Complete with turquoise beaches, skyscraping waterfalls, a bamboo forest and a volcano, the Road to Hana is a must-see attraction when visiting Maui, Hawaii. However, the varying climates can make packing for the Road to Hana a little difficult. To make things easier for you, here is exactly how to pick a foolproof Road to Hana outfit that will fit every stop.
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What Should I Wear On The Road To Hana?
What you should wear on the Road to Hana largely depends on what Road to Hana stops you plan to take. When deciding what to wear on the Road to Hana, consider the following factors:
- What stops you want to see on the Road to Hana.
- If your desired stops require hiking or just swimming.
- Whether or not you’re willing to get muddy.
If you plan to hike (such as hiking the Pipiwai Trail through the bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls), you’ll need mud-proof shoes and comfortable hiking attire.
On the contrary, if you plan to only swim at the beaches and easily accessible waterfalls, you’ll need a towel, swimsuit and clothes to wear over your swimsuit.
Finally, if you plan on making a variety of hiking and swimming stops, which most Road to Hana travelers do (and which I recommend), you will need a comfortable outfit that is compatible with both mud and water.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ll also want your outfit to look good in photos. Here’s how to compile the perfect hike-proof, swim-proof and photogenic Road to Hana outfit.
Wear A Road To Hana Outfit You Can Hike In
First and foremost, the base of a good foolproof Road to Hana outfit is that the outfit is hikeable. This is especially true if you want to visit the Pipiwai Trail bamboo forest and Waimoku Falls.
Of course, a hikeable outfit could include your typical athletic shorts or pants, T-shirt and *tennis shoes.
Or, if you’d prefer a more photogenic alternative, opt for a pair of dark loose-fitted, wide-leg pants. Dark wide-leg pants are my personal go-to hiking bottoms because they are comfortable, hikeable like leggings, they wash easily and, obviously, they look better in photos.
Moreover, if you choose to go the more photoready route, you can pair the pants with any top that will match and wash nicely.
(*You’ll see why I put an asterix by tennis shoes next.)
Wear A Road To Hana Outfit You Can Get Muddy And Sweaty
Similar to wearing an outfit that is hikeable, it is really important to wear an outfit that can get sweaty and muddy — especially if there is a chance of rain.
On the majority of the Road to Hana, you will be deep inside the jungle.
(Seriously, jungle. Think vines swinging from tree to tree and the distinct odor of rotting wild mangoes.)
There will be some paved roads but basically zero paved walking trails on the Road to Hana. Obviously, lack of pavement in the jungle means lots of mud.
Again, this is particularly true if you plan to hike the legendary Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku falls. In the rain, this hike is extremely muddy. The hike is possible (and even favorable, as you’ll see Waimoku falls in its fullest flow), but it’s muddy.
Clearly, wearing clothes that wash easily and you don’t mind getting a little dirty is essential here.
And, the same rule applies to your shoes!
What Shoes Should I Wear On The Road To Hana?
You should wear comfortable walking shoes on the Road to Hana — preferably ones that are waterproof and/or washable.
The best shoes for Road to Hana excursions are outdoorsy Teva sandals, Chaco sandals or the like. Tennis shoes are definitely acceptable, but know that they might get pretty muddy.
These Tevas are my all-time favorite outdoorsy sandals. I wore them on the entire Road to Hana, including the Pipiwai Trail, and they were perfect. My family was even jealous because I could wash them in a nearby stream immediately after the hike!
Hiking shoes are a perfect alternative to hiking sandals, too. Although you don’t need hiking shoes for any of the popular Road to Hana stops, hiking shoes would be better than tennis shoes because you probably won’t mind if they get muddy.
I love my Timberland hiking boots because they have great ankle support but aren’t as chunky as other brands.
Sweatshirt Or Lightweight Jacket
Furthermore, you should definitely pack a sweatshirt or jacket for the Road to Hana if you plan to drive up to the Haleakala volcano. You will be driving above the clouds where the temperature is freezing and the wind is merciless.
I personally recommend visiting Haleakala on an entirely separate day than the Road to Hana due to time if you can. But, if you are on a time-crunch, the crater is definitely a must-see.
Likewise, if you will be visiting Haleakala on the same day as the rest of the Road to Hana, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring this L.L. Bean insect-repellent sweatshirt with.
That way, you can stay both warm on the volcano and bug-free on your hikes. (Yes, the sweatshirt actually works! My husband and I swear by it.)
Rain Gear
Have I mentioned the mud? And the rain?
If there are is forecasted rain over the Road to Hana, you will probably want some basic rain gear in addition to your mudproof outfit.
You don’t necessarily need to buy new fancy rain boots, but bringing an umbrella (like this one) or plastic rain poncho (like these) may be a good idea.
Swimsuit To Wear Under Your Road To Hana Outfit
Lastly, if you don’t pack a swimsuit for the Road to Hana, you will be missing out.
The best stops on the Road to Hana involve swimming on the black sand beach of Wai’anapanapa State Park and in the plethora of waterfall-fed pools.
However, unfortunately, there are not many great places to change into your swimsuit on the Road to Hana. So, you’re better off wearing your swimsuit underneath your clothes.
What To Pack For Road To Hana
Besides your foolproof Road to Hana outfit, you’ll also need a few extra items for your mini road trip.
Here’s what to pack for the Road to Hana:
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Beach towels.
- Packed lunches, dinners and snacks.
- Migrastil migraine stick to naturally cure car sickness (essential).
- Bug spray
- Camera gear.
- Waterproof makeup.
- Sunhat or baseball cap.
- Extra sunscreen (second reminder)!
(All of my favorite Road to Hana essentials are linked in the above list.)
Now that you have compiled the best Road to Hana outfit possible and packed your other essentials, it’s time to hit the road. Have so much fun and tell me all about it when you return!
More On Maui And The Road To Hana
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[…] will this Maui winter packing list give you everything you’ll need, but I also have an entire guide on how to pick a foolproof Road To Hana outfit here. If you plan to venture on Maui’s Road To Hana, you’ll definitely want to check that […]