Maui

everyone. About 2 miles North of Hana Town. Map

Hawaii’s Famous Hana Highway

There are several long scenic drives found on the Hawaiian Islands, which tourists could spend some of their leisure time. The most prominent perhaps is the Hana Highway, located in the eastern section of the beautiful island of Maui. This 52-mile long highway is also known by its other names like the Road to Hana or the Hana Road.

Travelers would usually start from the town of Pa’ia, which was actually an old plantation mill town that was transformed to a more modern area. More than 10,000 laborers used to live and work in Pa’ia. However, newly-built towns and restaurants are now found in the town proper. Guests are also advised to fill up their gas tanks before embarking on their adventure, since there are no gas stations or stores along the highway.

Although named as the Hana Highway, its roads are not actually even close to that of a real vast highway. Instead, the roads that tourists would take are narrow and twisting. There are actually hundreds of curves along the way and more than 50 one lane bridges to be pass through. Traffic is moderately light since motorists have to yield and give way to the oncoming cars on the opposite end of these bridges.

Being fast is not the real essence of driving along the Road to Hana anyway. Travelers are expected to go slow and marvel at the beauty only found on this drive. However, the first 20 minutes of this expedition are quite typical. One may even wonder what is so special about this highway. But then travelers would eventually discover its hidden treasures and completely be amazed at the spectacular views it presents.

Nature lovers would have the chance to gaze at Hawaii’s lush rainforests and towering waterfalls. The breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean on the other side of this highway could also be appreciated when one traverses this celebrated road.

Since more than 1,000 tourists drive on this highway each day, guests are recommended to begin their journey early. Driving the whole stretch of the Hana Highway could take travelers almost 3 hours to complete. But in fact, exploring everything in this lovely drive in only a day is simply not enough. There are countless stopovers for travelers to visit and take pleasure in.

A lot of famous tourist spots could be found along the drive. Tourists could drop by some of these destinations to have a great time and learn more about Hawaii itself. The Seven Sacred Pools, Wailua Falls, and the Pipiwai Trail are among the most visited places that travelers could stop by.

Far from the noise and pollution that the city brings, one would definitely feel relaxed and comfortable when driving through this magnificent highway. Being able to experience driving on this scenic and famous road is something that is truly worthwhile. The wonderful sights that the Hana Highway presents are forever etched in the travelers’ memories and it would not be easily forgotten by those who once traveled on this historic highway.

Maui Attractions
More Attractions Guides:
O‘ahu | Maui | Hawai‘i (Big Island) | Kaua‘i | Moloka‘i | Lana‘i | Main Attractions Guide

Image of the island
Photo by Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau

On the Valley Isle you’ll find a wealth of paradise: luxurious beaches, a majestic volcano, quiet spots and fabulous activity alike. Explore Maui with the following attractions in mind.

Many attractions require an entrance fee, but some do not. If you’d like to keep costs down but still have plenty of fun, also see Free Things To Do in Maui.

• Arts • Culture & History • Parks & Nature

• Shopping & Food

Arts

MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER
Twelve-acre visual and performing arts complex offering cultural activities, art exhibits, live theater, musical concerts and more.
Where: One Cameron Way, Kahului
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Cost: Free admission to exhibits; charge for performances
Info: (808) 242-7469; call for schedules

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Culture & History

ALEXANDER & BALDWIN SUGAR MUSEUM
Exhibits on the history and heritage of Maui’s sugar industry.
Where: Wailuku
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $4; ages 6-17, $2; age 5 and under, no charge
Info: (808) 871-8058

BAILEY HOUSE MUSEUM
Features missionary Edward Bailey’s paintings of Hawai‘i in the 1800s, the living quarters and personal items of the Bailey family, as well as artifacts used by ancient Hawaiians.
Where: Wailuku, Maui
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $5; ages 7-12, $1

BALDWIN HOME MUSEUM
Tour this historical landmark-built in 1834 for a missionary family.
Where: Front Street, Lahaina
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily
Cost: $3; family admission, $5
Info: (808) 661-3262

HANA CULTURAL CENTER MUSEUM
Featuring an authentic thatched housing complex and gardens. The gardens showcase several varieties of taro as well as plants for food, medicine and shade. A gift shop offers local crafts, gifts and books.
Where: 4974 Uakea Road, Hana
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $2; members and children, no charge
Info: (808) 248-8622

Hawai‘i EXPERIENCE DOMED THEATER
Sixty-foot domed screen features “Hawai‘i, Islands of the Gods,” showcasing Hawai‘i’s natural beauty, wildlife and marine environments.
Where: 824 Front St., Lahaina
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $6.95; children, $3.95
Info: (808) 661-7111

KA’AHUMANU CHURCH
Historic church named for Queen Ka’ahumanu, who became the first member of the Hawaiian ruling class to convert to Christianity in the early 1820s.
Where: 103 S. High Street, Wailuku
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily
Cost: Donations accepted
Info: (808) 244-5189

MAUI OKINAWA CULTURAL CENTER
Features artifacts and personal items from the first generation of Okinawans who came to Maui to work on the plantations.
Where: 688 Nukuwai Place, Wailuku
Hours: 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Tuesday,; 8-11 a.m., Wednesday-Friday; appointments also available.
Info: (808) 242-1560

SUGAR CANE TRAIN
Tour scenic plantation country from the deck of this 1890s-style train.
Where: Running 6 miles between Lahaina and Ka’anapali. Lahaina Station: 957 Limahana Place. Ka’anapali Station: Pu’ukali Road off Highway 30
Hours: Open daily. Train leaves Lahaina station at 9:45 a.m., 11:05 a.m., 12:50 a.m., 2:10 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. (last run is one-way only). Train leaves Ka’anapali station at 8:55 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:35 a.m., 1:20 p.m., 2:40 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Cost: Round-trip - adults, $15; ages 3-12, $8.50. One-way - adults, $11; ages 3-12, $6.50.
Info: (808) 661-0089

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Parks & Nature

ENCHANTING FLORAL GARDENS
A 45-minute self-guided tour takes you through eight acres with about 1,500 species.�
Where: On Highway 37 in Kula
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $5; ages 6-12, $1
Info: (808) 878-2531

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
Don’t miss the sunrise on the summit of dormant, 10,000-foot volcano Haleakala, Hawaiian for “house of the sun.” It’s cold at 4 in the morning. Rangers offer guided hikes through the park and information is available at the visitors center near the summit. Call for time and location of nightly star programs.
Where: Summit: Take Haleakala Crater Road from Haleakala Highway
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., daily; road to the summit is open 24 hours
Info: (808) 572-9306. Weather and viewing conditions, (808) 871-5054.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE SANCTUARY
Marine sanctuary offers educational displays, kiosks and videos.
Where: 726 S. Kihei Road, Kihei
Hours: Education center, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday
Info: (808) 879-2818

Hawai‘i NATURE CENTER
Features hands-on activities as an introduction to Hawai‘i’s natural history. Call for times and rates.
Where: 875 ‘Iao Valley Road, Wailuku
Info: (808) 244-6500

KAHANU BOTANICAL GARDENS
Features 123 acres of gardens dedicated to the study, propagation and conservation of the world’s tropical plants, including 120 varieties of breadfruit. Special emphasis is on plants of the Pacific Islands.
Where: On Ulaino Road off the Hana Highway
Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday
Cost: Self-guided tours, $5. Guided tours, $10; reservations required.
Info: (808) 248-8912

KEIKI ZOO MAUI
Zoo geared for children-with hands-on, “play-with-the-animals” tours available. Call for reservations.
Where: 370 Kekaulike Ave, Kula
Hours: Tours by appointment only; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Cost: $5
Info: (808) 878-2189

KULA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Featuring orchids, proteas, bromeliads and rare Hawaiian trees. Christmas trees are grown in its upper reaches.
Where: Highway 377, Kula
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $5; ages 6-12, $1
Info: (808) 878-1715

MAUI OCEAN CENTER
Largest tropical aquarium in the United States, with indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a 750,000-gallon open ocean exhibit with an underwater walk-through acrylic tunnel.
Where: Ma’alaea Harbor Village on Highway 30
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $12.50
Info: (808) 270-7000

MAUI TROPICAL PLANTATION
Narrated tram tour through 60 acres of lush vegetation; restaurant and country store.
Where: 670 Honoapiilani Highway, Wailuku
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $9.50; ages 3-12, $3.50
Info: (808) 244-7643