RTH in late November?

Question

We (myself, two teens) will be in Maui over thanksgiving and doing RTH Thanksgiving Day and staying the night at the Hyatt that night. I was considering going a day early to space out the stops we'd be making but now a bit hesitant b/c i read Hana isn't great in the wintertime. Is even one night too many? I posted in a smaller forum and concensus was not to even go at all and do the volcano (in our plans already).

We are there for 8 nights and plan to do hikes, ziplining, snorkeling, etc. as well as relaxing :)

Answer

Driving the Road to Hana (RTH) in late November can be a mixed experience. While the scenery is beautiful year-round, November is in the rainy season on Maui, particularly along the eastern coastline, which can make some parts of the road slippery, and certain waterfalls and streams may be swollen. That said, many travelers do enjoy it at this time if they plan carefully.

Here are some points to consider for your trip with two teens:

One-night stay in Hana: Staying overnight allows you to explore the area without feeling rushed. You can visit key stops, enjoy Hamoa or Koki Beach, and do a portion of the Pipiwai Trail the next morning before heading back. This is ideal for spacing out the stops and minimizing long driving hours in a single day.
Weather considerations: Be prepared for rain, especially along the Hana Highway. Some stops may be less enjoyable if heavy rain occurs, and some dirt roads to waterfalls may be muddy. Always check weather conditions and be flexible with your stops.
Alternatives if weather is poor: You could still drive part of the RTH for a few highlights without going all the way to Hana. Stops like Twin Falls, Keʻanae Peninsula, or Wailua Valley offer scenic views without committing to the full drive in potentially wet conditions.

Additional tips for your Thanksgiving timeframe:

Start early in the morning to avoid heavier traffic, especially since it’s a holiday period.
Pack food, snacks, and water since restaurants in Hana may be limited or closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Check your accommodation options for dinner or early meals; some places may offer special Thanksgiving menus.
Use the overnight to enjoy quieter beaches in Hana without the crowds you would encounter on a same-day return trip.

Overall, one night in Hana is not too much, even in November, as long as you are prepared for potential rain and adjust your plans accordingly. For a family with teens, spacing out the drive and spending the night allows a more relaxed experience, and the teens may enjoy the adventure of staying in this remote, lush part of Maui.

RTH in late November?

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