Hana Highway, Historic coastal road in Maui County, US.
Hana Highway is a coastal road in Maui County that runs about 64.4 miles (104 kilometers) along the island's northern shore. It passes through dense rainforest, past waterfalls, and over narrow bridges that span valleys and gorges.
Construction of this road began in the 1920s to help move sugarcane from plantations in the east. Completion came in the early 1940s, after crews built dozens of concrete and steel bridges.
The name Hana comes from the Hawaiian language and means "work" or "craft," reflecting centuries of connection to farming. Small roadside stands offer fresh fruit and homemade snacks that travelers can buy directly from locals.
The drive from Kahului to the end near Hana takes about two and a half hours and requires full attention due to tight curves. Many bridges have only one lane, so travelers should pause and wait when meeting other vehicles.
In 2000, this road received special recognition as a Millennium Legacy Trail, acknowledging its importance to isolated villages in the east. The connection helped these communities stay in touch with the rest of Maui.
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