Rth

Question

Help with road to hana

Answer

The Road to Hana (RTH) is one of Maui’s most beautiful and iconic drives, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Below is a detailed, easy-to-follow guide covering how to plan your day, what stops to prioritize, what to skip, safety tips, and options depending on how much time and energy you have.

Overall overview

The Road to Hana is about the journey, not the destination. It’s roughly 64 miles from Kahului to Hana town, with 600+ curves and 50+ one-lane bridges. Your top priority should be picking a few must-see stops rather than trying to do everything. The day will be long, but unforgettable if paced well.

How long you need

A full RTH day usually takes 10–12 hours if you make stops. If you want a more relaxed experience, consider breaking it into an overnight in Hana—but if you’re doing a single-day drive, begin early (6:00–7:00am) and expect to return after sunset.

Highly recommended stops (choose 4–6, not all)

Ho’okipa Lookout — Early stop to see surfers and turtles; easy pull-off and quick visit.
Twin Falls — Accessible early waterfall stop; requires short walking. Go early to avoid parking issues.
Ke‘anae Peninsula — Gorgeous coastal lava rock views, old churches, and Aunt Sandy’s banana bread.
Halfway to Hana Stand — Classic banana bread and refreshments; quick, easy stop.
Upper Waikani (Three Bears) Falls — Viewable from roadside; do not attempt to climb rocks—lots of accidents here.
Wai‘anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach) — Requires advance reservations; short walk to volcanic black sand beach and cliff views.
Hana Town — Food trucks, local shops, and a good rest break.
Hamoa Beach — A beautiful soft-sand beach for relaxing (not ideal for unsafe surf days).
Wailua Falls — Iconic roadside waterfall past Hana; extremely easy viewing.
‘Ohe‘o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) & Pipiwai Trail — In Haleakalā National Park. Pipiwai is a long hike; choose only if you have 2–3 hours and good mobility.

Good stops if time allows (optional)

Garden of Eden Arboretum — Easy walking paths, nice ocean and valley views.
Kahanu Garden — Peaceful, quiet cultural garden with easy trails and ancient Hawaiian structures.

Hana Lava Tube

Stops you should skip if short on time

Too many waterfalls requiring hikes — You’ll lose hours if you try to hike to every cascade.
Overcrowded or unsafe roadside pull-offs — If no safe parking, continue on.
Pipiwai Trail on a one-day trip — Beautiful but takes 2–3 hours; better for overnight visitors.

Practical tips for a smooth trip

Start early — 6:00–7:00am departure avoids traffic and parking problems.
Download offline maps or a guide app — Signal is extremely limited.
Bring food and water — While there are stands and Hana food trucks, choices can be limited at certain times.
Wear sensible shoes — Even simple stops can involve wet ground or rocks.
Respect private property — Many waterfalls/hikes on social media are actually illegal or unsafe.
Drive with patience — Yield at one-lane bridges, let locals pass, and avoid stopping in the road.
Weather matters — Heavy rain causes slippery conditions and flash flooding at low-lying bridges.

Suggested full-day itinerary (example)

6:30am — Leave Paia; quick stop at Ho‘okipa Lookout.
7:15am — Twin Falls (short waterfall walk).
8:15am — Ke‘anae Peninsula (views + banana bread).
10:00am — Garden of Eden or quick waterfall pauses.
11:30am — Wai‘anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach).
1:00pm — Arrive in Hana; lunch at food trucks.
1:45pm — Hamoa Beach (relaxing/short look).
2:30pm — Wailua Falls viewing.
3:00pm — Optional visit to ‘Ohe‘o Pools (skip if short on time).
4:30pm — Begin return drive to Paia/your hotel.

Alternative option: Return via the “Backside” (Kipahulu → Upcountry)

This route travels the back side of Haleakalā. Portions are narrow or unpaved, but many visitors with rental cars do it safely in good weather. Check your rental agreement and weather before attempting. It saves time and gives new scenery but is less lush than the main route.

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