Thanks for watching! If you decide to drive the backside, pull to the side for people behind you and back up if on the one-lane sections. Drive safely as the road is dangerous. If you are looking for the best Road to Hana stops, download our Maui itinerary: thehawaiivacationguide.com/maui/
Now that was FANTASTIC ! My Favorite Place on Earth . 🤠🖖 Years ago went up there too a party in a field... it was ringo starr and willie Nelson celebrating THEIR Birthdays, And Barbra Bach was Beautiful ! MUSIC FILLED THE AIR. It was Magical. The music is what drew us to the party.. We were strangers too these people and they Embraced us like old friends. It went on for 3 days .🥴🖖
Yeah it happened to me during the night, on the way back. I was driving a quite unfit car, don't remember, probably a long toyota....definitely not the right car. But I had a looot of fun, we even encountered a cow or some other animal. What an amazing place!
Too many tour buses starting to go this way - took me 10 minutes to pass bus on narrow cliff section - inch by inch. The best thing I found going this way was Tony's Place food truck just before road to Hamoa beach - Awesome fresh fish and hamburgers, finished my lunch off with a brownie sundae. A must stop!!! Thanks for the great video!
Hands down the better route to Hana. Drove it last week just after that big storm that hit Maui. Leave at 6am so you can be at the Pipiwai trail before 8 am. You’ll have the place on your own till everyone else arrives around 10 or 11. I honestly think it is unnecessary to take that whole Hana route. That winding road to less spectacular falls is not worth the drive. After Pipiwai and the 7 pools, go to Koki beach for some huli huli chicken, then hana’s red beach. Then drive back and experience the sunset at Kaupo before driving back through highway 37.
Just completed this trip tonight and it was raining. Not a crazy amount of rain but there were a lot of rocks that had fallen likely in the last few days. It is not worth it driving it at night. It really is very dangerous. I'm here with family discussing how terrifying some of it was. So it's understood, I'm used to bad mountain roads having grown up in Jamaica before the new highways. This is not for the average driver at all.
Once you get to the transition from two to one lane road it gets hairy. There are blind spots and if you don't see opposing traffic om-coming, you have to back up to the two lanes. On top of that when it transitions, you are probably 300 feet above the ocean with no guard rails.
I drove this road back in 1992. The most important thing to look out for are locals barreling down the road , coming at you pretty fast in their pick up trucks. Be alert and cautious, especially on the really narrow parts. But the beauty of the drive and relative quiet is worth it!
I did that road today. Much better way back then Hana Hwy again. It is very well graded road, narrow at times, bumpy and dusty at times but overall quite good. Views are stunning all the way back to Kahului. My car was a rental sedan. Thank you for your video., it made me go there.
We went on that road sort of accidentally. Waze, the map app recommended it. We had a rental Dodge Charger and the road kept getting worse and worse. Signs kept appearing "Road Closed Ahead", but we were able to make it through. Makes the "Road to Hana" seem like a piece of cake. What the rental companies don't know won't hurt them. That poor Dodge Charger, though.
My bride and I drove the back side of Haleakala in 1983. I remember it being incredibly interesting. In one spot, the road was unpaved over an old, wide lava flow. You could look toward the mountain and follow the flow all the way up. Came back in 1987, and a storm had washed away a section of the road. A chain-link fence blocked access.
I just did this ride two weeks ago, when I was in Maui- actually I do it every time I go to Maui, I love it. It was good. The only issue I had was when I had to back up up a hill since I had the best option to get off to the side and let them pass. The locals stopped when they came up to me and thanked me for letting them pass. If you ask me, the west side loop of Maui is worse.
Took this road back in 2004 on my honeymoon. Did it in a Ford convertible coupe. I seem to remember it was called the Cow Pow or Kow Pow road by locals. It was a bit sketchy at certain points but the views of the coast and the rugged backside of Haleakala were incredible. It was very dry when we did this drive. I wouldn't advise it during rainy conditions. Oh, I was also aware of the rental car policy if you took this road but was told by a friendly local the conditions were good and just go slow. Mahalo.
I did the Kaupo Gap out of Haleakala three times in the distant past and we got picked up at Kaupo and went on that road. There used to be a by-pass road to Wailea but Oprah bought that land and closed it. What a great person she isn't.
Just did this drive,the opposite direction, the day before it started flooding. If you’re a tourist and you have someone behind you, pull off to the side and let them pass. Just sayin.
Thank you for sharing your adventure! That brings back some great memories. I did the back side of Haleakala once myself a few years back when I did a bicycle camping tour around the whole island. I camped at Waiʻānapanapa and another night at Kipahulu, and then biked all the way from there to a B&B in Kula in one day, the longest, hardest, hilliest day of cycling in my entire life!
Went as far as the sacred pools with our 18month old kid at the time back in 2009. Your videos make me want to come back. Love all the content you guys have posted. What a beautiful island. Road to Hana is not a 1 day trip. When we did it we missed a lot and we headed straight to the end and worked our way back.
Fully agree on doing the Road to Hana over a couple of days. The apps are made for one day so they have you drive past good things. It can be expensive and/or difficult to get a room in the Hana area so good to hear you just drove it again.
We drove this couple of days ago and it was a scary experience even with a 4x4. But the views and sunset that we saw on the way was most mesmerizing experience and well worth the drive.
The bumpy road backside is the reason why "backside" is what it is. Its it character. If you can't drive it, stay off of it. That road is my life, I grew up on that road.
It's terrifying... I stumbled on this drive on accident and was so scared I couldn't imagine even looking at the scenery. It's also a two way street... which was hair-raising.
Nice to see it in the daylight. I drove that same route on a rainy night. Next time I will spend the night in Hana. The north west road is another adventure but once is enough.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide is Ohio Gulch refreshment stand still there? all it was was a cooler with 2 papayas and some guavas LOL but you knew you were almost to the road when you saw that little stand..looked like a kids lemonade stand
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide also closer to Hana was a shallow rocky stream we had to drive through ,luckily with the guidance of some people that lived on backside
@@TheVineyarder We were there in August and food stands were not open yet on the Road to Hana or much elsewhere. We are planning a trip over there soon so we will look for it!
@ 3:06 you could barely see the road cut into the mountain that you’ll be approaching. The Kaupo store nears the area where my grandmother was born. The Kahakuloa village road where my mother was born is the worst road on Maui definitely not for everybody please yield to locals. I was born and raised there, continue to love it and miss it. Moved from Maui to Lake Tahoe in Nevada five years ago. What a huge difference it’s cold here this time of the year
You are very adorable family, I've been rescuing animals on maui for years, cats, dogs, and now have piglets that being evicted for helping. If you may know anyone with land for rescued animals on maui I'm reaching out in hopes for miracle place. My non profit is sanctuary much maui. Prayers for help to save lives. Much love Crystal
We were warned not to go but we did it! Sure beats going back through the super windy north side. Cows in the road were a surprise 🤣 but it was lovely! I don't understand why so many people rent Jeeps on Maui if you're not going to do a little off-roading. I will say the idea of falling rocks of those steep cliffs was a bit scary. Oh yeah and passing on that road is horrendous. yikes.
I learned to drive on California Highway 1 (Ragged Point to Big Sur), including in winter rain, and this road is a piece of cake. Love the views. My husband proposed to me under Waimoku Falls back in 2009. Looking forward to getting back to Maui again.
That's so romantic of your fiancee, husband now. We drove this backside with a Toyota Sienna Van few years ago, loved it. We drove the regular way 3 or 4 times, each time we stopped at different places and enjoyed the area with the locals.
If you have explored British Columbia via back roads and logging roads the Hana trip is not that much of a challenge worst bit is inexperienced drivers taking chances on blind curves and narrow areas so be cautious ! Very nice views and once you get past Hana can be very very windy!
This road is an ADVENTURE. I was here during beginning March of 2017. The locals told us to take this road and on the way there, we could see heavy dark rain clouds up in Haleakala. It wasn’t raining for us down on the road, but you could tell it was pouring hard up in Haleakala. Anyways, at some point during our drive, all the water that was dropped up there came rushing down as a flash flood along with large boulders. Thankfully we were on a road path that was elevated when the water started flooding the path ahead of us. When we turned back around to go back to Hana, the other part of the road had just started to flood. With both ends of the roads flooded, we had no way out and got stuck there with a couple other drivers. Thankfully some were locals, and one lady also happened to be coming back from her camping trip so she had various survival tools in her truck that we used to chop down wood and start a fire. It was around 7 pm and it was getting dark quickly. We went to sleep in our cars. Around 2 am, I woke up to some chatter outside the car. When I stepped outside, the night sky was so clear, you could see so many stars, it was such a lovely sight. They had just cleared the road for us. We didn’t get back to our hotel in Kahului until 5 am. We had our flight back to the mainland at 8 am. Some might say it was an unfortunate event to be stuck out there on the east side, but to me it was the cherry on top of my trip. What an adventure. I like to believe the island didn’t want me to leave, because we were so close to missing our flight back to the mainland. I cannot wait to go back once things calm down with the pandemic.
Nice Video, We did it last year. My only comment is that next time I would do it Clockwise like your drive. That first part is way better if you get to be on the inside. I think the views coming down Haleakala from Ulapalakula are better going CCW though.
I've driven on the backside with a Wrangler rental and it was an "adventure". I would never do it again because it was so treacherous and you are only inches from the cliff edge. But I guess you have to do it once to see what it's like!
We took that route out to Hana and drove the north road back. It's definitely a rougher road than the north one, but not terribly rough if you're used to gravel/off-road driving, and is just as windy in a lot of spots. I liked the variety but I can see why the rental places don't want you driving there as it's very remote. More important than the bumps, IMO, is that there is much more single lane/narrow sections without as much yield signs and pull out areas, so it'd be a nightmare to drive if there were more cars on it. We had to back up a few times to let cars pass. We had a small SUV (Nissan Rogue I think) which was totally fine for the bumps, but we did pass a Mustang w/ a slow leak that was stopping constantly trying to pump it back up. Unfortunately we couldn't do anything to help them but they were pretty close to the national park. Guessing they had a much longer day than planned. Low profile tires would not be good here with the potholes/rocks/ruts.
Man I remember that drive, especially@3:05 my wife and my buddy driving and his wife were freaking out. We only went that way back as a local at the pools said it was a shortcut,😳 unfortunately looking back we didn't appreciate it cuz we were freaking out 😂
Yes! I'd do it again-was on it 2013, with a scared cat that lessened the enjoyment. That's nearly 8 years ago, so guess one should check on the road conditions first.
We use to live just south of Kaupo store, so it was our only road. Favorite time to drive was at night so we didn’t have to deal tourists. If you do drive out there, let local pass you, yield when you are supposed to, and don’t, don’t stop in the bridges with car or walking.
Thanks for this awesome video, we plan to do the backside this week! We met at Kapalua bay on Saturday, we hope your son has the best airplane costume for Halloween!! 😀
Did this road in a passenger car after hiking Pipiwai trail right before Christmas. It wasn’t bad at all as long as you pick a good line around some tough spots. The backside of the volcano is so beautiful. Much better than going back the standard way imo
Took that drive a few years ago. A change of pace from the winding road back to Paia. I enjoy the ride to Hana. I can’t say the same for my wife and the other passengers. 😄 🌺🌴🍍🌈🤙🏻
Did it first 1980's when road was worse. Small, narrow rental car better. Guy in Lincoln was having trouble and blocking our way. Did it in a Nissan Sentra a few years ago, relative piece of cake. North side of island is much more improved compared to old days.
We drove back to our hotel at sunset going the back way. It was a bit sketchy on the dirt road but well worth the view of the volcano and the ocean. Totally would do it again.
We drove the back side several years ago in a car belonging to friends who life in Haiku. It is less crowded, but not as interesting as the front way in my opinion. We stopped at Kaupo for a snack, swam in the pool you swam in and eventually stopped upcountry at Ulupalakua for wine and to see Purdy's gravesite (one of the cowboys who won the rodeo in Wyoming in 1906 (I think).
I would love to do that road on my Harley. Did it years ago in a jeep. So was it pretty east to stay clear of oncoming cars? I would think so, on a bike. Was the road surface a little rough riding?
@@willg54 There are spots that are a little narrow but no problem with the bikes. Sport touring bikes would have been a better choice but we're Harley guys, so... We asked a local in Hana about it and he described it as a country dirt road. That was about right. We grew up on country dirt roads so no problem for us. I guess it would be rougher for someone not accustomed to dealing with holes and ruts. It's certainly not a fast road but it was a good little adventure.
Best advice, first off don’t rent a car! 4 door Jeep to see over the guard rails. Second, get the hell out of the way for the locals! They drive it for life, not a scenic getaway... don’t stop traffic on the bridge for a picture! You’re gonna get your ass beat... but the back side of the Hanna road is a don’t miss! Beautiful at sunset. Watch out for the cow pies! 😜Open Range cattle are all over the road...
I drove it in an old Nissan car the cv joints were going but made it all the way to hana then back to Kihei where it gave its last in a church parking lot right where someone had the cv joints and was a mechanic and had someone to buy it and i made it back to Big Island with my kids after the free meal...
Greg Henson We've driven the Hana road a number of times. In November 2019, we left Hana at night during a driving rainstorm and wanted to continue around the island. Not a smart move. Half way around the road was washed out and we had to backtrack back to the road to Hana. Maybe during our next trip we'll drive around but only in the daytime.
Loved every minute of it but not so much my wife. It be kool to make a video preparing folks for motion sickness its real. Thankfully we made it to the Ranch Store for Motion Sickness Meds. And she sleep most of it off until we got to Twin Falls then it happened again 🙄
Did the backside in may of 03" with my hubby, mom & cousin Liz.. It is crazy fun mix with SCARY... And it is all about the HORN SYSTEM WITH THIS DRIVE!!!
Road it on a motorcycle a few years back for my Birthday in November. The rental was late getting to me and I had to ride some of the way back in mostly darkness. Note to self: Next time go in August
I drove that road in the opposite direction a few years ago in a full size car. If I do it again, I will rent a jeep or some other small 4 wheel drive vehicle. There is some interesting scenery, but really not as beautiful as on the normal Road to Hana on the windward side. The little church where Charles Lindbergh is buried is interesting, and some of the ocean views are nice. It is definitely a one lane road in many places, so go slow, and drive with Aloha.
Why is the road like this? Was just in Maui and drove the entire island and both the big and small circle parts, very odd Maui overall had absolutely perfect brand new roads except for this tiny spot on both sides of the island where for like a 5 mile stretch, it turns into an ATV path. Why?? It is so baffling, the only reason I can think of it locals want it that way to minimize the amount of through traffic because they don't want it congested.
![ถามตรงๆ กับ อาจตุพร ทำไม ประเทศไทย ใครเป็นนายก ก็โดนด่า พอออกเเล้วคนคิดถึง!!?? l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3YFLMXxBGAs/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for watching! If you decide to drive the backside, pull to the side for people behind you and back up if on the one-lane sections. Drive safely as the road is dangerous. If you are looking for the best Road to Hana stops, download our Maui itinerary: thehawaiivacationguide.com/maui/
Now that was FANTASTIC !
My Favorite Place on Earth . 🤠🖖
Years ago went up there too a party in a field... it was ringo starr and willie Nelson celebrating THEIR Birthdays,
And Barbra Bach was Beautiful ! MUSIC FILLED THE AIR. It was Magical.
The music is what drew us to the party..
We were strangers too these people and they Embraced us like old friends. It went on for 3 days .🥴🖖
Is there another way to avoid this road. Where does this road lead you too?
I’ve been on that road, and the problem isn’t that it’s bumpy. It’s that it is two way, narrow, on a cliff, and you run the risk of oncoming cars!
Yeah it happened to me during the night, on the way back. I was driving a quite unfit car, don't remember, probably a long toyota....definitely not the right car. But I had a looot of fun, we even encountered a cow or some other animal. What an amazing place!
Too many tour buses starting to go this way - took me 10 minutes to pass bus on narrow cliff section - inch by inch. The best thing I found going this way was Tony's Place food truck just before road to Hamoa beach - Awesome fresh fish and hamburgers, finished my lunch off with a brownie sundae. A must stop!!! Thanks for the great video!
Hands down the better route to Hana. Drove it last week just after that big storm that hit Maui. Leave at 6am so you can be at the Pipiwai trail before 8 am. You’ll have the place on your own till everyone else arrives around 10 or 11. I honestly think it is unnecessary to take that whole Hana route. That winding road to less spectacular falls is not worth the drive. After Pipiwai and the 7 pools, go to Koki beach for some huli huli chicken, then hana’s red beach. Then drive back and experience the sunset at Kaupo before driving back through highway 37.
Just completed this trip tonight and it was raining. Not a crazy amount of rain but there were a lot of rocks that had fallen likely in the last few days. It is not worth it driving it at night. It really is very dangerous. I'm here with family discussing how terrifying some of it was. So it's understood, I'm used to bad mountain roads having grown up in Jamaica before the new highways. This is not for the average driver at all.
I did the same thing in a Nissan versa stick at night lost no phone almost out of gas lol
What about in the day? Would you recommend it?
Once you get to the transition from two to one lane road it gets hairy. There are blind spots and if you don't see opposing traffic om-coming, you have to back up to the two lanes. On top of that when it transitions, you are probably 300 feet above the ocean with no guard rails.
Fun isn't it. Going around blind corners and honking your horn before you do.
It is the road less traveled. But it is easily driven. I did it in February 2020. It is more uncivilized. But the scenery is beautiful.
I drove this road back in 1992. The most important thing to look out for are locals barreling down the road , coming at you pretty fast in their pick up trucks. Be alert and cautious, especially on the really narrow parts. But the beauty of the drive and relative quiet is worth it!
I drive this road every morning to get to Kihei. Such an interesting way to commute everyday. I’m from nyc so this was so new for me
What do you do?
I did that road today. Much better way back then Hana Hwy again. It is very well graded road, narrow at times, bumpy and dusty at times but overall quite good. Views are stunning all the way back to Kahului. My car was a rental sedan.
Thank you for your video., it made me go there.
My wife and I married Maui.We took that exact rode. Goosebumps. The volcano erupted and the lava flowed into the sea some 160 years ago? So vast!
We went on that road sort of accidentally. Waze, the map app recommended it. We had a rental Dodge Charger and the road kept getting worse and worse. Signs kept appearing "Road Closed Ahead", but we were able to make it through. Makes the "Road to Hana" seem like a piece of cake. What the rental companies don't know won't hurt them. That poor Dodge Charger, though.
My bride and I drove the back side of Haleakala in 1983. I remember it being incredibly interesting. In one spot, the road was unpaved over an old, wide lava flow. You could look toward the mountain and follow the flow all the way up. Came back in 1987, and a storm had washed away a section of the road. A chain-link fence blocked access.
traveled this road 3x now... the first 2 was before it was paved. so beautiful on the back side.
I just did this ride two weeks ago, when I was in Maui- actually I do it every time I go to Maui, I love it. It was good. The only issue I had was when I had to back up up a hill since I had the best option to get off to the side and let them pass. The locals stopped when they came up to me and thanked me for letting them pass. If you ask me, the west side loop of Maui is worse.
Thanks for sharing the right way to drive it. Agreed, we recommend people avoid the West side drive. It’s just not respectful to go that way.
Some locals just sped past me and some other calling us the Chinese g slur word
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Can you elaborate on that a bit? Which area is that exactly?
Took this road back in 2004 on my honeymoon. Did it in a Ford convertible coupe. I seem to remember it was called the Cow Pow or Kow Pow road by locals. It was a bit sketchy at certain points but the views of the coast and the rugged backside of Haleakala were incredible. It was very dry when we did this drive. I wouldn't advise it during rainy conditions. Oh, I was also aware of the rental car policy if you took this road but was told by a friendly local the conditions were good and just go slow. Mahalo.
I did the Kaupo Gap out of Haleakala three times in the distant past and we got picked up at Kaupo and went on that road. There used to be a by-pass road to Wailea but Oprah bought that land and closed it. What a great person she isn't.
Took you this long to figure it out about her?
@@jimbosan710 probably a place to keep trafficking innocent children.
So a couple of years ago I did the backside drive at around 8pm. One of the scariest things I’ve ever done but it was so beautiful.
Just did this drive,the opposite direction, the day before it started flooding. If you’re a tourist and you have someone behind you, pull off to the side and let them pass. Just sayin.
Thank you for sharing your adventure! That brings back some great memories. I did the back side of Haleakala once myself a few years back when I did a bicycle camping tour around the whole island. I camped at Waiʻānapanapa and another night at Kipahulu, and then biked all the way from there to a B&B in Kula in one day, the longest, hardest, hilliest day of cycling in my entire life!
Went as far as the sacred pools with our 18month old kid at the time back in 2009. Your videos make me want to come back. Love all the content you guys have posted. What a beautiful island. Road to Hana is not a 1 day trip. When we did it we missed a lot and we headed straight to the end and worked our way back.
Fully agree on doing the Road to Hana over a couple of days. The apps are made for one day so they have you drive past good things. It can be expensive and/or difficult to get a room in the Hana area so good to hear you just drove it again.
We did the drive twice. Highly recommend it but check the weather. A lot of rain can wash your car into the ocean where it’s really dry.
Great video, we have done that side several times and the video brought back great memories.
Back in the 80's when I visited friends that lived in Ulapalakula, you really couldn't do the drive.. so much fun to see it now.. thanks!
I worked the ranch and Kanaio area for Ohai plant restoration project back 01. Heaven on Earth.
@@infinitytricks3716 lucky you! I love to be in your shoes👍
We go every year and the road to Hana is our favorite place.
We drove this couple of days ago and it was a scary experience even with a 4x4. But the views and sunset that we saw on the way was most mesmerizing experience and well worth the drive.
We’ve seen whales from the drive during the season. Thanks for sharing
We drove it the reverse way to Hana. Was great. Thank you. Great memories
The bumpy road backside is the reason why "backside" is what it is. Its it character. If you can't drive it, stay off of it. That road is my life, I grew up on that road.
Yes so worth the drive!! A little bit nerve wrecking but as long as you're not going too fast, it's fine :)
It's terrifying... I stumbled on this drive on accident and was so scared I couldn't imagine even looking at the scenery. It's also a two way street... which was hair-raising.
Nice to see it in the daylight. I drove that same route on a rainy night. Next time I will spend the night in Hana. The north west road is another adventure but once is enough.
I did the north west drive as the night was settling in. Scary lol
havent done that road in 20 years and man has that improved greatly!! nice to stop at the winery as you reach the other side above Wailea
The general store and MauiWine is a great stop after the drive!
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide is Ohio Gulch refreshment stand still there? all it was was a cooler with 2 papayas and some guavas LOL but you knew you were almost to the road when you saw that little stand..looked like a kids lemonade stand
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide also closer to Hana was a shallow rocky stream we had to drive through ,luckily with the guidance of some people that lived on backside
@@TheVineyarder We were there in August and food stands were not open yet on the Road to Hana or much elsewhere. We are planning a trip over there soon so we will look for it!
@ 3:06 you could barely see the road cut into the mountain that you’ll be approaching. The Kaupo store nears the area where my grandmother was born. The Kahakuloa village road where my mother was born is the worst road on Maui definitely not for everybody please yield to locals. I was born and raised there, continue to love it and miss it. Moved from Maui to Lake Tahoe in Nevada five years ago. What a huge difference it’s cold here this time of the year
I hope you, if you want, move back some day. Thanks for sharing your experience. Very cool that your family is from that part of the island.
You are very adorable family, I've been rescuing animals on maui for years, cats, dogs, and now have piglets that being evicted for helping. If you may know anyone with land for rescued animals on maui I'm reaching out in hopes for miracle place. My non profit is sanctuary much maui. Prayers for help to save lives.
Much love
Crystal
We honk when coming around the corners so people know we are there. Great drive. Not bumpy to us. Smartcars would be perfect, but we take a Jeep
We were warned not to go but we did it! Sure beats going back through the super windy north side. Cows in the road were a surprise 🤣 but it was lovely! I don't understand why so many people rent Jeeps on Maui if you're not going to do a little off-roading. I will say the idea of falling rocks of those steep cliffs was a bit scary. Oh yeah and passing on that road is horrendous. yikes.
Maybe show a map? There is only 1 road around Haleakala...
I learned to drive on California Highway 1 (Ragged Point to Big Sur), including in winter rain, and this road is a piece of cake. Love the views. My husband proposed to me under Waimoku Falls back in 2009. Looking forward to getting back to Maui again.
That's so romantic of your fiancee, husband now. We drove this backside with a Toyota Sienna Van few years ago, loved it. We drove the regular way 3 or 4 times, each time we stopped at different places and enjoyed the area with the locals.
If you have explored British Columbia via back roads and logging roads the Hana trip is not that much of a challenge worst bit is inexperienced drivers taking chances on blind curves and narrow areas so be cautious ! Very nice views and once you get past Hana can be very very windy!
We did this drive in a van, and started our trip to Hana, swore we would not do it again. It was a good adventure
Quite an adventure the back road to Hana. We will try it. Thank you.
Drove the back side in 2018. Was worth it for sure!
For American driving in dirt road is like magic. Foreign’s this is like daily routine to get to work. Lol
We took the back way today from Hana. Awesome drive.
This road is an ADVENTURE. I was here during beginning March of 2017. The locals told us to take this road and on the way there, we could see heavy dark rain clouds up in Haleakala. It wasn’t raining for us down on the road, but you could tell it was pouring hard up in Haleakala. Anyways, at some point during our drive, all the water that was dropped up there came rushing down as a flash flood along with large boulders. Thankfully we were on a road path that was elevated when the water started flooding the path ahead of us. When we turned back around to go back to Hana, the other part of the road had just started to flood. With both ends of the roads flooded, we had no way out and got stuck there with a couple other drivers. Thankfully some were locals, and one lady also happened to be coming back from her camping trip so she had various survival tools in her truck that we used to chop down wood and start a fire. It was around 7 pm and it was getting dark quickly. We went to sleep in our cars. Around 2 am, I woke up to some chatter outside the car. When I stepped outside, the night sky was so clear, you could see so many stars, it was such a lovely sight. They had just cleared the road for us. We didn’t get back to our hotel in Kahului until 5 am. We had our flight back to the mainland at 8 am. Some might say it was an unfortunate event to be stuck out there on the east side, but to me it was the cherry on top of my trip. What an adventure. I like to believe the island didn’t want me to leave, because we were so close to missing our flight back to the mainland. I cannot wait to go back once things calm down with the pandemic.
What an amazing story to tell!!!
I thought I was the only crazy person! I did that drive in a minivan! My family hated me!😂
haha, I'm glad they all survived!
We’ve been to Maui 7 times and this has become a ritual on every trip. It’s not as bad as it looks. Beautiful drive all the way.
Nice Video, We did it last year. My only comment is that next time I would do it Clockwise like your drive. That first part is way better if you get to be on the inside. I think the views coming down Haleakala from Ulapalakula are better going CCW though.
I've driven on the backside with a Wrangler rental and it was an "adventure". I would never do it again because it was so treacherous and you are only inches from the cliff edge. But I guess you have to do it once to see what it's like!
I did that way with a Toyota Sienna van. We survived the road. Love the beautiful scenery. Will definitely repeat this. Aloha.
I have done that beautiful ride a couple times. It is easy. I don't understand the fuss.
We took that route out to Hana and drove the north road back. It's definitely a rougher road than the north one, but not terribly rough if you're used to gravel/off-road driving, and is just as windy in a lot of spots. I liked the variety but I can see why the rental places don't want you driving there as it's very remote. More important than the bumps, IMO, is that there is much more single lane/narrow sections without as much yield signs and pull out areas, so it'd be a nightmare to drive if there were more cars on it. We had to back up a few times to let cars pass. We had a small SUV (Nissan Rogue I think) which was totally fine for the bumps, but we did pass a Mustang w/ a slow leak that was stopping constantly trying to pump it back up. Unfortunately we couldn't do anything to help them but they were pretty close to the national park. Guessing they had a much longer day than planned. Low profile tires would not be good here with the potholes/rocks/ruts.
Man I remember that drive, especially@3:05 my wife and my buddy driving and his wife were freaking out. We only went that way back as a local at the pools said it was a shortcut,😳 unfortunately looking back we didn't appreciate it cuz we were freaking out 😂
Yes! I'd do it again-was on it 2013, with a scared cat that lessened the enjoyment. That's nearly 8 years ago, so guess one should check on the road conditions first.
We did it, awesome drive. Met a guy fishing talked with him for awhile
We use to live just south of Kaupo store, so it was our only road. Favorite time to drive was at night so we didn’t have to deal tourists.
If you do drive out there, let local pass you, yield when you are supposed to, and don’t, don’t stop in the bridges with car or walking.
Hoo kaupo yessa my man the man after me hahah I go there for ulua fishing
@@jaycerodrigues2889 aloha my braddah. Play safe on the cliff ladder out there!🤙🏻 she one mean buggah
I have taken the road to hana three times. I always take the back way out.
Thanks for this awesome video, we plan to do the backside this week! We met at Kapalua bay on Saturday, we hope your son has the best airplane costume for Halloween!! 😀
Thanks so much! Have a safe drive on the backside. It was nice meeting you at Kapalua Bay!
Did this road in a passenger car after hiking Pipiwai trail right before Christmas. It wasn’t bad at all as long as you pick a good line around some tough spots. The backside of the volcano is so beautiful. Much better than going back the standard way imo
Did it last week . Once all the way and once just for a sun rise.
How long does it take from Hana
@@alexanderkallebo3247 It takes a few hours. Depending on how many stops you make.
Took that drive a few years ago. A change of pace from the winding road back to Paia. I enjoy the ride to Hana. I can’t say the same for my wife and the other passengers. 😄 🌺🌴🍍🌈🤙🏻
Did it first 1980's when road was worse. Small, narrow rental car better. Guy in Lincoln was having trouble and blocking our way. Did it in a Nissan Sentra a few years ago, relative piece of cake. North side of island is much more improved compared to old days.
How long is the rough part of the road?
Thanks for sharing, planning a Maui trip and found this helpful!
Did this route a few years ago. Charles Lindbergh’s grave is just past Hana.
Lots to see and do in the route.
We drove back to our hotel at sunset going the back way. It was a bit sketchy on the dirt road but well worth the view of the volcano and the ocean. Totally would do it again.
My wife and I used to call that further along the road to Hana.
That is a good name for it.
We drove the back side several years ago in a car belonging to friends who life in Haiku. It is less crowded, but not as interesting as the front way in my opinion. We stopped at Kaupo for a snack, swam in the pool you swam in and eventually stopped upcountry at Ulupalakua for wine and to see Purdy's gravesite (one of the cowboys who won the rodeo in Wyoming in 1906 (I think).
I think the anxiety of the narrow road, no guard rails, no cel service, car issues, would more than offset the views.
A buddy and I took the back way on a couple of rented Harleys. The rental companies don't want you on that road, but we didn't tell them.
I would love to do that road on my Harley. Did it years ago in a jeep. So was it pretty east to stay clear of oncoming cars? I would think so, on a bike. Was the road surface a little rough riding?
@@willg54 There are spots that are a little narrow but no problem with the bikes. Sport touring bikes would have been a better choice but we're Harley guys, so... We asked a local in Hana about it and he described it as a country dirt road. That was about right. We grew up on country dirt roads so no problem for us. I guess it would be rougher for someone not accustomed to dealing with holes and ruts. It's certainly not a fast road but it was a good little adventure.
I loved the drive around the south side of Haleakala! Will definitely be going that way again on my next visit.
If you think this is bad, go to Kahalui to Kaanapali on the road around the volcano and Road to Hana will look easy.
We did this road with our tour group! Wow
Yep, I have done it twice!!! Great fun in a Jeep
A Jeep is not necessary when one visits Maui, but it sure makes the trip more of an adventure! We rented one on Kauai and Henry loved it.
Love the video. keep on eye out for Maui'S Plantation History
Ps. I am a local
Nobody is on the road but it is awsome green beach pinkish beach just awsome
at 1:12 their son hears them say “we’re taking the backroad home”, and then he puts on a face that can only read “what you talkin about willis?”
It is a shortcut. Very bumpy road. We ran into a herd of cattle. We are still talking about it. An adventure.
It’s a story making road.
I've done that drive twice now. Very beautiful on the side.
Best advice, first off don’t rent a car! 4 door Jeep to see over the guard rails. Second, get the hell out of the way for the locals! They drive it for life, not a scenic getaway... don’t stop traffic on the bridge for a picture! You’re gonna get your ass beat... but the back side of the Hanna road is a don’t miss! Beautiful at sunset. Watch out for the cow pies! 😜Open Range cattle are all over the road...
looked like a beautiful drive awesome
I drove it in an old Nissan car the cv joints were going but made it all the way to hana then back to Kihei where it gave its last in a church parking lot right where someone had the cv joints and was a mechanic and had someone to buy it and i made it back to Big Island with my kids after the free meal...
In 92?
Drove it about 10 years ago. It was an amazing experience black sand beaches but, probably wouldn’t do it again.
Greg Henson
We've driven the Hana road a number of times. In November 2019, we left Hana at night during a driving rainstorm and wanted to continue around the island. Not a smart move. Half way around the road was washed out and we had to backtrack back to the road to Hana. Maybe during our next trip we'll drive around but only in the daytime.
We did the drive but wife couldn’t take it anymore with only 1 mile left to go!!!
I have done it. Good drive, but starts getting long at the end. Nice church.
The best part is when they reach the paved road...
Drove Hana yesterday I found it a bit overrated. I thought it be more scenic.
Is there a place that you can ride dirt bikes I highly think not but is there
That was a cool drive, road looked pretty good.
Loved every minute of it but not so much my wife. It be kool to make a video preparing folks for motion sickness its real. Thankfully we made it to the Ranch Store for Motion Sickness Meds. And she sleep most of it off until we got to Twin Falls then it happened again 🙄
Did the backside in may of 03" with my hubby, mom & cousin Liz.. It is crazy fun mix with
SCARY... And it is all about the
HORN SYSTEM WITH THIS DRIVE!!!
Road it on a motorcycle a few years back for my Birthday in November. The rental was late getting to me and I had to ride some of the way back in mostly darkness. Note to self: Next time go in August
In the dark, on that road, would suck. Was it a rough ride (road surface) on the bike?
Yes, we did it👌
Awesome, you can shoot video on the drive around the East side of Maui, 4x4 recommended. Ioa valley too if can, mahalos.
Done it 3 times, will not do it anymore since that shortcut to Kihei is no longer there😔
Ｈi.
私も何回もドライブしています。
本当に素晴らしいドライブコースですね。
when you come across somebody coming the other way, how to decide who backs up? And how far to back up? What if there are cars already behind you?
Beautiful road I don’t think I’ll ever see it because my wife doesn’t want to go there too bad
Get another wife.
I drove that road in the opposite direction a few years ago in a full size car. If I do it again, I will rent a jeep or some other small 4 wheel drive vehicle.
There is some interesting scenery, but really not as beautiful as on the normal Road to Hana on the windward side.
The little church where Charles Lindbergh is buried is interesting, and some of the ocean views are nice. It is definitely a one lane road in many places, so go slow, and drive with Aloha.
A jeep or a 4 wheel drive is a good choice! I agree - if you don't do the normal route also, you miss to much.
A jeep or a 4 wheel drive is a good choice! I agree - if you don't do the normal route also, you miss to much.
Why is the road like this? Was just in Maui and drove the entire island and both the big and small circle parts, very odd Maui overall had absolutely perfect brand new roads except for this tiny spot on both sides of the island where for like a 5 mile stretch, it turns into an ATV path. Why?? It is so baffling, the only reason I can think of it locals want it that way to minimize the amount of through traffic because they don't want it congested.
You think a 50cc moped could handle this?