Best Road to
Hana Maui
destinations
The Road to Hana Maui is one of Hawaii’s best road trips. Along this famous 52-mile highway, you’ll find amazing stops with waterfalls, beaches, and local food stands. The road has 46 one-lane bridges that let just one car pass at a time, and lots of curves through the rainforest. Take your time and make it a full day trip – there’s so much to see!
Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa Beach Park is located right around Mile Marker 9 of the historic Hana Highway. While headed east on the Road to Hana, you will find Ho’okipa, which translates to “hospitality” in the Hawaiian language. It is nestled in between the Town of Paia and Haiku Town Center. After passing through the Ku’au neighborhood, you’ll drive right by the legendary Mama’s Fish House Restaurant. Ho’okipa Beach Park will reveal itself a few moments later.
Twin Falls
A bio-diverse farm that has been family owned and operated since 1997, Twin Falls is home to the first waterfalls to be accessed along the Road to Hana. Many Road to Hana tours make this their first stop. Grab some freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, coconut candy, and locally grown fruit at the Twin Falls Farm Stand before heading down either path. You can hike to the Lower Falls, which is an easy, short walk from the parking lot, or to the Upper Falls, which is a one-mile roundtrip hike through a slippery but beautiful trail. Take a refreshing dip in the falls of your choice (or both) and get ready for many more to come!
Huelo Lookout
The Huelo Lookout is seated between Mile Markers 4 and 5 on the Road to Hana. Here you will find a quaint rest stop with panoramic views of East Maui. When you are looking for the Huelo Lookout, look for the farm stand that marks this destination. From the farm stand, some steps will take you up to a viewing point. The Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand is as charming as you could imagine.
Maui Garden of Eden
Popular with both independent travelers and Road to Hana tours, the Maui Garden of Eden is located at Mile Marker 10 on the Road to Hana. If you can only choose a few spots to stop en route to Hana Town, the Garden of Eden should be at the top of your list. This place is a beautiful arboretum that was created by Alan Bradbury, Maui’s first ISA certified arborist.
Ke’anae Peninsula
The Ke’anae Peninsula is just past the Ke’anae Arboretum, at about Mile Marker 16. This area has a lot of history, gorgeous coastline views, and gives guests the chance to catch a glimpse of “Old Hawaii.” The Ke’anae Arboretum is another fantastic place to explore before heading out to the Peninsula. It’s a great spot to relax, stretch your legs, and then peruse the botanical gardens.
Wailua Valley State Wayside
Keep your eyes peeled, since most visitors breeze right by this scenic location! Wailua Valley State Wayside offers some of the best mauka (toward the mountains) and mauna (toward the ocean) views along the Road to Hana. Take in the high elevation views of Ke’anae Valley, the sprawling taro fields of Wailua Village and, on clear days, the nearby waterfalls. Climb up the stairs on your right for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls
Pua’a Ka’a Falls and State Park is a rest stop that sits at Mile Marker 22 on the Road to Hana. This is a great place to put on your Road to Hana list of to-dos since it offers an area where you can relax, some public restrooms, and a walking trail to a falls and a freshwater pool. To access the waterfall and swimming hole, follow the trail that is across the street from the public restrooms.
Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail (Mile Marker 42) offers a captivating adventure with its bamboo forests, waterfalls, and unique natural wonders. This approximately four-mile round trip hike in Haleakalā National Park features a bamboo forest, Makahiku Falls, ancient Banyan and Giant Banyan trees, and the breathtaking Waimoku Falls. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse Hawaiian flora and fauna. Remember to bring proper hiking gear and arrive early to beat the crowds, ensuring an unforgettable Maui experience on this remarkable trail.
Hana Farms Roadside Stand
The next spot is right at the entrance of Hana Town, at Mile Marker 31. Don’t miss Hana Farms’ Roadside Stand, a local marketplace where you can shop for exotic and locally made products. Grab some local hot sauce, or some spreads such as banana butter and lilikoi jam. They also have branch-to-bar chocolate made in Hana, coffee, baked goods, and even skincare products.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
As far as Maui scenery goes, this is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Wai’anapanapa is Hawaiian for “glistening water,” and it has a little something for everyone. There is a picture-perfect black sand beach, some sea arches, a blowhole, a few hiking and walking trails, lava tubes, and stunning panoramic views of the rugged East Maui coast.
Hana Town
Without a doubt, Hana Town is one of the best small towns in all of Hawaii. It’s full of history, friendly locals, natural wonders, organic farms, and gorgeous beaches. The town is quite sleepy and rural, and is famously known as “Heavenly Hana.”
Hamoa Beach
Consistently named one of “Maui’s Best Beaches,” Hamoa Beach was a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway. This beach is only a short drive past Hana and it is well worth the drive. Lined with sea cliffs and surrounded by lush vegetation, this long crescent-shaped beach is 100 feet wide and over 1,000 feet long. It offers a calm, quiet, truly Hawaiian escape with quite a view.
Wailua Falls
Considered to be the most photographed and one of the most beautiful waterfalls on Maui, here is Wailua Falls. It is an 80-foot cascading waterfall with a plunge pool, found just off the side of the road before you reach ‘Ohe’o Gulch. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, and take the short but slippery hike down to the base for a truly rewarding experience and view.
‘Ohe’o Gulch aka “Seven Sacred Pools”
Most commonly known as the Seven Sacred Pools, Ohe’o Gulch is found inside the Kipahulu District region of Haleakala National Park. It is just 10 miles past Hana Town, and you won’t find a more breathtaking setting in all of Maui. It is easy to see why this is one of the most popular attractions on the road to Hana. Visitors here will be amazed by the gorgeous cascading waterfalls and beautiful freshwater pools that stream to one another, reaching all the way down to the crashing waves of the ocean. In recent years, access to the pools has been closed off for safety reasons, but it is still a must-see!
Back Side of Haleakala
If you’re a fan of remote beauty, you’ll fall in love with this part of the drive. Most of those who drive the Road to Hana turn around and head straight back once they reach Hana Town. We suggest that you explore further and drive the back road all the way around from Kipahulu into Kula.
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15 Best Road
to Hana Stops
in Maui!
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Which place is your favorite stop on the road to Hana?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the Road to Hana in Maui?
The whole trip usually takes 10-12 hours if you make stops along the way. Just driving without stops takes about 2.5 hours each way. Most people make a full day of it to enjoy the views and activities.
Is the Road to Hana a difficult drive?
It’s not too hard if you take your time. There are 620 curves and 59 bridges where only one car can pass at a time. Drive slowly and pull over to let faster cars pass. If curvy mountain roads make you nervous, you might want to take a tour instead.
What is the best part of the Road to Hana?
Everyone likes different parts, but many people love the area between Ke’anae Peninsula and Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach. This stretch has amazing ocean views, waterfalls, and thick jungle.
What stops on the Road to Hana require reservations?
You need to book ahead to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park if you’re from outside Hawaii. During busy seasons, book early. Some tour companies also suggest reserving spots at the Garden of Eden.
Where do you stop on the Road to Hana?
Popular stops include Ho’okipa Beach Park, Twin Falls, Ke’anae Peninsula, Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, and ‘Ohe’o Gulch. Pick the spots that interest you most based on how much time you have.
Why is the Road to Hana so famous?
People love the Road to Hana because it’s one of the world’s most beautiful drives. It has 52 miles of amazing ocean views, perfect beaches, and stunning waterfalls. The road itself is exciting too, with its many curves and bridges making it an unforgettable adventure.