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Published: November 27th 2019
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The road to Hana is famous all over the world and for a good reason. The 70 mile stretch is one of the best and top drives in the whole universe. It’s an experience like no other. There is plenty of scenery along the way and almost every turn has something to leave you awe inspired. There are stunning waterfalls, surf spots, and some black sand beaches. It gives you that feel of the real Hawaii, only that the big resorts will be nowhere to be seen. With that in mind, you still need to do your homework and get some great tips that will help make this drive unforgettable;
Set aside more than one day
If you really want to experience the best of Hana, do not attempt to do everything in one day. On most occasions, people make
going to Hana a one day trip. However, you will spend a part of the journey battling traffic with other tourists and skipping some of the drive’s major spots simply because you are limited on time. Instead, don’t rush the trip. Plan to spend at least a night or two in Hana. This way, you get to spend quality time
at a gorgeous waterfall or do some hiking without worrying about time. Hana is all about slowing down and enjoying nature.
Start early
When taking a road trip to Hana, you definitely have to figure out a way to beat the crowds. The only way to avoid the crowds is starting the journey early. I don’t think you would want to get stuck behind a group of tourist’s cars. Also, departing at the same time as everyone else will mean the major stopping areas will be congested.
Leave the Maui resorts as early as 6 am and hit the road. You will have the road to Hana all to yourself and have the rare chance of exploring the scenic drive without missing out on anything.
Load up on supplies
The worst thing you can ever do is failing to carry with you provisions as you take the journey to Hana. The road may be packed with tourists all day but there are actually a few local spots where you can buy something to eat. For this reason, stock up on plenty of snacks and beverages. There is a restaurant in Hana but I wouldn’t bet on it.
The only dependable stand you will find along the way is at the first waterfall. It offers a variety of fruits and pretty much nothing you can rely on to fill your stomach. There are also a couple others that sell fruit breads.
Carefully pick out your spots
The mistake many tourists make is not picking their ideal spots. This ends up ruining the entire journey and you miss out on the highlighting spots of the drive. Everything you encounter on this journey is beautiful and you can’t possibly make every stop. What you have to do is pick out several priority stops and stick to your plan.
The Twin Falls is a notable stop where you can jump into the water and take a cold refreshing swim. It will definitely be a great opportunity for you to enjoy some nature time. Make sure you slow down the car and take pictures of the Painted Bark Eucalyptus trees. The adventure won’t be complete without experiencing the black sand beaches. The Honomanu Bay county beach park would be the best place to make this stop.
Other places you should consider adding on your list include the Waianapanapa State Wayside Park, the seven sacred pools and Hamoa beach.
Bring a change of clothes
This goes without saying considering all the exploring and adventures you will be engaged in as you drive through the road to Hana. You will be out of the car several times and into the water. Therefore, pack the necessary clothing for all these activities and some extra clothes. For instance, you can wear a bathing suit inside, put on a t-shirt and shorts to start off the day. This means that you won’t have to spend time changing into a bathing suit. Don’t forget to bring along a pair of hiking shoes.
Make use of a guidebook
Well, don’t rely on the smooth flow of traffic, stop at a few waterfalls and eventually arrive in Hana. This is something that often happens to tourists who didn’t bother getting a guide book. When they finally park in Hana, they feel that there is nothing extraordinary about the entire journey.
The drive to Hana really requires a guide. There are many hidden gems and secrets on this road that you will never know about unless you consulted a guide. There are even audio guides which are the best option if you are driving solo.
Respect Kapu
If you spot a sign which reads ‘kapu’ it simply translates to ‘no trespassing’. In simpler terms, this means that respect private property. You might encounter a secret spot from the guidebook but it’s within private property. If this is so, move on and try to find another spot accessible to the public.
The Hawaiians protect their land and will not take it lightly with trespassers. Believe it or not, there are many other secret spots that are safe for the tourists to explore.
Don’t drive back the same way you came in
Those using a four-wheel drive can drive out the other way. This is usually a road less travelled and will help make your journey back shorter. Keep in mind this road is a bit bumpy because a few miles of it are covered in dirt. Also, you have an advantage of gracing new views.
Fill the tank
If you are a tourist, you should already know the importance of filling up your tank when going on a road trip. There are literally no gas stations between Paia and Hana town. So don’t let an empty tank ruin your drive to Hana. Simply do what is necessary.
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