Hana Highway Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Hana Highway Panoramic Road Trip is a one-day route starting in Kahului and ending in Hana, both in the United States. The 86 km trip takes you through the towns of Wailua and Nāhiku, providing a truly unique experience that will stay with you forever. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the dry season, from May to October, when you can enjoy the panoramic views of lush green landscapes, stunning beaches, and overall good road conditions. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, though it should be noted that it requires a high budget to manage. Regardless, the Hana Highway Panoramic Road Trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
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number of days
86 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Kahului
Distance 86 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: slow
19.9 kWh
Airports
OGG
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Kahului, located on the island of Maui in the United States, is the perfect starting point for the road trip named "Hana Highway Panoramic Road". This beautiful Hawaiian town offers travelers the opportunity to explore stunning beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and picturesque waterfalls.
The closest international airport to Kahului is Kahului Airport (OGG), from which car rental services are available. From there, visitors can drive along the scenic Hana Highway and experience some of the most stunning views in Hawaii. Along the way, travelers can stop in the charming town of Hana, visit the majestic Iao Valley State Park, and take a dip in the Pools of Oheo.
Kahului is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, including Kanaha Beach Park, which boasts some of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding in the island. For those looking to take a break from the sun, the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum offers an interesting look at the history of the sugar industry in Maui.
No matter what travelers choose to do, Kahului is an ideal starting point for the road trip named "Hana Highway Panoramic Road". With its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and fascinating history, it is the perfect place to start an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.
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Kahului
- Wailua
Distance 60 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
15.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Kahului to Wailua! This 37mi journey will take you less than 2 hours, so you can enjoy the ride and the places along the way.
Start your journey in Kahului, home to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, where you can enjoy a variety of cultural events. Then, head to the Wailuku River State Park, where you can explore the natural beauty of the area and take in the stunning views of the Wailuku River.
Once you reach Wailua, you can visit the Wailua Falls, a beautiful waterfall located in the heart of the city. Then, take a stroll along the Wailea Beach and admire the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Finally, take a trip to the Wailua River State Park and explore the lush vegetation and wildlife of the area.
This is just one of the stages of your larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Wailua - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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2
Wailua
- Nāhiku
Distance 11 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
2.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Wailua-Nāhiku road trip stage! This 7mi drive will take you less than an hour to complete and is part of a larger tour.
Start your journey in Wailua, known for its beautiful beaches, lush green valleys and sacred sites. Be sure to visit the Wailua River State Park and the Wailua Falls to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Next, travel to Nāhiku and explore the area’s secluded beaches, waterfalls, and rainforest trails. Stop by the Nāhiku Marketplace to pick up some souvenirs and take in the local culture.
For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Nāhiku - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Nāhiku
- Hana
Distance 15 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready to embark on a 9mi journey from Nāhiku to Hana? This road trip is one of the most scenic drives in the world, with majestic views of the Hawaiian coast and lush rainforests. The drive takes less than an hour, but there are plenty of places to explore and experience along the way.
Start your journey in Nāhiku, where you can explore the beautiful waterfall and trails of the Nāhiku Market Place. Then, take a drive down the winding roads of the Hana Highway and take in the gorgeous views of the coast. Stop at the stunning Wailua Falls and take in the breathtaking views of the valley. You can also visit the historic Hana Bay and explore the local culture and history.
Continue your journey in Hana, where you can explore the stunning beaches, lush rainforest and take in the breathtaking views of Haleakala National Park. Visit the Haleakala Crater and take in the stunning views of the crater and the surrounding area. You can also explore the nearby Pools of Ohe’o, where you can swim in the crystal clear waters.
This is just a taste of the amazing experiences that await you on this road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the beauty of Nāhiku and Hana!
Hana - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Hana
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Hana, United States is the perfect destination to end your road trip along the “Hana Highway Panoramic Road”. This charming town is located on the eastern side of the Hawaiian island of Maui and is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery and attractions in the region.
A must-see attraction in Hana is the Hana Bay, which features the gorgeous Hana Beach. The beach is known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape. Other nearby attractions include the Hana Cultural Center and Museum, the Ka’uiki Head Lighthouse, and the Wai’anapanapa State Park, which is home to a black sand beach and lush, tropical gardens.
Those who prefer to explore the natural beauty of Hana on foot can take a walk along the Hana Rainforest Trail, which offers stunning views of the coastline and nearby waterfalls. For a more thrilling experience, take a drive along the Hana Highway and explore the winding roads and breathtaking vistas.
The closest international airport to Hana is Kahului Airport (OGG), located just over an hour away. From there, travelers can rent a car and drive the rest of the way to Hana to end their journey along the “Hana Highway Panoramic Road”.
Hana Highway Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Kahului
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End:
Hana
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Distance:
86 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Kahului Airport (OGG)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Hana Highway Panoramic Road Trip, a stunning 52-mile (approximately 84 kilometers) journey from Kahului to the tranquil town of Hana on the island of Maui, Hawaii. This route, also known as the Road to Hana, is famed for its incredible beauty and numerous curves. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
As you wind along this coastal highway, you'll traverse through the charming towns of Paia, Wailua, and Nāhiku, each offering unique attractions and local culture. Along the route, be captivated by over 600 curves and 59 bridges, many of which are one-lane. You'll witness a kaleidoscope of lush rainforests, dramatic sea cliffs, and serene beaches. Notable sights include the Ke‘anae Peninsula, Wai‘ānapanapa State Park with its black sand beach, the Seven Sacred Pools at ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, and the numerous waterfalls, such as Twin Falls and Waikani Falls, that beckon Roadtrippers to stop and take in their majesty.
Best Time to Go:
To maximize your experience, plan your Road Trip during Maui's dry season, which typically runs from May to October. During this time, you'll be greeted with clearer skies and safer driving conditions. The drier weather also makes it ideal for hiking and exploring the many trails that offer intimate encounters with the island's natural wonders.
Potential Risks:
The Hana Highway is a challenging drive, known for its narrow stretches, sharp turns, and sometimes slick surfaces due to rainfall. It's important for drivers to remain alert, drive slowly, and respect the local traffic etiquette. Additionally, flash floods can occur, so staying informed about weather conditions is crucial for a safe journey.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Hana Highway is designated as the Hawaii Routes 36 and 360.
- The construction of the original Hana Road began in the early 1900s and was completed in 1926.
- Some of the bridges along the route date back to 1910 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- In the Hawaiian language, `Hana` means `craft` or `work,` reflecting the town's heritage as a former center of taro cultivation.
- Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator, is buried near Hana, and Roadtrippers can visit his grave at the Palapala Ho‘omau Church.
A good choice for:
While the Hana Highway Panoramic Road Trip may require more investment and preparation than some other journeys, the rewards are unparalleled. With its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for cultural immersion, this Road Trip is a captivating adventure that showcases the enchanting spirit of Maui and offers an in-depth look at Hawaii's diverse ecosystem and heritage.