If you’re not lucky enough to live in Hawaii, then a vacation there is in order for a spectacular ride. Rent yourself a motorcycle on Maui and check out the beloved Hana Highway (also called "the road to Hana") for an awe-inspiring display of natural beauty. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului, but the drive takes 2-4 hours each way, to complete. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the lovely views, so get an early start and take your time on your ride. 

This serpentine trek starts off in Paia, make sure you have plenty of fuel, because there are no gas stations before Hana. You’ll pass Hookipa Beach Park, famous for its windsurfing action, the combination of steady surf and robust winds make this area an ideal location to hold competitive windsurfing championships. In the Twin Falls area, the point where Rte. 36 becomes 360, the highway begins to zigzag east along the rugged coast, and the lower slopes of the giant sleeping volcano Haleakala. For more than 50 miles the highway curves crazily, with 600 hairpin curves, and 54 one-lane bridges spanning the many gorges. The Hana Highway (HI-360), leads you through lush, vibrant green landscapes, full of flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls with pristine pools, and the views occasionally open up to reveal dramatic seascapes of the Pacific Ocean with dark sandy beaches down below. Wild Orchids and fragrant yellow ginger blossoms are among the beautiful plants growing alongside the road.

Next you pass through the small community of Huelo, and the old plantation town of Kailua. The Hana Highway then leads to Waikomoi Ridge, and down the road to Puohokamoa Falls where you can picnic beside a 30-foot waterfall that tumbles into a rock lined pool. A bit further you will find Kaumahina State Wayside Park. A stop at this park will find you restrooms, picnic tables, and a dazzling overlook providing a panoramic view of the rugged coastline and Honomanu Bay.   Keanae Arboretum, an exotic botanical garden, is a great place to stop and find out the names of the many flowers and trees you’ve been seeing along the road. Waikani Falls (a trio of crashing chutes), Ka'eleku Caverns (an ancient cavern system created from a lava flow thousands of years ago), and Waianapanapa State Park (home to a famous black-sand beach and fresh-water caves) are all in close proximity. Your excursion will land you in the sleepy coastal village of Hana. You can explore this heavenly, undeveloped town, swim and sunbathe at Hana Beach Park, or continue about 9 miles further to Haleakala National Park in Kipahula, where you will find more than 28,000 acres of volcanic wilderness. Here you can relax in Oheo Gulch (aka the Seven Sacred Pools). Take a swim in one of these tranquil natural pools or take a hike up the Pipiwai Trail to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

This is a wonderful ride to experience the beauty of Hawaii. Pack a lunch and make it a day trip, to thoroughly enjoy the scenic wonders of the rugged coast, the lush green rainforest and the wonderful smells of the sweet air infused with eucalyptus and ginger, this is a ride for the senses.

 

DIRECTIONS: From Kahului take the Hana Highway (HI-360 turns into HI-36) east down the coast. From Kahului Airport to Hana it's roughly 2.5 hours. From Kihei it's roughly 3 hours. Add time for scenic stops.