The road to Hana.

The Road to Hana (Hāna Highway) in Maui is a breathtaking 64.4-mile scenic drive featuring 620 hairpin curves and 59 one-lane bridges. Connecting Kahului to the remote town of Hana, the route winds through lush rainforests, towering bamboo, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Don’t be in a hurry. Slow down, take in the views. Enjoy the person you are with. This is both your day.

The Drive & LogisticsTotal Time: Driving uninterrupted takes about 2.5 to 3 hours one-way. However, to enjoy the scenery and stops, expect a 10- to 12-hour round trip.

Starting Point: The journey officially begins in Kahului (Route 36) and transitions into the Hāna Highway (Route 360).

Start off seeing the world famous big surf on the north shore, and some world class surfing. Then start your drive. It’s why you came to Hawaii on holiday, and especially Maui.

Road Conditions: Paved but narrow and winding. Speeds are slow.

Oh yes, slow baby, go slow.

Must-See StopsTwin Falls (Mile Marker #2): Easily accessible short hike to beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes.

I’ve been there, the trail hike is just enough to feel like you done a real tropical jungle forest hike without exhausting yourself. And then submersing yourself in the cool water, maybe jumping off the cliffs into the pool, swing on the vines. Having fun together. That’s why you are there.

Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile Marker #10.5): A stunning, 26-acre botanical garden with trails and ocean views.

Take in some culture.

Keʻanae Peninsula (Mile Marker #16.5): Offers sweeping views of crashing waves, old taro fields, and historic churches.

And more culture.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Mile Marker #32): Famous for its dramatic black sand beach and sea caves. Note: Non-Hawaii residents must secure advance reservations to enter.

Don’t take the black sand. It’s bad juju!

Wailua Falls (Mile Marker #45): An impressive 80-foot waterfall visible directly from the roadside. So beautiful.

The road to Hana is an iconic Hawaiian road, and a holiday on Maui would not be complete without traveling on this road and experiencing all the views and swimming in all the pools with the waterfalls cascading over you. The tropical vegetation, warm temperatures and cool waters, the memories that you will keep in your heart forever. It’s a special road.

As you can see from the photos, it’s not the road that’s special, it’s everything else. The waterfalls, the views, the total experience. The memories you take home with you afterwards. That’s really what’s special.