Top 15 Places to Stop
on the Road To Hana

Without a doubt, Ho’okipa is one of the most amazing beaches in all of Hawaii. It is known worldwide because it’s one of the most popular beaches on the planet for watersports: surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand-up paddling, and more.

The beach park offers more than just beauty and cool aloha vibes. Here, you’ll find a beach cove with so many surf breaks and places to chill out under Maui’s glorious sunshine. It’s also outfitted with BBQs, three pavilions, some public restrooms and showers, and two lifeguard towers.

Ho’okipa is like a backyard for many local Maui families. There are a few great tips that would benefit visitors of Ho’okipa. Drive slowly through the parking lot, make sure to greet the locals with respect and smiles, and pay particular care to your carbon footprint. These tips go for any beach in Hawaii!

As of late, Ho’okipa has caught on in popularity due to the migration of the Hawaiian green sea turtles. If you visit Ho’okipa Beach to see Maui’s turtles, please keep a distance of at least 10 and absolutely do not try to touch or bother these amazing creatures. On any given day, you can find an abundance of them at rest, and they deserve to have their peace.

Ho’okipa Beach has such a beautiful community of families, water sports athletes, and much more. It is worth a visit at any time of the day.

Twin Falls can be found at Mile Marker 2 on the Road to Hana. You will see the Twin Falls Farm Stand on your right. An attendant will then greet you and tell you where to park. The $10 parking fee helps to pay for the farm’s general expenses and infrastructure improvement so that visitors can continue to enjoy the falls for years to come. Make sure to come early, as paid parking is limited, and parking along Hana Highway is strictly prohibited.

Guests can stop here to take a breather and try some delicious fruit smoothies, acai bowls, or fresh coconut. All of the smoothies are made with freshly squeezed sugar cane juice and tropical fruits grown right here on Maui. Our favorite smoothies are the Virgin Piña Colada (pineapple and coconut) and the Superfood Slam (coconut, pineapple, banana, and organic spirulina). The Way High in Huelo (pineapple, coconut, turmeric, and ginger) is an excellent option for those who may feel a bit of motion sickness from Hana Highway’s many curves.

Haven’t had your coffee yet? Try a cocochino, a refreshing blend of coconut ice cream and coffee! They also offer a rotating selection of fresh fruit, hot crepes, shave ice, and locally made coconut ice cream.

The grounds here are impeccably maintained. They have even been recognized by the State of Hawaii for proper land use management and conservation practices.

The grounds feature over 700 labeled species of herbs, some of which were donated by George Harrison of the Beatles! 2.5 miles of lush walking trails are decorated by rich tropical varieties of flowers, plants, trees, and more.

The property of the Maui Garden of Eden also offers a rare view of Puohokamoa Falls, and a superb art gallery full of locally made gifts and Maui souvenirs. You may also find peacocks who love parading in front of the shop! There is a $20 fee to enter the Maui Garden of Eden.

If you’re the adventurous type, book a tour with Rappel Maui, while you are on the Garden of Eden property. This unique tour will take you on an unforgettable rainforest adventure as you rope down jungle cliffs and Puohokamoa Falls. Rappel Maui is open to those of all skill levels and is the only tour of its kind on Maui.

There is a paved walkway for about a half-mile walk through over 150 varieties of tropical plants. Here you will see hibiscus, papaya, taro, ginger varieties, native and non-native Hawaiian trees, and more.

There is a road on the makai (left/ocean) side of the road just past Mile Marker 16 that will let you access the Ke’anae Peninsula. Ke’anae is a traditional Hawaiian Village that is known for its taro fields. While driving down the road, you will pass Aunty Sandy’s stand. They are famous for their banana bread and it’s arguably the best that you’ll find. The stand also serves smoothies, Maui snacks, and lunch plates such as chili and rice or pulled pork BBQ sandwiches.

Further down the road, you will reach the Ke’anae Congregational Church. It’s a historic church made of lava rock and coral that was built in 1856. Park on the gravel down the road and marvel at the rugged coastline and the huge waves crashing against the rocks.

Please note that there is no swimming at this location.

Whether you have come here to enjoy views of the seemingly endless ocean or the clouds rolling over the valleys of Haleakala Volcano, the Wailua Valley State Wayside is a site you just can’t miss.

Wailua Valley State Wayside can be found just over half a mile past Mile Marker 18 on the Road to Hana. There is parking available in the small dirt lot on your right when you pull in.

Pua’a Ka’a Falls is a 15–20-foot waterfall. This easily accessible falls is a nice option for those who are traveling in a large group or with kids. The walk is short but it has some great rewards and is the perfect place to stop and have a picnic lunch. It’s a peaceful spot and exemplifies the tranquility of Hawaii.

Besides being a popular area for both locals and visitors, you can look forward to seeing many feral cats here! As with any other waterfall, avoid swimming if it looks murky and muddy. You also might want to bring some non-toxic mosquito spray with you if you’re prone to bites from the little buggahs.

The Pipiwai Trail follows a historic route used by ancient Hawaiians for centuries. They journeyed through this area to gather resources and access freshwater sources, leaving behind a trail that is still admired today.

Hiking the trail is like stepping into a lush rainforest wonderland. The trail traverses through diverse microclimates, showcasing various plant and animal species adapted to the changing conditions.

At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of Waimoku Falls, plunging 400 feet into a pool below. The sheer size and beauty of this waterfall make it a highlight of the hike.

This place is truly a charming little market that will bring a smile to your face! If you haven’t devoured several loaves already, this is an excellent place to get some delectable banana bread; they have different varieties from which to choose!

If you’re hungry for more than sweets, then walk up the steps behind the stand and enjoy a wood-fired pizza or a Hawaiian-style plate lunch at the Bamboo Hale. It’s a tropical open-air restaurant made of—you guessed it—bamboo! All of the bamboo in the restaurant was sourced from the Whispering Winds Bamboo Farm in Kipahulu. The Bamboo Hale also offers live music every Friday night. Don’t miss out on the sweet island-style melodies!

The Bamboo Hale is closed on Mondays.

The turquoise water is truly gorgeous against the black sand and bright green plant life. While most visitors just stop to snap a few photos and move on, we highly recommend that you take a bit longer to explore this park fully. Dip your toes in the pebbly black sand, and jump into the ocean, but be careful of strong currents and sometimes dangerous shore breaks. Stand inside of the lava tube, and watch the locals as they cliff-dive from jagged islets.

A new reservation system is in place in Wai’anapanapa that requires guests to select a date and time slot for their visits. The entrance and parking fees ($10 per vehicle and $5 per person) are mandatory for out-of-state visitors. You will be turned away from entering the park if you do not have a reservation, so make sure to plan ahead. Campsites and cabins are available with advance notice for guests who wish to stay longer with their friends and family.

Wai’anapanapa State Park is seated right at Mile Marker 32 on the Road to Hana. Stop by one of the self-service fruit or flower stands along the small road on your way out. Take the left onto Wai’anapanapa Road and follow the road down to the park entrance, where an attendant will check your reservation.

There are so many things to explore in and around the Hana area. Make sure to check out Wai’anapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach, the Hana Lava Tube, Kahanu Garden, and Hana Bay. There is also Hana-Maui Resort (formerly known as the Travaasa Hana), Hana Coast Gallery (located in the resort), Hana Ranch, and much more.

The Hasegawa Store is a traditional Hawaii-style General Store. It’s a great place to grab snacks, souvenirs, and supplies if you are planning on camping out in Hana. Many food trucks in town offer plenty of options, but we highly suggest that you try Thai Food by Pranee and Braddah Huts BBQ.

If you are driving past Hana Town, plan to make a stop at both Koki Beach and Hamoa Beach. In between these two Hana beaches, you’ll find a roadside Huli Huli Chicken vendor that is just amazing. Make sure that you pick up some of their banana bread to go!

Since this beach is exposed to the open ocean, the waves and currents can be strong. This makes it the perfect beach for bodysurfing, boogie boarding, and surfing enthusiasts. Lounge in the shade or on the salt-and-pepper sand and let your worries just melt away. While this spot can get a bit crowded, you will still have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the day.

Hamoa Beach is located 2.5 miles south of Hana. Take a left onto Haneoo Loop Rd. and drive past Koki Beach, where you will find parking in a small dirt lot. Take the stairs here down to the shore.

While the falls are usually best viewed in the morning while the sun is shining, it’s always worth a stop and a short hike to stand in the mist and marvel at nature. Keep in mind that these falls lie on Honolewa Stream, not to be confused with Wailua Valley or Wailua Stream, which are two separate attractions.

Wailua Falls is located at Mile Marker 45 just past the town of Hana. There is a parking lot right next to the bridge, where vendors are usually set up to sell souvenirs.

There is a fee to get into the park. The pass is good for three days though, and it will also get you into the Haleakala Summit, so make sure to keep your receipt! Guests will enjoy the many facilities at this park. There is a large, paved parking lot, some bathrooms, a campground with picnic tables, and a Ranger Station with displays of interesting information. It’s the perfect spot to stop on the road to Hana and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Ohe’o Gulch is indeed a special place to visit and will be a highlight of your Maui vacation.

Note: There is no swimming at this location.

While the road on the back side is partially unpaved, narrow, and, at times steep, thousands of people have done it successfully and it’s worth the drive! As green and lush as the Road to Hana has been up until this point is equally how deserted and different it becomes on the back side. It offers guests stunning views of deep valleys and long stretches of undeveloped land. Along this drive, you will pass by the grave of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, the beautiful Alelele Falls, empty black sand and rock beaches, and St. Joseph’s Church. You will also see Kaupo Gap and the Pu’u Maneoneo petroglyphs and village ruins. Finally, there is the Tedeschi Winery and the Ulupalakua Ranch Store, where they serve up local Maui wine and delicious elk burgers.

The backside of Haleakala begins after ‘Ohe’o Gulch and stretches until Ulupalakua, leading you through beautiful Upcountry Maui. If you wish to stop and take photos, make sure you pull over entirely off the road, so you don’t block traffic.