The Hana Highway is a 64-mile road on Maui's eastern coast that winds through rainforest, past waterfalls, and along coastal cliffs, taking 2 to 3 hours to drive without stops

The road officially runs from Kahului to the town of Hana on Maui's windward side. It is not a highway in the interstate sense — it is a narrow, winding two-lane road (Hawaii Route 36, then Route 360) that climbs and descends repeatedly, crosses more than 600 curves, and passes over 50 one-lane bridges. Most of those bridges are old concrete structures built in the 1920s and 1930s. The drive is famous because the landscape changes constantly: you move from dry West Maui through increasingly wet forest, past dozens of waterfalls and swimming holes, and end at the small town of Hana, which sits on a peninsula with black-sand beaches.

The road itself is the destination. Few people drive it to reach Hana and leave — most stop repeatedly to walk to waterfalls, swim, take photographs, and eat at roadside stands. A realistic trip takes 5 to 8 hours round-trip from central Maui, including stops.

Key Takeaways

  • The drive is 64 miles one way and takes 2 to 3 hours of driving time alone, but most visitors spend 5 to 8 hours total because the scenery demands frequent stops.
  • The road has 600+ curves and 50+ one-lane bridges, so it is not suitable for drivers uncomfortable with narrow, winding roads or tight spaces.
  • Cell service is spotty or absent for most of the drive, so read offline maps and fill your gas tank before leaving Kahului or Paia.
  • Waterfalls and swimming holes are free and accessible from pullouts along the road, but parking is limited and popular spots fill early in the day.
  • The road is open year-round, but heavy rain can make it slippery and occasionally close sections temporarily; check conditions before you go.

Road conditions and what the curves actually feel like

The Hana Highway is not a straightforward drive. The road climbs from sea level to about 1,200 feet, then descends again. It has roughly 600 curves — some are gentle, but many are sharp switchbacks where you cannot see the road ahead. The one-lane bridges are the most talked-about feature: when you approach one, you must yield to oncoming traffic. If a car is coming, you wait or back up. Most bridges have a small sign showing who has the right of way based on which direction you are traveling, but the system changes from bridge to bridge.

The road surface is paved throughout, but it is narrow — often barely wide enough for two cars to pass. In some sections, the shoulder drops off steeply. Rental cars are fine, but large vehicles (full-size SUVs, vans, trucks) are difficult to maneuver and can hold up traffic. Many rental companies discourage or prohibit the Hana Highway in their contracts. If you are uncomfortable with winding mountain roads, this drive will be stressful rather than enjoyable.

Weather affects the road significantly. The windward side of Maui is wet — it receives 200+ inches of rain per year in some spots. Rain makes the road slippery, and visibility drops. Sections occasionally close due to landslides or flooding, though this is rare. Check the Maui County website or call the Maui Police Department non-emergency line (808-244-6400) before you leave if the weather looks uncertain.

Waterfalls, swimming holes, and roadside stops

The Hana Highway is lined with waterfalls and natural pools. Most are accessible by short walks (5 to 20 minutes) from pullouts along the road. The most famous include Twin Falls (near the start, about 2 miles in), Wailua Falls, and Wailulu Falls. These spots are free and require no reservation. However, parking is limited — popular waterfalls can have full parking areas by mid-morning, especially in winter when mainland tourists visit. If you arrive after 10 a.m., you may find no parking and have to move on.

Some waterfalls require walking across private land. Local landowners have allowed access for decades, but they can close it at any time. Respect posted signs, stay on marked paths, and do not leave trash. A few waterfalls charge a small fee (usually $3 to $5) to park and walk to them; these are privately maintained and the fee goes to upkeep.

Beyond waterfalls, the road passes through small towns and past roadside fruit and flower stands. Paia (before the highway proper begins) has restaurants and shops. Along the road, you will find shave ice stands, banana bread vendors, and small cafes. Hana town itself has a few restaurants and a general store, but options are limited and prices are higher than elsewhere on Maui because everything must be driven in.

Gas, supplies, and what to bring

Fill your gas tank before you leave Kahului or Paia. There is no gas station on the Hana Highway itself, and Hana has no gas station. If you run low, you will have to drive back the way you came. Cell service is unreliable or absent for most of the drive — read an offline map (Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Gaia GPS all allow offline downloads) before you leave.

Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water at swimming holes, and you can burn quickly even on cloudy days. Wear shoes suitable for wet rocks if you plan to swim — the rocks are slippery and sharp. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho; afternoon showers are common, and the road can be wet even when it is not actively raining where you are.

Do not rely on credit cards at every stop. Some small stands and vendors are cash-only. Bring cash in small bills.

Timing: when to go and how long to plan

The drive is open year-round. Winter (November to March) brings more tourists and more rain. Summer (June to August) is drier and less crowded, but still busy. The absolute best time for fewer crowds is late April through May or September through early October, when the weather is still good but tourism is lower.

Start early — ideally by 7 or 8 a.m. — if you want to find parking at popular waterfalls and avoid afternoon traffic. The road is narrow, and meeting oncoming cars is constant; starting early means you are less likely to be stuck behind slow-moving traffic for long stretches. Plan to spend at least 5 to 8 hours on the round-trip, including stops. If you only have 3 to 4 hours, you will spend most of it driving and miss the point of the trip.

Some people drive the road one way and return via the back side of Maui (via Kaupo and Ulupalakua), which takes longer but avoids retracing the same curves. This route is rougher and less developed, and it adds 1 to 2 hours to the trip. It is an option only if you are comfortable with unpaved sections and have a full tank of gas.

Safety and driving tips

Stay in your lane on the curves. The road has no center line in many sections, and oncoming traffic can appear suddenly. Honk your horn before entering blind curves to alert other drivers. Slow down — the speed limit is 20 to 40 mph depending on the section, and it is enforced. Speeding on the Hana Highway is dangerous and common; do not do it.

Yield at the one-lane bridges. If a car is approaching, wait or back up. Do not try to race across or assume the other driver will back up. Locals use this road regularly and know it well; tourists do not. Be courteous.

Do not stop on the road to take photographs. Pull completely into a pullout or parking area. Stopping on the shoulder or in a curve creates a hazard for other drivers.

If you feel tired or stressed, pull over and rest. The drive is long and requires focus. There is no shame in taking a break or turning back if you are uncomfortable.

What happens after Hana

Hana town is small — a few hundred people live there year-round. The main attractions are Hana Bay (a black-sand beach), the Hana Cultural Center, and nearby Waianapanapa State Park, which has a black-sand beach, sea caves, and hiking trails. If you drive past Hana, the road continues to Kipahulu, where Haleakala National Park's Kipahulu District offers hiking and swimming at Oheo Gulch (also called Seven Sacred Pools). This section is rougher and less developed than the main highway.

Most people do not spend the night in Hana, but a few small hotels and vacation rentals exist if you want to. Staying overnight means you can explore at a slower pace and avoid the rush-hour traffic of everyone leaving at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hana Highway safe for rental cars?

Yes, the road is paved and maintained, but it is narrow and winding. Many rental companies restrict or prohibit the Hana Highway in their contracts. Check your rental agreement before you book. If you are uncomfortable with tight curves and one-lane bridges, this road will be stressful.

Can I drive the Hana Highway at night?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The road is dark, curves are hard to see, and oncoming headlights can be blinding on narrow sections. Most accidents happen at night. Drive during daylight hours.

What if I get stuck behind a slow car?

Passing is difficult and dangerous on most of the road. If you are behind a slow driver, accept it and enjoy the scenery. Tailgating or attempting to pass on curves is how accidents happen. Leave early to avoid heavy traffic.

Are the waterfalls safe to swim in?

Most are safe, but conditions vary. Rocks are slippery, and currents can be strong after heavy rain. Do not jump from rocks or cliffs. Respect any warning signs. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay in shallow areas or skip swimming altogether.

What should I do if my car breaks down?

Cell service is spotty, so you may not be able to call for help when ready. If you break down, stay with your car and wait for another driver to pass and relay a message, or drive slowly to the nearest town. This is another reason to start early and avoid driving alone if possible.