The Road to Hana
Route 360 in Maui

There is no land of Oz awaiting you at the end of the Road to Hana -- the little hamlet of Hana is a rather quiet, sleepy town. It is the road to Hana itself that is the real attraction. This circuitous, 55-mile road literally carved in the side of the Island of Maui offers some of the world’s most breathtaking ocean-front scenery.

We are comfortable saying that the Road to Hana (the "Road") is our personal favorite in terms of scenic highways, narrowly beating out the Pacific Coast Highway in California and Route 1 along the Maine coastline. Don’t take our word for it, though -- check out the photos of the sights this famous road offers (follow the links below).

The Road begins on route 36 in Paia, after which Route 36 becomes 360. Paia is a small town that serves the windsurfing community that flocks to nearby Hookipa Beach. It is a good place to fill your picnic basket and your gas tank, since you won’t see many opportunities for re-fueling (yourself or your car) further along Route 360.

The following are stops we recommend along the Road to Hana. They are listed in the order in which you will encounter them.

Puohokamoa Stream & Waterfall
At mile marker 11, you will come to one of the Road’s many one-lane bridges, which spans Puohokamoa Stream. Park your car and walk back along the short path to the right of the stream to get a closer view of Puohokamoa’s waterfall. Well-placed stones in the stream allow you to cross the stream and place yourself directly in front of the waterfall, providing excellent photo opportunities. Nearby picnic tables (conveniently covered by a roof, to protect you from the area’s frequent showers) also provide a pleasant place to relax and enjoy a snack.

Kaumahina State Wayside Park
Not far down the road is another good rest stop. Kaumahina Park has a nice view of Keanae Bay, as well as bathroom facilities, picnic tables and barbecue grills.

Keanae Arboretum
Further on, look for the sign for Keanae Arboretum. This six-acre park was developed in 1971 as a means of providing education about and enjoyment of plants from around the tropics. We are always especially intrigued by the multiple types of palm species, ranging from tall, majestic coconut palms to considerably shorter, almost bush-like dwarf palms. Check out the large groves of huge bamboo trees, as well.

Keanae Peninsula
Taking your first left after the Arboretum (a slight detour from The Road to Hana) will lead you out to Keanae Peninsula, a flat, sea-level stretch of land which is covered with a number of neat, square taro beds. This is truly a place to get away from it all -- and judging by the signs for vacation home rentals, many people do just that.

Spend a little time exploring the rocks that line the shoreline of the cove at Keanae. A short walk will reward you with evidence of the power of the crashing waves that have smoothed the stones and in some places have worn holes clear through the rocks. Or, if you prefer, find a comfortable seat among the rocks and reflect on the beauty of this place.

Waikane Falls
The Waikane Falls at Pua Kaa Park aren’t any more spectacular than any of the others you have already seen, but stopping here does provide another opportunity to take a break from the Road’s twists and turns, stretch your legs, and use restroom facilities with running water.

Waianapanapa State Park
Towards the end of the Road lies the best beach (in our opinion) in all of Maui. Tucked away in Wainapanapa Park is a lovely black sand beach that looks out onto a serene cove. The beach parking lot is about a 1/4 mile into the park and the beach itself is a short hike away from the parking lot (and is visible from the parking area). Exploring volcanic rock caves, climbing on rock formations, excellent snorkeling and enjoying the view of an arch over the bay that has been carved out by the eroding forces of water and wind are some of the amenities nature provided. In addition, the park offers a picnic area, camping facilities, and easy-to-maneuver hiking trails that offer magnificent views along the coast. Even if it is late in the afternoon and you are anxious to keep going, we recommend that you don’t miss this stop.

Hana Beach
The beach in the town of Hana is pretty with water that is usually fairly calm. This is a great spot to catch some rays or cool off in the surf. You may also want to grab a bite to eat at the nearby snack bar (be aware though, that service here is apt to have a somewhat leisurely style -- teaching you the meaning of being on "Hawaiian time"). Note, though, that if you expect Hana to be some sort of Mecca, you will definitely be disappointed. In this case, it is the journey, rather than the destination, that provides the most enjoyment.

Hotel Hana Maui
Formerly a Sheraton, the Hotel Hana Maui has recently been purchased by new owners and renovated. If you prefer to relax from your long drive with a glass of wine or a more substantial meal, this is the place to go.

Oheo Gulch (The Seven Sacred Pools)
Approximately 10 miles past Hana is Oheo Gulch, where a series of seven waterfalls form pools at the bottom of each waterfall. This is a great place to go for a swim, although the rocky, bumpy, and otherwise miserable road between Hana and Oheo Gulch may make the trip more trouble than it is worth (see below).

The Trip Back
Once you’ve seen all the sights that interest you, you have two choices: backtrack along Route 360 or continue past Hana along the southern tip of Maui on Route 31. Speaking from experience, we advise you to avoid the next road -- it is unpaved in places and its rocks, ruts and blind curves make it more dangerous than anything you might have encountered so far. In addition, because the unpaved stretch is most appropriate for vehicles with four-wheel drive, your rental agreement may prohibit you from continuing. But don’t worry -- we’ve never found the scenery worth the trouble.

Logistics
There are few gas stations on the Road. We advise you to start your trip with a full tank -- that will be more than sufficient to get you to Hana and back. The same can be said for food and beverages. While there are various places to pick up a bite to eat, your best bet is to stock up in Paia at the beginning of your journey. This will take some of the guess-work out of your trip and it will allow you to stop for an impromptu picnic when the mood suits you.

If You Enjoyed Driving Along the Road To Hana...
Route 360 does not have a monopoly in Maui on twisting roads with one-lane bridges and gorgeous ocean views. Route 340, along the northeast side of Maui’s western half, provides spectacular vistas from mountainous cliffs that overlook the ocean. Be advised that it is very slow-going, so if you are in a hurry, you should pick an alternative route to the other side of the island.

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