The Road to Hana in reverse

Question

We fly out of maui on a Friday night, June 13 at 10pm, but we have to leave our room by 10am that morning. We're staying in kanaapali Beach. So, I thought to do the road to Hana as we slowly made our way to the airport. However, Google maps has me taking the road less traveled, along the south-eastish "back side" of haleakala, which according to all the youtube vlogs is a bit more treacherous. We'll be in a minivan. I wanted to stop at pipiwai trail then

Waiʻānapanapa State Park (with a timed reservation of course), and then the lava tubes... opposite of the direction most are going. But I'm not sure this plan will work. Do you have any alternatives that you'd recommend? Thank you in advance.

Answer

Driving the Road to Hana in reverse—from West Maui toward the east side—is doable, but it requires careful planning, especially with a minivan and limited time before your evening flight. The traditional route from Kahului toward Hana is more straightforward, while the “backside” route along the south and east of Haleakalā is narrower, less maintained, and has limited services. For a minivan, it can be stressful, particularly if you encounter oncoming traffic or tight curves.

Here are some considerations and alternatives for your plan:

If you want to visit Pipiwai Trail, Waiʻānapanapa State Park, and the lava tubes, the traditional east-side route is safest. Start early, because Pipiwai Trail alone can take 2–3 hours round trip, and you need to factor in parking and shuttle times at Waiʻānapanapa State Park (with your timed reservation).
Doing the Road to Hana in reverse adds extra mileage and involves sections of road that are less traveled and more winding. This could slow you down significantly, and you might feel rushed trying to get back to the airport on time.
Consider skipping the backside route entirely and focus on the classic Hana route. You can still hit Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls, and Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Instead of returning to Kaanapali via Hana, you could drive back toward Kahului, then take the main Honoapiilani Highway (west side) back, which is longer in distance but safer and faster for a minivan.

Alternative plan suggestions:

Leave early (around 6–7am) from Kaanapali, drive straight to Waiʻānapanapa for your timed reservation, then continue to Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls. Begin heading back by mid-afternoon to allow ample time to return your rental and get to the airport.
Consider hiring a guided Hana tour that can handle logistics and allow you to focus on sightseeing safely. Some tours operate in reverse for those starting from West Maui.
If you want a more relaxed pace, you could do partial Hana highlights—visit Waiʻānapanapa and the nearby black sand beach, then explore a few waterfalls along the way—without attempting the entire Pipiwai Trail loop. This gives a taste of the Hana experience without time pressure.

In short, the reverse route along the south/east side is riskier for a minivan, and time is tight with your flight. Sticking to the main Hana road, starting early, and prioritizing key stops is the most practical approach for a safe, enjoyable day.

The Road to Hana in reverse

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