Hana Highway Half Day
So, you're prone to motion sickness and wondering if you can handle the Road to Hana.
Well, being married to someone who is, has taught me it can be very challenging.
Now, Heidi has always bucked up and been a good sport. But, there are a lot of motion related activities she'd miss out on here, if she didn't. I know first hand, a swirling head sucks. I'd try to avoid it myself, especially if it doesn't involve Happy Hour.
​
That being said, this may be an acceptable compromise.
​
Try a Half Day Tour.
​
From Kihei, it's about a half hour ride to Paia, which is the starting point.
I'll suggest several stops to make. Which one's? I'll leave that up to you.
But, I would try to limit it to 3 or 4, so you don't end up in the car all day.
Here is my personal interactive map you'll recognize from the Road to Hana page. Even though it shows the entire route, I wouldn't go beyond stop 9 when doing the half day tour. The starred stops are my recommendations. However, you could alternate them with one or two others.
The first stop I would suggest is Twin Falls.
The short hike is sometimes muddy, so bring a change of footwear. You'll be rewarded with this view (which is actually Caveman falls, and is often mistaken for Twin Falls). Twin Falls is down a slightly different path, and not as big. You could easily do both on this stop.
Here's a video which covers the Twin Falls experience nicely.
You may recognize Zane from "Drinking Made Easy".
If you're doing the entire road to Hana, I don't usually recommend this hike, because it comes so early in the trip. There are so many things to see on this route I don't want to get bogged down by a one and a half hour hike this early. However, if you're doing the half day tour, feel free.
The second stop I'd suggest, would be the Keanae Arboretum at mile marker 16.7.
There, you'll find the free, lush tropical gardens filled with plants, flowers and trees
unique to the South Pacific.
I prefer it over the Garden of Eden, which charges $15/pp to see the same thing.
The second stop I'd suggest, would be the Keanae Arboretum at mile marker 16.7.
There, you'll find the free, lush tropical gardens filled with plants, flowers and trees
unique to the South Pacific.
I prefer it over the Garden of Eden, which charges $15/pp to see the same thing.
Around the corner from Keanae Arboretum is the Keanae Penisula.
Drive down into the small village for spectular ocean views and some fresh banana bread.
​
​
If you still feel like driving, head down the highway another 2.8 miles to Upper Waikane Falls.
Also known as Three Bears Falls.
​
This entire trip will probably take you 4-5 hours,
and would be an acceptable replacement if you absolutely cannot do the entire route.
