Final Information – Driving The Highway to Hana, Maui…

Jack Johnston strums his guitar and sings of Taylor discovering a greater world.

Whereas I’m not wishing for a greater world myself, his breezy laid again acoustic tunes are the right good friend for our journey driving the Highway to Hana in Maui, one of the crucial well-known highway journeys in Hawaii.

Jack Johnson has stated in interviews earlier than that his muse for writing songs doesn’t come from pushing the artwork however by being current with nature, with the Hawaiian air and ocean and the songs simply begin coming.

In essence, join deeply to life and let it move.

There’s nothing distracting you from the essence of life on the Highway to Hana, besides maybe Jack’s soothing melodies.

The 45-mile highway to Hana drive from Paia to Hana is embedded on the facet of the excessive jungle cliffs plunging into the ocean revealing panoramic Pacific Ocean views, bamboo jungle and Norfolk pines, sacred waterfalls and swimming holes, lava tubes, tropical flowers and roadside meals stands.

The mountain streams present a refreshing reward for the numerous twists and turns.

Maintain your abdomen tight, up forward you have got 617 hairpin curves and 56 one-lane bridges. You’re going to wish a little bit of stamina, particularly on that lengthy winding highway house. You’re going to be wishing you could possibly click on your heels thrice.

Driving the Highway to Hana in Maui is excessive on the bucket listing of many who wish to go to Maui, the second largest island within the Hawaiian Islands.

For us, this highway journey fell just a little in need of our expectations given the exhausting size of these windy roads. We discovered notable sights have been poorly marked, and since we now have carried out so many nice drives just like the Daintree Rainforest and Nice Ocean Highway in Australia, and the Chapman’s Peak Drive and Backyard Route in South Africa, we have been just a little under-awed.

Nevertheless, if a scenic jungle drive is one thing you haven’t carried out earlier than, you’ll in all probability adore it.

On this Highway to Hana information we’ll share with you the perfect Highway to Hana stops with just a few suggestions for driving the Highway to Hana so you possibly can have the perfect expertise potential (this is the reason we do that so we will use our errors that will help you have a greater expertise!)

Final Highway to Hana Information

The Hana Freeway is a 64.Four-mile (103.6 km) lengthy stretch of a two-lane highway connecting Kahului with the city of Hana in east Maui.

Though Hana is simply about 52 miles (84 km) from Kahului, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive with out stops! The Highway to Hana stops are marked out by Highway to Hana mile markers, however these aren’t all the time clearly marked!

The Hana freeway continues to Kīpahulu as Hawaii Route 31 (the Piilani Freeway) and has different worthy issues to see (some say the perfect of the Highway to Hana stops), however as talked about it’s poorly marked.

We tried to maintain going previous Hana but it surely felt like we have been simply turning and turning and had no concept the place we have been or how far we have been from the waterfalls and swimming holes, so via exhaustion gave as much as return again to Ka’anapali.

I can’t stress sufficient the significance of a superb map and Highway to Hana information for this highway journey.

The Highway to Hana App and Information

We departed with a few vacationer brochures, which included a map. Time constraints now depart me little analysis time, so I assumed that may be greater than ample. WRONG!

The Highway to Hana is one you don’t wish to go unprepared for, particularly with a superb map and information. This could be the primary factor I’d do in a different way.

As talked about issues are poorly marked, in order that waterfall you heard that was so superb, you’ll by no means know the place it’s! A few issues are marked however not the entire Highway to Hana highlights.

In fact, I went into frantic on-line search and located a highway to Hana app that appeared actually helpful, however misplaced my web connection earlier than I may get it!!

I’ve learn many critiques since to say it’s top-of-the-line Highway to Hana apps that will help you have essentially the most superb expertise. It prices $Four.95 however I reckon it’s cash nicely spent so you possibly can have the perfect expertise in your Hana highway journey.

For individuals who need extra conventional info, there’s a Highway to Hana information on CD which will get good critiques. It comes with 26 narrated tracks overlaying the highest 15 spots on the Highway to Hana in Maui, a big map with vital mile markers, pattern 1 and 2-day itineraries, driving suggestions for the Highway to Hana, a guidelines of things to carry, and photographs of the Highway to Hana.

Greatest Highway to Hana Stops

What are the perfect highway to Hana highlights?

Under is the perfect highway to Hana stops we suggest, or wished we had extra time or information of to expertise on this well-known highway journey in Hawaii.

Paia City

Paia originated within the 50’s as a Hawaiian plantation village. It has since developed a popularity as a laid-back city widespread with world-class windsurfing.

It suppose the surfers might just like the waves right here too.

A few of Maui’s finest seashores are identified to be right here and are nonetheless surrounded by sugar cane.

It is likely to be value spending a little bit of time right here to soak up the bohemian (others may time period hippy) vibe, eclectic storefronts, eating places, boutique procuring and yoga studios – all on one highway!

Mana Meals is claimed to be the perfect pure meals retailer on Maui. Undecided how we missed that one!

I assumed Paia appeared extra attention-grabbing on the drive house – it appeared extra vibrant. It was fairly sleepy after we handed via within the morning. We stopped for a fast espresso at Paia Bay Espresso, and I really feel Paia may deserve just a little longer than that.

It may very well be an possibility to remain the evening right here both earlier than or after the highway journey to Hana. Ka’anapali Seaside Resort (the place we stayed) is one other 50-minute drive from right here.

Twin Falls – Mile Marker 2

Nobody on the Highway to Hana acquired the message that just a little scramble down the muddy rocky ravine with the help of tree roots – we have been all sporting flip flops – climbing Hawaiian fashion.

Twin Falls is the primary of the accessible highway to Hana waterfalls and is a one-mile spherical journey stroll from the parking zone. The path in is gorgeous. Stroll as much as the highest of the primary falls to see one other smaller cascading one. We didn’t swim within the swimming pools however noticed others doing it, so carry your swimmers.

There’s a snack stand upon arrival as nicely.

For extra native tips on trails and hidden waterfalls and swimming holes within the Twin Falls space try this insider information!

Backyard of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Backyard – Mile Marker 10.5

26 lush acres and greater than 700 species of flowers, Backyard of Eden has essentially the most diversified assortment of vegetation throughout the state, a coastal view of the opening scene to “Jurassic Park,” and a newly constructed overlook onto a waterfall.

At $15 per grownup, $5 per baby, I discover the doorway payment just a little dear however I truly actually loved it and it was one in all my favourite spots on the Highway to Hana.

We didn’t know the value till we drove as much as the doorway and though we hesitated, we determined to as we have been already there. Would I pay that worth once more although?

Would I pay that worth once more although? Undecided. I’d if I used to be alone or it was per car. For a household of 4 like us consider $40.

After we first drove into the chook feeding space and noticed a crowd of individuals feeding peacocks, geese and geese I started to worry over the cash we spent that this was not going to supply a lot. How a lot chook feeding are you able to do in a lifetime of journey?

Nevertheless, as soon as we dove into the range of the gardens I started to confide in how particular the expense was.

The gardens are divided into sections, every with clearly marked and straightforward strolling trails previous vegetation native and indigenous to Hawaii, and unique ones from across the South Pacific area and the world’s rain forests.

You’ll be able to stroll via the bamboo alley to a 100-year-old mango tree. Be sure you cease in entrance of the bamboo clusters so your children can take heed to the ghostly groaning sounds they make as they sway towards one another.

Head to the overlooks on the sides of the arboretum to see the Higher and Decrease Puohokamoa Falls, the latter of which cascades over a 200-foot cliff under the Highway to Hana.

One purpose for visiting the Backyard of Eden is that these falls are comparatively hidden and inaccessible to the general public, which makes this the perfect view you’ll get of them.

There’s additionally an open-air platform to see Keopuka Rock, also referred to as Jurassic Rock due to its look within the 1993 film’s opening sequence. It’s means off within the distance and, though I don’t bear in mind it, I can clearly see the resemblance to Jurassic park scenes within the surrounding surroundings.

I additionally liked the view we bought throughout the gardens of the winding Hana Freeway under. Photographers and Videographers will adore it. The gardens are a fairly oasis. You will want at the least 30 minutes to an hour right here to totally expertise it.

Kaumahina State Wayside Park – Mile Marker 12

In the event you’re in want a WC, picnic desk, or a spot to stretch your legs, this space is the place you wish to cease.

There are adventurous climbing trails close by. Observe; they aren’t maintained or simply accessible.

Most individuals pull over for the coastal view. We stopped briefly as we had a superb stretch of our legs on the Backyard of Eden.

Ke’anae Arboretum – Mile Marker 16.7

We missed this spot however upon my analysis, I’ve seen that it is likely to be just a little gem value pulling over for.

The botanical backyard sits alongside the Pi’inau’au Stream and inside a rainforest and is free to enter. There’s a half a mile paved walkway via 150 sorts of tropical vegetation.

Wailua Valley State Wayside – Mile Marker 18.eight

We took the steps on the appropriate of Wailua Valley State Wayside to the highest and have been handled to a view of  Ke‘anae Valley and Wailua on the ocean and Ko‘olau Hole within the mountains and the village of Wailua. It is going to be a fast cease, however definitely worth the scene.

Higher Waikani Falls – Mile Marker 19.5 (ish)

The Higher Waikani Falls is also referred to as Three Bear Falls due to the three separate however parallel falls of differing lengths – with the third and smallest being the “child bear” falls on the appropriate.

It is without doubt one of the hottest waterfalls of all of the Highway to Hana stops. It’s a fast cease, proper on the facet of the highway.

There are restricted parking spots right here so we grabbed a fast picture and moved on. In the event you can handle it stroll beneath the bridge on the ocean facet of the Hana Freeway. The foliage is lush and inexperienced which makes it a picturesque and tranquil place for swimming.

In the event you can handle it stroll beneath the bridge on the ocean facet of the Hana Freeway. The foliage is lush and inexperienced which makes it a picturesque and tranquil place for swimming.

Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park – Mile Marker 22.5

I solely seen this spot on the way in which again. By that stage, we have been over it and targeted on getting house.

The automotive park was closed which is why we might haven’t seen it but it surely appeared like an amazing spot for swimming. It’s a five-acre space lush with tropical vegetation and waterfalls.

Apparently, warning is suggested when strolling to the waterfalls, particularly these deeper into the jungle! There are additionally bogs and picnic tables right here.

Nahiku Market – Mile Marker 29

We stopped off right here on the way in which again for a leg stretch, and a snack for the ladies who have been now beginning to lose it after an extended day already. We nonetheless had an extended journey again. Nahiku

Nahiku Market is a set of roadside stalls with quite a lot of meals choices, espresso, and native wares.

I’ve heard that the locals listed below are very sad about vacationers detouring off the Hana Freeway to discover extra of the scenic drives across the space.

Wai’napanapa  State Park – Mile Marker 32

Relying on how you might be for time and the way hungry you might be (if you happen to’re not bringing your personal lunch) you possibly can go to Wai’napanapa State Park both earlier than or after Hana on the return house.

It’s shut sufficient to Hana to slot in it in both means. We stopped in on the way in which again and I want we had extra time to remain longer and discover.

It’s strikingly stunning with the black sand seashore named Pai’iloa Seaside, the intense inexperienced flowers, and turquoise waters.

There are climbing trails to take you to sea arches, blowholes, caves, lava tubes and beautiful view to the East Maui shoreline.

It’s possible you’ll even wish to keep awhile for swimming. The waves appeared fairly tough and sucky after we have been right here although so be cautious. It’s finest to verify with the native’s swimming circumstances of seashores. I do know we lose loads of vacationers annually on our Australian seashores as a result of they enter not understanding the native circumstances.

The interpretation for Wai’anapanapa is “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues”, each of that are correct in describing the highly effective distinction between the black, pebble lava area and the deep blue-greens of the ocean.

Yow will discover extra in-depth info on WAi’napanapa State Park right here.

Hana

It’s while you arrive in Hana that you simply understand the Highway to Hana is much less concerning the vacation spot and extra concerning the journey.

There’s actually not loads to see right here.

It’s nonetheless in a really pristine, underdeveloped state which is improbable to see and provides a singular attraction, though I discovered the seashore gray and non-descript. You may want to keep just a little longer to discover the historical past and vibe just a little extra deeply.

It’s stated that The hill beside Koki Seaside is claimed to be the location the place the hearth goddess Pele fought her older sister, Namakaokaha’i, goddess of the ocean. Right here is the place Pele’s bones relaxation after her defeat, although her spirit went to Kilauea on the Huge Island of Hawaii.

For lunch, the road for the Thai meals truck close to the baseball area was lengthy and signaled to us that this was the place we’d roll in for lunch. We had a few readers suggest it to us as nicely. They have been proper as standard it was a Hana spotlight – genuine Thai amidst the rainforests of Hana. Who’d have thought?

You’ll be able to proceed 0n from Hana to discover extra surroundings, however as talked about the signage was even worse and we bought extra drained.

It’s the place the mile markers get complicated. It appears as if they’re measured with the start level from the tip of the Hana Freeway reasonably than persevering with on from Hana.

Hamoa Seaside – Mile Marker 50 (2.5 miles south of Hana)

Persistently named as one in all Maui’s finest seashores, Hamoa Seaside is lined with sea cliffs, hala bushes and plush vegetation.

The crescent formed seashore has silky peppery sand, not like lots of the black grainy and pebbly seashores, and makes it’s a great spot to loosen up for awhile earlier than beginning your drive again.

Relying on the wave circumstances, it may be very household pleasant. When the waves break, it’s a lot liked by surfers. Know what you might be doing although as there have been fairly intense shore breakers after we visited.

Wailua Falls – Mile Marker 45

It was solely as we have been on our means again down the Hana Freeway that we handed this once more and I spotted it will need to have been the Wailua Falls.

There wasn’t loads of water operating and nobody round so it appeared like simply one other waterfall and never value pulling over for. You’ll be able to simply take a snap out of your automotive, it’s that near the highway and a pull over for you to take action.

I’m nonetheless not 100% positive that it was the place I noticed as I”ve seen descriptions about crowds of individuals, and native distributors however nobody was round for us.

There’s a fast stroll all the way down to the plunge pool for a refreshing swim and views. The water cascades 80 toes down the facet of the plush jungle wall. If the water was gushing it will be fairly spectacular!

‘Ohe’o Gulch “Seven Sacred Swimming pools’ – Mile Marker 42

‘Ohe’o means “One thing Particular”, which is why we have been on a mission to maintain happening the Highway to Hana to expertise it.

Many individuals advisable this because the spotlight. ‘Ohe’o Gulch is situated throughout the Haleakala Nationwide Park.

When open a correct map and information on this a part of the journey can be important as there was no signage by any means saying how shut you have been to the swimming pools. Our maps have been ineffective. We had no concept the place we have been on the highway and the way far we needed to go. We may have simply been two minutes away after we turned again however we had to select.

I used to be stunned that there was no signage indicating the situation of one thing so well-known! I do know we must always have been higher ready which is why I’m stressing to you the significance of a superb map and information for the Highway to Hana.

There are greater than 7 swimming pools right here when the water ranges are up, a lot of that are open for swimming if the water ranges make it protected. Be sure you comply with all indicators as folks have died right here fro rock slides and particles flowing over the falls.

It’s also possible to camp right here and from footage I’ve seen, it seems beautiful and can be a Highway to Hana spotlight for positive.

Highway to Hana Excursions

An alternative choice, if you happen to didn’t wish to do drive the Highway to Hana your self, is to hitch a Highway to Hana tour with Viator. You’ll be able to then sit again and loosen up and guarantee another person takes you to the perfect spots.

Suggestions for Driving the Highway to Hana

• Begin Earlier. We all the time have good intentions however with children stuff occurs. We left Ka’anapali Seaside Resort at 8am, I feel 6am is a greater concept!
• We discovered the markers horrible on the Highway to Hana. Plan earlier than hand or wing it and comply with the automotive in entrance of you!
• Get the app.
• If you’re solely counting on automotive radio, station 95.1 had nice music.
• The meals choices aren’t improbable. There are a few roadside stalls and fruit stands. Take snacks simply in case.
• Take an honest map and Highway to Hana Information.
• Rent a jeep wrangler as a result of they appeared so cool with the Highway to Hana surroundings. Make it crimson. Greatest in your photographs.
• Probably keep alongside the highway – there are some lodging choices. Particularly in case you have children, you might wish to break the journey up. It was an intensely huge day for us, which wiped us out for the remainder of our time in Maui. We canceled another deliberate excursions so we may get better on Kaanapali Seaside.
• Swim at extra waterfalls, simpler so that you can do if you happen to spend greater than at some point on the Highway to Hana, in any other case your time can be restricted.
• Pack extra water than you suppose you’ll want. Nothing like drained, scorching children and also you’ve run out of water.
• Look ahead to the locals. They hate all of the vacationers blocking up the highway. With good purpose, they’re not driving on it to see the sights, they’ve bought work to take care of. You’ll know who they’re as they’ll drive quick and tailgate you. Pull over for them and allow them to previous. A pair have been driving on the little aggressive and harmful facet.
• Pack spare digicam batteries and SD playing cards for the cameras.
• Moveable charger in your telephones.
• Do your due diligence beforehand, determine on just a few places that look essentially the most intriguing, and take your time at every location.

I hope this Highway to Hana Information may also help you have got a tremendous time.

It’s stunning if you happen to haven’t carried out loads of coastal or jungle highway journeys and I feel if you happen to go absolutely ready with the appropriate info and time, you’ll have a memorable expertise.

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Final Information – Driving The Highway to Hana, Maui
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