If you’re planning a trip to Maui, then you’re probably considering driving the Road to Hana (also commonly known as the Hana Highway). Although the Road to Hana is one of the most recommended things to do while on Maui, dig a little deeper and you’ll find that the scenic drive is occasionally met with mixed reviews from travelers that don’t adequately prepare. But don’t worry! The Road to Hana requires a little bit of planning (and a full day without trying to squeeze in additional activities) to ensure that you truly experience and enjoy driving the Road to Hana.
For additional Maui travel tips, check out my Complete Maui Travel Guide.
Where to Stop
Paia [First Stop]
Paia is the last town you will pass through before beginning your journey to Hana. I recommend stopping for a quick breakfast or a coffee at Paia Bay Coffee.
Twin Falls [Mile Marker 2]
The hike to this waterfall is easy and beautiful, and there’s a farm stand selling coconut water, banana bread, and smoothies at the entrance. If you got a late start, you may want to skip this stop in favor of bigger, more impressive waterfalls later on.
Ke’anae Peninsula [Mile Marker 16.8]
This picturesque peninsula has a tragic history. Perched on black volcanic rock, the stone church is the only remaining structure after a tsunami decimated the town in 1946. Today, it’s a popular stop on the Road to Hana to watch the North Shore waves crash against the jagged black rocks.
Halfway to Hana stand [Mile Marker 17.2]
An adorable, well-known food stand and great spot to grab a snack. We picked up some delicious banana bread!
Wailua Valley State Wayside [Mile Marker 18.9]
Climb the stairs on your right for an aerial view of Wailea Village and the open ocean. Tip: Keep your eye out for the little turnout – there’s only room for 3-4 cars to park.
Upper Waikani Falls [Mile Marker 19.5]
Also known as Three Bears Falls, you can take a short hike down from the road and swim when the falls are flowing at a safe rate. If you’d like more than a drive-by view, you should drive about 1/10 mile past the falls to a small parking area (though be aware you will have to walk back along the narrow road with no shoulder).
Waianapanapa State Park [Mile Marker 32]
This is one of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana. Here you can explore sea caves, hiking trails, and a stunning black sand beach. Try hiking the loop trail and taking a refreshing dip in the ocean before continuing your journey to Hana.
Hana Town [Mile Marker 34]
Many consider Hana to be “Real Hawaii” and the quaint town has remained relatively unctouched compared to the rest of the island. The town is sleepy, beautiful, and full of history.
Wailua Falls [Mile Marker 45]
Maui’s most photographed waterfall is an absolute must-see. Cascading 80 feet down the side of a lush cliff, this is one of Maui’s most accessible and majestic falls. Admire it from the road or take a dip in the plunge pool below.
Hamoa Beach [Mile Marker 50]
Consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Hamoa Beach is surrounded by shady trees and sea cliffs. It’s a few miles past Hana and offers a secluded oasis away from the crowds. Guests enjoy swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding in the turquoise waves, and restrooms and showers are available. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty; you’re responsible for the safety of your family and yourself!
Koki Beach [Mile Marker 51]
A red sand beach located less than a mile from Hamoa. It’s a favorite spot for local surfers, but we don’t recommend swimming here. There are no lifeguards and the water has high waves and frequent rip tides.
Ohe’o Gulch [Last Stop]
Also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, there are actually dozens of pools of water that are filled from many waterfalls that flow through the Ohe’o Gulch. If you have time, hike the Kuloa Point trail that leads to a viewing of the pools. Or check out the 4-mile Pipiwai trail that takes you to waterfalls, a huge bamboo forest, and streams.
After the Ohe’o Gulch we turned around and began the drive back!
What to Bring
Guide – The most important thing we did to prepare for driving the Road to Hana was downloading the Road to Hana GyPSy Guide. This app plays audio automatically based on your GPS location- giving tips, telling stories, and providing directions as you drive. It tells you exactly when to pull over for points of interest and what scenic viewpoints to look out for. Even if you don’t have data, just download the app when you have wifi at your hotel, and it works offline while you’re on the road. By the end of the drive, the narrator almost felt like a dorky, knowledgable friend.
Car charger – Since you’ll be using the Road to Hana GyPSy Guide for the entire drive, be sure to bring a car charger or portable phone charger so you don’t run out of battery on your journey!
Haleakala National Park Pass – Ohe’o Gulch is part of Haleakala National Park. If you are planning on going up to Haleakala crater (which you definitely should!), this is the same pass you will need for admission into Ohe’o Gulch and is valid for three days.
Road trip snacks – Aside from a handful of stands, there are not many places to stop for food and drinks while driving the road to Hana. Avoid getting hangry and stock up on some food and beverages before hitting the road! Try Mana Foods in Paia.
What to Know
Start early – Trust me, starting the drive to experience some incredible beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails is way better than that extra 30 minutes of sleep! If you’re staying in east Maui, I’d recommend being on the road by 6AM.
Respect locals on the road – Keep in mind that locals use this road to commute each day. If someone behind you is traveling faster than a visitors’ pace, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and let them pass.
Respect private property – Some guide books and blog posts will tell you to check out some lesser-known places. However, some of these are located on private property. Just be sure to do your due diligence to ensure you’re not trespassing to get to any “hidden gems.”
Consider spending the night – If you prefer traveling at a slower pace, consider spending the night in Hana.
