most dangerous part of road to hana
Quite a few people continue on past Hana to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park where you'll find the Oheo Gulch (aka Seven Sacred Pools) and the Pipiwai Trailhead. You want to go back the way you came, most likely, rather than going around the back way. Also you can't enter the Park to hike the Pipiwai Trail until 9 am. That would allow you to pass through the most lush parts of the highway in the morning. Accidents are common and you may be more likely to have a small bump, brush a wall/banking, or get stuck in a ditch than regular highways, but you are less likely to actually injure yourself than on most roads in Hawaii. 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. At the same time, if we were delayed by anything any road blockage driving this legendary road in the dark sounds a bit terrifying. Should I be confident in my ability to do this drive with precious cargo (my girlfriend's and my own life)? have no issue at all, but it is narrower, more exposed, and in places has no asphalt topcoat (Dirt Track). The drive to Hana is known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world with waterfalls, beaches, history, and views (you can even see the Big Island in some parts). 1-2 Week Maui Itinerary, Best Time to Visit: Best Time to Visit Maui. The road to Hana is one of Maui's two most famous sights. Fun fact: there are more than seven of them! I carry AAA independently (plus my auto insurance and credit card cover this) so I always decline all extra insurance. WYOMING The first lookout on the left is Koki Beach overlook but you can skip this and continue to Hamoa Beach further ahead. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI MICHIGAN Do this by picking up your trash and staying on the trail. Im there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share! ANSWER. It gets pretty windy! (I think the back road may be closed to traffic anyway) That part of the road (going on from Hana towards Kula) is the part that is prone to washouts, etc. This is a great spot to park, stretch your legs, shop and grab a bite to eat! . There are 620 bends, many of them extremely sharp or hairpin turns, over the course of that 64 miles. 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. This snake-like road is 52 miles (84 km) long and runs from Kahului to Hana. Ive written a lot here about this and I dont want it to sound scary, but I also want you to know EXACTLY what youre signing up for. Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph. The first is one we dont advise. Take a van or coach tour Having an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver/guide is really the best way to see Hana. It was the perfect solution. You're meant to treat the bridges similar to a 4 way stop in that whichever car reaches the bridge first has the right of way. Now lets get to the exciting part the best stops along the backside road to Hana! What are you wanting to do west? It's one of the most beautiful drives in the world. This road is also part of the daily commute for Maui's residents, so drive with aloha to avoid any frustration. We personally have no issues at all but the fear is very real in many people and cant be dismissed. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! Eventually, the Hana Highway turns into the Piilani Highway. What about a convertible? Theyve got the largest selection of rentals youll find anywhere and you can easily filter to find exactly what youre looking for. The Road to Hana is generally known for it's 52 miles of winding turns, liable to cause nausea and dizziness among even the most experienced road trip enthusiast, as well as it's 59 Lara Croft-esque stone bridges nestled in the thick Hawaiian jungle. Driving the backside voids your rental car contract. The legendary road to Hna is only 52 miles from Kahului; however, the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it's fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible . The Road to Hana is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It sounds like its changed a lot since you drove it, sounds more fun like that! So just drive the route thats going to give you the best overall experience and dont be worried about trying to be too strategic. Or someone from the rural US where roads amble on for hundreds of miles with barely a bend would find the almost endless snaking of the road completely daunting. Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hna, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. How necessary is it to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for this drive? The Road to Hana is known for having winding roads. The road is such a stunning journey through the most amazing landscape we just want everyone to experience it. I am a pretty low-risk driver with minimal experience driving through mountains. This trip takes approximately 7.0 hours to complete and the Road to Hana is considered the 5th most dangerous road in the world. If youve just started your Hana research, heres how it works: the Road to Hana is considered to start in Paia on the north shore of Maui. I have regretted not trying since we arrived home. Its a completely different adventure than driving the front side. But having an accident and being stuck out in the jungle is a real Vacation Wrecker! #travelp. That is such a shame for you both, but it is understandable, and probably the right decision. The southern route will save at the most 20 minutes off your drive. But, if you do keep driving, you will end up on what is known as the back road to Hana! Mmmmkay, If you think any rental car company is going to come get you if you have a problem ANYWHERE, you have more faith in them than me. 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. P.S. (Or, the "end" activities on this list CAN actually be on the road to Hana if you take the back road to Hana!) Is the Road to Hana Worth it? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases that gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. Also, once youre at the National Park, its quicker to drive the back way instead of backtracking through Hana and around with all the traffic. If you are in charge of the directions and finding the stops, that is one less thing to distract the driver and gives you something to do. We highy recommend doing a tour with large windows, an experienced local guide, and only going to safe, legal, epic spots! I think nearly all of us have some kind of phobia, some irrational, spiders, birds, outdoors, speeches, heights, flying. 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. Why drive 1 hour to west side to trun around and come back to central (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5) Is there any general safety advice you guys would give? In this article, we take a look at what causes the Roads Fearsome reputation, and ask honestly How Scary is the Road to Hana Really?. However, the Road to Hana is not dangerous in and of itself, and for seasoned drivers, the trip should be a breeze. 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 continue on in the loop, youll eventually come through Ulupalakua (where Maui Wine is) and Kula in upcountry Maui and can take the highway back down towards Paia and Kahului. SNORKELING SHIRTS TSA lines have been very long. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. PICTURED ROCKS MI So they will tailgate manically, overtake when shouldnt and speed of once they get clear. Four wheel drive is 100% NOT necessary for driving the backside of Hana. Kipahulu is home to some of the Road to Hana's most famous stops from the Pools at O'heo (Seven Sacred Pools), Pipiwai Trail, and Waimoku Falls. About the Road to Hana. GRAND CANYON AZ I wouldn't suggest driving through Kahakuloa to any tourists. **Mama's Fish House. Starting your journey to Hana on this side is a great way to experience this side of Haleakala volcano . If you leave Paia by 8AM (and hey earlier is even better), I promise you that youll be ahead of 90% of the people planning to drive to Hana that day. But there is more to it than that the enduring reputation that this is a dangerous road manifests itself in your mind. GRAND TETON WY The Road to Hana is by its very nature one of the most dangerous things you will do on your Maui Vacation! Take your valuables with you or at the very least keep them out of sight. I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post. But in general, I did not think the Road to Hana was dangerous or scary. How long does it take to drive to Hana backside? It's windy contains 65 hairpin switchbacks, 600 sharp turns, and 59 one-lane bridges. Well over 50 in total and most of the single lane for both directions. If you are enjoying the sights and driving at a leisurely pace, be mindful enough to pull over and let local drivers pass. My friend and I visited Maui in 2019 and neither of us was brave enough for the drive. On Another Note: If youre looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I always book with Vrbo. The backside road is VERY different from the front road and definitely worth experiencing. The Highway is very popular, and the narrow. At this point, people will then turn around and drive back the same way they came. Grab a cup of coffee and try it with their lavender honey. I probably would not go to West (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As we made our way along the southern coast of Maui, we found the scenery to be beautiful and varied. It becomes a dirt road for long stretches and even though we left for the day at 7AM, after a few stops and not really rushing we ended up in a situation where we were driving the most treacherous parts after dark (we almost hit a cow at one point, as herds will just wonder over the road in certain parts). The Pools at O'heo. PEARL HARBOR HI Your other option is to turn around and drive back the way you came or continue around the island on the Hana Highway a.k.a. When the drop off is only 5-10 feet below, its nowhere near as intense feeling as when its several hundred feet along the north shore (even though its two lanes). 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. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Google says its 47 mins but Im getting the idea google doesnt know how long these roads really take? Travel Tip: Since the roads are sketchy at points, some rental companies do not want you driving through this area of Maui. 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. Hazards aside, you're not giving yourself nearly enough time in either direction. Another beautiful coastal church on the back way to Hana drive is Huialoha Church. Whether on your own or on a tour, you will see the gorgeous scenery of the rainforest, including . Hwy 1 is typically straight, and because of this, drivers feel justified in driving at breakneck speeds. paia town. IDAHO With an elevation of 4,714m, the Karakoram Highway is the highest paved road on the planet and is often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the . You just have to keep your sight lines open and watch for cars coming in the other direction. Narrowed it down to a certain location? And it truly is fabulous. They hold masses here on the 5th Sunday of every month but you can explore the grounds at any time. 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. The Single file traffic is easily regulated with simple give way systems and you just wait your turn at the give says one each side of the bridge until it is your turn to cross. We respect your privacy. This park contains one of. These are the main reasons people find the road uncomfortable. The Road to Hana is only 52 miles but the average speed 25 mph. If we arrive at the airport at 10am, you would suggest to simply start driving out east to Nahiku and not see the west at all? If you ask them directly, theyll hem and haw (they give you the strong impression that its forbidden) but basically what it comes down to is they wont come and get you if you have a problem.. 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. Check your rental agreement and insurance this activity may breach your contract as this area of Maui is usually forbidden by rental car companies. Theyll give you the very best prices, you dont have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. (This is to say, they will say if something is scary, and the back road to Hana was not, to them.). UTAH Also to note, the Hawaii tourism people do encourage you to do a Road to Hana tour because of the potential dangers of the Road to Hana. The best stops along the backside road to Hana, Tips for driving the Reverse road to Hana, Alelele Falls which you can find on google maps here, Everything you Need to Know about Haleakala National Park, 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui, 21 Mistakes to Avoid on your First Trip to Hawaii, If youde like to see a video of driving the back way to Hana check out this. Snorkeling at Molokini is one of the best things to do in Kihei. Or is falling off the road to our deaths a serious consideration? They all flow directly into each other, but they have their own mile markers, which are crucial navigation points on this beautiful rainforest drive. The backside of Hana has some one lane graded dirt roads and rusty guardrails so the drive requires extra caution. Locals can be a problem as they are generally a lot more confident on the road and view the tourist as a major inconvenience. From the grounds you can get a great view of kaupo gap. A lot of locals go off the road in there even and die. The Road to Hana starts in Kahului and ends in Hana. If your other half wants to drive the road then a tour is not a good compromise. So when you see a car coming, yield and pull over even if theyre a ways away. It really is a unique experience, its totally different in the rain too, hopefully the waterfalls were in full flow they can dry up a little in the summer. Manawainui Gulch. Alternatively, you may use. Guoliang Tunnel ( China) In some ways, winding roads are beautiful and make for a peaceful drive while road tripping. Was it worse or better than your fears? It is a road like no other and should be right at the top of your Maui to-do list IF you can stomach it. Next on the left side of the road perched on a hill, youll see a little shop with several potted plants and such. Here is what the Hawaii tourism people say about the dangers of the Road to Hana: The Hana Highway has 620 curves and 59 bridges. I just drove this twice in May when traffic wasn't heavy as it is now. We just cant Visit Maui without taking a highway trip. Even though the road covers a relatively short distance, the turns and low speed limits . Set Aside Multiple Days. Im just going to describe it as accurately as possible and relay my personal experiences so that you can make a decision that youre comfortable with. So looking out for these symptoms can show how scared you are by a certain situation. Road to Hana Tips, Tricks and Advice How to Survive the Hana Highway! We are sure you will love it, if your husband is a confident driver he will have no issues at all. It is not hard to see why either, this stunning highway runs through pristine rainforest, past numerous world-class waterfalls, and has more jaw-dropping vistas per mile than any other piece of tarmac in the world. While most of the road has been repaved in the last twenty years, Hawaii Route 200 still has a dangerous reputation. There's no stress involved when a knowledgeable driver points out and stops at the most beautiful spots. The first of many Road to Hana stops, the Twin Falls is situated in the Ho'olawa Valley. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114353051', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car companies. We know for most people the Hana Highway is fine. Well sure, there was that one time where I encountered a truck on a more narrow and winding part of the Hana Highway that made my heart skip a beat. When driving the Highway, We tend to be calm as Hindu cows. This is one of the most dangerous places in Hawaii. Top Pick! GULF ISLANDS FL Overlook but you can get a great view of kaupo gap ca n't enter the Park to hike the Trail... Hana drive is 100 % not necessary for driving the Highway in the Ho & # x27 ; s most. 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