The Road to Hana

There are basically two roads in Maui. Hana Highway and Haleakala Highway. The Hana Highway takes you through Maui’s rain forest, past a red sand beach, a black sand beach, and to a place called the seven pools in the north-east side of the island. The Highway takes you up through the mountains to the National park in the south east side. I only had the chance to take the Hana Highway, but I’d say that it was well worth it. If you get a chance to do this, purchase the Hana highway cd tour at a local gift shop. It’s around 10 bucks, and it’ll tell you all about your trip: indigenous flora and fauna, local waterfalls, Hawaiian history and such. This is a great way to dive into the Hawaiian culture.

Also, if you get the chance at driving the Hana highway, I’d also advise either taking a four wheel drive vehicle, or an extremely compact automobile for the narrow roads and sharp turns. Also, expect some motion sickness because the roads wind all over the place. Finally, if you are afraid of heights, you might want to ride on the side of the vehicle farthest from the edge of the drop offs along the way.

So those are the things to consider. The trip is absolutely gorgeous and will take you 2-2.5 hours just to get to Hana (assuming you are coming from the west). You’ll see things you didn’t even know existed, like the rainbow eucalyptus tree, or the volcanic black sand beach.

Take your time, but I’d also advise that you drive TO Hana first, and make your stops on the way back. Otherwise, you’ll get caught up at too many spots before you hit the major attractions.