Back Road to Hana Questions

Question

My wife and I (mid 60s) will be in Maui in a couple of weeks and plan to do the road to Hana. Trying to decide if it is worth it to attempt the back road to Hana loop, assuming of course that our rental company allows vehicles there. In the research that I've done about this trip, I come up with mixed reactions. Some say that would never do it, while others say it was a blast.

My question for those that have driven it is how bad is it? From videos I've watched it seems like a lot of it is paved, with shorter stretches either unpaved or in really rough shape. How many miles of the road are in really rough condition. Can the drive be done in a sedan rather than an SUV or a Jeep? If we were to do this route, would it be better to start off there in the morning and then head on to the road to Hana in "reverse" or do it after the usual Paia to Hana journey?

Seems to be some different stunning scenery on that side and it would be cool to experience it. Is it worth doing part of the back road, i.e., approaching from the south where the road seems to be paved and turn around when it gets really rough? Is anyone familiar with a resource that would provide recent road conditions? Last, why would this road be left in such a state of disrepair--seems like a really cool place that they would want to maintain to attract more tourists? Appreciate any input and suggestions you might have....

Answer

Great questions. The “back road” or loop around Maui via the Piʻilani Highway (Highway 31) past Hana is seductive — more remote, dramatic, and off-the-beaten-path — but it also comes with real risks and trade-offs. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on how comfortable you are with rougher roads, your rental car contract, and how much time and risk you’re willing to take on.

How rough is the back road to Hana (Pi‘ilani Highway)?

Here’s what people who have driven it (recently) are saying, plus some official guidance:

Much of Pi‘ilani Highway is actually paved, especially in its more accessible parts. According to one more-recent source, many of the previously poor-condition sections are now paved, though there *are still* bumpy, dirt, or gravel stretches.
That said, there’s a stretch (around Nuʻu refuge to Kaupo) of about 8 miles that’s particularly rough — alternating between really “lumpy” paved road and gravel.
The road gets narrow in places (drop-offs, blind curves), and in some spots you may be very close to cliff edges. One blogger noted parts down to “one lane… down to 15 mph in spots.”
According to Shaka Guide, many rental car contracts *prohibit* driving on unpaved roads. If you violate that, your insurance may *not* cover you. Tow costs can be very high out there.
There are also safety concerns: steep grades, narrow bridges, no shoulders, and cliffs. And road closures are not uncommon, depending on weather, rock scaling work, or maintenance.
In some recent reports (2024–2025), parts of the back road are still *closed* or restricted.

Can you do the loop in a sedan (rather than SUV or Jeep)?

Yes — some people *have* done it in standard 2-wheel-drive cars:

One Reddit user said they completed the loop in a 2WD minivan, noting that the rough sections were manageable when driving slowly, and they did fine.
Another said they drove it in a Mustang convertible, had to be cautious, but did not have clearance issues.
That said, the Shaka Guide explicitly recommends 4×4 for this route to maximize safety.
As others warn, if you do this in a standard rental car, be sure to read your rental contract — many forbid unpaved roads, and damage/tow risks may not be covered.

Should you do the back road before or after the “usual” Road to Hana?

There are a few possible strategies, each with pros and cons:

Do the back road first (“reverse”): Starting from Kula or Kihei, take Piʻilani Highway and then connect into Hana via the “back way.” This gives you energy to tackle some of the more rugged road segments early when you're fresh, and then you can hit classic Hana-Highway stops (waterfalls, rainforest) later with a relaxed mindset. Some guides suggest this route.
Do the classic Hana route first, then turn around and take the back road back: This is appealing because you can do all the popular Hana stops (Pipiwai Trail, Oheo Gulch) and, on the return leg, you get a different perspective on the landscapes. Some people like this for variety.
Do only part of the back road: A more conservative option is to drive Piʻilani Highway only for the paved parts, or up until the road becomes very rough or narrow, then turn around. This lets you experience the southern coast’s dramatic views without pushing into the riskiest sections.

Is it “worth it” to do the back road at all?

It depends on what you want out of the experience:

Pros: Stunning, more remote coastline views; fewer crowds; a very “off-the-beaten-path” feel; a completely different landscape than the lush, rainy Hana-Highway side.
Cons: Riskier driving, especially in unpaved or narrow sections; possible violation of rental contract; high cost or no coverage for breakdowns; road closures; potentially tiring; not as many “tourist” stops or waterfalls compared to the main Hana route.
Safety / Legal Risk: Some recent reports say parts of the back road are still closed to non-residents. Also, people report that recovery (towing) is very expensive, and cell signal may be weak.

Resources for current road conditions:

Shaka Guide — Their loop itinerary page warns of closures and gives detailed driving advice.
Hana Alerts & Highway Updates — Local community / Facebook-type groups often post real-time road-closure and condition updates.
Hawaii DOT (HDOT) — For official road-work, closure, and safety condition notices. Their highway plans or reports mention hazards like narrow roads, rockslides, and no shoulder.

Why is the back road in such rough shape?

Some contributing factors:

The road was built long ago (part of the historic Hana Belt Road) in challenging terrain, with older construction methods.
Steep grades, blind turns, narrow bridges, and limited shoulders make maintenance difficult.
Weather is a big factor: rain, landslides, and erosion cause regular damage (mudslides, potholes, rockfalls).
Some sections may not see enough daily local traffic to justify paving or heavy maintenance by the county, especially when weighed against repair costs and the challenging terrain.

My Recommendation:

If I were in your shoes (mid-60s, wanting to enjoy the scenery, not overly confident with “rough” driving): - I would lean toward doing only the classic Hana Highway out-and-back (Paia → Hana → back), unless I were very comfortable driving slowly and carefully, and had confirmed road conditions/contract coverage. - If you’re adventurous, confident in your driving, and willing to take the risk, you could *partially drive the back road*: go as far as feels safe (or officially open), then turn around. - Use a tour (van or guided) if you want the back-road experience but don’t want the risk or rental contract issues.

Bottom line: The back road *can be done in a sedan*, but it’s not “easy cruise.” There are real risks — both contractual and physical — but the scenery is unique. Do your homework (check current road conditions, reroutings), read your rental agreement carefully, and weigh how much stress vs reward you want on your day.

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