The Road to Hana on Maui
Visitors to Maui frequently choose the Road to Hana as their favorite attraction on the island. Why not turn it up a notch by going on a Harley-Davidson motorbike?
The road to Hana is formally known as State Highway 360, the Hana Highway. It curves and twists for sixty miles along Maui's coastline, passing rain forests, waterfalls and Edenic views, perfect fare for a motorcyclist.
Renting a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle on Maui
Cycle City Maui, also known as Maui Harley-Davidson, has two locations: Kahului, near the airport, and in Lahaina. They rent motorcycles to those 21 years or older with a valid motorcycle rider's license for about $260 per day, including all fees, insurance and taxes. Renting one of their Harleys includes a helmet, short term luggage storage and emergency roadside assistance if it is needed. They will also require a $2,000 damage deposit, secured by a credit card before they let the rider out the door.
Ready to Ride
The route is easy from the Kahului Harley shop. Just head northeast on Dairy Road toward Maui Marketplace Drive for half a mile, and then turn right at Hana Highway. Ride 50 miles to Hana and then if desired, another ten miles beyond to the area where the Seven Sacred Pools are located.
From the Lahaina Harley shop, it is 72 miles to Hana Bay, taking Honoapiilani Highway (State Hwy 30) to Kuihelani Highway (State Hwy 380) to Hana Highway.
A motorcycle rider should gas up in Paia as there aren't any more gas stations until Hana. The only gas station in Hana, Hana Gas, has an "out of order" sign on their premium gas pump and no plans to fix it. They are located at 5170 Hana Highway. Call (808) 248-7671 first to see if they changed their minds about offering premium gas, or else make sure the motorcycle tank is big enough to make the journey without needing a refill.
The road to Hana doesn't offer many restaurants, but there are some places to stop for food. Some locals set up stands where they hawk homemade banana bread, but these stands are transient. There is a snack bar called Twin Falls Maui Farmstand that sells smoothies and fruit. In Hana, there are only four restaurants: the Hana Ranch, Ruby's Diner, Tutu's and the expensive Ka'uiki at the Hotel Hana-Maui.
Hana Travel
Don't ride the backside of Hana as the road is unpaved and not for motorcycles. In addition, the rental contract will be voided, so it is just not worth the risk. A rider can go beyond Hana only until the paved road on Highway 31 ends between mile markers 39 and 38, and then he must double back. There is a beautiful hike to the Seven Sacred Pools if a rider has the time.
Stopping at a Waterfall on the Road to Hana
The ride on the road to Hana takes all day, so unless a motorcycle rider is planning to spend the night, he should leave very early. It is not a road to be ridden during the dark. However, it is one of the most scenic, inspiring and memorable roadways on which to ride his Harley.
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