Be Respectful on the Road to Hana

It’s no secret that the Road to Hana is one of Maui’s top attractions.  But it’s popularity is the source of ever-worsening problems in the region.  And while the issue of overcrowding is going to be difficult to overcome, many issues can be avoided.  All people need to do is be respectful on the Road to Hana.

For those not familiar, the Hana Highway is a 51-mile historic highway.  It connects Kahului with Hana via a twisting, somewhat treacherous road spanning 600 curves and hairpin turns, sheer cliffs, and 59 bridges.  What’s more, the highway often narrows to a single lane.

 

The Problem

Visitors are drawn to the highway because of its spectacular scenery.  But travelers’ desire to see the scenery up-close is causing many issues.  Per the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, an average of about 1,500 visitors drive the highway every day.  That’s way more drivers than it the road can handle, I’m sure.  Beyond the over-crowding, though, it’s visitor behavior that’s causing issues too.

For example, many visitors are now visiting sites that are not open to the public.  Worse yet, many of these sites do not have parking.  As a result, visitors often park on the side of the road, taking up valuable space on an already narrow road.  This, in turn, exasperates the congestion issues in the area.  But even at sites with parking, the crowding is so bad that visitors will park along the road there too.  And, of course, sometimes visitors stop along the road for a variety of reasons, holding up traffic.

An even more significant cause for concern, though, is the number of visitors that ignored warnings regarding Hurricane Lane.  You see, the Hana Highway is hugely susceptible to landslides.  And the torrential rains and winds from the storm definitely had impacts on the area.  It’s lucky that no one was hurt during the event.

The Solution

Plain and simple, the solution to the problem at hand is for visitors to be more respectful.  Visitors need to heed all signs, follow the rules, and pay attention to advisories, especially during adverse weather conditions.  And, most of all, it’s important to remember that the Hana Highway serves a community that relies on it.  If it isn’t possible to stop someplace, it is unfortunate, but visitors’ desires can’t come before the needs of area residents.  And I feel this should be the case, not only for Hawaii but for anywhere in the world.

 

Be Respectful on the Road to Hana, Final Thoughts

I’ve driven the Hana Highway just once.  I have a fear of heights, so the drive was a white-knuckle journey for me.  But, the scenery is incredible!  That said, when the Mrs. and I did it, we set out EARLY.  Like, before sunrise early.  And, we didn’t stop anywhere along the way.  However, by the time we finished hiking in Kipahulu, the traffic coming into the area was INTENSE.  And that drove my decision to take the back road back to the Andaz Maui.  I don’t recommend this, by the way, as that road is far more dangerous and is in much poorer condition.  Plus, you car rental agreements generally probit you from going this way.

So if you’re planning a drive to Hana, be like us and set out early.  Or, better yet, join a (licensed) tour group so that you may enjoy the scenery without needing to pay attention to the road.  But if you do drive on your own, please stop only where allowed and visit only public sites.  And, remember, people rely on the road for their livelihood, so be mindful of your impacts.