Trip to Hana

Hana, isolated from the rest of the island, is truly the last undeveloped tropical paradise on Maui. Picturesque views of spectacular waterfalls, the rugged Hana shoreline, and some of the best beaches on the island can only begin to describe what awaits you on this journey. The 52 mile trip from Kahului Airport will take 2-4 hours depending on how often you stop along the Narrow, Winding Hana Highway (560). Explore the various parks and lookouts as you drive through Maui’s only coastal rainforest accessible by car. The charm of Hana is the fact that little has changed over the last 20 years. Untouched by the major developments of the other side of the island, the Hana community has managed to perpetuate the small town atmosphere, Hawaiian culture and most of all, its natural scenic beauty. Source

I will attest that Hana is a must see for anyone visiting Maui but I will also warn you about the dangers of making the drive out there. First of all the drive is very long, not only because of the distance but in most areas the road becomes narrow making it hard to navigate with oncoming traffic. The guard rails which protect the vehicle from going off the cliff are outdated so the dangers will be apparent the further you drive. Also be careful which areas you pull off to, some beaches may require 4 wheel drive and you could end up stranding yourself if you're not prepared. I’d recommend doing some research before you make the drive or taking someone experienced to guide you. If you love the untouched country scenery and want to see Maui in its purest form, Hana is the place to visit.