Do you need a 4x4 for Road to Hana?


Do you need a 4x4 for Road to Hana? The road is unpaved but well-graded dirt for five miles, and at some points it is only one lane wide and has precipitous drop-offs, but at no point is 4WD essential. The only time you would need 4WD is during a torrential rainstorm—and in that situation, you should stay off the road altogether.


Is a jeep good for Road to Hana?

Here's the way the R2H team likes to do it: 1 Rent a Jeep Wrangler. There is no better way to experience the canopied rainforest, winding roads, and rugged terrain. This is one of the most important Road to Hana tips!


Which Hawaiian island do you not need a car?

Oahu is the only island with a comprehensive bus system, simply known as TheBusOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines.


How bumpy is the Road to Hana?

The roads can get a little dicey, especially if you're starting from the Seven Sacred Pools. The highway can get extremely narrow, bumpy, and turn into a one-lane road. Not to mention the local goats that have free reign. These little guys can surprise you if you're not careful.


Is it worth it to have a car in Hawaii?

If you do want to sightsee, it will be much easier with a car. One major benefit is you'll be able to do things at your own pace. Oahu isn't big; without stops, you can drive around the island in about two hours. That said, there are things you might want to see and do that aren't accessible by public transportation.


Is Road to Hana really worth it?

Most of the stops on the Road to Hana are free (e.g., hikes and views) or low-cost (e.g., banana bread stops and black sand beach reservations). Overall, the Road to Hana is a good value for all you get to see and do in one day compared to loading a day of things to do on Maui with kids.


Do you need an SUV to drive around Maui?

You don't need a jeep or SUV on Maui. But if you like to anyway, sure, SUV is more comfortable. We always rented a compact on Maui, and we like to drive and explore all over the island too, and never had a problem. Maui tend to have very good roads.


Where do I start driving the Road to Hana?

The 64.4 mile Road to Hana starts officially in the town of Kahului. From there, it winds along the northeastern edge of Maui, where it concludes in the village of Hana. Cutting through high-speed urban areas and rural mountain passes, the Road to Hana offers stunning views.


Is it better to drive the Road to Hana yourself or take a tour?

This depends on what type of traveler you are and how much time you have. If you'd rather not drive, and you want a guide you can ask questions to, a Hana van tour is the best option. If you want a little more control over where you go, and you want to do your own research, driving is your best option.


What time should you start the Road to Hana?

It's best to be on the road, leaving your resort by at least 7:30 am. If you start late, the Road to Hana can be crowded with other drivers. That can mean that you might find yourself crawling along behind slower drivers at time.


Are rental cars allowed on the Road to Hana?

Most all rental car companies on Maui will allow you to drive to Hana. Driving the backside of Haleakala, past Oheo Gulch is not recommended for the faint of heart. Access to the ROAD TO HANA is Limited (learn more): The best parts of driving to Hana are between Paia and Seven Sacred Pools.


What is the speed limit on the Road to Hana?

There are over 600 hairpin curves and 59 one-lane bridges to cross. With all of those, numerous blind-spots and the 25mph speed limit (or slower), those 52 miles will take about two and a half hours if you don't run into any distractions. However, this road is FILLED with one incredible distraction after another!


Do you get carsick on Road to Hana?

Tip 2: Take nausea medicine. I have a friend who took medicine before going on the Road to Hana and her group still had to turn back because she got so sick. Getting motion sickness is pretty common along this fairly wind-y road so if you can prepare in advance, that will help immensely.