The most popular driving destination in Maui is Hana. There are many questions we’re regularly asked about the Road to Hana that we’ll answer below.
Which Maui rental car companies will allow you to drive the Road to Hana?
Most all rental car companies on Maui will allow you to drive to Hana. Driving the backside of Haleakala, past Oheo Gulch is not recommended for the faint of heart.
The ROAD TO HANA is open: The best parts of driving to Hana are between Paia and Seven Sacred Pools.
Check the rates for Road to Hana car rentals on Maui.
Is a 4 Wheel Drive necessary to drive the Road to Hana?
4WD is not necessary for making the drive to Hana. If you plan on going off of the Highway, you may need one due to muddy unpaved roads, but you’re not likely to do this. Should I rent a convertible on Maui?
I see people wearing I survived the Road to Hana T-shirts. Is the Hana Highway that dangerous?
Though the winding, cliffy road to Hana is more dangerous than most, the reasons for its infamy come from its history. A couple of decades ago, the Highway was poorly paved and unsafe. It had potholes, weak old bridges, and missing guardrails.
With the inception of heightened tourism, the Road to Hana on Maui is well-paved and safer than ever. Dangers still exist though. Being subject to constant rainfall, the road is wet in many areas along the drive. This combined with high cliffs, low-visibility hairpin turns, narrow roads, speeding locals, and gawking tourists can make this road treacherous. Make sure that the driver is watching the road. Switching off is the best way to ensure a safe and pleasurable drive.
Should we drive ourselves or take a Road to Hana tour?
If you are unaware, the Road to Hana has become more congested as its popularity grows. Knowing this will help you make your decision regarding your mode of transport. Some visitors like the freedom of driving themselves, deciding when, where and how long they want to linger, while others may opt to leave the driving to a professional. Taking a Road to Hana tour can also be interesting as you’ll likely learn quite a bit more about the area.
Is it worth it to buy a Hana CD Guide?
It depends on which one you get. The R2H “Experiencing The Road to Hana and Beyond” is worth buying because it offers much more than an audio guide through Hana. With this CD, descriptive folding map, and driving tips, you get the whole experience. If you want a journey you’ll never forget, memories filled with romance and adventure, it’s worth getting this CD.”
Do I need to leave at 8 am, like all the guidebooks suggest, in order to get the most out of the Road to Hana?
With hundreds of cars driving on this road every day, it’s difficult to say. On the one hand, it’s a shame to leave with the pack. On the other, the road is long and takes time to drive. Coming back in the dark is pointless. If it’s dark when you go back, you’ll miss the reason for driving it. It’s best to leave early, even if it means driving with everyone else. Make sure to stop and enjoy the view when you get backed up. Pull over and take advantage of your senses.
You can also stay overnight in Hana, which is highly suggested. Travaasa is one of the best resorts Maui has to offer and it’s right in Hana Town on the water.
If you don’t want to spend the whole day driving, consider driving Twin Falls, which are the closest and most easily accessed falls. There are some great hikes here, and the smoothies and fresh fruit at the stand make it worth stopping at. Wailele Farm owns the property here and leaves it open to the public. You can’t lose; there are many other scenic drives in Maui too.
Do I have to drive? Can I fly instead?
Yes, you can fly instead. Up until recently, flying to Hana from Kahului was rare and expensive. Mokulele Airlines offers 2 daily round-trip flights to Hana at a great price. This is good news for those who get car sick or don’t have time to drive.
