You've probably already heard about the famous Hana Highway on Maui, its one-way bridges and yield signs. To get to the Seven Sacred Pools (O'heo Gulch, part of Haleakala National Park), you'll have to drive the whole length of the highway. There are many scenic stops along the way.
How Long is the Drive?
If you are staying in Kapalua, Napili, Ka'anapali, Kihei or Wailea, the drive will take about 3.5 hours each way without stopping. Even if you get started early in the morning, you won't have much time for sightseeing once you get to O'heo Gulch. If you can, plan on spending a day or two in Hana. It's beautiful and incredibly peaceful. In addition to Travaasa Hana, there are several rentals available in town.
The road to Hana is not really a highway. It's narrow and patched together with one-way and some two-way bridges. There are 54 bridges along the way, apparently. But can anyone be really sure? It's this "highway" that keeps Hana so isolated. The road features beautiful views of the coastline, waterfalls and tropical plants. In fact, many visitors to Maui (about 3,000 each day), take a day trip just to drive along the road. The drive from Kahului Airport takes about two hours. Traffic frequently comes to a stop near the bridges as tour vans pull over and let passengers look at waterfalls and plants. Before you head there, be sure to fill up your car with gas in Paia.
What You'll See on the Way
The coastal part of Haleakala features beautiful waterfalls and pools of water where you can go for a swim. The pools are closed off if there is a lot of rain.
Once you reach the town, you can have lunch at Travassa Hana or at Hana Ranch which also has a take-out window, if you are in a hurry.
Flying
If you prefer to fly, Pacific Wing Airline offers flights to Hana, either from Honolulu, Oahu, or Kahului, Maui.
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