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Attraction >Landmark
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Description and Basic Information ::
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When it comes to driving to Hana it’s the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. As you drive along the narrow road, which has 54 one-lane bridges and 600 hairpin turns, you will pass taro patches, beautiful beaches, waterfalls and rain forests. Roadside mileposts help guide the way and there are several lookouts that you can pull over, take in the view and stretch your legs.
Along the Road to Hana, visitors can stop for swims under waterfalls such as Twin Falls (located at mile marker 2), visit lush rainforests, take small hikes on maintained paths and visit exotic arboretums and botanical gardens. There are also several fruit and flower stands along the way, many of which operate by the honor system using a small box for money.
Hana itself is a quaint little town that has been untouched by the major development that has come over the rest of the island. Nicknamed “Heavenly Hana”, the small town is home to red and black-sand beaches as well as tropical rain forests and cascading waterfalls. The area is rich in Hawaiian history with tales spanning back to the 12th century. To learn more about Hana’s history, visit the Hana Museum Cultural Center. The small building has an excellent collection of Hawaiian quilts as well as books, photos and artifacts. Around the corner from the cultural center is the entrance to Hana Bay, an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling.
Once you get to Hana you have two choices for the return trip. You can either backtrack up Highway 360 or continue on past Hana on Highway 31 which leads to Upcountry Maui. The road is rough and unpaved in parts and many rental car agencies prohibit drivers from taking that route.
The Road to Hana/Hana
From Paia in central Maui, take Highway 36. Continue on as Highway 36 turns into Highway 360. It takes between two and four hours to make the 42-mile journey to Hana. |
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:: Hawaii >Maui :: |
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