Road to Hana in reverse

Question

Hi everyone, we are currently in Maui (Kihei) and considering driving the road to Hana. Husband & I have done it a couple of times many years ago but our young adult son's have not been to Maui before and would like to experience it.

I have been doing some research and came across suggestions to get an early start and drive straight to Hana (or 7 Sacred Pools) and then slowly making our way back stopping when and where we want along the way. Seems that going against the traffic could have you arriving at many popular spots with less crowds? I did read however, that many of the parking areas/pullouts are on the right hand side of the road. Wondering if this makes it impossible or more difficult to make stops in that direction.

Just a note that we have no intention of driving the backside loop (I've done this myself years ago with locals who had proper vehicle insurance....I didnt find it that appealing anyway as quite dry and barren so not interested in going past the pools). Appreciate any and all advice as always!

Answer

The idea of driving the Road to Hana in reverse—starting from Hana and making your way back towards the more popular spots—is definitely a smart strategy for avoiding crowds, especially on a busy day. Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning this route:

Benefits of Driving the Road to Hana in Reverse:

Less Traffic: As you correctly pointed out, going against the flow of traffic means you'll likely encounter fewer crowds, especially at some of the popular stops like the black sand beaches and waterfalls. Most tourists begin the journey from the Kahului side of Maui, so heading the opposite way can give you a much more relaxed experience.
More Time at Stops: Since the crowds are likely to be smaller, you'll have more time to enjoy each stop without the rush. You'll be able to take your time exploring places like the Seven Sacred Pools, which tends to get crowded in the late morning and afternoon.
More Scenic Drive Back: Driving back from Hana in the afternoon also offers some stunning views as the sun begins to lower. It’s a nice way to take in the changing landscape and appreciate the road in a different light.

Challenges of Driving the Road to Hana in Reverse:

Parking Considerations: As you mentioned, most of the parking areas and pull-offs along the Road to Hana are on the right-hand side of the road. This means that if you're driving in reverse (starting from Hana and heading west), you’ll need to be extra cautious when pulling off to the left side. It may make stopping at some spots a bit more challenging, especially for those scenic overlooks and waterfalls.
Turns and Curves: While the road itself isn’t more difficult to navigate in reverse, it’s worth noting that the Road to Hana has plenty of sharp turns and narrow sections. You'll still need to stay alert, especially since the first part of the drive toward Hana is less crowded, but there can still be tight turns and places where you’ll need to yield to traffic.

Other Tips for Your Road to Hana Trip:

Start Early: Even if you're driving in reverse, an early start is still recommended to maximize your time at the more popular spots when they’re less crowded. This is especially true if you're planning to visit the Seven Sacred Pools or Wainapanapa State Park.
Make Sure Your Rental Car is Suitable: Since you’re not taking the back road (which can be rugged), a regular rental car should suffice. However, if you do decide to explore any of the more rugged trails or off-the-beaten-path spots, a vehicle with higher clearance could be beneficial.
Avoid the Backside Loop: As you mentioned, you’re not interested in the backside of the Hana Loop, and that’s a good call if you’re not comfortable with the conditions or don’t want to risk a rental car insurance issue. It’s worth noting that the back road can be very treacherous, and many rental car companies prohibit driving it.

Recommended Stops on Your Reverse Drive: (besides the Seven Sacred Pools and Hana town itself)

Wainapanapa State Park: One of the more iconic stops along the road, known for its black sand beach and lava tubes.
Hamoa Beach: A quiet, beautiful spot for a quick stop or picnic. The beach is often less crowded than others on the Hana side.
Hanawi Falls: A stunning waterfall that can be viewed from the road. It’s a beautiful photo stop.

Final Thoughts: The reverse trip offers a great way to beat the crowds, and while parking and some logistical issues might arise, they are usually manageable. You’re on the right track with planning this route, and it should lead to a fantastic day exploring the scenic beauty of Maui’s eastern side!