Hana is located on the Eastern side of Maui. The “Drive to Hana” is popularized on t-shirts and is often discussed among tourists. This “drive” usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours although it can certainly be done in a shorter time if there is little or no traffic. Many tourists make this drive out and back in one day and as a result the morning can see quite a bit of traffic out and in the afternoon much of this traffic returns. If you can swing it, leave for Hana in the afternoon. We highly recommend taking at least 2 nights and 2 days to drive a circle around this part of the island, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Tourists facilities are not found along this very windy road – this is a remote part of Maui.
Many people either short on time or misinformed regarding the road conditions turn around at Hana. This is a major mistake as there are quite a few natural attractions to see beyond Hana. The entire Hana Highway from near Kailui to Hana and well to the south side of the Island is very windy, often one lane and narrow. Speeds are slow due to the type of road. There is a short section of road several miles past Kipahulu that is semi paved, semi gravel but easily accessible by car. Be sure to pull over when someone comes up behind you as locals often drive this road much faster than tourists. Guidebooks usually mention that Hana does not have food. In our experience it is the contrary. There are 2 restaurants within Hana and a number of small roadside restaurants both in the town limits and nearby including three Thai roadside restaurants and several BBQ places. Other attractions include beaches, waterfalls, a lave tube cave, bamboo forests, tropical fruit farms and road side stands and few people compared to other parts of Maui.
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