He's definitely correct! If you are going for only one day, you really have to pick and choose. We decided that Garden of Eden (Jurrassic Park film location), Pipiwai Trail, Ho'okipa Beach, and Waikamoi Falls were our top priorities, but everybody is different. Just take your time and don't rush. Be safe. And most importantly, enjoy one of the most gorgeous drives in the U.S!! 💙
Love this journey - truly a beautiful experience. I have to say it is not for everyone - some get car sick ... and some gets disappointed that Hana is simply a small town (it really is the journey, and and itʻs for those who love nature). As for me I love it there; and I recommend staying for a night or two
It's been 20 years since we were on the Island of Maui. We did the road to Hana and it was such a treat. Totally beautiful. No way near the traffic of today. I think the explosion of crowds would take away the enjoyment of the trip. I will say that the Loop road around Hana has not changed. NO WAY would they let a rental car go forth on that road. Enter at your own risk!!! Wonderful photography here and great tips!
We drove the road to Hana and kept going around the island. It’s not recommend but possible. The cliff side roads are crazy and dangerous. My wife was terrified and I had the time of my life 😂
All great tips. If you can afford it 2 days is way better than 1. Depending on how far you want to hike and IF you can depending on the weather the 7 sacred pools are a day in itself. We tend to stay in Kihei so we do the entire loop. I have done this trip a dozen times now and never did the back and forth. I recommend if doing the 2 days, or, if the pools are a must, then to do the road backwards compared to everyone else. Nowhere near as much on the west side of Maui to be seen and if you start early you will make it to the pools much earlier. When I say start early, I don't mean at 8 in the morning. You want to be fully gassed and taking off when it's still dark outside. If doing the 2 day trip when you get to the pools if the weather is uncooperative then when you get up the next day in Hana you can double back to the pools (about a 30 minute drive) see them and then be on your way. Pro tip: not only should you leave way early, but it's okay if you have the time to drive past your hotel and see as much as you can, then, turn back and go to your hotel. You could also consider knocking part of the trip off before going if you are near Paia on another day by driving part of the route, say, to Kaumahina state park or so. We never eat at road side food places we pack a cooler full of food and drinks and eat as we go. It's so much more economical and so much faster and you end up seeing so much more.
2:36 We couldn't even drive the loop back due to the road being closed that way (May 2023). I'm glad we didn't go that way, sounds sketchy. It was definitely a memorable, long drive. Almost got side-swiped by a flatbed truck and I would've gotten hit if i didnt scoot over. Your tips are right on! DO get a small car, let the fast locals pass, get banana bread, and prepare to have a looong day.
I really like your channel. Especially when you say that it's good for mobility challenges on hiking trails. I do not travel like I would like to so thank you for bringing the adventure to my living room
When i saw road to hana in May (22 years ago), the waterfalls were super-gushing from a recent deluge of rain & very muddy looking (not very photo worthy or pretty😂) and it also caused a big rock fall that luckily did NOT block the whole road, so we got around it...but it was cool to see that side of the island.
going to disagree with Josh (sorry Josh!) on this one--you absolutely should drive the back side of Maui instead of turning around going back the same way. The "dangerous" (it really isn't) part lasts for just a few miles. It soon becomes a very smooth paved 2 way road. Its definitely worth it. Just my opinion!
Did this trip on a whim yesterday. Didn’t know I needed a reservation so couldn’t get into the park . The lady at the entrance was very rude for no reason . Oh well . Also the road to do the loop Is closed thanks to a landslide. So we had lunch at the Hana Ranch which was delicious. I highly recommend the Poke Tostada . The wait staff was awesome. Next time I’ll plan better . I enjoyed driving the road other than idiots that stop on bridges for pictures or obviously shouldn’t have been driving it because they were bad drivers. If you’re slow get out of the way . I don’t recommend this drive for everyone. I have a small Nissan which was perfect for this road .
Bug spray for Pipiwai Trail. Thirty (30) dollar entrance fee to Haleakala National Park Kipahulu district. Can use again within 72 hours for summit Haleakala. Hana Farms Roadside stand had amazing pizza. We left Kapalua early (6 am). Got our banana bread at Aunty Sandy's at 830 and went all the way to Pipiwai Trail. Did that. Wanted to go to Hamoa Beach but it was packed Drove Hana Farms (45 minutes from Pipiwai Trail). Ate our pizza and awaited our 3 pm time slot for Wainapanapa.
Beware of car sickness. Some passengers cannot handle the motion of all the curves. Put on sea bands before embarking on your journey. Keep a thermos of cold water.
Did the road to Hana to visit Ono organic farm. The quicker way was closed for construction. Super pretty but you do get stuck behind other tourists will not so much common sense and block the roads. We were in a bit of a rush to get to Hana so ended up behind a local which was great because they don’t deal with that and honk to clear the way. Also be careful there are Many dogs that end up running down the road lost.
I did that road in the 90's and stayed with a friend up in the hills in a hut. All these crazy eccentric retired lawyers and accountants bought property and huts up in there and were running around in the nude collecting fruit. It was a very strange trip- but also gorgeous.
Road to Hana was beautiful but very dangerous. Most of the attractions are not available until half way through. The crowds make it very difficult to park and enjoy the free waterfalls and beautiful views.
Not mentioned but related to the weather: If a flash flood has been forecast, DO NOT under any circumstance enter a swimming site or stream. Things will end very badly.
We recently filmed the waimoku hike at the national park and then realized we need a permit to post any footage from inside the park. Did you have the same problem or find a work around ? Great video! 🤙
Tip 10, respect the local people and their culture, living in Hawai’i is not easy or cheap, jobs are limited ! Study our culture, before you come to our state, this is not Disney Land in any way . Leave footprints and Aloha Spirit, nothing else, mahalo nui loa ….
Be sure to read the article of the people that were carjacked on the road to Hana and then chased up into the mountains with some crazy dude and a gun. Be careful out there bro! And don't forget that Hawaii uses one sea cargo ship of imported oil every single day of the year. Don't contribute to that nonsense!
