The Back Road to Hana - The Best Way to Get to Hana
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2017
- The back road to Hana is the road less travelled but totally the way to get there. In this video, Ben and Julia drive from Lahaina to the Haleakala National Park in Hana taking the lesser known 'back road to Hana'. It is such a beautiful drive, and if you head out early enough, you will be one of the only people on the road. This is hands down one of our favourite drives ever.
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Question of the day: What is your favourite drive? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for watching!
I actually have 2 favorites drives that I have done. PCH from Carmel to Big Sur in California and A1A from St Augustine to Daytona Beach.
Ooo! We haven't done either of those. Time to start planning our next vacation! lol
Driving down Haleakala after a nice sunrise to Makawao to grab some breakfast.
Trail Ridge Road/Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Beartooth Pass in Montana, Canyonlands, Utah, Monument Valley Utah, Thru the canyon on 89A South to Sedona, AZ, Glenwood Canyon, CO, Rt 71 from Austin to LLano, and then 16 South to Enchanted Rock... I've been road tripping for 33 years.. and there are a lot of great drives out there.
The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is stunning - that’s my favorite overall. My favorite in the US would maybe be the Tioga road in Yosemite, and there’s a road on an Indian reservation in Arizona that actually goes down into the Grand Canyon, but you gotta know someone (we did - he’s passed unfortunately or I’d share). Another US favorite would be Route 72 in WV near Canaan Valley - crazy gorgeous in the spring and fall.
We did that road in 1981 it wasn’t paved for much of the way and we just had a rental car no 4 wheel anything. On a whim took it out of Hana, literally took us hours to get back to Lahaina. All these years later it’s a sweet memory of a young couple starting a lifetime of adventures together.
I hope I never hear that f'd up version of that Whitesnake song as long as I live
Horrid
Did that back in the '80s. The road was much worse back then. In 90 I road a mountain bike from Kahului to Hana and out the back way. Only saw 2 vehicles once past the small store south of 7 pools. Dropped down through the cane fields to Makena beach (camped at little beach) and back to Kahului via Kihei. Did it in 3.5 days. Great ride.
lavapix that sounds like an amazing trip.
This is my favorite road on the planet. Many memories falling in love with my partner on this road during late night drives and singing to cows on the cliff sides. Epic sunrises and phenomenal star gazing. I love the backside.
I drove this stretch at night in a low clearance sedan, definitely one of the scariest drives in my life! I had no idea how rugged it was prior to driving and I would never drive it again unless I had a higher clearance vehicle.
That being said, it truly was one of the most unique experiences I've ever had. It truly feels like you are all alone in the middle of the Pacific, never have I ever been somewhere so isolated and peaceful.
Matt Swayne yikes at night that would have been bonkers. I would love to be out there at night but I don’t think I have the guts to do a night drive of the back road.
You think it was bad then , try it in 1991
it was like riding a 3 foot wall on the side of mountain
Awesome video! Great editing. Will be heading to Maui end of April. Can't wait. Thanks for sharing this video.
from a Maui person, be aware that private property signs are at many of these destinations, if you are caught there is fine and court, plus your rental vehicle is a target for theft AND since you signed a contract not recommending the road from exactly their route (the backside) you are fully liable for all damages to vehicle if damages are anywhere in this danger zone., even if insurance is purchased
Wow just wow!!!! Incredible views! And video!!! 😍
+Twin Flame Fabrications thanks guys!!!
Thank you KonKin Can Do for posting this video. I miss driving the road to Hana, another paradise island I missed so much.. 🤙🤙🤙
One Jahluv you are welcome and thanks for watching. We have more Maui content coming over the next few weeks.
Backroaders rocke
! Thank you guys
Love your video!! It inspired my trip to Maui/ my new Vlog! Thank you!
We went on that road with a Hyundai. I told my wife take some good pics cuz this the last time I'm driving down there lol
I did this once and it was worth the journey but never again. The hairpin turns for hours! I took some pictures but most of the images are stored in my head.
Same. Damn Hyundai Elantra!...never again.
We took a minivan type tour 23 years ago. It was scary then and it looks just as scary now. My husband wants to do the drive himself this summer. He can go by himself, but first I need to check his insurance policy.
Just did this drive in a santa fe and will never do it again lol.
just come back from there ,beautiful drive and scenery. We took a tour so we bouth can enjoy it. Maui is the best.2020 February
Tana Dolezel thanks so much for sharing! If you don’t mind me asking, which tour company did you use?
cool love roads like this.
I agree! The back road is way better!! Our favorite!
I did this drive today (6/9/2019) in a Hyundai Accent. If you've only ever driven on paved roads roads, don't do it. If you've got off road experience (ATVing, dirt bike, 4x4) then don't hesitate to do it. I've been off roading in all of the above listed ways on and off since the age of 8 (now 51) and the drive was no problem.
Great video a true Best of 808
I'm so excited to see that this road is 2way!!! I miss driving on 2 way roads that I need to pull of on to let people by.
Also kinda reminds me of roads in Colorado and Montana just lakes instead of ocean and 1000 foot drop offs.
The 14 day inter island quarantine was lifting are trying to figure out if we should island hop to Maui or the big island before all the mainland tourists flood back in.
Also yeah people will eat fallen coconuts all the time in Hawaii you have to cut past the husk to get to the meat in the first place.... People eat all the different fruits that grow all over the islands. Like avocados, mangos, ECT.
you guys did it right!
I drove this in a Mustang in 2021, not realizing that the drive would be so rough in certain areas. A gorgeous and unforgettable experience that I never want to do again. >.> Worth the hair-raising memories though? Absolutely.
Ex and I did that back in 2004 in a Chrysler Seabring Convertible. Hehe. Was quick interesting. But we also did the same route on the way back instead of the north road.
I am sorry to see that so many people here dislike this video, but I enjoyed it very much. Too many haters.
I lived on Maui for 4 years. Drove the back side many times. As long as the road isn’t eroded due to heavy rain/hurricane, it’s not nearly as sketchy as people are making it out to be. It is def pretty sick to take a Jeep out there, just know that you are taking risk of being more vulnerable to falling rocks off the cliffs you are driving by. Other than that, taking that drive in an open Jeep is majestic!
TheGolfdrum -I live Maui & compared to the roads the tourists are used to this road can be deadly if not paying attention or take it seriously.
Suzy H I think people should always be taking driving seriously.
Isn’t this way prohibited if you’re renting a car?
Our rental car got it by a rock on the back way. Thankfully it wasn’t a big deal. The company was happy it didn’t hit the windshield.
Aye! That is the road Christine talks about when she reminiscences about Hawaii! I hope I get the pleasure of that drive! Just stunning vistas! Of course I hope to enjoy that drive in a 1985 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalve...and then crash at "Robin's Nest"! Lol!
I hope you do too! It is really fantastic being all alone on a road in Hawaii for long stretches of time. A Magnum P.I. fan I gather, Sir Pirate! I have one question for you: is Higgins really Robin Masters?
Yes! Absolutely!
Agreed.
oh wow i didnt know the driving there is on the opposite side of the road...nice video!! thanks for sharing
It's not on the opposite side of the road. Everyone drives on their right. There are numerous areas on the road to Hana where there is only one lane so cars have to take turns going in opposite directions. If 2 cars enter the one lane part of the road, one person has to reverse. It's scary as hell.
Great video!!! I’m sure coconut guy was REALLY regretting what he ate later that day....
Laurel J. Lol 😂. He would especially be regretting it if he saw this video. Thanks for watching and for the comment.
The south route is best to hit an hr before the sunset, most majestic place in the world imo. Very few cars as well at that time. Chee
just did it went for a wedding and stayed for 2 weeks went 2 time when there it was so beautiful
You didn't stop at the store at Kaupo! It's a great place for a leg-stretch. Also an ice cream break.
Mmmm, I am an ice cream fanatic. We will definitely hit that up next time we are in Maui.
We’ll have to do that next time! Ice cream 🤪 YES PLEASE!
We have a trip booked for end of November and we’re thinking of doing the back way on road to hana. Is the road very busy early in the morning? Just asking about the one lane areas between the cliff and oceans. We are thinking of doing twin falls on its own another day to help make the RtH that much shorter to allow more time at other stops. Does this sound like a good idea? Thanks
Very nice the way you presented this. What kind of camera(s) are you shooting please?
Raymond E. Campbell the road shots are on a GoPro hero4+, the 360 is the Samsung and our in car camera is a Canon G7X.
Raymond E. Campbell lol, what he said.
We just came back from Hana hwy drive and coconuts were $10 not $2. Also you can perfectly open a coconut from the tree or the ground and eat it. It’s totally normal and safe as I did in Florida
I heard from someone that there are signs that say you can't drive on certain roads if you have a rental car... is that true for this back road to Hana? I get maybe restricting trucks or something, but it seems a little odd to specify which cars can be on the roads.
I did the Hana road in October 2018. It has to be one of the most overrated roads I’ve ever heard of. We went the recommended way. It wasn’t overly busy but there were still enough cars on the road that meant you couldn’t see some of the waterfalls etc as there was nowhere to park. We assumed we’d have beautiful sea views the whole way...not even that as the trees blocked the views mostly. When we reached Hana we continued and wondered if we should have. Luckily we got to the end eventually.
If you want a scenic road with ocean views, quaint towns, beautiful forests etc come to Australia and see the Great Ocean road in Victoria. Now that is a road.
Please do the road to Hana and make up your own mind. I’m keen to know if other people felt the same as me.
Donald Ridley by your description it sounds like you took the traditional road to Hana not the Back road. On the back road you will be luck to see 20 cars over the 3 hour drive. I totally understand your frustration with the regular road to Hana, it can be a total cluster. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
Good don't go back ever
I’ve been on that road a couple of times and it is pretty frightening.
Melayna Hardin the road does get pretty hairy at points. 3:52
Definitely a unique driving experience. We hope you made it okay each time. Thanks for watching.
It looks like a standard fire road I would take my daily driven Jeep down for shits and giggles. It doesnt look scary at all.
Mr Konkin this road is fine.. the Kahekili Highway is the bad one
Are the views worth it? According to this video, they aren’t
HAHA so nice , I remember in the 90s, the back road to Hana you basically risked your life
the roads were tiny then
Yep, das da way! Love the music too! Okay here’s one for you... Hwy 1 from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. Take No to So so you get the Best view. Nepenthe and Esalen Institute. Be sure to thank me later! Mahalo
Awesome! Thank you for the suggestion. We will have to try it out sometime.
Great tip! Is this a two way road?? Seems like the road is made just for one way traffic? TIA
Awesome video and, I love the remix track.
Thanks man!
Did that and during drive we hit a paved section and was like yes finally smooth sailing, then 100ft the paved section ends lol. Was the longest drive ever. Never again
This is a piece of cake compared the mountainous roads in Colorado with 10,000+ foot drops and no guard rails.
Very nice but how long did it take you to get there with this route ?
We did the reverse Road to Hana, too, on Monday 9/9! It was peaceful but stressful at the same time because drivers on the other direction couldn’t stay on their lane! Lol... We started at 5am (came from Lahaina) and got back at 3:30pm.
We saw a lot of goats and cows 😂 they were everywhere
Been to Maui 4 times . Don't even want to try any other Hawaiin island . If you love beaches , whether it be family , friends , getting naked , Maui has them all . Oh ya great food and really nice people . Great video . Can you recommend a place for 300,000 ???? :)
We’ve been to Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island. Every time, all I do is wish we had gone back to Maui.
I personally like the UpCountry back route to Hana the route you're on you come to a small settlement and there's a huge cliff and at the bottom of that Cliff his cars and trucks because it's almost impossible to pass on coming traffic at that spot it's a good way to come on the way back because you're on the inside and you can get close to the cliff and let people pass but at their own risk
Is it possible to begin Road to Hana from Sunrise Viewing at Haleakala National Park via Reverse as you've suggested? We're going to stay at same area as you started in your video. Thanks
Hey Rei! To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend doing both on the same day. You could certainly do as you suggested but it might take a lot out of you and would be a very long day. The day we watched the sunrise we both felt quite sleepy and almost feverish for the rest of the day from the altitude changes. They are both wonderful experiences but to enjoy them fully you don’t want to feel rushed.
Also...bring really warm clothing to the sunrise. It’s the coldest weather I’ve ever experienced...and I’m from Canada.
@@HonestHotelReviews thanks. Will chill out by a beach then. We're from Chicago so we'll be in Winter jackets going to the airport anyways. We usually travel with Arc'teryx Atom LT or AR, so hopefully that would be enough.
After Hawaii, we're eyeballing Banff. Can't wait.
We're also considering going up for Sunset, but, gets more crowded per our TH-cam searches vs Sunrise
Yeah you’ll be fine with that gear. Banff is beautiful too! We live a few hours drive from there and don’t go often enough. I’ve never done sunset on Haleakala. I’m sure it’s gorgeous too but watching the sun rise felt like a pretty amazing way to start the day. I hope you have an awesome time.
I want to go back!
Thank You
Hey we are headed there in a couple weeks. Someone told me this back way to Hana is closed on the weekends. Is that true?
Should you only do the back road in an SUV? 4 Wheel Drive?
is the horse still there? I used to drive that way all the time (lived in Kula) and a white horse would come out and say hi, stick his head into my jeep and wait for his apple
So how long was the drive from Lahaina? Also, how fast did you drive?
@5:45 Is that a two way road?! Which one is scarier to drive? this route or highway 340?! thank you
I think the best part of this is the hike at the end... definitely a must do in Maui... the bamboo forest is something to see!
Tricia Carlson the hike is amazing. We did an full video on the hike as well. Just don’t do as we did and head to the falls if the closed sign is up. It is there when rocks are falling from falls. We almost got hit, took the hint and got out ASAP. We were not smart but learned our lesson.
Hi!!
Is an SUV needed or can any car complete the drive?
I drove on that road 16 years ago. It was scary
Its fun
How much of the road is paved vs un paved. How much of it has two lanes. Thanks
Hi, I'm visiting Maui next week. Quick question here, what if I do the Road to Hana the correct way, and continues to this back road. Would that be possible? That would be perfect for us, we can just keep on driving until we can back to our Airbnb. Thanks
Hey Johnny! Yes the road does continue around so you can definitely go that way. Have fun on your trip 😎👍
Yes but it makes for a very long day especially when you hike the bamboo forest to the waterfalls. Spend the night in Hana if you can. And watch for the locals blasting down the one ways.
Drive safely and you will be ok both roads. If you have a Jeep is the best. Some part of roads are scary but definitely try it. Have fun 2020 February.
is the 'back road' to Hana along the Pi'ilani Highway still closed?
In all my trips to Maui and the Hana area I've never taken this route because of the car rental restrictions and the not knowing if the road would be flooded out.... Can any please advise about how many miles of this is unpaved? Thank you!
Manateelover25 about a quarter is unpaved and of that unpaved part about a third is really rough.
Manateelover25 yup about an hour of driving is on dirt. It can be pretty bumpy even in a Jeep. Double check restrictions with your rental car company as not all of them restrict their cars and/or 4x4s from using this road.
@@HonestHotelReviews thank you!
How long is this drive? My wife and I are going to Maui in a month and want to head to Hana by really aren’t all that excited about dealing with the travel on the normal route. I’ve heard of this road, but heard it’s really treacherous
There are a couple of places where it gets really ugly. Map used to say that if you drive a rental that you are responsible for damages, not your insurance. If you go, rent a vehicle with high ground clearance.
It you are comfortable driving one lane dirt roads you will be fine. I don’t recommend driving it in a basic car. Minimum an SUV. The drive usually takes us 3 hours from the Airport. I personally feel safer on the back road as I trust my driving abilities more than I trust other drivers skills on the passing on lane bridges on the regular route. The back road is an experience. If you like driving you will love it.
It’s no nearly as treacherous as you’ve heard. Just make sure the road is not eroded due to bad weather. Driving around the west side Lahaina to Wailuku is WAY more sketch, although it is absolutely STUNNING!
Dusty Bateman sorry for the very late response. Did your wife and you end up doing the road while you were on your trip? If so how was it?
Where did you find a four-door soft top jeep to rent?
Was that road 2 ways the whole time? It didn’t look like there was room for 2 cars near the cliffs!!!
ive been there and yes there is no space, you would have to back up to the safest spot to get any other vehicle by. its a thrill! 🤣🤣🤣
How long did it take for doing the road counterclockwise.
?
Its HOURS longer!
If you are doing it full circle and you plan on stopping for pictures, food and/or activities plan for the entire day. The driving will be around 5-7 hours depending on traffic and construction.
For the one laners are they for both flows of traffic?
Sometimes you gotta drive backwards to where you can pull to the side and let oncoming traffic pass
Awesome video...Smart guy with infested coconut.
marsimone1 we were in shock when we saw him eat it. To each their own.
Nowhere in your video do you mention the fact that taking this route goes against car rental agreements, which you should do if you are going to promote safe and responsible travel itineraries. THAT'S why there are no other cars on the road! You did not complain about the condition of the road like another travelogue video, thank you! Basically, this portion of the road runs through Hawaiian Homesteads land, which is similar to an Indian reservation.
Awesome !! Thinking about this route...how much longer does it take?
christina BERRY oh man it really depends. The back road is about 3 hours from Kahului. The regular road is about 2 hours if you don’t hit construction or traffic.
Someone loves the insta360 huh? Moderation is the key.
It is an easy drive. Did it many times. It is the south Pi'ilani HIghway.
The back way is MUCH less traffic.
I once ate an orange I found on the side of the road. But it connected to some type of a tree.
Clean Habitats tree fruit good. Street fruit bad. 👍
Why, oh why, does everyone feel the need to dub in annoying music to what should be a relaxing, peaceful vacation video?
Curt Rowlett sorry it wasn’t you’re style of video with the music. It was just how we emotionally connected to the trip. We really do appreciate you watching and commenting. All the best to you from us. ❤️
I liked the music lol
I think the music is cool
The music is cool 🙂
We did it in the traditional way in our video, but I will take this idea for the next time!!
My ae86 won’t go the back way to low :(
JB 86 smart. Keep that ae86 in good shape. Such a classic!
What trail was this hike .
Linda Grill the pipiwei trail in Haleakala national park
How long did that trip take you?
digiorno12 left at sunrise and was back to Lahaina by 7. Note we also did a 2 hour hike.
digiorno12 the drive is about 3 hours each way depending on construction. Assume it is a day trip.
How early in the day did you leave to miss all the traffic??
Ted S. We left Lahaina around 6:30am. Rarely have we seen traffic on this road regardless of the time of day.
Ted S. some people recommend timing your trip to hit this route during dusk to catch the sunset over the ocean. We haven’t done this yet but do think that the road would get very tough to drive once you lose the sunlight. Just another thought on how to do the road. Thanks for watching.
The back road is not the coolest, but the most cruel and punishment you'll ever experienced. It started out smooth, but then the bumpy ride takes over. If you're going to give it a shot make sure there's a good set of tires on your car or otherwise take the front road and return the same way. I gave it a try and it was the most disappointment part of my trip.
The back side is its own kind of magical. It looks like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else.
Can I take my Van there?
I survived! Next time I will bring a potty bottle...
Why is that side of the island so underdeveloped?
Susan Nus98 I’m not a city planner but my best guesses would be the soft slope make building challenging and the distance from stores would be a challenge too. Also you notice when the lush jungle like rain forest ends and the dry land begins the houses mostly stop until you hit the lush forest surrounding Hana. I suppose if people chose to live off the beaten path they want that beautiful Hawaiian lush green landscape.
How is that for a guess!?!
This road ain’t no joke. I enjoyed eating at the SmokeHouse. I want to go back to the road to Hana but DO IT FROM THE PAIA SIDE. Remember to help no before turning the curves and let the locals pass you. And if you are there at the beginning of any month, do Maui’s First Friday.
The car rental companies will not come get you if you break down , no cell service
Kent Custer this is a great point. It highlights the importance of confirming with your rental company if there are driving restrictions on your vehicle. We always ensure that our vehicle rentals are covered for this drive.
I dont think that the rental car companies want you to use that south road to Hana
Yeah there is a rule for most that you arent allowed to drive the kaupo way cuz potholes and dumb drivers
So beautiful! Such fun music too! The guy with the coconut is so gross, I mean seriously dude, who knows what cracked that nut first!
I know!!!! I had someone else reply that the coconut dude was covid patient zero 😂😬
Just be forewarned, rental car companies forbid you from driving this road, if you break down you are on your own, plus there is no cell service so you are at the mercy of passing motorists to help you out, when I drove it, it was a washboard rough gravel road with a mostly arid landscape, once you're on the road, you will count the minutes till you're back in some semblance of civilization, not worth it IMHO
If you guys never been to hana. This is the worst way to go. Its dangerous because your driving on the cliff side and the roads are narrow and need to share with others and there's no guardrails. I dont recommend this for tourists. My advice is if you drive there and you see locals behind you driving pullover and let them go🤙
John Rey Sheila great comment. Personally I love to drive and taking adventurous routes so this road spoke to me. It you aren’t extremely comfortable with your driving skills and your car the traditional route might be a better option. We mentioned it in the video but DO RESPECT THE LOCALS. Pull over and let them pass if you ever get someone behind you. It will reduce your stress and help out the locals.
Yes do not do the cliff side if you have never done this road before. Mountain side is safer!
Jeeps are not allowed on this section of road and can not be driven off road per any major rental agency in Hawaii. If you get stranded here you are on the hook for a very expensive tow and the rental agency will deny any insurance claim. Having said that, I've driven the back side many times but never in a Jeep. Renting a Jeep is totally pointless in Hawaii. You're just paying a huge premium for something you don't need. Do you notice a lot of locals driving Jeeps in rural areas of Maui? Of course not. The ride sucks in a Jeep and they guzzle gas. It also screams tourist to thieves and offers no security for your valuables.
So you really think just renting a normal car is the way to go? I was planning on renting a Jeep this summer when I come to Maui, but you're making a strong argument against it.
Samuel Cooper just get the renters insurance you’ll be fine
always had a jeep no issues.
The rental agreements have in many cases stopped restricting where on the island you can travel. Just make sure you are okay to take this route before renting. We always rent a Jeep soft top in Maui for the experience of it. It is a cost we could avoid but choose to take on the expense. Oh, and just don’t leave any valuables in the car 👍
You’re alone because no one goes that way. It’s too sketch
Getting married in Kaupo next week!
Nice footage. Had to turn the volume off though.😖
Also known as one of the most dangerous road in the US.
One lane
Where the other side of the road ?
garth cowan at some points the road is very much one lane. It is important to use your horn around the blind corners and to go slow. Nothing ruins a drive like a head on collision.
I went both ways
This could have been waaaaay shorter
I thought the residents didnt like mainlander howlies, coming thru there? lol
Loving the muzic remix, and we took this route on our honeymoon. We also took the north road around the island, YIKES haha.
armancha23 oh man we have heard that the North road is really hairy. We love Maui and hope you had a great honeymoon.