The Road to Hāna (Hāna Highway, Hawaii Route 360) is a roughly 64-mile (103 km) two-lane road winding along Maui's northeastern coast from Kahului/Paia to the town of Hāna, crossing about 620 curves and 59 bridges, 46 of them single-lane. Famous as a 'journey is the destination' drive through rainforest, waterfalls, black-sand coves, and taro-farming villages, the route continues past Hāna into the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, home to ʻOheʻo Gulch (the 'Seven Sacred Pools') and the Pīpīwai Trail. As of 2026, swimming at the ʻOheʻo pools is frequently restricted due to flash-flood and rockfall hazards, so checking current NPS alerts before you go is essential. Most visitors do it as a long day trip (10-12 hours round trip) or break it up with an overnight in Hāna.
SafetyʻOheʻo Gulch and the Pīpīwai Trail area are prone to flash floods, with water able to rise more than 4 feet in 10 minutes after upslope rain; people have drowned or been swept out to sea there. Never enter closed pools or streams and always heed posted warnings.
SafetyThe route has 46 single-lane bridges and hundreds of blind curves, so drive slowly, avoid phone use, and watch constantly for pedestrians, cyclists, and tour vans. Cell coverage across much of East Maui is very limited or absent.
SeasonDuring the wetter months (roughly November-March), flash-flood and landslide risk rises and pools or trail sections can close with little notice; even in the dry season, upcountry showers can flood the gorge within minutes. Check the NPS alerts page before departing.
RulesThe Kīpahulu District requires a Haleakalā National Park entrance pass (as of 2026, roughly $30 per private vehicle, valid 3 days and shared with the Summit District - verify current pricing). Many rental car agreements also exclude the unpaved 'back road' (Piʻilani Highway) south of Hāna from coverage, so confirm your contract's restrictions.
RulesWaiʻānapanapa State Park, a popular photo stop, now requires an advance online reservation for non-Hawaiʻi residents; there is no walk-in entry without one (verify current reservation policy before your trip).
MannersAt one-lane bridges, yield to the car already on the bridge and take turns, typically letting 2-3 cars cross per direction. Don't stop in the roadway for photos - pull fully into a turnout. Roadside fruit and banana-bread stands often run on an honor-system payment box, so pay the posted price.
CautionAt a few popular pull-offs, informal attendants may ask for cash parking fees; double-check for official signage before paying, and be cautious of unlicensed guides offering paid 'shortcuts' or private tours at trailheads.
Practical info
Access is via Kahului Airport (OGG) and a rental car; gas stations become scarce past Paia, so fill up before departing. Guided shuttle and van tours are widely available if you'd rather not drive yourself. National park entrance fees and state park reservation rules change periodically, so verify current details before your visit.
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