Is the Road to Hana worth it?

The Road to Hana is one of the most beautiful drives anywhere in the world. Because of dozens of potential sights and stops along the way, the journey is the destination. Hana is East Maui, and it's completely different from South, North, or West Maui. Hana has the best waterfalls on Maui. And in my opinion, it's well worth the drive. But this isn't about what I think, this is about what you think. So I've built this guide to help you make the choice for or against the Road to Hana.

Whether or not the Road to Hana is worth it depends on two things: 1) what's the benefit of the Road to Hana and 2) whats' the cost? Let's go over that now.

So, what is so special about Road to Hana?

Here are just a few things you can experience on the Road to Hana:

Black sand beach, the best banana bread on Maui, Pipiwai trail, emerald-colored pools, Hana town, lush rainforest all the way to the ocean, Seven Sacred Pools/Pools of Oheo, a scenic drive to blow your mind at every turn, Hana lava tube, waterfalls, swimming ponds, tropical jungles, Hana Bay, tropical fruit tasting, and more. Check out all the available activities here.

The roundtrip takes all day; it's full of one-lane bridges; it is a very curvy, windy road (there are over 600 twists and turns); there's a high risk of motion sickness; the views can be repetitive for kids; you must be an active driver with your eyes on the road; there's often a beautiful stop without a lot of parking; it can feel like everyone on Maui is on the road at once; it's an out-and-back drive instead of a loop for most drivers; tours can be expensive depending on your budget; it's not easy to drive if you are unfamiliar with narrow and winding lanes; it can be dangerous or nerve racking if it's raining and your tires aren't the greatest; you have to check if the Road to Hana is even open after a big rain. (Sometimes landslides close the road.)

Cost breakdown:

If you already have a rental car, this cost basically is $0. But if you don't already have a car and you decide to drive yourself, this is the cost:

• Economy car: $50-$75

• Intermediate car: $75-$100

• Full-size car: $100-$150

• Luxury car: $150-$200+

If you opt to hire a driver and driving tour, they start at about $180/person. If you do a flying tour, they start at about $300/person. Click those underlined links to some of the options out there.

Other costs: Reservations at Waianapanapa State Park: $10/person for non-residents, $5/person for residents, FREE for children 12 and under. Food and drink along the Road to Hana come out to roughly $15-50/person per meal. And if you do a 12-hr day, you can expect to eat two meals on the Road to Hana.

What are the cons about the Road to Hana and what does it cost?

Conclusion, or how to decide:

Overall, the Road to Hana is a beautiful experience that is worth considering if you are visiting Maui. However, hopefully this brief breakdown will help you make the right decision for you.

• If you're concerned about The Road to Hana taking too much time off your trip, skip it this trip.

• If you're not concerned about the time, stay in Hana over night and see and do everything.

• If you're worried about driving the Road to Hana yourself, but want to see all it have to offer, do a tour. You'll have a guide who knows the area, can share valuable knowledge about Hawaiian culture, and who can point out the best spots. You'll also be able to sit back and relax while someone else drives.

• If you're concerned about motion sickness, take anti-nausea medication like Emetrol, which is specific for motion sickness.

• If you're worried about the cost of a tour, but want to see Hana and can drive it, use a GPS app like Shaka or Gypsy. You'll have more flexibility to stop where you want and for how long. You'll also save money on the tour fee. Go early to avoid traffic. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. Be patient, it can be busy.

• If you've seen a waterfall before and you're worried Hana waterfalls won't be that different, you might be right. A waterfall is a waterfall, right? Nevermind the tropical flora/fauna, the warm beaches, the Hawaiian cultural landmarks and sites, and everything else. Skip the Road to Hana.

• If you have young children who will complain or be sick the whole drive, skip it.

I hope this short guide helps you make your trip to Maui what you want it to be. I also have a complete 7-day itinerary on Amazon to help you plan your trip.

Disclaimer: I have some affiliate links on this page that earn me a commission if you book using that link. But no pressure to do so, and it doesn't make your booking any more expensive.