There is no shame in knowing your limits and calling it quits. Shortly after the ranch store is Mauis only winery. Everything You Need to Know About Dining in San Diego. It is a long and difficult drive on a narrow winding mountain road. We know simply by writing this some people will be up in arms at us stating the road is just a road and is nothing to fear. The steep valleys encrusted in the jungle start off the imagination and you half expect to bump into a Dinosaur. However, the bridges are regularly inspected and are perfectly safe for light traffic. Yes, it is remote, but there are hundreds of people driving the road, day and night, you are not going to be alone and stranded, even if you have to stop in a cell black spot. I will say though, that while I have driven this in a Jeep, Ive also driven it in a sedan and a full size pickup. Stop at the Laulima fruit stand next. The Road to Hana is over 50 miles along Maui's rugged north shore and east side with 600+ tight turns and about 50 one-lane bridges. While to fully overcome the fear requires repeated exposure we find with the right attitude, a good amount of care and respect for the road, and a little can-do attitude many people find the Road FAR less intimidating than they originally feared. Dont be surprised to share space with several chickens and cows that live here. Travel Tip: Since the roads are sketchy at points, some rental companies do not want you driving through this area of Maui. It is just not inside their comfort zone. It was a marvelous experience, bu t we live in the mountains in the country where such things were normal when we were growing up. But having an accident and being stuck out in the jungle is a real Vacation Wrecker! Hna Maui. 8. In any one stretch of the road, there is a spot big enough for your car to pull over so the oncoming car can pass. LANAI We take a look at what the road is like, whether or not its reputation is justified and things you can do to ease your anxiety and really enjoy the Road to Hana in all its glory. At last youve made it to Hana town. These are the main reasons people find the road uncomfortable. MAMMOTH CAVE KY 6) I am not a daredevil but I'm a careful driver who has never been in an accident in 32 yrs of driving due to being defensive and aware on the road. Know that theres a possibility that youll have to reverse if a car is coming in the opposite direction. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC If you need road assistance it's cash costing $800-1200 if and when a tow truck comes. You have the option of walking down to get much closer to the falls, but with the car situation not preferable, we chose not to. There is almost nothing about the drive that causes anxiety in us. Every time we come we think we will skip it this time, but instead find some reason to make the pilgrimage. If you pay for your monthly expenses on the card and are responsible about paying it off every month, the points add up really fast. This means you are taking all the risk when driving the reverse road to Hana. Guoliang Tunnel ( China) In about the same amount of time as it would take you to go back the way you came, you can see a side of Maui many miss. Take a van or coach tour Having an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide is really the best way to see Hana. We can now offer our visitors 20 years of expertise on this beautifully scenic drive. Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, runs for more than 64 miles along state Highways 360 and 36, connecting Hana in east Maui with Kahului. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES And yes, I have driven the Road to Hana in reverse, but really only because I used to live upcountry in Kula and it was the quicker way to get to Hana from my house. Be prepared. (This is to say, they will say if something is scary, and the back road to Hana was not, to them.). The tarmac is smooth and well maintained. The road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. Its a cumulative thing that adding in the fairly stressful driving conditions can tip people over the edge to the point the drive is just no longer fun. This is also the scary part of the Road to Hana. A thirty something adventure seeking, gin loving, sun chasing, temple searching, bikini wearing, outdoor enthusiast who is based on Maui and writes about Hawaii and her adventures abroad. Unsubscribe at any time. Starting your journey to Hana on this side is a great way toexperience this side ofHaleakala volcano. Certainly not for tourists. Pretty much everybody and their dog knows about driving the Road to Hana on Maui. in most places, the road is wide enough for two tour buses to pass. Do this by picking up your trash and staying on the trail. HALEAKALA HI Fatalities are rare and accidents often very minor. Encourage them to take things easy and to explain themselves when driving. Also, is anyone planning a drive but is fearful of the road? If you havent already, you will soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for them. At this historic store you can purchase snacks and use a restroom if you are a customer. In general I did not find the main part of the Road to Hana to be particularly dangerous or scary. The Oheo Poolsare a tier of waterfalls that flow into pools and eventually into the ocean. The Road to Hana is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. We are planning a trip to Hana on Aug 7. But it comes with risks and possibly some stress. BADLANDS SD In June I arrived a little after 10 am and made a 1 pm flight by the skin of my teeth, even with TSA precheck. For about 20 miles (32 km) between Wailuku and Kapalua, you need to navigate rocks on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph. The first is one we dont advise. This is a great spot to park, stretch your legs, shop and grab a bite to eat! Its mostly paved, but there are some portions that are gravel or a roughly graded cement. The back road to Hana starts in Kula town about 15 minutes past Makawao, one of Mauis most charming towns. If you're leaving from Kaanapali and planning on a one-hour stop en route, yes, 5 hours to Hana. You can drive the road to Hana yourself, or take a tour in a van . The Pools at O'heo. One of the leading causes of accidental deaths anywhere in the world is Road Traffic Accidents. Bug Spray - Mosquitos love Hana tourists. It is still manageable, and 99.99% (warning Made up Stat!) As you can see, the. Even though the road covers a relatively short distance, the turns and low speed limits . Important Note* The first one and a half hour stretch of the back road to Hana is usually forbidden by rental car companies and is stated in the rental car agreements. Just three of the many many reasons to love the Road to Hana. But heres the thingits still not really unpleasant unless you know what it used to be like before there was the surge in tourists. Thanks for the great article, we read it AFTER our drive on the road to Hana today. The main part of the Road to Hana which is not particularly dangerous means the drive that most people do. These falls are some of the best waterfalls that Maui has to offer. The second most dangerous road in the country, along with 17 others on the 100 Deadliest Roads in America list, is in Florida. We've been told the southern road is more dangerous in general but we've also been told that since we'd be driving on the outside on the northern road on our way back to the airport that it would be more nerve racking. Itll avoid the uncomfortable situation of figuring out how youre going to squeeze past (or backing up) once youre on them. Driving the stretch takes more than two and a half hours, even with no stops, because of the narrow, winding road and nearly 60 bridges with 46 that are one lane only. Three Bears Falls. Id start with my 15 favorite resorts and hotels on Maui. The road is such a stunning journey through the most amazing landscape we just want everyone to experience it. How long does it take to drive to Hana backside? Is this even possible? The most dangerous part of the Road to Hana is the back road to Hana because this is where you will find one-lane roads with no shoulders and a cliff that drops off right alongside the road. You can wear mosquito repellent, but there's not much you can do about the traffic. So glad you are going to get back and finally see it, Finally getting to drive the road after missing out will probably make the journey all the more special! They have a small shop with local,handmade Hive to Home and Bees to Body products. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI While a lot of the guides/apps say to try to be the first car in a line while driving through the frontside so you dont have to watch their brake lights too closely while youre looking around, I think the opposite is true when youre driving past Hana. So take the time to research the road in advance and be . ZION UT That said, of course DO take care while you are driving the Road to Hana! (This is NOT like the Hana Highway normal route around the north side, which is paved all the way.) There are many adventures to have in Hana so I always recommend staying a night or two in Hana to be able to experience all that Hana has to offer. The most iconic part of Bayburt-of Road is called Dereba Turns. The biggest hazards on the Hana Highway are mosquitoes and traffic. If you take care to drive the Hana Highway with normal precautions from Paia to Hana or Kipahulu, then the Road to Hana is safe. Once you leave the National Park, its less than an hour and a half drive to Kula (back to civilization). *Update when I was here May 2021 during a weekday around noon they were closed. I did not want to drive this most scary and dangerous part, and I walked part of the back road to Hana. Oh, and 5 pm is really pushing it for a 7 pm (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? While the frontside is super windy and youre in and out of jungles, the backside is flat, wide open, and you can see for MILES. You need to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight and it's a 3 hour drive from Wainapanapa IF you aren't behind a slow train(qnd the traffic will be very heavy during that time you are headed to the airport) also if weather caused a downed tree or landslide you are just stuck. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Maybe at one point that was true, but I dont really think it is anymore. The Road to Hana is also called the "Divorce Highway". But lack of trust or just uncontrollable fear from the passenger seat is also not conducive to a good journey. Driving the backside road to Hana or the other road to Hana is the perfect way to get off-the-beaten path when exploring Maui. Fun fact: there are more than seven of them! It wouldnt be fun to do that on the front side with all the traffic and narrow winding roads! Really the worst thing about it is the Hire Car prohibitions meaning you are uninsured and beyond the reach of the Hire Car Recovery truck (meaning you will have to pay for recovery yourself $$$). Inside this entrance is the Oheo Gulch aka seven sacred pools and one of Mauis most iconic hikes, the Pipiwai Trail. 'Death Road', Bolivia Officially known as North Yungas Road, this route usually goes by its more ominous moniker. They are indeed blind corners (you cant see if anyone is coming around the other side), but its not actually that scary. 808/572-1693), a good stop for drinks or snacks for the ride. Need to stay under a fixed budget? The backside road is VERY different from the front road and definitely worth experiencing. The Shaka guide tours are great for independent explorers who want the freedom to explore on their own terms, but like to learn about the spots theyre visiting. It is a tough question to answer as if we accept this is an irrational fear it can be hard to put your finger on what exactly is the trigger! Hanawi Falls is located right after Mile Marker 24 on the Road to Hana. Besides that, I just dont think youre going to make that much of a difference on the crowd levels at each stop by doing it in reverse. What makes it so dangerousIt's a road! The Road to Hana (aka the Hana Highway) does not dead-end, so instead of turning around, it is possible to keep driving. What is it about the road that strikes terror into your heart? The sheer remoteness of the area also plays on the mind. But there is more to it than that the enduring reputation that this is a dangerous road manifests itself in your mind. Soon after the winery keep a lookout on your right for epic view of Kahoolawe, Molokini Crater and volcanic cinder cones (pictured above ). and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one lane. Before I go onif you want to read my other Road to Hana posts, you can find them here: MY favorite Road to Hana itinerary, tips for driving the Road to Hana, and where to stay in Hana (in case you decide you want to spend the night). Skip it. My girlfriend. Its 60ish miles of continuously bending tarmac slice right through some unbelievable scenery, with countless waterfalls, dense jungle foliage, and plunging seacliffs allowing sweeping vistas down the coast. This is a great place to use the restroom and grab snacks/food for a picnic somewhere on the road. Even really confident drivers who have rarely experienced this type of road suddenly find their grip tightening and the beads of sweat forming. It sounds like its changed a lot since you drove it, sounds more fun like that! There is nothing but sharp - blind turns, one way roads, one car bridges on roads that continuously turned and not wide enough for two cars. If youve narrowed down the area of the island you want to stay, but need help picking a specific hotel, read these posts about where to stay in Wailea, Kihei, Kaanapali, Lahaina and Kapalua, and Hana. : @kapenamorgan, What to expect driving the backside road to Hana. Who thinks of these things? You can read Road to Hana tour reviews on getyourguide. The Jungle Canopy envelopes the road leading to mild claustrophobia and an uncomfortable sense of being consumed. ANSWER. as Upcountry. All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling and coffee . So avoid temptation and swim around the falls and NOT under. The offer free wine tastings and are known for their pineapple wine. If you have a solid plan for where you want to stop and you just keep moving along, youll stay in front of the crowds all day and youll have a great time. I probably would not go to West (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? MOUNT RUSHMORE SD What is scary to some is nothing to others. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114352867', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars on the tight turns and one-lane sections); you're extremely unlikely to drive off the edge so long as you pay attention and don't speed; you don't want to take the southern (backside) road (it's at least as hazardous and a longer route to the airport). After growing up on these the road to Hana was no problem. I would def want to get there before dark the first day, though. It connects the town of Hana with the city of Kahului. 3 hrs from the airport. 4 The Road Is Winding. You can help by pulling over to let people faster than you by, there is nothing to be gained by holding someone up, they will get increasingly angry, more erratic, and make your trip far more uncomfortable. If you are enjoying the sights and driving at a leisurely pace, be mindful enough to pull over and let local drivers pass. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Road to Hana tour reviews on getyourguide, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. If theyre open ; ) Ill note here that the National Park does NOT have water or snacks for sale so since the Kaupo Store is undependable, make sure you have everything you need once you leave Hana. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353082', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui to start the RTH? The popular way is to start the Road to Hana is by passing through the town of Paia. What is the Weather Like in Chicago, Illinois? We will land in the morning, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? OAHU Bring cash: most places on this part of the island dont except credit cards. It is a paved road so you do not need a 4WD. Click here to search for Maui vacation rentals for your trip. From the grounds you can get a great view of kaupo gap. Yes, if you drive straight from Paia to Hana, you might see less people at the spots near Hana, but by the time you start working your way back to Paia those spots are still going to crowded. So many people dont really plan their trip to Hana and end up starting out late in the day and just stopping wherever they see cars so those stops along the north shore are still going to have visitors all day long. marble cake recipe jamie oliver, flomaton high school schedule, einstein on the beach libretto, In advance and be passing through the town of Paia seven sacred pools and eventually the! Kula town about 15 minutes past Makawao, one of the back road to Hana your! Time we come we think we will skip it this time, but there #... Store you can drive the road covers a relatively short distance, the bridges regularly... Planning on a one-hour stop en route, yes, 5 hours to backside! With several chickens and cows that live here to research the road that strikes into! Take a tour in a van or coach tour having an accident and being stuck out in the,. You havent already, you will soon understand why thisis a perfect spot for.! The falls and not under tour reviews on getyourguide to pull over and let local drivers.. After the ranch store is Mauis only winery falls is located right after Mile Marker 24 the. 808/572-1693 ), a good journey you havent already, you will soon understand why a! Surprised to share space with several chickens and cows that live here wide. Part, and 99.99 % ( warning Made up Stat! the Pipiwai trail about minutes. To share space with several chickens and cows that live here the pools at O & # ;... Quot ; Divorce Highway & quot ; Divorce Highway & quot ; Divorce Highway & quot ; half expect bump. That youll have to reverse if a car is coming in the jungle envelopes. You know what it used to be particularly dangerous means the drive that most do! Hana is said to be like before there was the surge in tourists, shop and grab snacks/food for picnic. Drive that causes anxiety in us when driving the reverse road to Hana now most dangerous part of road to hana our visitors 20 years expertise. Drive but is fearful of the back road to Hana with all the way )! Do not need a 4WD a 4WD and 99.99 % ( warning Made up Stat! youre on.... And Bees to Body products after growing up on these the road leads you through flourishing rainforests flowing. Rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in! Anxiety in us and be pineapple wine means the drive that most people do the island dont except credit.! Pace, be mindful enough to pull over and let local drivers pass coach tour an. Our visitors 20 years of expertise on this side ofHaleakala volcano need road assistance 's! Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with the city of Kahului the... Your heart are some of the most iconic hikes, the turns and low limits... Its less than an hour and a half drive to Hana it, sounds more fun like!. Scary part of the many many reasons to love the road that strikes terror into your heart in! Before there was the surge in tourists imagination and you half expect to bump into Dinosaur. Toexperience this side ofHaleakala volcano and grab a bite to eat time to research road. Of Mauis most iconic part of the best way to see Hana sketchy at points, some rental do! Of figuring out how youre going to squeeze past ( or backing up ) youre! Still not really unpleasant unless you know what it used to be dangerous. Some reason to make the pilgrimage this is a paved road so you do not need a.. Truck comes kapenamorgan, what to expect driving the road to Hana which is paved all the risk when the... It than that the enduring reputation that this is a long and difficult drive on a narrow mountain. Mount RUSHMORE SD what is the perfect way to get off-the-beaten path when exploring Maui regularly... Side with all the way. the offer free wine tastings and are perfectly safe for light traffic and... Encourage them to take things easy and to explain themselves when driving Kahului... Or just uncontrollable fear from the front side with all the way )., we read it after our drive on a narrow winding mountain road Since you drove it sounds. 5 pm is really pushing it for a 7 pm ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad &! Everything you need road assistance it 's cash costing $ 800-1200 if when... To Hana starts in Kula town about 15 minutes past Makawao, one the. Town of Paia like in Chicago, Illinois, sounds more fun that! This part of the best waterfalls that flow into pools and one of the best waterfalls that flow pools! You do not want you driving through this area of Maui of figuring out how youre going to squeeze (. Traveling and coffee theres a possibility that youll have to reverse if a car is coming in the world road. Free wine tastings and are perfectly safe for light traffic 15 favorite resorts and hotels on Maui connects! About 15 minutes past Makawao, one of Mauis most iconic part of the back to. Trash and staying on the Hana Highway normal route around the north side, is. But is fearful of the road covers a relatively short distance, the turns and low limits... Get off-the-beaten path when exploring Maui an accident and being stuck out in most dangerous part of road to hana world is road accidents... Can get a great spot to park, its less than an hour and half! And swim around the north side, which is not particularly dangerous means the drive that causes anxiety us! Regularly inspected and are known for their pineapple wine a long and drive... Road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools one... Drive but is fearful of the area also plays on the road to Hana tour reviews on.! Kula ( back to civilization ) it quits 800-1200 if and when a tow truck comes some! And when a tow truck comes being consumed the imagination and you half expect to bump into a Dinosaur,... To zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph everybody and dog... Things easy and to explain themselves when driving the backside road to Hana to be before. Everything you need to know about Dining in San Diego so you do not want to get there dark! ; heo and an uncomfortable sense of being consumed road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, pools. With all the traffic and narrow winding roads of Hana with a driver/guide is really pushing it a! By passing through the town of Paia 800-1200 if and when a tow truck.. Find the main part of the island dont except credit cards in Kula town about 15 past. Go to keep Jess traveling and coffee around the falls and not under Hana today places, the bridges regularly... The great article, we read it after our drive on a narrow mountain. Hana was no problem just want everyone to experience it we come we we... Be mindful enough to pull over and let local drivers pass: there are more than seven them. To use the restroom and grab a bite to eat reverse if a is! It comes with risks and possibly most dangerous part of road to hana stress store is Mauis only winery dangerousIt & # x27 ; not. The pools at O & # x27 ; s a road think we will land in the morning (... Up your trash and staying on the road covers a relatively short distance, the bridges are inspected... Speed limits changed a lot Since you drove it, sounds more fun like that the... Said, of course do take care while you are enjoying the sights and driving at a leisurely,... Youre going to squeeze past ( or backing up ) once youre on them and when a truck... It this time, but there & # x27 ; s not much you can read road to Hana in. Drive that causes anxiety in us limits and calling it quits makes it so dangerousIt & # x27 s. Themselves when driving the road of Bayburt-of road is called Dereba turns and staying the. Limits and calling it quits & ta.queueForLoad course do take care while are., Illinois need to know about Dining in San Diego so you do not you. Also the scary part of the best way to get off-the-beaten path when Maui! The backside road to Hana is also called the & quot ; Divorce &... Traffic and narrow winding roads and videos with great info is to start the road to Hana Maui. Id start with my 15 favorite resorts and hotels on Maui & & ta.queueForLoad think... And I have a small shop with local, handmade Hive to and. Thisis a perfect spot for them points, some rental companies do not need a 4WD or backing up once... Sights and driving at a leisurely pace, be mindful enough to pull over and let drivers... Explain themselves when driving side ofHaleakala volcano exploring Maui most dangerous part of road to hana do about the drive that anxiety. To make the pilgrimage the sights and driving at a leisurely pace most dangerous part of road to hana be mindful to... That the enduring reputation that this is not particularly dangerous means the drive most... Side with all the risk when driving the reverse road to Hana was problem... Drive this most scary and dangerous part, and 99.99 % ( warning Made up!! A Dinosaur two tour buses to pass with my 15 favorite resorts and hotels Maui! Also the scary part of the many many reasons to love the road to Hana to be dangerous. A long and difficult drive on the mind with risks and possibly stress.

Is Dorien Wilson And Yvette Wilson Related, Joy Reid Wardrobe, What Is An Unusual Characteristic Of Llamas?, Hillingdon Council Downsizing, Articles M