Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the beginning of the drive, the terrain changes from a lush paradise laden with
waterfalls to windswept grasslands. Past Kaupo Store, the road straightens out. The
last half of the drive, between Manawainui and Kanaio, is one of the nicest stretches
of pavement on the island. There's a good chance you'll like this section of road
better than even the more famous front section.
The biggest misconception about the Road to Hana is that the “back road”
around the Kaupo section of the island is only accessible with four-wheel drive.
You'll be told that driving this section of road violates your rental car policy. Neither
of these commonly held opinions is accurate. Driving the full loop around the entire
east end of the island is by far the best way to experience Hana.
On virtually all days of the year the back road (which is technically Highway
31) is passable in any form of vehicle, including a regular rental car. The road is
unpaved, well-graded dirt for five miles. At some points it is only one-lane wide
and has precipitous drop-offs, but at no point is four-wheel drive essential. The only
time you would need four-wheel drive would be during a torrential rainstorm-and in
that situation, you should just stay off the road altogether. Your rental car company
won't penalize you just because you drove out here, but if something goes wrong,
you're liable for any damage, injury, or inconvenience. Luckily, island locals are
some of the friendliest people you'll meet. If anything were to go wrong, you won't
have any trouble flagging someone down for help.
Preparation is key to enjoying a drive around the back side. Make sure that you
have plenty of gas. If you have half a tank or less when leaving Hana, you're cut-
ting it too close and should stop for gas. Driving this road at night can be danger-
ous-and is pointless since you miss the expansive views. Keep an eye out for free
range cattle on the road. Other than Kaupo Store there isn't anywhere to get food
or water, so be sure that you have enough water and snacks-it's a long way back to
civilization. If you're not a confident driver, the narrow sections and steep drop-offs
mean this isn't the road for you. The back road can be closed due to a landslide or
overflowing streams. Call 808/986-1200, ext. 2, for the latest information.
GUIDED TOURS
Despite how much fun it is to craft your own Hana adventure, a surprising number of vis-
itors decide to visit Hana as part of a private tour.
Temptation Tours (808/877-8888, www.tempatationtours.com , $219 and up) offers
small group tours in “limo vans” and has a number of different tour options for visiting
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