Hana Highway

Hana Highway. It is a 64.4-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Route 36 and Hawaii Route 360 on the island of Maui, connecting Kahului to the town of Hana. The road is famed for its winding path along the rugged northeastern coast, featuring over 600 curves and approximately 59 bridges, many of which are single-lane. This iconic drive traverses lush tropical rainforest and offers dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most famous scenic routes in the United States.

Route description

The highway begins in the central valley of Maui at the junction with Haleakala Highway in Kahului, initially passing through the communities of Paia and Haiku. The route becomes notably narrow and serpentine east of Haiku, clinging to sea cliffs and crossing numerous gulches via historic bridges. Key engineering features include the famous single-lane bridges, such as those over Puaa Kaa and Waikani Falls, which were constructed in the early 20th century. The road culminates in the remote community of Hana, with the paved portion officially ending at Kipahulu near the entrance to Haleakalā National Park.

History

The road's origins trace back to ancient Hawaiian trails that connected settlements along the rain-drenched coast. Modern construction began in the 1920s under the Territory of Hawaii, with much of the labor provided by sugar plantation workers and inmates from a prison camp. The challenging terrain, characterized by steep volcanic slopes and frequent rainfall, made the project arduous, requiring extensive handwork with picks and shovels. It was fully paved by 1962, coinciding with the rise of tourism promoted by the Matson Navigation Company and the opening of the Hana-Maui Hotel, which transformed the route into a premier visitor destination.

Points of interest

The highway provides access to numerous natural and cultural landmarks, including the Garden of Eden Arboretum and the Keanae Arboretum. Notable waterfalls visible from the road include Twin Falls and the Three Bears Falls. Coastal vistas are highlighted at the Waianapanapa State Park, known for its black sand beach and lava tubes, while the Hana Lava Tube offers a subterranean exploration. Cultural sites include the historic Kaahumanu Church in Paia and the Charles Lindbergh grave at the Palapala Ho'omau Church in Kipahulu. The road also passes the entrance to the Kahanu Garden and the Piilanihale Heiau, a massive pre-contact temple structure.

Travel and safety

The drive is considered challenging due to its narrow lanes, blind curves, and frequent one-lane bridges, requiring drivers to yield appropriately. Rental car companies like Hertz and Enterprise Rent-A-Car often have restrictions on using their vehicles for this journey due to the rough road conditions beyond Hana at the Piilani Highway. Authorities such as the Maui Police Department advise starting early, carrying supplies, and not relying on GPS due to poor signal reception. The journey typically takes over two and a half hours without stops, though most visitors spend a full day exploring the various attractions along the route.

In popular culture

The highway's dramatic scenery has featured in several films and television productions, including scenes in the *Jurassic Park* franchise and the George Clooney film *The Descendants*. It is frequently highlighted in travel media by organizations like National Geographic and Lonely Planet. The road has also been the subject of songs and is a central feature in many Instagram travel blogs and YouTube vlogs dedicated to Hawaiian tourism, cementing its status as a cultural icon of adventurous travel.

Category:State highways in Hawaii Category:Transportation in Maui County, Hawaii Category:Scenic highways in the United States