The "Road to Hana" on Maui, Hawaii, is truly a road trip you will never forget. Plan on taking a MINIMUM of two hours, one way, to drive these torturous but sublime 52 miles. If you have any sense of wonder about you at all it will take four hours.
It was an all day excursion for us and definitely worth it. This narrow road takes many scores of sharp twists and turns, and there are lots of one lane bridges. You will see lush rain forest all around you, and the blue Pacific to your left. Take time to stop and explore the numerous parks and waterfalls along the way. Also, be prepared for rain - and rainbows.
Hana is a very small village and has a few places to eat. The Hasegawa General Store is authentic (Not for tourists only), and we enjoyed exploring it's eclectic offering of wares.
Most rental car agreements require that you return from Hana the way you came instead of making a loop on around the island. We "got lost" and went the full loop. Beyond Hana the road turns to Hwy. #31, much of it unpaved and very narrow. Still we made it with no problems. This road will eventually bring you all the way around again to the center of the island.
If you dare take this route, just be sure you have a full tank of gas and take your time. It's amazing to see how the landscape turns from rain forest to desert as you make the full circle. The views will take your breath away.
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