Road to Hana (Hana Highway)

The Road to Hana follows Maui's northeastern shore from Kahului to Hana, with rainforest scenery, waterfalls, one-lane bridges, coastal views and black-sand beach access.

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Road to Hana, Maui

The Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway, is one of Maui’s most popular attractions. You can either drive this adventurous road yourself or book a road to Hana tour with one of the local activity companies. Both options have advantages. If you drive yourself, you can stop wherever you wish and as often as you want. If you’re on a tour bus, you can relax and let your tour guide do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the views.

Even though this legendary road is just 52 miles (84 km) long (from Kahului to Hana), it takes around three hours and can be quite a challenge to navigate. That’s because it is narrow and winding. There are about 620 curves and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one-lane bridges. It can take a toll on one’s nerves, especially if one is used to driving on wide, multiple-lane highways. That’s why the Road to Hana is also known as the “Divorce Highway,” because it has caused quite a few arguments among some couples.

The drive is very much worth it though and offers many scenic views of Maui’s northern coastline, rainforests, black-sand beaches, waterfalls and lush, tropical vegetation. The Road to Hana is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hana itself is a sleepy little town. There is a luxurious hotel, the Travaasa Hana, an art gallery and some small shops, eateries and road stands.

So in case you plan to drive yourself, just take your time and make an entire day of this road trip. Stop at the scenic lookout points and take in all the views. Also, stop at some of the roadside stands that sell local foods, including really good banana breads and Hawaiian coffee.

Just south of Hana is another popular attraction, the Oheo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. The road continues as a dirt road, the Piilani Highway (Highway 31).

Key Features

Classic East Maui route from Kahului and Paia toward Hana
About 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, but usually planned as a full-day drive
Known for more than 600 curves, many bridges and narrow one-lane crossings
Rainforest valleys, waterfalls, ocean cliffs and roadside stands shape the drive
Keanae Peninsula, Hana town and Wai'anapanapa State Park are major points along the route
Wai'anapanapa State Park requires advance parking and entry reservations for nonresident visitors
Local traffic uses the road daily, so safe pullouts and patient driving matter
The route continues beyond Hana toward Kipahulu, Oheo Gulch and the Piilani Highway

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Maui Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Road to Hana so famous?

The drive is known for how quickly the scenery changes, with rainforest valleys, ocean cliffs, waterfalls, bridges, roadside stands and small East Maui communities along one narrow route.

Why do some people call it the Divorce Highway?

The nickname comes from the road's many curves, narrow bridges and long driving time, which can test the patience of travelers who try to rush the day.

Why should visitors let local drivers pass?

Hana Highway is also a daily road for East Maui residents. Pulling over safely when traffic builds behind you helps keep the drive calmer for everyone.

How is Keanae different from Hana?

Keanae is a small coastal peninsula with taro fields, lava-rock shoreline and ocean views, while Hana is the main town farther east with more services and nearby park access.

What changes after Hana?

Beyond Hana, the road continues toward Kipahulu, Oheo Gulch and the Piilani Highway. This side is more remote, so road conditions, fuel, daylight and rental car rules matter more.