How Long Does it Take to Drive Around the Island of Maui?

Maui is the second largest island of the Hawai’ian archipelago, measuring a mere 48 miles long by 26 miles wide. However, packed into that meager 729 square miles is a stunning landscape brimming with exotic flora and fauna, unique culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. Visitors to Maui often want to take in all the sights they possibly can during their trip to the island, and we don’t blame them! Visiting Maui is truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey that millions of people flock in to experience each year.

Since there are breathtaking sights to behold in every nook and cranny of Maui, we often see overzealous travelers who think because the island is so small, that they can cram all of Maui’s wonders into a one day trip. That’s a big mistake! While it only takes 9-10 hours to drive the entire perimeter of Maui without any stops, that doesn’t sound like much fun. Plus, that perimeter drive will leave you missing out on many of Maui’s marvels away from the coastline, including the must-see summit of Mount Haleakalā. There’s absolutely no way to really enjoy what Maui has to offer without dedicating a minimum of three full days, but we really recommend 7+ if possible.

So now that you know that you’ll need at least a few days here on The Valley Isle, what are the best drives to take during that time? Here are our top recommendations for Maui’s best scenic drives:

Haleakalā Summit

Haleakalā is a massive dormant shield volcano crater that makes up 75% of the island of Maui! Encircled by a 30,000+ acre national park that is home to more endangered species than any other U.S. National Park, Haleakalā is known for its diverse volcanic landscapes and beautiful sunrises at the summit. Looming over 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, visitors will cross through 6 of the 14 climate zones on planet Earth during their ascent of the Haleakalā, passing by sights acclaimed as some of the most wondrous and magnificent in this world. To drive to this marvelous location, take the highway 377 loop off of highway 37, then turn onto highway 378, also known as Haleakalā Highway or Crater Road. Take highway 378 all the way to the Haleakalā Summit District, where awe-inspiring views are in your near future. Don’t forget to reserve your spot for sunrise viewing or camping ahead of time, as permits and/or reservations are required for certain activities on Haleakalā.

Want to visit Haleakalā’s summit at sunrise without the stress of driving yourself or reserving a permit? A guided bike tour of Haleakalā at sunrise might be a great option for you! Mountain Riders, one of Maui’s most popular bike tour companies, offers Haleakalā sunrise, pre-dawn, and daytime guided bike tours, along with a self-guided tour for more experienced bikers. Experience Haleakalā in all its glory as you ascend the volcano with a knowledgeable local guide giving you all the inside info on Haleakalā’s history, plants, animals, and more! Then on the way back down, visit quaint farming towns and immerse yourself in local shopping and culture, including bustling Makawao and the charming seaside town of Paia.

Road to Hana

The most popular drive in Maui would have to be the Road to Hana. This 50+ mile scenic route starts around Paia and travels Maui’s northeast coastline all the way to the town of Hana on the eastern shore. The Road to Hana is packed to the brim with astonishing sights, over 600 hairpin turns, narrow roadways, and over 50 one-lane bridges. Luckily, this main stretch of the Road to Hana is mostly well-maintained since it sees lots of traffic each year, so it’s traversable with pretty much any vehicle, including motorcycles. However, if you want to take your adventure to the next level and finish the Hana loop (also called the back road to Hana), then you may want to rent something with 4WD (see Pi’ilani Highway section below).

Pi’ilani Highway (Back Road to Hana)

Pi’ilani Highway is formally known as Highway 31, and it’s known for it’s treacherous stretches of dirt road and dizziness-inducing hairpin turns. Pi’ilani Highway is only suitable for the most experienced drivers with a vehicle that can handle the terrain, which is why we always suggest 4WD vehicles only through this section. You’ll see the landscape change from rugged mountain views to sloping farmland as you travel down Pi’ilani Highway before you cross the southern lava fields, a truly out-of-this-world sight to behold! For visitors who are serious about experiencing every inch of Maui, Pi’ilani Highway is an essential drive.

West Maui Loop

Another worthy drive while visiting Maui is the west Maui loop, which circles the West Maui Forest Reserve on the northwestern part of the island. This scenic route includes the perilous Highway 340, which is one of the most dangerous roadways to drive in the U.S. However, if you have the tenacity to make the drive, you’ll be paid back with gorgeous coastal views that are unparalleled anywhere on the planet. Whales are often seen breaking water on this side of the island, plus you’ll avoid the crowds on the Road to Hana and going up to Haleakalā. Just don’t forget to check the weather before you go, since heavy rains could make this drive too dangerous to risk it. (Note: many areas of northwestern Maui are still closed due to the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires…check with local resources before heading to this area.)

Honorable Mentions

There are so many jaw-dropping routes for visitors to drive when on Maui, it’s almost impossible to list them all! While we’ve discussed four of Maui’s most popular drives, this post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a few other day trip-worth routes and destinations, specifically the Iao Valley, Upcountry, and South Maui. Iao Valley is great for short day trips or less experienced hikers and is conveniently located in central Maui, a short drive from most tourist towns. Upcountry is for visitors seeking the road less traveled and includes the backside of Haleakalā. Finally, South Maui features some of the most beautiful, sandiest beaches you’ll ever see (pro tip: take the Road to Hana all the way around to Pi’ilani Highway, then stay a night or two in Kihei to enjoy South Maui’s charm). Don’t be scared to take some of these lesser-promoted drives around Maui…you won’t regret it!

Take in All the Sights on a Bike Tour to Haleakalā’s Summit

Maui is actually pretty easy to get around by car, but it’s hard to really get close to nature when you’re enclosed in a metal box going 55mph, speeding past all the natural wonders Maui has to offer. If you’re planning to visit Maui and want to see the magnificent summit of Mount Haleakalā, Mountain Riders has a better option for you – a top-rated bike tour! We offer guided bike tours to Haleakalā at various times, so you can face all of Haleakalā’s splendor at sunrise, before dawn, or during the day. We also offer self-guided Haleakalā bike tours. No matter which Mountain Rider’s bike tour you choose, you’ll be glad you took a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spots and immersed yourself in Maui’s natural brilliance. For more information or to reserve your Haleakalā bike tour, call Mountain Riders at 877-998-7843, email info@mountainriders.com, or message us online.