During our visit to Maui we got the chance to take a road trip and explore some of the beautiful hidden treasures that this magical island offers.
ROAD TRIP:
The Road to Hana - The most popular day trip in Maui.
This world-renowned route features 600 curves, 59 bridges, and countless attractions along the way. Winding through Maui’s lush, tropical rainforest, you’ll see everything from black sand beaches and waterfalls to unique roadside stands.
STOP 1 - Mile Marker 6 - 7
Between mile marker 6 and 7, you’ll find a grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees. We love these stunning trees! These trees may look like they’ve been painted on, but these colors are all natural.
These trees can quickly grow to more than 6-feet-wide and 200-feet-tall. The bark sheds annually, exposing a bright green inner bark that changes to blue, purple, orange and maroon as the bark matures. The best time to visit is right after a rain when wood has the deepest version of its colors.
We really liked this stop, a short easy walk. When parking you’ll need to park past them and walk back. These are a must see up close!
STOP 2 - Mile Marker 45
Wailua Falls is visible from the Hana Highway and easily accessible. Regarded as one of the most scenic waterfalls along the Hana Highway, Wailua Falls is located just past mile marker #45. This is one of the most photographed waterfalls on Maui. It’s a short walk to a plunge pool at the bottom, but be cautious of the slippery rocks. The falls are approximately 80 feet high.
STOP 3 - Mile Marker 42
Near mile marker 42, Twelve miles past Hana, in the Kipahulu district, is our favorite hike on Maui, the Pipiwai Trail.
This 4 mile round trip hike takes you above the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo Gulch, past the famous banyan tree, through a magical bamboo forest, and ends with the 400ft waterfall, Waimoku Falls.
This incredible hike will take approximately 3 hours.
STOP 4: Mile Marker 32.2
Mile Marker 32.2 ~ Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach.
One of our favorite spots on the road to Hana was definitely this black sand beach with it’s clear turquoise water crashing right into the stunning lava stones.
The short hike up the hill was exactly the right decision to stretch our legs from the long drive. In addition to the black sand beach there are natural stone arches, ancient lava caves, & hidden blowholes.
STOP 5: Mile Marker 42
The Oheo Gulch, known as the Seven Sacred Pools is part of Haleakala National Park. Located about 15 minutes past Hana town, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway.
The name “Ohe’o” translates to “something special.”
Here you’ll discover beautifully tiered pools fed by cascading waterfalls. Weather permitting you can swim in the pools. It definitely is something special to see.
TOP TIPS:
1. You need a minimum of 10 -14 hours.
2. Fill up your gas tank before you start.
3. Download the app Gypsy Guide the day before. It’s like having a local in your car telling you everything in real time.
4. Pick 5 - 6 places that are at the top of your list, as you would need weeks to see every one you wanted to.
5. Pack plenty of water and snacks.
7. Bring motion sickness meds if you get car sick.
8. Mosquito repellant. If you’re prone to mosquito bites, come ready with some much-needed defence.
9. Patience. Perhaps the most important thing to understand about driving the Road to Hana is that it’s all about the journey, not the destination!
PIN, SAVE OR SHARE THIS IMAGE:
Subscribe to our e-newsletter for more travel guides, tips and hacks.
Comments