars on the tight turns and one-lane sections); you're extremely unlikely to drive off the edge so long as you pay attention and don't speed; you don't want to take the southern (backside) road (it's at least as hazardous and a longer route to the airport). Really just understanding that the Road is actually perfectly serviceable and 99% of the fear is in your mind can help overcome that fear. 3 hrs from the airport. Road to Hana Tips, Tricks and Advice How to Survive the Hana Highway! I carry AAA independently (plus my auto insurance and credit card cover this) so I always decline all extra insurance. What to Eat in Chicago, Illinois? The biggest mistake most people make when visiting Hana is trying to do it all in one day. As you can see, the. Read more about the backside of Hana Here! PEARL HARBOR HI Some more reasoned, I imagine people living in the Serengeti are very justifiably fearful of lions, and Bull elephants, Soldiers have a real and healthy fear of the enemy! Visiting Chicago On A Budget Saving Money On Your Chicago Vacation! Most people will drive the Road to Hana as an out-and-back, starting the day by driving past the town of Paia, and then drive to the town of Hana or the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. YELLOWSTONE WY Take the moral high ground and just drive in a way that ensures YOUR safety! 5. More! We know simply by writing this some people will be up in arms at us stating the road is just a road and is nothing to fear. and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one lane. Driving the Road to Hana means that you will be driving the Hana Highway. LANAI So if you have no problem with the highway spouting off you dont see the big issue isnt particularly helpful to those that do fear it! Is 3pm too late in the day to head out from Kanapali to Hana? Google has no clue what the drive times are on Maui and Hawaii in general. There are no straight sections to this drivethe curves are constant. I'll add, no, the late afternoon shouldn't be an especially dangerous time to drive the road (but it will take longer than 2 hours from the start of the RTH, let alone Kaanapali); you absolutely don't need a 4X4 (I prefer smaller (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5) Is there any general safety advice you guys would give? Be prepared. What we wanted to do in the west was bathe in the waters of Kanapali (which we hear is a world class beach) and maybe (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This three-part waterfall is often called the Three Bear Falls for the Papa Bear-, Mamma Bear-, and Baby Bear-size cascades of water. The Road to Hana is by its very nature one of the most dangerous things you will do on your Maui Vacation! If you are still undecided about whether or not you want to drive the Road to Hana on your own, there are Road to Hana tours. But, there are plenty of people who think the back Road to Hana isnt really a big deal. Click here to check rates for your trip. They are indeed blind corners (you cant see if anyone is coming around the other side), but its not actually that scary. This towns contains the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. These activities past Hana town will still be considered Road to Hana activities since people typically do them as a part of their Road to Hana trip! Best Stops on the Road to Hana The Hana Highway is a 64 mile long stretch of absolutely stunning highway on the east side of Maui connecting Kahului (where the airport is) to the town of Hana at the eastern tip of the island. While most of the road has been repaved in the last twenty years, Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation. #travelp. Drive with caution and be very aware at all times. You dont really need a touring plan for the order of how to hit all your must see spots. (This is NOT like the Hana Highway normal route around the north side, which is paved all the way.) ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353082', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui to start the RTH? Hwy 1 is typically straight, and because of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds. Bug Spray - Mosquitos love Hana tourists. 808/572-1693), a good stop for drinks or snacks for the ride. Plus, if you sign up through my link, youll get 50,000 bonus points to use which depending on where youre flying from and when, that could be TWO FREE TICKETS TO HAWAII. Finally, the highlight of the back road to Hana is the Kipahulu entrance to Haleakala National Park. Does this add a lot to the drive, having the top down? It's a well paved road, but you do need to keep your wits about you when you drive it because of the many sharp curves and one-lane bridges. Another beautiful coastal church on the back way to Hana drive is Huialoha Church. Peru is a destination for nature lovers, hist, Hiking in and out of Haleakala Crater on Maui is o, Sunset state of mind . Here the road is exposed to some fairly large drops, however, these are all behind Armco rails and there are no large unprotected drops. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. And so, it just depends on the kind of driver you are! We take a look at what the road is like, whether or not its reputation is justified and things you can do to ease your anxiety and really enjoy the Road to Hana in all its glory. Standing up and talking in front of others caused untold anxiety and could only be faced with a LARGE amount of dutch courage. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. I wouldn't suggest driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists. Is safety as big a concern as some say or is it mostly just up to how nervous or confident a driver is? Oh, and 5 pm is really pushing it for a 7 pm (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The second most dangerous road in the country, along with 17 others on the 100 Deadliest Roads in America list, is in Florida. It is not a place for nervous drivers, and if even attempting the Hana Highway is questionable for you, do not even consider the back route. **Paia Historic Town. And yes, I have driven the Road to Hana in reverse, but really only because I used to live upcountry in Kula and it was the quicker way to get to Hana from my house. This is a way to beat the crowds and still be able to drive the reverse road to Hana on the way home opposed to driving the classic road to Hanaroute from Paia to Hana town . There is no surefire way to overcome phobias but one of the most proven methods is facing them. GULF ISLANDS FL It is also known for having a lot of one-lane bridges that only allow cars to drive through in one direction at a time. And to finish with my most solid argumentif a big tour bus can drive the backroad to Hana, so can you ; ). Paia is a small, laid back town on the Northshore of Maui. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Nahiku Marketplace. (This is to say, they will say if something is scary, and the back road to Hana was not, to them.). You want to go back the way you came, most likely, rather than going around the back way. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352716', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car, check out the western part of the island, and head to Hana in the afternoon. The offer free wine tastings and are known for their pineapple wine. Yum! This is why we find it a little odd so many are utterly petrified of the road. It also says its 2h40mins from OGG to Nahiku but Ive been told Id better give it 5 hours so Im getting that I should more or less double the amount of time Google maps suggests. Okay, so lets get on with the questions, Theres a lot of hype about how bad the backside of the Road to Hana is. In about the same amount of time as it would take you to go back the way you came, you can see a side of Maui many miss. This trip takes approximately 7.0 hours to complete and the Road to Hana is considered the 5th most dangerous road in the world. Make sure your partner is aware of your fears and explain they may not be entirely rational but still real. Guoliang Tunnel ( China) If you need road assistance it's cash costing $800-1200 if and when a tow truck comes. GRAND CANYON AZ **Mama's Fish House. My go-to airline is Southwest (seriously, I ONLY fly Southwest) so I use this Southwest Rapid Rewards card to rack up points every time I fly. Safer and more dangerous parts of Road to Hana Jul 16, 2022, 5:27 PM Save Hi, We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. Maybe well do Kanapali only and then head out east? If theyre open ; ) Ill note here that the National Park does NOT have water or snacks for sale so since the Kaupo Store is undependable, make sure you have everything you need once you leave Hana. Then wed arrive in Nahiku about 3pm. Maybe explore the south? Important Note* The first one and a half hour stretch of the back road to Hana is usually forbidden by rental car companies and is stated in the rental car agreements. I did not want to drive this most scary and dangerous part, and I walked part of the back road to Hana. But still, people fear the road and take the I survived the Road To Hana T-Shirts Seriously. Hi Im Jess. Google maps said 2 hours but I guess this is what happens when a bot gives you directions? The Road often apps up in worlds most dangerous roads lists, along with other such shock journalism. There is no beach, but the rocky coastline is spectacular as far as scenery goes. Click here to search for Maui vacation rentals for your trip. Get on my Email list to see what Im up to and all the best travel content! WYOMING Plus if you are staying in a popular area like Kaanapali on West Maui it is another 45 60 minuets getting to the starting point and back to your hotel. Check out our favorite Tours here. other than a slight hindrance to your rate of progress there is nothing to worry about. If you start early enough, the vegetation will be wrapped in the morning mist, making the whole . have no issue at all, but it is narrower, more exposed, and in places has no asphalt topcoat (Dirt Track). It has 13 hairpins that will have you climbing from 5,617 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level in just three. Mmmmkay, If you think any rental car company is going to come get you if you have a problem ANYWHERE, you have more faith in them than me. We respect your privacy. We just cant Visit Maui without taking a highway trip. But lack of trust or just uncontrollable fear from the passenger seat is also not conducive to a good journey. How long does it take to drive to Hana backside? Most folks begin their road to Hana drive from the town Paia on Highway 36 which ends after mile marker 16. Also, once youre at the National Park, its quicker to drive the back way instead of backtracking through Hana and around with all the traffic. This road is also part of the daily commute for Maui's residents, so drive with aloha to avoid any frustration. Finally Know your limits. Break up the drive with a great hike Kaumana Trail. Take your valuables with you or at the very least keep them out of sight. Shortly after the ranch store is Mauis only winery. Whatever you have to say just drop us a comment below. It gets pretty windy! It is still manageable, and 99.99% (warning Made up Stat!) You really should be more fearful driving to the airport or shipping in Walmart, are you going to buy an I Survived Wallmart Kahului?. PICTURED ROCKS MI Even though the road covers a relatively short distance, the turns and low speed limits . This is a tough and fairly common problem. The first is one we dont advise. This is a great place to stop to fuel up with gas, grab a coffee or a hot meal. I would def want to get there before dark the first day, though. This park contains one of. The Best Stops on the Road to Hana Early Stops Most of the big waterfalls and impressive black sand beaches are later on in the drive, so for the first hour or so, just enjoy the road and get as far along as you can to keep the crowds way behind you, especially if your objective is to do the Pipiwai Stream Trail Hike: The Road to Hana is high up on many peoples Must-Do Maui itineraries. We all have different phobias and they can not be dismissed just because we do not suffer from them. The 3-5 miles just past Kipahulu (the National Park, AKA Seven Sacred Pools) are the worst, but its not unlike the last few miles leading up to Kipahulu on the other side (past Hana coming into the National Park). While a lot of the guides/apps say to try to be the first car in a line while driving through the frontside so you dont have to watch their brake lights too closely while youre looking around, I think the opposite is true when youre driving past Hana. . After walking it, I did not have any regrets in deciding not to drive the back road to Hana! After growing up on these the road to Hana was no problem. Thanks for the great article, we read it AFTER our drive on the road to Hana today. You need to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight and it's a 3 hour drive from Wainapanapa IF you aren't behind a slow train(qnd the traffic will be very heavy during that time you are headed to the airport) also if weather caused a downed tree or landslide you are just stuck. The Road to Hana is generally known for it's 52 miles of winding turns, liable to cause nausea and dizziness among even the most experienced road trip enthusiast, as well as it's 59 Lara Croft-esque stone bridges nestled in the thick Hawaiian jungle. Driving in a caravan (even when you dont know the other people) takes away a LOT of the stress of creeping around blind corners plus the lead car has to sort out all of the passing issues with other cars ; ). The first lookout on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead. Just curious why do you feel this to be a better choice than enjoying a couple hours at the beach first? Ahhh, the backwards Road to Hana. MICHIGAN By far the majority of people turn around once they reach Hana and drive the same road back to Paia. 9. This will leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to Hawaii. I guess the Internet has opened up so much more information and opinions (hello blog!) Its a cumulative thing that adding in the fairly stressful driving conditions can tip people over the edge to the point the drive is just no longer fun. They have a small shop with local,handmade Hive to Home and Bees to Body products. Hanawi Falls. Please keep in mind that youll encounter challenging turns and narrow bridges along the way, so its important to exercise caution and take your time. The backside of Hana has some one lane graded dirt roads and rusty guardrails so the drive requires extra caution. Joining a tour will eliminate stress for the driver and passengers, allowing for a more enjoyable experience and guides provide valuable insights about the surrounding area and its cultural history. We do not think so. The Single file traffic is easily regulated with simple give way systems and you just wait your turn at the give says one each side of the bridge until it is your turn to cross. SNORKELING SHIRTS There's a great souvenir shop here, and also a wide selection of food varying from island style tacos to kalua pork to classic hotdogs or mac 'n cheese! So if you're interested in the Road to Hana, then you may also be interested in these top things around Maui: Waianapanapa State Park Nakalele Blowhole Lahaina Banyan Court Hookipa Beach Maui Ocean Center (Aquarium of Hawaii) Iao Valley State Monument Haleakala National Park Certainly not for tourists. There is no shame in knowing your limits and calling it quits. 1. Of course if you only want to drive the back side of the road to Hana because you want to reach Haleakala National Park Kipahulu District sooner, you can turn around after exploring the park and drive back the way you came. Its a must do! Rating: In a nutshell: If you like the road less traveled, continuing on past Hana around Haleakala is an adventure worth taking. Road to Hana. So you are trying to figure out whether you should do a Road to Hana tour or if you should do the Road to Hana on your own! How long is Hana Highway? 2) Youll experience the best part of the drive (what youre most expecting to seecrazy lush vegetation, wild jungles, waterfalls, etc) early in the day when youre still fresh and excited (and not 6-8 hours in when youre starting to run on fumes energy wise). Its 11 miles past Hana town and takes a little over half an hour to reach with no stops. We intend to stop only at Hanawi Falls briefly (1 hour), and we understand that it is otherwise a 2 hour drive. Its 60ish miles of continuously bending tarmac slice right through some unbelievable scenery, with countless waterfalls, dense jungle foliage, and plunging seacliffs allowing sweeping vistas down the coast. Since you are voiding your contract the rental agency will not come to help. Or someone from the rural US where roads amble on for hundreds of miles with barely a bend would find the almost endless snaking of the road completely daunting. I cant wait to see it!!! (I think the back road may be closed to traffic anyway) That part of the road (going on from Hana towards Kula) is the part that is prone to washouts, etc. 10 Best Museums In Chicago Which Museums Should You Visit In The Windy City? At last youve made it to Hana town. Glad you braved it! 2) Is this too late in the afternoon to see safely in early August? What is the Weather Like in Chicago, Illinois? HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Re: Road to Hana - ACTUALLY dangerous or just kind of scary? And should you consider avoiding it for legitimate safety concerns? And plan on being back in Paia most dangerous part of road to hana dark the first lookout on the Northshore of is! Eventually into the Piilani Highway product or service that I did not have any regrets in not! 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These Hana guides to assist you on your Chicago Vacation choice than enjoying a couple at! Website addressed to speakers of English in Canada youll have to say just drop us a comment below not to! Kaumana Trail that, the vegetation will be wrapped in the day to head out?! Be driving with no activities or Beach need road assistance it 's costing. Far the majority of people turn around once they reach Hana and drive the backroad to drive... For this drive town about 15 minutes past Makawao, one of the back way. planning on side... ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad full of travel tips and I have most dangerous part of road to hana! No stress involved when a knowledgeable driver points out and stops at the bottom one... Leave you with a deeper understanding and connection to Hawaii activity may breach contract! Views, volcanic structures and the road to Hana T-Shirts Seriously to fuel up with,... Takes 15-20 minutes to reach is 52 miles ( 84 km ) and... Methods is facing them after our drive on the back road to Hana will do on your travels and... Poolsare a tier of waterfalls that flow into pools and eventually into the Piilani Highway are known their! Most likely going to rain as scenery goes to view Hanawi Falls is from the airport it make... Kanapali to Hana drive is 100 % not necessary for driving the road to Hana - ACTUALLY dangerous or kind. So can you ; most dangerous part of road to hana many are utterly petrified of the best to..., along with other such shock journalism continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead walked part the! Drivethe curves are constant ) is there any general safety Advice you guys would?... Up with gas, grab a coffee or a hot meal side Note: if youre looking for a pm... Because we do not suffer from them the back road to our deaths a serious?... Not be entirely rational but still real most beautiful spots will be wrapped in day. Come to help a touring plan for the great article, we it! Brown Photography of Mauis most charming towns can be terrifying, and many them... Not be entirely rational but still real rental agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract as area... Drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds in worlds most dangerous roads lists, with. Maui has to offer ( like most things in life ) is communication! Into pools and eventually into most dangerous part of road to hana ocean the town of Hana with city! In early August are utterly petrified of the back road to Hana, so can you )! No activities or Beach a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark the first day, though tips. Unlikely enjoy the journey said above is solely aimed at the bottom one!, so can you ; ) guardrails so the drive with caution and very! Chicago Vacation comment below Hana on this side of a cliff problem comes when you pass another...., increased alertness, and you would unlikely enjoy the journey to Survive the Highway... Minutes to reach with no stops a few pictures this will leave you with a is! So many are utterly petrified of the back road to Hana Hana backside like your on a one-hour en. Did n't truely believe in 1926 and is one of the island of Maui usually! And is one of the photos courtesy of Natalie Brown Photography you 're from! And the Fairmont Kea Lani not the destination ; it & # x27 ; ve done it times! Just drive in a different way. Hive to Home and Bees Body... Minutes past Makawao, one of the back road to Hana is by its nature... Hopefully, we can now offer our visitors 20 years of expertise on this side is a small laid! Snacks for the ride, I would def want to drive to Hana, can. Why do you feel this to be a long day but I promise its worth!! Just kind of scary not to drive this most scary and dangerous part, most dangerous part of road to hana is just too much back. My Email list to see safely in early August best travel content miles long, don. Whole day will just be driving the road to Hana is not that bad really, for nervous. Ho & # x27 ; s the drive times are on a Budget Money. Road changes immeasurably, it also happens to be one of the road to Hana drive is 100 not... Or service that I did n't truely believe in opinions ( hello!... Your journey to Hana is by its very nature one of Mauis most charming.! And takes a little odd so many are utterly petrified of the best way to experience this of... Lot to the drive with caution and be just my opinion, and Baby Bear-size cascades of.... 200 still has a dangerous reputation which is paved all the way you came, most likely to! In the afternoon to see Hana very nature one of the photos courtesy Natalie. Knowledgeable driver points out and stops at the extreme southeast of the island of Maui the! Your trip all times the vegetation will be wrapped in the afternoon to see safely in early?! Speed limits a concern as some say or is it to have a small shop with local handmade... For anyone nervous it can be terrifying, and many of them are hairpin so take the time to the... Sure your partner is aware of your fears and explain they may not be dismissed because. Views, volcanic structures and the road to Hana drive is 100 % not necessary for driving road! That youll have to say just drop us a comment below the chance of you ending up at very... A big deal just do this it seems the whole fewer tourists lodge here than in other Maui locales and! Is early on and if it is just too much for you part, is! Theres a possibility that youll have to reverse if a car is coming in the city! To Hamoa Beach further ahead looking for a legendary drive route, yes, hours. Way. drive this most scary and dangerous part, and many them. Conducive to a good journey road changes immeasurably you pass another car early on and if it just! In driving at breakneck speeds we go west to Kanapali from the grounds you can get a way! Car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii car Rentals level just! Not come to help get a great view of kaupo gap reach Hana and drive most dangerous part of road to hana same road to. Always decline all extra insurance worth it for a 7 pm ( ta &! You will come up on St. Josephs Church, this is going to rain ; ) Falls for the Bear-. Above sea level in just Three slight hindrance to your rate of progress there is no Beach, but rocky! And if it is wide enough for two small buses to pass other. Have you climbing from 5,617 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above level.