Road to Hāna

{{Infobox road | name = Road to Hāna | image = Hana_Highway.jpg | caption = A winding section of the highway along the coast. | length_mi = 64.4 | direction_a = West | terminus_a = Kahului | direction_b = East | terminus_b = Hāna | counties = Maui County | state = Hawaii | system = } Road to Hāna. The Road to Hāna, officially known as the Hāna Highway, is a 64.4-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 connecting Kahului to the town of Hāna on the eastern coast of Maui. Renowned as one of the world's most scenic drives, it traverses lush tropical rainforest, passes numerous waterfalls, and crosses over 59 bridges, most of which are single-lane. The journey is celebrated not for its destination but for the dramatic coastal and jungle landscapes encountered along the route.

Route description

The highway begins in the central valley of Maui near Kahului Airport and quickly ascends into the windward slopes of the Haleakalā volcano. It winds precariously along the rugged northern coastline, featuring over 600 curves and the many single-lane bridges that cross streams and gulches. The road is flanked by dense vegetation including ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, hala groves, and invasive strawberry guava. Key geographic features along the route include the Keʻanae Peninsula, a lava bench with historic taro farms, and the Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park. The official highway terminates in Hāna, though many travelers continue further south to the ʻOheʻo Gulch pools within Haleakalā National Park.

History

The path's origins trace back to ancient Hawaiian trails connecting isolated communities along the remote eastern shore. In the early 20th century, the modern roadway was constructed largely by hand to support the region's agricultural economy, particularly the Hāna Sugar Plantation. Laborers used picks, shovels, and dynamite to carve the route from the sheer cliffs. The road was paved and officially completed in 1926, improving access for the delivery of goods like pineapple and sugar cane to markets in Kahului. Its challenging construction is commemorated at sites like the Kaumahina State Wayside Park.

Major attractions

The drive is famed for its succession of natural and cultural sites. Notable waterfall stops include the Twin Falls near Haʻikū and the Wailua Falls visible from the road. The Garden of Eden Arboretum offers curated botanical views, while the Hana Lava Tube provides a geological adventure. Cultural landmarks include the Waiʻānapanapa State Park with its black sand beach and the historic Wananalua Congregational Church in Hāna. Further east, the Haleakalā National Park Kīpahulu District features the famed Pools of ʻOheʻo and the grave of aviator Charles Lindbergh at Palapala Hoʻomau Church.

Travel tips and safety

The journey typically requires a full day, with drivers advised to start early, yield to oncoming traffic at bridges, and use designated pullouts for sightseeing. Rental car companies often prohibit taking vehicles on the unpaved southern segment past Hāna towards Kaupō. Weather conditions can change rapidly, making roads slick and increasing the risk of rockfalls. Visitors are encouraged to respect kapu (sacred) areas, not to trespass on private property, and to support local businesses like the Hasegawa General Store. Carrying water, food, and fuel is essential, as services are limited along the route.

In popular culture

The highway's iconic scenery has been featured in numerous films and television productions, contributing to its legendary status. It served as a filming location for major motion pictures like Jurassic Park and episodes of the television series Lost. The road is frequently highlighted in travel media by organizations such as National Geographic and is a centerpiece of tourism marketing by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Its reputation for beauty and challenge has been cemented in countless travelogues, documentaries, and social media platforms like Instagram.

Category:State highways in Hawaii Category:Tourist attractions in Maui Category:Scenic highways in the United States