Traveling the road to Hana is a must-do if you visit the island of Maui. We did the entire loop and the changing environment, scenic views, and stops along the way make it a great adventure that is not to be missed. We started on the west side of the island, just upcountry from Kihei and, before we left, we fueled up for the day with a big breakfast from Grandma’s Coffee House on the way out of town – a recommended stop for us from a local, the food was exceptional!

There wasn’t much traffic heading in this direction because a lot of rental car companies do not “allow” their rentals to go down this section but, aside from one washout area, it was fine. I think even the Dodge Charger, the VERY common rental car on Maui, would have made it. 

The road started out by winding through grasslands with cattle grates in the roads to keep the free-ranging cattle contained. We also passed a few crummy houses that were nothing but eye sores on these grassy banks with ocean views. Then the coast started to get a bit closer to the road and the terrain started to get rockier. Tthe air started to get more wild. At this point we got out to enjoy some cliff top views of this unpopulated side of the island. The wind whipped us around and making it difficult to talk. 

Just beyond this area was the washout area where large rainfalls cause the road to flood out. Then, the vegetation changed dramatically. Instead of grasses, cactus bushes, and brush we were engulfed in jungle where palm leaves, vines, and lush green plants grew thick. Apparently, a lot of the weather comes off of the ocean and hits this south portion of the island, dumping most of the rainfall, unable to get around the height of the mountain.

Then the road to Hana started to get crazy. It was right on the edge of the island with sheer cliff drop-offs and rarely much for guard rail. The coastline was very jagged, going in then out like a cerated knife, rivers flowing out of every other indentation. Over each river there would be a small bridge large enough for one car to cross and cars would have to communicate by horn or hand gesture.

On each curve of the outcropping there would be a blind corner that you hoped you wouldn’t meet another car on, but you almost always did because it was the only road and locals and tourists alike have to use it. Needless to say, the drive itself is an experience. 

Some of the destinations along the way that we ventured to included ‘Ohe’o (oh hay oh) also called the Seven Sacred Falls. We hiked the 1.8 miles to the 400 foot Waimoku Falls. A must-do if you love waterfalls. More on that here. We also stopped in Hana to visit a fruit stand for a late lunch. Fruit stands are common all over the island. The one we stopped at was run by a few local and exuberant ladies. They were selling everything from banana bread to dehydrated starfruit to fresh melons.

We also stoped just outside of Hana at Kaihalulu Beach or the “red sand beach” which was red, wet, and wild. The beach itself was a beautiful walk and the waves were crashing against the volcanic rock so violently and the surge on the shore came up so high the energy was culpable. People were actually in the water which made me nervous for their lives, even from shore.

Back on the road, continuing our loop counterclockwise toward Piha, we came across high-energy beach, Ho’okipa Beach, and this one was filled with surfers. We pulled right up to the edge of the beach and parked, watching surfers tackle those crazy waves at sunset. Each surfer looked like a tiny black ant, just a speck in the middle of those large swells. I later learned it is surfing season here in Hawaii and these will not be the biggest waves we will see on this trip. More on that here. 

Our trip around the island was nearly complete as we drove through the touristy town of Piha where the roadways have sidewalks and speed limits. Then it was back through the fields of sugarcane and to our home base in Kihei. The road to Hana is an all-day trip full of excitement, nerves, and beautiful views, a must do!