Maui's Back Road to Hana - Can you drive it in a rental car?

Map for Maui's Road to Hana

Map for Maui's Back Road to Hana

January 7, 2024 - For those who don't know, there are two ways to get to Hana from Central Maui. The front way (recommended route), and the back way (not recommended - more on this below). Let's go through the details for both routes.

THE RECOMMENDED ROUTE FOR THE ROAD TO HANA

The first, known as "The Road to Hana," follows the Hana Highway (State Highway 360) all the way along north shore of Maui for 51.2 miles from Kahului to Hana. In absence of any traffic or delays, this could take about 2 hours by car. This road is known for its numerous twists and turns, scenic attractions, coastal vistas, waterfalls, hiking trailheads, and horrendously backed up traffic if you happen to get caught behind a tour bus.

THE BACK ROAD TO HANA

The other way, known as "The Back Road to Hana," follows the Haleakala Highway (State Highway 37) along the contour of Haleakala first going through Upcountry Maui then along the south shore through the lava flows of Kaupo, that are only about 1,000 years old - relatively fresh by geologic time. This route from Kahului to Hana is 63.3 miles - so it's actually longer than the other way - but it's far less twisty and sees less traffic so in some situations it can be quicker.

CAN YOU TAKE YOUR RENTAL CAR ON THE BACK ROAD TO HANA?

The short answer is no, these are five reasons why you are prohibited from taking your Maui rental car on the back road to Hana:

1. The back road to Hana is intended for local traffic only.

2. It is poorly maintained. It is subject to rockfall, landslides and washouts - more so than other Maui roads.

3. It has long unpaved unmaintained sections filled with road hazards that can damage a vehicle.

4. The surrounding areas are unpopulated or very sparsely populated. There is noone to asskist you in case of an emergency.

5. There is no cell phone service. In case of a breakdown, or accident, the cost of towing back to Central Maui can be more than $2,000 dollars.
   

For these reasons, visitors are officially discouraged from taking this route. This directive comes not just from rental car companies, but from the County of Maui authorities.

IT LOOKS LIKE YOU CAN DRIVE STRAIGHT FROM KIHEI TO HANA ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE. CAN YOU?

To answer a frequently asked question: No, there is no way to drive to Hana directly from the South Shore resort areas of Kihei and Wailea. The road ends at LaPerouse Bay. Any road shown on a map for this route is not accessible and cannot be driven by the public.

WEEKLY SURVEY OF MAUI CAR RENTAL RATES

This week's car rental rates from Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) are showing an uptick. These are the lowest advertised rate for a one-week rental beginning Monday, January 8:

Off-airport (with shuttle) $197.64

Airport Rentacar Center $270.60

Source: rentalcars.com