Mahana in Kaanapauli to Mama's Fish House

Question

Estimated time drive on a Saturday afternoon? Mahalo

Answer

The drive from Mahana in Kaanapali to Mama's Fish House in Paia covers roughly 53 miles along Maui’s north shore, taking the scenic Hana Highway (Hwy 36 / Hana Hwy). Under ideal traffic conditions, this drive typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

However, on a Saturday afternoon, you should expect the following factors to affect travel time:

Weekend traffic: Saturdays can be busier, especially with tourists heading to beaches and towns along the route.
Road conditions: The Hana Highway has some winding sections and one-lane bridges, requiring slower driving in areas.
Stops: Many travelers stop for scenic views, photo ops, or quick refreshments along the way, which can add 20–40 minutes or more.

Given these considerations, a realistic estimate for a Saturday afternoon drive would be around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.

Tips for the drive:

Leave a bit earlier than planned to allow for traffic and scenic stops.
Check Google Maps or Waze shortly before departure for live traffic updates.
Fuel up before leaving Kaanapali, as gas stations are limited along parts of the Hana Highway.

Arriving at Mama’s Fish House with a little extra time is recommended, especially if you have a reservation, as the area can get busy on weekends.