North Shore Overview

When the British first arrived in 1778, the lands of Hana, Kipahulu, and Kaupo were the most densely populated in Hawaii. Though hardly as bustling today, the North Shore definitely deserves a visit on a trip to Maui. Hana Hwy. begins right outside Kahului, but most travelers feel the road to Hana really begins in Paia, a town that epitomizes the laid-back surfing lifestyle on Maui. Past Paia lies Haiku, which goes unnoticed a few miles inland of the highway. Twin Falls, on the east end of Haiku near Huelo, offers a taste of the innumerable waterfalls along Hana Hwy. A few small towns lie between Huelo and Hana, including the taro root farming town of Keanae, but for the most part the road is surrounded only by unspoiled tropical forest. Hana, a peaceful town with beautiful beaches and parks, warrants more than a glance from the car, though it might be worth hurrying a bit to make time for Oheo Gulch, where you can swim in freshwater pools and hike to waterfalls.

Hana Highway Driving Tips. Many residents commute several times a day on this road. Use your rearview mirror, and use the pull-outs along the road to let cars pass you. Do not stop on the road to look; this is dangerous and inconsiderate. On one-lane bridges, obey the yield signs. On steep downhills, switch to a lower gear rather than riding your breaks.

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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.