Our 3 month trip around the United States started off on the Hawaiian island of Maui. This was our third visit to Hawaii (we can’t seem to get enough of this beautiful place!) but it was our first time in Maui.

When I hear the word Hawaii, I think of beautiful sandy beaches, gorgeous weather, luscious green forests, belching volcanoes and that aloha spirit — and Maui definitely lived up to this.

12 hours, two flights and a one hour car ride later, we finally reached Lahaina on the western side of Maui! The town has a pretty seaside feel, with wooden clad shop fronts, a waterfront boardwalk and moored mask ships however with it being high season the area at times felt quite touristy and very busy.

Looking out from Lahaina warf Looking out from Lahaina warf

What did make this area so special however, was its beautiful beaches. Whether you’re heading to the famous Ka’anapali or Kapalua Beaches to the north, or the numerous roadside beaches (sometimes you can have the whole beach to yourself) to the south/ south-east, it is safe to say there’s a beach for everyone.

Sunbaking on Ka’anapali Beach with the islands of Lanai and Molokai in the distance Sunbaking on Ka’anapali Beach with the islands of Lanai and Molokai in the distance

One other major drawcard to the island is the stunningly scenic “Road to Hana” — a 64 mile drive that hugs the north and eastern edge of the island.

The road clings to cliff faces, passes through waterfalls and lush rainforest, winds down to the coast, then back up to the mountains — it’s truly beautiful. At times the drive was slightly hair raising, especially with the numerous blind corners, one way bridges and steep, hairpin bends, but well worth it.

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We started our drive in the morning with a quick pit stop for fuel and snacks, then we were on our way, arriving in Hana by the late afternoon. We made the decision to stay the night in Hana rather than making the trip back to Lahaina the same day and we found that to be a wise choice as it’s not a road you want to be traveling on at night due to potholes, twists and turns and the lack of streetlight.

There are numerous online guides about the Road to Hana — we used this site a fair bit — which gives descriptions of what you can find at various mile markers along the way. Below are a few that we stopped at along our journey and a map of their locations.

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Stop A: The town of Paia. Courtesy of Dave Hughes on Flickr Stop A: The town of Paia. Courtesy of Dave Hughes on Flickr

Stop B: Twin Falls at Mile Marker #2. Courtesy of Emily Grayston on Flickr Stop B: Twin Falls at Mile Marker #2. Courtesy of Emily Grayston on Flickr

Stop C: Kaumahina State Park at Mile Marker #12 Stop C: Kaumahina State Park at Mile Marker #12

Stop D: Wailua Valley State Wayside at Mile Marker #18 Stop D: Wailua Valley State Wayside at Mile Marker #18

Stop E: Pa’iloa Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park at Mile Marker #32 Stop E: Pa’iloa Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park at Mile Marker #32

Looking back at Pa’iloa Beach at Waianapanapa State Park Looking back at Pa’iloa Beach at Waianapanapa State Park

Stop F: The town of Hana at Mile Marker #30, where where stayed overnight

Stop G: Paihi Falls at Mile Marker #45. There is a trail to the right of the road before crossing the bridge that leads to the base of the falls, where you can take a swim Stop G: Paihi Falls at Mile Marker #45. There is a trail to the right of the road before crossing the bridge that leads to the base of the falls, where you can take a swim

Stop H: Oheo Gulch or Seven Sacred Pools at Mile Marker #42. At some time sof the year, when the water is calm, you can swim in these pools. Courtesy of Bruce Irschick on n Flickr Stop H: Oheo Gulch or Seven Sacred Pools at Mile Marker #42. At some time sof the year, when the water is calm, you can swim in these pools. Courtesy of Bruce Irschick on n Flickr

If you are looking to drive the Hana highway yourself here are a few pointers:

  • Drive cautiously and be aware of the roads conditions and other drivers
  • Fill up you car at the town of Paia. This will be the last stop for fuel before you reach Hana some 60 miles away
  • Research the Hana Highway and pick your stops — it’s impossible to do all the stops in one day, so choose the ones you’re interested in to make the most of the journey
  • Try to end your journey on the Hana Road before sundown to avoid those winding roads
  • Stay overnight in Hana if you can. Although there aren’t a lot of options for accommodation there should be one or two choices suiting most budgets. This is the best way to experience the journey without having to feel like you need to rush back to Lahaina.
  • Let locals pass where you can. You will find that they know the road much better than yourself so it’s just courteous to let them go on their way whilst you enjoy your day.
  • Pack a picnic lunch, snacks and water. There are a few places on the way where you can buy food but we noticed that they weren’t all open, and it was nice to just be able to pull up where you like and have a bit of a picnic :)
  • Your cannot drive all the way around the island if you are looking to do a round trip. The only way this can be done is by 4WD as the roads are unsealed and will need 4x4 capability. Also, be aware that most rental companies don’t cover most vehicles for this route, so it’s wise to check before you set off.
  • Save some of the points of interests for the way back! If you don’t have a 4WD and so are not planning to go around the island, then this is a good idea and it means more time to take it all!
  • Bring some music with you. The radio drops out pretty much when you hit the highway so to avoid the sound of static, plug in some of your own music
  • Most of all enjoy the journey and keep looking out that window, in Hawaii there’s something to see at every turn :)

Our final sunset over Maui Our final sunset over Maui