Maui Articles

Some of the most frequently asked questions about this journey are, “Is the drive for me?” And “Why all the controversy about the road beyond Hana town?” Below we’ll cover both of these topics.

If you’ve done any research on the internet regarding the Hana Highway, then you know there is quite a debate over whether the drive is worth the time and effort. So that brings us to the first question, “Is the Hana Highway right for you and your travel party?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Ultimately it really comes down to the type of traveler you are and what your interests include. From a personal standpoint, there is no way we’d ever go to Maui and not drive the highway. We've rated the Hana Highway at the very top of our "Must See & Do." But we know several others who are just as inclined to tell you to skip it all together. This divergence in opinion is what causes the great debate.

Current Closures and Updates

June 2009
Kaumahina Wayside Park will be closed for maintenance during June 2009. You can read more information about the closure here.

May 4, 2009 - June 1, 2009
Currently the temporary bridge at Paihi Stream (at mile marker 45.5 on Highway 31) is being removed; as can be seen via the updates below, this bridge has existed here for some time. Construction on the new permanent bridge is also being finalized. The bridge is expected to open around June 1, 2009 (extended from the original date of May 25th). This bridge is located between Hana and the `Ohe`o Gulch (see the map), so to access the Kipahulu portion of Haleakala National Park visitors will have to use the Pi`ilani Highway - Highway 31 (aka the 'back route').

 

Previous Closures and Updates

October 4, 2008 The Piilani Highway has officially reopened. View Maui News article...

October 2006 - October 4, 2008
For well over a year now we've been asked by visitors where the road closures exist along the Hana Highway on Maui. Many read articles about the Pa'ihi bridge being damaged in the October 2006 earthquake (off the Big Island's coast) and assume that's the closure. But it's not. Here's the real scoop on the closures.

Paihi Bridge (between Hana and Kipahulu at mile marker 45.5) is NOT closed, but it does have a temporary bridge that was installed Dec. 3, 2006. The bridge was damaged during the earthquake and torrential rain in mid-October 2006. and is being replaced. It was already slated for replacement before the earthquake.

I think many folks confuse this bridge (which was closed for a few days) and the barricaded bridge, Kukui'ula, which is a half-mile past the 40 mile marker (between Kipahulu and Kaupo). Kukui'ula bridge at Lelekea remains barricaded due to the danger of rockslides beyond this point and Manawainui bridge (the large gulch bridge).

The county plans to stabilize the cliffs between Kipahulu and Kaupo and then work on the rock cliffs above Manawainui. This entire project may take up to two years (or longer) to complete.

You CAN reach the 'Ohe'o Gulch. You CANNOT go beyond the Gulch and complete the "loop" tour that concludes in Upcountry.

Second to only one other question, "Is the Road to Hana Worth it?" we hear one other question on a very consistent basis, "Can I make it the Gulch and back in a single day?" YES, you can! Below are our recommendations on achieving this, as we realize many of you don't have 1-3 days for the Highway or the ability to spend a night in Hana.

A lot of folks especially want to hike the Pipiwai Trail at the 'Ohe'o Gulch, so we're assuming anyone reading this article is interested in that as well. If you're not, then ignore that part of our time budget. As a general rule, we're assuming most of you are also coming from either south or northwest Maui (like Ka'anapali) or from south Maui (like Kihei). Again, if you're starting in Kahului, you'll need to adjust your time budget (in your favor).

Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala is like nothing else on earth. And if you’re an early riser, you too can see why this volcano is called “House of the Sun.” Each morning dozens of people flock to the chilly peak of Haleakala to witness the sunrise above the 10,000 foot summit. No doubt you already know this, but Haleakala's summit is located inside Haleakala National Park.

If you want to beat the traffic and get a good spot, we suggest you leave no later than 3:30 am. It takes one hour to reach the summit when leaving from Kahului, 1-½ hours from Kihei, and 2 hours from Lahaina. Despite the early morning rise, it’s always well worth it. If you feel this is too early for you, consider a Haleakala sunset, but be aware more clouds are present later in the day. The very latest we’d suggest entering the park in the morning is 4:30 am, as sunrise will typically be around 5:30-7:00 am (see the sunrise/sunset chart for specifics).

Temperatures range between 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit at the summit of Haleakala, so be sure to dress warmly. A view of the sunrise is weather permitting, so check the weather before you go if possible.

Just a side note, but attempting to view the sunrise and hike at the summit of Haleakala in the same day are ill advised. When you get up at 3:30 am, your energy drains quickly at this elevation in the cold from shivering. Lived and learned, so trust us on that.

If you're visiting Maui in the near future you're probably curious to know how long it's going to take to access various places on the island. That's what this page is all about. Below we've either chosen a beginning point (the airport for starters) OR a destination (such as Haleakala and Hana) and how long you can expect the drive to be from various locations on the island. Please note that these estimates are for non-rush hour traffic, so increase the estimates by half an hour when traveling during rush hour. We've also included basic directions.

Lots of folks have asked we put a few of our Maui Maps online - and now we have. Below you'll find a simple map of Maui as a whole and another map of the Hana Highway. Additional Maui maps will be added as soon as possible. If you'd prefer a printed map, we do sell a TGI Pocket Map of Maui as well. Our Road to Hana book, Hana Highway - Mile by Mile, also features several detailed maps of nearly all of east Maui.

Waterfalls on the island of Maui are some of the world's best. Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on Maui, most of which you can actually see without a tour or helicopter (all falls visible from the air only are noted).

On the list of Maui waterfalls below, we've included the height of the falls when possible, a rank (out of 5 stars), noted if it's a seasonal falls (dry in summer or too heavy of a flow in winter), and included any additional access information as necessary. If you think you've located a Maui waterfall we've mistakenly left off this list, by all means please contact us and we'll make sure it's added. Be sure to also check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on our Hawaii Waterfalls page.