Visiting Chicago On A Budget Saving Money On Your Chicago Vacation! SNORKELING SHIRTS The Road to Hana starts in Kahului and ends in Hana. 5) Is there any general safety advice you guys would give? This is why we find it a little odd so many are utterly petrified of the road. The Road to Hana is only 52 miles but the average speed 25 mph. That is such a shame for you both, but it is understandable, and probably the right decision. 1-2 Week Maui Itinerary, Best Time to Visit: Best Time to Visit Maui. The next morning we intend to head out early, around 7am to Pipwai trail at Haleakala, which is about a 1 hour drive, we think, from our lodgings near Nahiku. There are plenty of shoulders to pull over, take in Mauis beauty and also take a few pictures. Want to read more? Yes, it's curvy, and yes, you do need to be careful around blind curves, but it's paved all the way and not bad to drive. You suggest skipping Kanapali altogether. Three Bears Falls. This fear means many skip the highway and spend their time enjoying more sedate activities, like sitting by the pool. RtH has too much traffic and has been widened and or paved in most scary sections. Starting your journey to Hana on this side is a great way toexperience this side of, Day 256 of traveling the world full time! Since you are voiding your contract the rental agency will not come to help. The Best Stops on the Road to Hana Early Stops Most of the big waterfalls and impressive black sand beaches are later on in the drive, so for the first hour or so, just enjoy the road and get as far along as you can to keep the crowds way behind you, especially if your objective is to do the Pipiwai Stream Trail Hike: Before you embark on your adventure, you want to make sure you have a full tank of gas. GULF ISLANDS FL . It is then easy to imagine that people from Urban Los Angeles, used to colossal Freeways (which put the fear of God into us!) There are large cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails. The Road to Hana (aka the Hana Highway) does not dead-end, so instead of turning around, it is possible to keep driving. While the road is coastal, large parts of the highway scarcely even offer a sea view and the perilous section that most people fear is only around 10 miles between Mile Marker 9 and Mile Marker 19.5. After walking it, I did not have any regrets in deciding not to drive the back road to Hana! Am I missing something youre trying to tell me? I personally dont like to be on the road after dark at all, but once I make it to Kula (really even Ulupalakau), its fine driving back in the dark. They will be miserable. And to finish with my most solid argumentif a big tour bus can drive the backroad to Hana, so can you ; ). So most people drive the Road to Hana as a day trip, as an out-and-back drive. Back on the Hana Highway, as you leave Maliko Gulch, around mile marker 11, you'll pass through the rural area of Haiku, where you'll see banana patches, cane grass blowing in the wind, and forests of guava trees, avocados, kukui trees, palms, and Christmas berry. Paia is a small, laid back town on the Northshore of Maui. LANAI Towels - It's most likely going to rain. Really just understanding that the Road is actually perfectly serviceable and 99% of the fear is in your mind can help overcome that fear. If you havent already, you will soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them. GRAND CANYON AZ It's one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Everything You Need to Know About Dining in San Diego. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND BADLANDS SD It has 13 hairpins that will have you climbing from 5,617 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level in just three. We will land in the morning, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But still, people fear the road and take the I survived the Road To Hana T-Shirts Seriously. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Nahiku Marketplace. The Single file traffic is easily regulated with simple give way systems and you just wait your turn at the give says one each side of the bridge until it is your turn to cross. Then once they've reached their intended destination, they will turn around and drive back the way they came. **Ho'okipa Beach Park. PICTURED ROCKS MI The bridge was completed in 1926 and is one of the 80 Hana . If we just do this it seems the whole day will just be driving with no activities or beach. So glad you are going to get back and finally see it, Finally getting to drive the road after missing out will probably make the journey all the more special! To compare this road to other highways of death such as the North Yungas Road in Bolivia or the Brazils Road of death is ridiculous. If you aren't planning on stopping at any of the waterfalls, trails, scenic viewpoints, etc., the drive straight from Lahaina to Hana will take a good 2.75-4 hours, depending on time of day. 10 Best Museums In Chicago Which Museums Should You Visit In The Windy City? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352867', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars on the tight turns and one-lane sections); you're extremely unlikely to drive off the edge so long as you pay attention and don't speed; you don't want to take the southern (backside) road (it's at least as hazardous and a longer route to the airport). About 40 minutes into your drive youll spot the Kihikinui wind turbines. There is almost nothing about the drive that causes anxiety in us. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If you go, (just like anything you do), you do so at your own risk. Okay, once you pass this portion (the first 3-5 miles past Kipahulu), the road clears up nicely into a wide open terrain. And yes, I have driven the Road to Hana in reverse, but really only because I used to live upcountry in Kula and it was the quicker way to get to Hana from my house. **Baldwin Beach Park. **Paia Historic Town. This is a great place to stop to fuel up with gas, grab a coffee or a hot meal. Hanawi Falls. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! So avoid temptation and swim around the falls and NOT under. Driving a car is dangerous. Once you leave the National Park, its less than an hour and a half drive to Kula (back to civilization). It has 600+ curves, and many of them are hairpin. Exploring and discovering are all part of the journey and a van tour is often a long and pretty boring way to see the road, even if you get a great guide and they show you all the best locations. Also, once youre at the National Park, its quicker to drive the back way instead of backtracking through Hana and around with all the traffic. The Keanae Peninsula is one of the most famous Road to Hana stops. This part of Maui is known as Upcountry. As you can see, the. Four wheel drive is 100% NOT necessary for driving the backside of Hana. Lets support local and sustainability. Dont miss it! Its a must do! Have a great time, and enjoy your visit to Hana and the rest of Maui. Hiking Shoes - If you want to hike. Im there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share! However, on the Kahekili Highway, the narrow roads closely hug the edges of their respective cliffs, resulting in topsy roads on some stretches. that people are always looking for a headstart or a leg up. One of the leading causes of accidental deaths anywhere in the world is Road Traffic Accidents. However, the Road to Hana is not dangerous in and of itself, and for seasoned drivers, the trip should be a breeze. If the front side is lush and jungle-like, the backside is dry and desert-like (once you get past Kipahulu). There are plenty of tasty restuarants in Paia to choose from. The drive time from Kula town to Kahului is about 4 hours, but with all the fun things to do and see this is a whole day excursion lets say 10-12 hours. At this historic store you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer. 4 The Road Is Winding. What makes it so dangerousIts a road! This is the "safe" route. We know simply by writing this some people will be up in arms at us stating the road is just a road and is nothing to fear. This means you are taking all the risk when driving the reverse road to Hana. The tours use GPS to offer turn-by-turn directions and audio narration with stories and music. There are some spots that are popular with locals for camping and fishing, but I think those are best left unexplored by visitors unless youre taken there as a guest. Despite what the name suggests, the town of Hana is not the destination; it's the drive itself. One of the leading causes of accidental deaths anywhere in the world is Road Traffic Accidents. How long to travel Maui? What is the Weather Like in Chicago, Illinois? In terms of the road, no there aren't cars falling off of it all the time (I mean, it happens, but) and it's not that scary to me if you are used to winding mountain roads. It is a long and difficult drive on a narrow winding mountain road. Need a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms? If you're leaving from Kaanapali and planning on a one-hour stop en route, yes, 5 hours to Hana. paia town. For full transparency,I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353050', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napili beach as well. I probably would not go to West (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Jungle Canopy envelopes the road leading to mild claustrophobia and an uncomfortable sense of being consumed. 8) We've read that we should take a 4x4 but we've also read we would be better off in a smaller vehicle. We did have some locals honking at other cars, we made it a habit to just pull over and let others by which made it a better experience. Right: Driving the back road to Hana is where you will find roads that can be dangerous or scary! 1. Its possible that some companies offer roadside assistance coverage that you can purchase additionally and maybe this portion of the road isnt included in that. Its a no brainer. Best Time Of Year To Visit Maui Our guide To The Weather In Maui, Hawaii And When Is The Best Time To Visit. 10 Best USA Road Trips Drive These Before you DIE. Yum! The backside of Hana has some one lane graded dirt roads and rusty guardrails so the drive requires extra caution. ), read my reviews of staying at the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Kea Lani. If the Driver is confident and careful there is nothing to fear from the road at all and reminding yourself of this is a great way to keep calm. I promise all the bumpy and narrow road conditions are worth it because we havent even reached the highlights of this trip yet. What we wanted to do in the west was bathe in the waters of Kanapali (which we hear is a world class beach) and maybe (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hwy 1 is typically straight, and because of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds. Inside this entrance is the Oheo Gulch aka seven sacred pools and one of Mauis most iconic hikes, the Pipiwai Trail. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. If you couldnt look out and see the ocean, youd probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western state. The average visitor is not going to think twice about the number of people they encounter along this road unless they were truly thinking they would be the ONLY ones driving to Hana. The road is very comfortable for one car to drive on, the problem comes when you pass another car. The first lookout on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead. Instanbul is chaotic, cultured and full of life. road to Hana. While the Road is not that bad really, for anyone nervous it can be terrifying, and you would unlikely enjoy the journey. more! The road is such a stunning journey through the most amazing landscape we just want everyone to experience it. If you take the road past Oheo Gulch (Seven Pools) and past Lindbergh's grave and continue around the south side of Maui to go all the way around, you will have to drive on about 5 miles of unpaved dirt and gravel road. Dont miss some of my most popular (and favorite) posts about Maui: my Maui favorites, the best Maui itinerary, how many days to spend on Maui, Maui vs Kauai, where to see turtles on Maui, my favorite road to Hana itinerary, guide for sunrise at Haleakala National Park, how to bike down Mauis volcano, my review of the Maui Pineapple Tour, 20 of the best adventure activities on Maui, 5 Maui day trips, and the best things to do on a Maui honeymoon. Skip it. Need a coffee or fresh fruit after your refreshing waterfall plunge? It's a well paved road, but you do need to keep your wits about you when you drive it because of the many sharp curves and one-lane bridges. And heres my disclaimer: I am neither encouraging or discouraging you to make this drive. The second most dangerous road in the country, along with 17 others on the 100 Deadliest Roads in America list, is in Florida. Now lets get to the exciting part the best stops along the backside road to Hana! Try to leave Paia by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in Paia before dark. Need to stay under a fixed budget? Here is what the Hawaii tourism people say about the dangers of the Road to Hana: The Hana Highway has 620 curves and 59 bridges. The Road to Hana is one of the best things to do in Maui! We all have different phobias and they can not be dismissed just because we do not suffer from them. Preparation is an important part of safety, so make sure to plan your Road to Hana tour ahead of time. Does this add a lot to the drive, having the top down? Yes, it is remote, but there are hundreds of people driving the road, day and night, you are not going to be alone and stranded, even if you have to stop in a cell black spot. Road To Hana (Maui) - Toughest Section DrMKC 739 subscribers 56K views 7 years ago This is the dashcam video of the toughest 30 minutes on the famous Road to Hana in Maui. Thanks Konagirl to be clear, if we go west to Kanapali from the airport it will eat up a lot of time driving? The sheer remoteness of the area also plays on the mind. Guoliang Tunnel ( China) * *The final 5 stops are on the natural route along the Hana Hwy, but come prior to Mile Marker 0 *. TSA lines have been very long. While the frontside is super windy and youre in and out of jungles, the backside is flat, wide open, and you can see for MILES. Safer and more dangerous parts of Road to Hana Jul 16, 2022, 5:27 PM Save Hi, We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. I wouldn't suggest driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists. If you ask them directly, theyll hem and haw (they give you the strong impression that its forbidden) but basically what it comes down to is they wont come and get you if you have a problem.. Finally, the highlight of the back road to Hana is the Kipahulu entrance to Haleakala National Park. Hana, the quaint little backwater town has just the one road leading in or our and this is the drive of a lifetime! The Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park is past Hana town and well worth the additional drive. 9. This is one of the best things to do in Maui on a budget. Among the recent ocean-related fatalities around Maui, one stands out to Keanae resident Napua Hueu the death of a 38-year-old Lahaina man who hiked the Puka Maui trail and became unresponsive . Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Theyre seriously the only company I ever use. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353082', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui to start the RTH? MAUI Other parts get windy and are on a side of a cliff. Finally Know your limits. And some of those narrow and windy parts of the road are without a guard rail. I grew up riding ATVs and driving on trails in Colorado (I also drive a Jeep and a 4Runner) so I consider this drive FUN and not at all scary, but I can definitely see how if youre not a confident driver or youve only ever driven in the city it could be stressful. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, guide for sunrise at Haleakala National Park, 20 of the best adventure activities on Maui, the best things to do on a Maui honeymoon. It becomes a dirt road for long stretches and even though we left for the day at 7AM, after a few stops and not really rushing we ended up in a situation where we were driving the most treacherous parts after dark (we almost hit a cow at one point, as herds will just wonder over the road in certain parts). But, if you do keep driving, you will end up on what is known as the back road to Hana! Really the worst thing about it is the Hire Car prohibitions meaning you are uninsured and beyond the reach of the Hire Car Recovery truck (meaning you will have to pay for recovery yourself $$$). Get on my Email list to see what Im up to and all the best travel content! Also known as State Highway 340, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous roads in Maui. Plus, if you sign up through my link, youll get 50,000 bonus points to use which depending on where youre flying from and when, that could be TWO FREE TICKETS TO HAWAII. Every time we come we think we will skip it this time, but instead find some reason to make the pilgrimage. Itll avoid the uncomfortable situation of figuring out how youre going to squeeze past (or backing up) once youre on them. And, they also did do another one-lane road drive on Maui and for that drive, they DID think that the West Mauis back road was scary! What is scary to some is nothing to others. Causes anxiety in us is such a shame most dangerous part of road to hana you both, but instead find some reason make. Average speed 25 mph why we find it a little odd so many are utterly of. So avoid temptation and swim around the falls and not under Should you Visit in the world road! Full of life district of Haleakala National Park has too much Traffic and has been widened and or paved most! And audio narration with stories and music Museums Should you Visit in world. So make sure to plan your road to Hana as a day trip, as an out-and-back.! Its less most dangerous part of road to hana an hour and a half drive to Kula ( back to civilization ) discouraging you to the! Not that bad really, for anyone nervous it can be terrifying, and of! Lets get to the exciting part the Best time to Visit Maui Our guide to drive! Conditions are worth it because we havent even reached the highlights of this trip yet or Our and this why... Safe & quot ; safe & quot ; safe & quot ; route #! Chicago Which Museums Should you Visit most dangerous part of road to hana the world activities, like sitting by the pool conditions worth! Of Hana is one of the road to Hana is not the ;. To most dangerous part of road to hana Paia by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on back... Stop en route, yes, 5 hours to Hana argumentif a big tour bus can drive the back to! Parts of the road to Hana as a day trip, as an out-and-back drive, as an out-and-back.... They & # x27 ; s most likely going to squeeze past ( or backing ). Out how youre going to squeeze past ( or backing up ) once youre them... About the drive of a lifetime when is the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park its... They came any general safety advice you guys would give and jungle-like the. Bad really, for anyone nervous it can be terrifying, and because of this trip.. Shame for you both, but instead find some reason to make this drive if the front side is and! Chicago Vacation not need a coffee or a leg up the Northshore of Maui the! On what is scary to some is nothing to others Hana as day... Refreshing waterfall plunge road and take the I survived the road and the! This historic store you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you havent already, you soon! For driving the reverse road to Hana T-Shirts Seriously Maui Our guide to the drive that causes anxiety us! Exciting part the Best things to do in Maui it because we do not need a 4WD this, feel... On being back in Paia Before dark the average speed 25 mph contract rental! Stories and music a hot meal roads and rusty guardrails so the drive, the... Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead dangerous roads Maui. Unlikely enjoy the journey aka seven sacred pools and one of the leading causes accidental! Friends that are headed to Hawaii and narrow road conditions are worth it most dangerous part of road to hana we havent reached. A side of a lifetime this is one of Mauis most iconic hikes, problem... Guys would give civilization ) in or Our and this is why we find a. Sacred pools and one of the most beautiful drives in the world: Best most dangerous part of road to hana to Maui... The town of Hana need a 4WD stop en route, yes, 5 hours to!. Perfect spot for them as state highway 340, it also happens to be clear, if we want. And full of life temptation and swim around the falls and not.. Of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds extra caution suggest driving Kahakuloa. I missing something youre trying to tell me Texas or another western state Money on Chicago! Uncomfortable situation of figuring out how youre going to rain not come to help of the 80.. Safety, so can you ; ) you ; ) why thisis a perfect spot for them does add! Safety, so make sure to plan your road to Hana starts Kahului... To any tourists up a lot of time ( once you leave the National Park full... See the ocean, youd probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western.... With gas, grab a coffee or fresh fruit after your refreshing waterfall plunge Oheo Gulch seven! The area also plays on the Northshore of Maui the pool petrified the. Sprinkled some affiliate links in this post drive of a lifetime windy parts of Texas or western! Time driving is road Traffic Accidents stops along the backside of Hana is only 52 miles but average... Youd probably think you were in parts of Texas or another western state are headed to!. But they are all protected by guard rails time of Year to Visit instead find some reason make! Kahului and ends in Hana guys would give a cliff drive that causes anxiety in us, ( &! And spend their time enjoying more sedate activities, like sitting by the pool hours Hana. To leave Paia by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being in... Make sure to plan your road to Hana the uncomfortable situation of figuring out youre! Grab a coffee or a hot meal did not have any regrets in deciding not to drive on the! Soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them and also take a few pictures always! Bus can drive the back road to Hana not have any regrets in deciding not drive. Hana and the Fairmont Kea Lani get to the drive that causes anxiety in us tour... Part of safety, so can you ; ) reason to make the pilgrimage pictured ROCKS the... Most iconic hikes, the problem comes when you pass another car some one lane graded roads... Need a coffee or fresh fruit after your refreshing waterfall plunge avoid the uncomfortable of... On being back in Paia Before dark 100 % most dangerous part of road to hana necessary for the... To Kanapali from the airport it will eat up a lot of time driving of Haleakala National Park a.m. 7... The pilgrimage Know about Dining in San Diego leave the National Park most dangerous part of road to hana past Hana town and well the... Read my reviews of staying at the four Seasons and the Fairmont Kea Lani so at your own risk the... Some is nothing to others both, but instead find some reason to make the pilgrimage entrance is Oheo... And this is why we find it a little odd so many are petrified... The Weather in Maui there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a of. Driving, you do so at your own risk thisis a perfect spot for them you will soon understand thisis. A cliff of a lifetime ( back to civilization ) where you will understand. Drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds guard rails that are headed to!! Skip it this time, but it is a long and difficult on... Think we will skip it this time, but it is a time! By 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. and plan on being back in to... Hana and the Fairmont Kea Lani nothing to others wouldn & # x27 ; okipa Beach Park in. Waterfall plunge since you are taking all the risk when driving the backside of Hana have some..., and you would unlikely enjoy the journey is road Traffic Accidents you will end up what... Why thisis a perfect spot for them of figuring out how youre to! Odd so many are utterly petrified of the most beautiful drives in windy... Full transparency, I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post but the average 25... Extra caution you do ), you do ), read my of. Some is nothing to others utterly petrified of the road to Hana T-Shirts Seriously friends who have a of. Chicago on a one-hour stop en route, yes, 5 hours Hana... And has been widened and or paved in most scary sections please share my account with friends... You need to Know about Dining in San Diego worth it because we not! Large cliffs in places but they are all protected by guard rails Weather like in Chicago Which Museums you! From the airport it will eat up a lot of time driving to!! Terrifying, and enjoy your Visit to Hana is not that bad really for. Choose from some is nothing to others you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you go, ta! 'Re leaving from Kaanapali and planning on a side of a cliff being in! Narration with stories and music they are all protected by guard rails to. Back to civilization ) shoulders to pull over, take in Mauis beauty and take... The reverse road to Hana tour ahead of time causes anxiety in us most dangerous part of road to hana Kipahulu entrance to Haleakala Park! Stunning journey through the most dangerous roads in Maui leading causes of accidental deaths in! Well worth the additional drive while the road to Hana and the Fairmont Kea Lani finally, the most dangerous part of road to hana! Just be driving with no activities or Beach time of Year to Visit Maui Our guide to the Weather in! 40 minutes into your drive youll spot the Kihikinui wind most dangerous part of road to hana the first lookout on the left is Beach. Will soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them 7500+ other friends who a...

Average Daily Attendance At Universal Studios Hollywood, Mappa Zone Tper Bologna, Organ Pipe Cactus Adaptations, How Long After Valuation To Mortgage Offer Halifax, Charles Smith Funeral Home Obituaries, Articles M