Reverse Road to Hana: Self-Drive Audio Tour from Kula to Paia
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — you should be comfortable with short hikes over uneven, sometimes muddy terrain and be able to get in and out of cars repeatedly.
Overview
Start where most end: a guided self-drive that maps the Road to Hana in reverse. This audio tour from Kula to Paia mixes GPS-triggered narration, local stories, and turn-by-turn directions—letting you stop, explore, and set your own pace.
Reverse Road to Hana: Self-Drive Audio Tour from Kula to Paia
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You pull out of a Kula roadside parking lot as a narration begins in your passenger’s ear — a voice that knows every hairpin and hidden pool on Maui’s loneliest coastline. The first miles of this “reverse” run take you along Haleakala’s leeward flanks, through pastureland that drops away to banana farms and cliffs that hunt the horizon. Instead of finishing in Hana and heading back to civilization, you start where few do: the quieter back side, then arc toward the famous waterfalls, beaches, and bamboo corridors that make the Hana Highway one of America’s great drives.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Download before you go
The tour works offline but must be downloaded on Wi‑Fi; download the Shaka Guide tour in advance to avoid delays.
Fill the gas tank in Paia
Fuel up before you head out—gas stations are sparse once you leave the north shore and Kula is the last reliable fill-up option before Hana.
Pace your stops
Pick 3–5 major stops (waterfall, beach, botanical garden) to avoid rushing and to finish the loop before dusk.
Watch the weather and road notices
Sections can be closed for repairs or heavy rain; check local advisories and obey posted signs at pullouts and swimming areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback whales (seasonal offshore)
- Native ʻiʻiwi and other forest honeycreepers
History
The Hana Highway evolved from old plantation roads and mountain paths; communities along the route retain Hawaiian agricultural practices and sacred sites tied to Haleakala.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails, avoid removing rocks or sand from beaches, and support local vendors to help keep roadside stands open and conservation efforts funded.
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Adventure Hotspots in Paia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Smartphone with Shaka Guide app
Required to run the GPS-triggered audio tour and maps; download tours over Wi‑Fi before departing.
Car charger and power bank
Long hours of GPS navigation and photography drain batteries; keep devices charged for directions and emergencies.
Light rain shell
Protects against sudden showers and coastal spray, especially during cooler upcountry stretches.
winter specific
Sturdy trail shoes
Useful for waterfall approaches, muddy trails, and uneven viewing platforms.