Hana

The Basics

Hana and the famous Road to Hana (also called the Hana Highway) are known for their unspoiled ocean views, vibrant rainforests, and waterfalls. Top sights include the black-sand beaches at Wai‘anapanapa State Park, the Hana Lava Tube, and Hamoa Beach. You can also visit the town’s cultural center and museum and shop for souvenirs at Hasegawa General Store and the Hana Ranch Store.

Consider joining a guided tour of the Road to Hana, which allows you to enjoy the sights along the way without worrying about navigating the road’s hairpin turns and one-lane bridges. Alternatively, if your time is limited or you are looking for a luxury experience, you can visit Hana and view its famous coastline on a helicopter tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are a couple of small stores and restaurants in Hana but no big supermarkets or chain restaurants.

• Allow yourself three to four hours for driving the Road to Hana. The speed limit is 25mph, and you will want to take your time.

• The town of Hana is difficult to navigate in a wheelchair, but the popular Travaasa Hana resort is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Most people start the journey to Hana in Kahului, which is just over 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Hana. From Kahului, take Highway 36 to where it turns into Highway 360 (Hana Highway). Alternatively, skip the hassle of driving by joining a guided tour; many tours take the Road to Hana one way and fly back by helicopter.

When to Get There

If you are making a day trip to Hana, start early in the morning to allow yourself ample time for the drive, exploring Hana, and making the return trip before dark. While rain is common in eastern Maui all year round, spring and fall offer the best weather.

Visiting Wai‘anapanapa State Park

Wai‘anapanapa State Park, which sits 3 miles up the coast from the town of Hana, is best known for the stunning black sand at Pa‘iloa Beach. The park also offers numerous other attractions: Visitors can explore freshwater caves and groves of wild coconut, guava, and hala trees; and hike volcanic coastal trails, including the historic King’s Highway. The park also offers picnic areas and some of the most scenic campsites on Maui.

How much does it cost to go to Hana?

That depends on whether you’re visiting Hana as part of a self-drive adventure or on a guided Road to Hana tour. If you choose a guided tour, prices typically start at around US$210 per adult. If traveling independently, costs to factor in include your rental vehicle, gas, and food.

How long is the Road to Hana tour?

The Road to Hana spans 64 miles (103 kilometers), connecting Kahului and Hana. While a self-drive point-to-point tour can be completed in about three hours, guided tours often take between 10–12 hours. This is because of all of the stops along the way, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and coastal vistas.

How many days do you need in Hana?

To slow down and properly enjoy Hana and the highlights that make up the world-renowned Road to Hana coastal drive, a 2-day trip is ideal. This allows ample opportunities to explore Hana and its outdoor wonders such as Wailua Falls and the black sand beaches at Wai'anapanapa State Park.

Can I do the Road to Hana on my own?

Yes, you can do the Road to Hana independently. Many travelers like being able to see the attractions at their own pace. However, an organized tour has plenty of perks—all the research and planning are done for you, and there are no worries about parking or driving the twisty road.

Can you do Road to Hana for free?

Yes, technically you can do Road to Hana for free, as there’s no cost to drive along the highway, and many of its outdoor wonders are free to visit. However, even with a self-drive tour, there are other costs to factor in, such as vehicle rental, gas, and food.

What time should I start the Road to Hana?

To see the Road to Hana in one day, it’s best to start your adventure as close to sunrise as possible, ideally before 7am. This means you'll have more time to squeeze in stops at highlights along the way, and it helps beat the traffic, too.

Ways to explore

Attractions in and near Hana are plentiful, ranging from the black-sand beaches at Wai‘anapanapa State Park to Wailua Falls and the Hana Lava Tube. Hamoa Beach is a favorite for surfing and sunbathing, while you can shop at Hasegawa General Store.

Consider joining a guided Road to Hana tour, which lets you enjoy the sights without navigating the highway’s hairpin turns and 1-lane bridges. Alternatively, if you’re short on time or in the mood for luxury, you can visit Hana and view its famous coastline on a helicopter tour.

Accessibility

Some Road to Hana tours are wheelchair accessible; a private tour may be best, allowing you to customize the experience with accessibility in mind.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, sunscreen, a beach towel, cash for local vendors

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes for outdoor Hana tours—plus a swimsuit underneath if you’ll be going in the water.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow alcohol, smoking, or non-service animals.

Address

Hana is located on the east coast of Maui, comprising attractions such as Wai‘anapanapa State Park. Most people fly into Maui at Kahului Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive from Hana via the Hana Highway.

Driving

After renting a car from Kahului Airport, drive about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east to Hana along the scenery-studded Road to Hana. To leave the route’s intense curves to a guide, book a Road to Hana tour that includes transportation.

Public transportation

There’s no public transportation in Hana, so you’ll need to rent a car or make prior arrangements with a driver to get around.

Best times to visit

Plan to start exploring Hana in the early morning, depending on your tour or site reservations. Wai‘anapanapa State Park, for example, requires you to book a time slot in advance.

Best days to visit

Hana and its surrounding attractions are always busy, especially on weekends. Aim to drive the Road to Hana on a weekday.

Best months to visit

September–November is the ideal time to drive the Road to Hana, as you’ll bypass the rainy season and experience smaller crowds than in summer and winter.

Special events

Learn about Native Hawaiian culture through food, family activities, and performances at Hana’s Festivals of Aloha events in October and the East Maui Taro Festival in April.