A wet, green coast of waterfalls, taro patches, black sand and lava cliffs, reached by one winding highway. The drive is part of the trip, and the farther you go, the quieter it gets.
See the driveExplore the placesHāna sits on Maui’s wet, windward east coast, at the end of one long, winding road. The Hāna Highway, known as the Road to Hāna, leaves the sunny isthmus at Kahului, passes Pāʻia and Haʻikū, then narrows into a rainforest road that links Keʻanae, Waiʻānapanapa and the town of Hāna.
Beyond Hāna the road continues to Hamoa and to Kīpahulu, the coastal district of Haleakalā National Park. Hāna is one of the most isolated communities in the state, so plan for a long day, limited services, and conditions that change with the weather.
This page follows the road in order, from the first miles to Kīpahulu, with a short “Good to know” note for every stop.
Sources: Hāna Highway, Wikipedia; Kīpahulu distance, National Park Service.
The drive itself
The highway is Route 36 from Kahului, then Route 360 after Haʻikū. Guidebook mile markers refer to Route 360, which starts at a marked Mile Zero.
About 52 miles from Kahului to Hāna, roughly 2.5 hours without stops. Kīpahulu is another 12 miles past Hāna.
46 of the 59 bridges are one lane. Slow down, watch for oncoming traffic, and be patient with other drivers.
An early start gives you daylight for the drive back and room for timed reservations. Plan to drive back in daylight.
Fill your tank and bring food and water before you leave. There is no fuel or food in Haleakalā National Park at Kīpahulu.
Rain can bring landslides and flash floods, and roads or trails can close. Check HDOT road alerts and NPS conditions the same day.
Many waterfalls and pools near the road are on private property. Heed no-trespassing signs.
The road from above
Places along the road
From the first miles to the far end of the highway.
Mile Zero · Route 360
After Pāʻia, Route 36 runs through Haʻikū. East of Haʻikū the Hāna Highway continues as Route 360, with a marked Mile Zero. From here the road narrows, the curves tighten, and the first one-lane bridges and roadside fruit stands appear.
Good to knowBuy fuel and supplies before this point. Many waterfall pools near the highway are on private land, so look for no-trespassing signs and stay on public pull-offs.
About mile 16 to 17
The Keʻanae Peninsula is a point of black lava that juts into the Pacific, with taro (kalo) fields on its flat ground. Nearby, the Keʻanae Arboretum is a 0.6-mile paved walk beside Piʻinaʻau Stream, where tropical trees grow on terraces Hawaiians built for taro.
Good to knowThe peninsula’s taro patches are working farms, so look from the road and not from the fields. Surf can be powerful on the lava shoreline, so keep well back from the water’s edge. The arboretum has no facilities; parking is on the roadside about 0.7 mile past the mile 16 marker (state trail guide).
Mile marker 32
A 122-acre state park near Hāna with a black sand beach at Pailoa Bay and a rugged lava coastline. The name means “glistening fresh water.”
Good to knowNon-residents must reserve parking and entry in advance, up to 30 days ahead, and visitors without a reservation are turned away. At last check: $5 per person (children 3 and under free) and $10 per vehicle, open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A state facility project that began in July 2026 changes parking and access, so see the official page.
About mile 34
Hāna is a small community of about 1,500 people at the 2020 census, reached by the highway, by boat, or through the small Hāna Airport. Hāna Bay Beach Park sits on the bay at the edge of town.
Good to knowServices in Hāna are limited, so check hours for food and fuel before you rely on them. Pay attention to ocean conditions at the bay.
Past Hāna · Hāneʻo Road
Just past Hāna town, Hāneʻo Road leads to Kōkī Beach and to Hamoa Beach, a crescent of sand backed by green hills. Hamoa is known for its steady shorebreak and has no protective reef.
Good to knowLocal guides report no lifeguards at Hamoa, steep access from the road, and waves that can change quickly, especially in winter. Check conditions and watch the water before going in.
12 miles past Hāna
The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park protects waterfalls, streams and a long stretch of coast. The Pools of ʻOheʻo are not open for entry, but you can see them from the Kūloa Point Trail. The Pīpīwai Trail climbs past bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Good to knowThe entrance fee at last check is $30 per private vehicle, valid three days for both districts, paid by credit card (see the NPS fees page). Flash floods and rockfall can happen at any time, emergency help is at least an hour away, and conditions change after storms, so check NPS conditions.
Past Kalepa Bridge · Route 31
East of Kalepa Bridge the highway becomes Route 31, the Piʻilani Highway, and continues toward Kaupo around the south side of Haleakalā. Parts of this stretch are unpaved and narrow, and it is occasionally closed by landslides.
Good to knowMany rental car agreements prohibit driving this section, and there are no services along it. Check your contract and current road alerts before you consider it.
Plan and reserve
Fees and rules are those at last check. Confirm each on the official page before you go.
Non-residents must reserve parking and entry online, up to 30 days ahead. There are no same-day walk-ups, and you should arrive within 30 minutes of your slot.
At last check: $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. A facility project that began July 6, 2026 changes parking and access.
At last check the entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle, valid three days for both districts, and the park takes credit cards only. The summit sunrise reservation applies to the Summit District, not to Kīpahulu.
Rain can close roads and trails, and Pools of ʻOheʻo access, trail status and park hours can change after storms. Check the road and the park the morning you go.
Visit as a guest
People live and farm along this road, and many taro patches, driveways and stream access points are private. Stay on public pull-offs and marked trails, and give residents room on the road.
Water here is powerful. Streams can flood without warning even when it is dry where you stand, and the ocean along this coast has strong surf and currents. Check conditions, respect closures such as the Pools of ʻOheʻo and keep out of the water when the surf is up.
Build a flexible day around a few places.
Check reservations, access, and weather
before you leave.
The drive involves narrow bridges and repeated curves. Give yourself ample time, use designated parking, and keep driveways and travel lanes clear. A permitted guided tour is another way to experience the road.
Waiʻānapanapa requires advance reservations for nonresidents. Hawaiʻi residents with valid proof of residency are exempt. Kahanu Garden encourages online reservations. Review current times, fees, and entry guidance on each official site.
Bring water, food, rain protection, and sturdy footwear. Fill your fuel tank before the longer drive. Streams can rise suddenly, and surf can be powerful. Follow posted closures and never enter flooded streams.
Stay on public paths and welcomed visitor sites. Respect private property and cultural places, take your rubbish with you, and support local businesses. Give residents room to go about their day.