Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HANA TRIP TIPS
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Beat the crowd - get a sunrise start.
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Fill up the tank in Paʻia; the next gas station isn't until Hana.
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Bring snacks and plenty to drink.
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Wear a bathing suit under your clothes so you're ready for impromptu swims.
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Pull over to let local drivers pass - they're moving at a different pace.
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Bring cash for small roadside purchases.
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Wear shoes that are good for hiking, as well as scrambling over slick rocks.
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Leave valuables at your hotel or condo. Electronics left on car seats may lead to
smashed windows.
THE ROAD TO HANA
The Road to Hana is ravishingly beautiful, but it's not just the gorgeous views that make
it special. There's also the thrill of expectation - what lies beyond the next jungly curve?
Fortunately, the serpentine Hana Hwy delivers one jaw-dropping view after another as it
winds between tropical valleys and towering cliffs.
Along the way 54 one-lane bridges mark nearly as many waterfalls, some tranquil and
inviting, others so sheer they kiss you with spray as you drive past. When you're ready to
get out and stretch your legs the real adventure begins: hiking trails climb into cool
forests, short paths lead to Eden-like swimming holes, side roads wind down to sleepy
seaside villages. If you've never tried smoked breadfruit, taken a dip in a spring-fed cave
or gazed upon an ancient Hawaiian temple, set the alarm early - you've got a big day.
And as far as rental cars go, Jeeps and Mustangs are the ride of choice on the Hana Hwy.
As for the waterfalls, whether you see torrents or trickles depends on recent rainfall up
in the mountains. And if it really starts to pour, watch out for sudden rockslides and
muddy debris on the road.
Heading east from Paʻia, houses give way to fields of sugarcane and the scenery gets
more dramatic with each mile. After mile marker 16 on Hwy 36 the Hana Hwy changes
numbers and becomes Hwy 360 and the mile markers begin again at zero.
