Which day best for road to Hana?
 

We will be on Maui at the end of June and we would like to drive the road to Hana without a lot of extra traffic and people at the stops. I understand that there are cruise ships making stops on Maui and was wondering if there are certain days that they are there. Which day is best? Thanks for your help.

I'm not sure which day is best for avoiding traffic, but here's a tip on when to go. Since you have to leave early in the morning (to enjoy the full experience and get back by dark), my suggestion is to go one of the first days you are in Maui. My BF and I did that since we were still on EST (5 hours later). It was no trouble waking up early because it actually felt later to us. <BR>

To the top... <BR> <BR>I would like to know the answer to his one as well. <BR> <BR>Kristy

I'd also like to know the answer. Some one out there has to know the answer.

The best day to go is when the traffic is lightest. Duh!

I don't know if there is a correct answer to this one. Hana has 56 bridges and is a challenge to drive. You will be stopping along the way to appreciate the scenery. One thing we discovered in 1990 when we made the drive: There is no real food or restaurants along the way until you arrive Hana. If you want a sandwich, take one with you. We had other friends that did the trip and they rented the tape to tell them about the sights. Said it really was worth the money. This is a drive you will do one time, buy the tshirt to say you did it and never repeat. Everyone does it once.

Just go early. Probably weekdays are best. Leave about 7 or 8am at the latest. We had some rain for about 45 min in the rain forest. Not a problem, rather nice but took longer. And yes, take food. <BR>Also, the t-shirts at the big market in Hana were really tacky. Found nicer sheets in Lahaina that had the number of bridges, curves, etc. printed on it. If you see it, buy it then, don't wait until you do Hana, you might forget where you saw it (we did, had our shirts printed by some t-shirt place on Front Street -- 2hours before our flight).

Sorry, I was taking a call while typing, I didn't mean sheets of course, meant, nicer shirts. <BR> <BR>

we went on a saturday morning a week ago, leaving kaanapali at 8 a.m. didn't have too much traffic on the road, only a few spots where there was a little stop and go due to people waiting for their turn on the one lane stretches. these stops lasted less than a minute, and there were probably only 4 or 5 instances that this happened. at times we would find ourselves driving in a small caravan of 6-7 cars, but generally the leader would be going at a pretty decent speed and cars tended to drop out for various stops. we did have to skip a few (two) of the waterfalls (or stop off on our way back) because there was only enough space for 2-3 cars to stop on the side of the road. i didn't see any cruise ships while there, but i know they stop. i figure that if you get on the road by 8 am, you'll miss the cruisers since they have to disembark and go to the car rental place to pick up a vehicle/get on their tour bus. unless they manage to get off the ship pretty early, i figure you'll be well on your way to hana by then. hope this helps. overall, i'd say that the road is pretty low key and, in our instance, didn't cause either the driver or passenger a lot of stress. neither of us got motion sickness from the curves. it is a long drive though, so be prepared with snacks, drinks, some tissues and handi wipes for the restrooms/portables. and if you have a convertible, plenty of sunblock and a hat. we borrowed a cd from the hotel and thought that was helpful in finding the sights along the way.

A recent newspaper ad shows one criuse ship in port at Maui from 7:30 AM Sat to 2 PM Sun, and another from 7:30 AM Tues to 5:30 PM Wed. Due to the long drive to Hana, it is unlikely many cruise passengers would be renting cars to do the drive, and if you started out by 8:00 you would get ahead of any of the cruise passengers who rent cars to go there.

Thanks for all your help. We do plan to go the first morning we are there, so we should be on the road very early. Are there any stops that you highly recommend on the drive? <BR>

everyone stops at it since it's on all the guidebooks, but don't miss the black sand beach. i thought it was the best part of the drive. it wasn't really the beach that was so great, but the entire bay. blue water, natural bridges, lava outcroppings on the right hand side of the beach, greenery and palm trees lining the left hand side of the beach. we ended up eating our pre-packed lunch at a picnic table near the lava outcropping and were treated to a fabulous view. if you're short on time, definitely don't let this spot be the one you skip! p.s. if you're in a convertible, watch out for nut bearing trees overhead when driving on the road off the highway. the driver of our car almost got clocked on the head by a monster nut when it fell off the tree. have a wonderful time!

Bring a picnic lunch! Don't know where you're staying, but at the Four Seasons you can have one made up. It was worth it! We ran into a family on our Haleakala Bike ride who were starving on the drive and said it made it less fun. I read that the restaurants in Hana are expensive and terrible food. We went on a Sunday and left Wailea at about 7:30 am. The traffic never seemed that bad, even though we really took our time. We did it on the 27th of May (memorial day holiday weekend), so I think it is just a matter of leaving early when you go. If you want a really special trip, get Maui Revealed guidebook and stop at some of the locations they mention. There were at least 2 stops (with hikes) where we had waterfalls/pools to ourselves.

I hear the mosquitos have the day off on Wednesday....so, if I were you, I would go on Wednesday....

We went on May 31. From Wailea we stopped at Kmart and stocked up on snacks, subs, and a cooler of drinks. We were on the road by 8:30am. We were rarely in a caravan the entire day. If we felt that the person behind us wanted to go faster than we were, we would pull over and let them go by. We took our Maui Revealed guidebook with us which was priceless. We went to all the sites that it suggested and had the time of our life! We hiked back to several waterfalls that aren't listed on the regular tours and had them all to ourselves. We were totally away from the crowds and felt like explorers. By the time we hit the Seven Sacred Pools it was about 4:00pm and they were very crowded and not as impressive as some of the other things we had experienced. We continued all the way around the base of Haleakala. That part of the road is really not bad. Yes, there were some narrow parts and some of it was unpaved, but it is hardly as bad as some would you lead you to believe. I thought that "Ula'ino Road that leads to the Blue Pool was much worse - tons of pot holes! We were even passed by a big tour bus and a local in an old Honda Civic going really fast. If those cars can handle the road, I think they all can. We got all the way around just in time to pull over and watch the sunset. It was breathtaking. This was one of our best days in Hawaii!

We have a detailed account of how to prepare for and what to expect on the famous Hana Drive. I could just paste it all in here, but this board does not support photos. Go to: <BR>http://www.discoveringhawaii.com <BR>Click ENTER, then CHOOSE AN ISLAND in the left frame, then MAUI from the map that comes up, then click on any MAUI'S ROAD TO HANA article. <BR>Mahalo, and have a great time!

Don't worry about cruise ships to much. I was on the norwegian wind last oct. By the time the ship docks, and the first tender starts bring passengers on the island it's 9:30 to 10:30 before everyone who's leaving the ship gets off. The last tender coming back to the ship was 5:30 or 6:00. There is not enough time to get up the road to hana and back especially if there's any traffic. I tried for months to charter somone for our group but no one could promise me we wouldn't miss the ship. And norwegian didn't offer it as as an excursion. So it's all there fault I have to travel all the way back this year just to see the road to hana.

I live in Oahu and just came back from a Maui weekend visit. <BR> <BR>There really isn't a "best" day other than the majority of visitors arrive over the weekend so try a weekday if possible. <BR> <BR>Leave early, stop at Charley's in Paia for breakfast. Fill up your gas tank before you leave Paia (gas in Hana is nearly $2.50 for the "cheap" stuff). <BR> <BR>Let me know if you need any other tips. <BR> <BR>...Steve

Absolutely pack a cooler with munchies and drinks. Take your time and enjoy the ride; stop often to take in the sites (stay off the edges of the roads...it can be dangerous); a light rain when you are going through adds to the ambiance; smell the wild flowers, guavas; find a great place to picnic; drive all the way around and end your trip with an incredible sunset from Upcountry; otherwise you miss the point. By all means, pull over to the side if a car approaches behind you...some of the folks in Hana actually commute to other parts of the island for work or groceries...an incredible drive when taken on a regular basis...hang loose and let em go by; if it's a tourist, they missed the point anyway...let em go. Thank God for Hana! Enjoy!

Great hints. But can rental cars really go all the way around? Hope to stay in upcountry so would like to drive the complete way around.

At one time, years ago, the road was quite a challenge, rutted, unpaved and rocky and not as highly travelled. It is not at all like that now, a few places you need to slow down, but you'll see quite a few other cars nowadays. However, if the weather is rainy, ask the ranger at Oheo about the condition of the road. In heavy rains, it has been known to have parts of the road wash out. Not likely with the dry weather that has been experienced here lately.<BR><BR>Note that the rental car companies do discourage travel on this part of the road. The only reason I can suppose is that they do not want to have to tow the car that far, if you do break down.<BR><BR>We have been to Hana many times and have rarely not travelled all the way around. A must do, in our opinion. Part of the experience is how much the scenery changes from beginning to end, when you do travel all the way around. Simply amazing!

Unfortunately, we started driving from Hana Cassette Shell Gas station to Hana @ 9:30AM. We were using the Maui Revealed guidebook and stopped at lots of places. We ended up at Seven Sacred Pools at around 6pm. By then it started to rain and was getting dark. Hence, we didn't get a chance to go forward. <BR> <BR>Driving back non-stop through the totally pitch dark and winding road is not fun at all. Got back to the hotel at around 9:30pm. I felt sick and nauseating afterwards. Next time around, we'll leave early and go around the whole Hana road. <BR> <BR>We heard some tour bus left at 7am and drove through the whole Hana Rd. But the driver drives really fast on those windy roads. <BR> <BR>Have fun!!!!

Any changes in suggestions from last summer? We are headed to Maui this May and will definitely be doing the drive. We arrive from the East Coast on Friday, so figure we will leave at dawn on either Sat. or Sun. before our body clocks change. We just don't want to encounter a ton of traffic on either day. Any insight would be fabulous. Thanks!

We have driven several times and you always end up in a caravan somewhere along the road. It is like driving to a spend a day at a ski resort on a mountain road. Some cars are faster than others. Some drivers pull over to let others by. Just have patience and enjoy the drive and the scenery. We have never been able to tell if one day is better than another.<BR><BR>If the day is dry and you are careful you might be O.K. taking the complete loop. The road on the back side of Haleakala is unpaved and in places it hugs the side of the cliff with no guard rail between the road the and ocean. Watch for falling rock from above in this area also.<BR><BR>If it is a rainy day don't go around the back side because there may be flashfloods that cross the road. On the windward side the road crosses a lot of bridges but on the leeward side the road frequently goes across the bottom of the dry wash and back up the other side. In wet weather these washes fill with water, sometimes without warning.

Does anyone know if there is a road that connects the road to hana to the Haleakala Crater Visitor Center? I read somewhere that it connects by the Oheo Pools..is that right?

The roads separate just a few miles outside of Kahului and there is only one road for vehicles to the top. Hiking trails abound though.

I read this entire post but I can't quite get a feel for whether or not it's a good idea to take the road to Hana all the way around back to Wailea. Is it better to go back the same way you came or can you take the road all the way around? I realize it's not a good idea to take the road all the way around if it's raining, but what if it's a beautiful day? I definitely don't want to be telling myself we "should've went back the same way we came". Thanks in advance for any info. We will be there in May.

You'll be liable if anything happens to your rental car. Car rental contracts and maps indicate this road is not covered under their rental agreement. It is not a paved road and it is single lane for some sections. In places the road hangs in space - straight cliffs above you with an occasional rock fall and straight cliffs below you to the ocean with no guard rail.<BR><BR>The windward side is lush and more scenic and more crowded. The leeward side is very dry and desert-like in many places. Still, many people do the complete circle on a dry day. If you develop car problems you'll probably have another car or two coming your way in the next half-hour.

DROVE THE ROAD TO HANA ALL THE WAY AROUND TO WAILEA ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. I HAVE DONE THE DRIVE BOTH WAYS NOW AND REALLY REALLY PREFER DRIVING AROUND RATHER THAN GOING BACK THE WAY YOU CAME. IT IS MUCH EASIER THAN SOME LITERATURE WOULD LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE. CHECK WITH RANGER AT 7 POOLS ABOUT THE CONDITION IF IT IS RAINY, BUT OTHERWISE GO FOR IT!

Had to laugh as I read this post. Several years ago we were heading out to Hana for a week's stay. We were staying upcountry and were aware that road work on the Hana Hwy meant that the Hwy was closing at 10:30 each morning for several hours. We needed to get an early start. Thought we're set our alarm for 6am and head out by 7 am. At the same time, I reset my travel clock from PST to Hawaii time and set the alarm. Must have been really jet-lagged. It was dark when we got up and headed out. As we headed down through Haiku one of use noticed that the clock in the car said 4 am. Apparently both of us had made the same adjustment to Hawaii time. Needless to say, we had the whole hwy to ourselves and arrived in Hana, having made an early morning stop at Blue Pool and Keanae, at 9 am. We still laugh about this.<BR>Also, the road around the back side is generally very passable. If you are staying somewhere like Wailea or Kapalua, it can feel like a really long drive but it is definitely doable. We are alway amazed by the quick transition from lush Hana to barren Kaupo.

Regarding comments about rental car coverage vs folklore and (outdated) guidebooks; in October 2000, our rental company, Alamo, said nothing at all(I actually read the fine print) about "beyond Hana", or going all the way around the west end which gets much MUCH narrower than anything around Hana!. It's all paved and OK, just be sensible. Have fun, wish I was there.<BR>p.

We did the road to Hana and drove all the way around. Didn't have any problems. Use common sense if it is raining. <BR><BR>One place that no one has mentioned is the Red Sand Beach at Hana. Very pretty, not actually sand more like small pebbles. The contrast of the blue water and red is awesome. Ask for directions in Hana. It is also mentioned in some travel books.

Kathy,<BR><BR>Just got back from Maui and we did the Hana trip on our first day which was Sunday. We left at about 6:30a.m. and the traffic was very light allowing us to get a good jump on the trip. And for the most part we were ahead of traffic for the most of the day and did not experience much heavy traffic. We stayed at a couple of beaches by Hana for a couple of hours and the sacred pools for about an hour. We drove all the way around and got back to our hotel at 7:00p.m. It was a very long day and we questioned if it was worth it. The scenery is beautiful but the trip is very long and at times sickening. Get a four wheel drive jeep. The road past Hana is pretty bad but offers some of the best sights.

I would suggest that you leave quite early in the morning on any weekday. Take food and drinks with you and be ready for an incredible ride to Hana. Please go to:<BR>http://www.worldisround.com/articles/8716/index.html<BR>to see my travel article about Maui, Hana and see pictures prior to your June trip. Have a wonderful time!