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The Road To Hana

Itā€™s world-famous for a reason! The Road to Hana meanders peacefully through pristine rainforests and sparkling waterfalls, presenting new and stunning vistas at every bend.

Sure, Maui is known for know for relaxing atĀ Ka’anapali Beach, snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, and and enjoying the sunsets in Kihei. But this epic journey to it’s remote east side is what sets truly Maui apart from the other Hawaiian islands.

Since The Road To Hana isĀ an absolute must-see on Maui, letā€™s talk about how to do it and whatĀ to experienceĀ along the way.

Welcome to Hana Sign


Enjoy The Journey

With over 600 twists and turns and more than 50 one-lane bridges, driving the Road to Hana is truly an adventureā€”an all day adventure, to be sure!

How you prepare for your journey will largely depend on whether youā€™ll be taking a guided van tour or driving in a rental car. In this guide we’ll cover both options so you canĀ decide which is best for your trip.

Road to Hana Aerial Shot


Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, itā€™s important to realize that doing the Road to Hana, whether by guided tour or by rental car, is an all day event.Ā 

If you plan a full day for The Road To Hana, you’ll enjoy the experience so much more, and you wonā€™t be scrambling like to get to yourĀ luau or dinner show afterward. Take our word for itā€”save the luau for another night!

Road to Hana Bridge


Road to Hana Rental Car Driving Maui Hawaii


Guided Van Tour

Since the Road to Hana is quite long and twisty, you may want to consider taking a guided van tour instead of driving yourself.

This allows you to completely relax and enjoy all the beautiful scenery without having to keep your eyes constantly glued to the road.

Valley Isle Excurision Maui Guided Van Tour


YourĀ friendly, knowledgeable tour guides also know all the hotspots to stop at along the way, so youā€™re sure to see the biggies.

Equipped with captainā€™s chairs and panoramic windows, these fully air-conditioned vans are, in a word, comfortable.

These are not cramped, funky, little vans. Youā€™ll be traveling in total style and comfort on your Road To Hana tour!

Valley Isle Excursions Maui Guided Van Tour


Youā€™ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and stop at Mauiā€™s favorite roadside ā€œsnack shacksā€ to sample a variety of local goodiesā€”fresh tropical fruit, smoked fish, banana bread, and smoothies.

Youā€™ll want to bring a little cash with you. Visa: Itā€™s where you want to beā€¦unless youā€™re on the Road to Hana!

Hana Town Aerial Shot


Another advantage to a guided tour is that when youā€™re done exploring and ready to go home, youā€™ll probably be ready for a nap. YourĀ comfortable captain’s chair is a great to catch some “Z’s”.Ā 

Itā€™s a relief to simply hop back into a luxury van, stretch out, and leave the driving to someone else.

What Should I Bring?

Youā€™ll definitely want to pack a bag to take with you for the Road To Hana. Hereā€™s a list of things to bring with you to make yourĀ guided tour comfortable and exhilarating:

  • Bathing suit (if you plan on swimming in the pools or waterfalls)
  • Towel (even if you donā€™t swim, it will likely rain at some point)
  • Camera
  • Bottled water
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Sunglasses
  • Light jacket
  • A plastic bag (for wet clothes/towels)
  • Cash (small bills)
  • Athletic/hiking shoes
  • Your sense of adventure!

Driving The Road To Hana

Some folks want the freedom to stop and go as they please or even spend a night or two in Hana. Driving the Road to Hana in a rental car allows for such liberties.Ā Itā€™s much more about the journey than the destination!

Sure, Hana is a pretty, little town, but the real treat is enjoying all the stops along the way, as well as seeing the sights that lie just beyond Hana Maui.

Surf Boards on Road to Hana


Your Guide To The Road To Hana: Mile By Mile

Hereā€™s a list of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana. In our humble opinion, you donā€™t need to see them all. Our recommendation is to giveĀ yourself a full-day, and pick out a few ofĀ your favorites.

Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)

This is an extremely popular stopā€¦that you should seriously consider skipping!

By all means, stop and see Twin Falls, but we suggest you do it another day in combination with a Maui zipline adventure.

Twin Falls Maui Hawaii


Twin Falls Maui Hawaii

Twin Falls


Waikamoi Ridge Loop (Mile Marker 9)

This is a cool place to stop. You wonā€™t see any waterfalls, but itā€™s still nice to take a quick amble through the verdant Maui jungle.

bamboo forest road to hana

View From Waikamoi Trail


Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden (Mile Marker 10)

The name says it all. In addition to the beautiful gardens, it also affords panoramic views of the ocean, and views of Upper and Lower Puohokamoa Falls.

Garden of Eden Arboretum

The Garden of Eden


Thereā€™s an art gallery with beautiful locally crafted items, as well. Note that there is an entry fee of $15/person, so this may weigh into your decision to see it or skip it.

Upper and Lower Puohokamoa Falls (Mile Markers 11 & 12)

You might consider passing on this one. First of all, accessing the lookout requires that you go on private property marked with a ā€œNo Trespassingā€ sign.

With that said, thereā€™s a large hole in the fence with a well-traveled path right on the other side leading to a nice lookout.

Puohokamoa Falls Maui Hawaii

Puohokamoa Falls


Itā€™s really up to you, but we suggest keeping things legit and visiting the Garden of Eden, instead. There youā€™re able to see each of these waterfalls from spots within the garden area.

Kaumahina State Wayside Park (Mile Marker 12)

This is a nice park with good views of Keanae Peninsula. Weā€™ll let you make the call, but you wonā€™t have missed anything phenomenal if you skip it.

Beautiful photo of Maui Hawaii


Honomanu Bay Lookout (Mile Marker 14)

Donā€™t miss this! The Honomanu Bay Lookout offers great views of the Hana Highway as it twists along the rugged Maui coastline. An enchanting sight!

Honomanu Bay Maui Hawaii

Honomanu Bay


Keanae Park (Between Mile Marker 16 & 17)

Itā€™s worth taking a few minutes to check out Keanae Park. This is one of Mauiā€™s most recent lava flows. Youā€™ll find a lava rock shoreline, restrooms, and a banana bread stand. Very yummy!

Keanae Park Maui Hawaii

Keanae Park


Upper Waikani Falls AKA ā€œThree Bears Fallsā€ (Mile Marker 21)

These falls are totally worth your time! We recommend accessing them from the ocean side of the bridge (the end thatā€™s closest to Hana). But if you decide to hike over to the falls, please be careful!

Waikani Falls Maui Hawaii

Waikani Falls


Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park (Mile Marker 22)

This park is a popular stop, but, in our opinion, you wonā€™t be missing much if you keep driving. There are restrooms here if you need a break; the waterfalls are only so-so.

Puaa Kaa Maui Hawaii

Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park


Waianapanapa State Park (Mile Marker 32)

The black sand is a lovely novelty to check out, and the rest of the park has some terrific attractions including caves and short hikes.

Reservations required in advance.

Wainapanapa State Park Maui Hawaii

Wainapanapa State Park


Hana Town

Welcome to Heavenly Hana! Seriously, you could probably breeze right on past Hana, and sleep well knowing you didnā€™t miss a whole heck of a lot! BUT since you just drove TheĀ Road to Hana, you may as well stop for lunch and check it out.

Hana Town Maui Hawaii


Hana Maui Hawaii

Hana Town


Dining In Hana

Dining in Hana is a unique experience, and although you wonā€™t find many full-blown ā€œrestaurantsā€ here, there are a number of roadside food trucks, stands, and shacks dishing out some extremely tasty cuisine! Hereā€™s a list of some local favorites!

  • Thai Food By Pranee
  • Bradduh Hutt
  • Nutchareeā€™s Authentic Thai Food (Praneeā€™s sister)
  • Chow Wagon
  • Shaka Pops (ice cream only)

Sites Around Hana

There are also a few sites in the area that you might consider seeing:

  • Red Sand Beach Maui (Please be extremely careful if you do decide to hike down to this beach. The path can be dangerous!)
  • Hike to Faganā€™s Cross
  • Kahanu Gardens
Kaihalulu Beach ā€œRed Sand Beachā€

Kaihalulu Beach ā€œRed Sand Beachā€


Now that youā€™ve had lunch, are youā€™re ready to finish what you started? Great!

The next three stops are among the very finest on the entire drive. Notice that the mile markers count downward on these next three stops? This is because itā€™s a different highwayā€”Highway 31.

Unless youā€™re planning on spending a night or two here, youā€™ll probably want to get back on the road somewhat quickly, since some of the most beautiful stops are to be found along the 12 miles of road that lie beyondĀ Hana.

Hamoa Beach (Mile Marker 51)

A tad past Hana Maui and youā€™ll find beautiful Hamoa Beach.

This salt and pepper sand beach boasts an idyllic, tropical setting, making it one of the most striking Maui beaches. Take a few minutes here to dig your toes in the sand and revel in the pristine, natural beauty.

Hamoa Beach Maui Hawaii

Hamoa Beach


Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45)

Donā€™t even think about passing this one up; Wailua Falls is spectacular! Since itā€™s right on the side of the road, you canā€™t miss it.

Park your car, and take the short trail to the base of the waterfall, where you can get a closer look. You can even take a dip if youā€™re feeling extra adventurous.

Wailua Falls Maui Hawaii

Wailua Falls


The Pools of Oheo AKA ā€œSeven Sacred Poolsā€ (Mile Marker 42)

Naturally, we saved the best for last! This stop alone makes the entire drive worthwhile.

Not only are you greeted by a cascade of gleaming pools, but youā€™re also at the site of one of Mauiā€™s most epic hikesā€”Pipiwai Trail.

Pools of Oheo Maui Hawaii

The Pools of Oheo


Since the Seven Sacred Pools are located within the Kipahulu District of Hakeakala National Park, there is a parking fee per vehicle.

However, the parking pass is valid for three days and includes access to the summit of Haleakala Crater.Ā So, be sure to check out the sunrise at Haleakala within that timeframe to get the most bang for the buck.

Pools of Oheo Maui Hawaii


Of course, you donā€™t have to pay any parking fees at the Seven Sacred Pools or atop Haleakala Crater if you visit them as part of a guided tourā€”another benefit ofĀ taking a guided van tour of the road to Hana.

Seven Sacred Pools Hana Maui Hawaii

Seven Sacred Pools


Hikes Around 7 Sacred Pools

Youā€™ll find several great hikes in the 7 Sacred Pools area. The three ā€œKipahulu Area Trailsā€ areĀ the most popular of the bunch, and Kuloa Point Trail and Kahakai Trail are the shortest of the three, each only about a half-mile round-trip.

The Pipiwai Trail

If you want to tackle the best hike Maui has to offer, then Pipiwai Trail is what youā€™re really after. Itā€™s much longer (about 4 miles round-trip) and includes a ramble through an incredibly lush bamboo forest.

Waimoku Falls Maui Hawaii

Waimoku Falls


Pipiwai Trail Maui Hawaii

The Pipiwai Trail


Youā€™ll see the impressive 185 ft. Makahiku Falls, and if that isnā€™t enough, at the end of your hike, youā€™ll come to the crowning jewelā€”400 ft. Waimoku Falls.

It really doesnā€™t get any better than thisā€¦anywhere!Ā  Read more about The Pipiwai Trail in our Guide To East Maui.

Guided Hiking Tours

If youā€™re thinking about driving the road Hana and hiking Pipiwai Trail on the same day, then you should consider booking a guided hiking tour instead of doing it on your own.

Waimoku Falls Guided Hike Maui Hawaii


A guided tours ensures that youā€™ll be in good hands with folks who really know their way around the roads and trails.

Your Return Trip

When itā€™s time for you to call it a day and head back to your hotel, there really is only one way back, and thatā€™s the same way you came in.Ā 

We do NOT suggest driving the ā€œback side,ā€ since it comes with many added risks that, in our opinion, really arenā€™t worth taking.

Maui Hawaii Map


Besides, much of the back side consists of very rough roads and relatively sparse scenery.

And if these arenā€™t reasons enough, car rental companies make you sign an agreement that you wonā€™t drive the back side in their cars! Enough said.

Paia

If you’ve timed things right, you mayĀ drive throughĀ Paia right around dusk. Consider stopping here for dinner and a brief stroll around Paiaā€™s charming shops and galleriesā€”if you have the energy.

Paia Maui Hawaii

Paia Town


Paia Maui has some excellent eateries, of which these are a fewĀ of our favorites:

  • Mamaā€™s Fish House
  • Flatbread Company
  • Mana Foods
  • Paia Fish Market
  • Thai Spice
  • Charleyā€™s

Home Sweet Home

When you get back to your hotel, take a hot shower, grab a seat on your lanai, kick up your feet, and enjoy a Mai Taiā€¦or three! Youā€™ve earned it!

Also, please give yourself a big pat on the back. You’ve survived the Road to Hana!

Road to Hana Maui


A Few Helpful Reminders

AĀ van tour exploring one of the theĀ most beautiful, and windiest roads in the world, is of course preferable. But if youā€™re adventuring The Road To Hana in your rental car follow these simple tips toĀ save some time and get you back to your hotel in at a reasonable hour.

  • Consider picking up a Road to Hana ā€œguided CD.ā€ There are a few different ones out there, but we recommend R2Hā€™s Experiencing The Road to Hana and Beyond.
  • Pick up a Map of the Road to Hana. Map out all of the sites you want to stop at before starting your journey. That way you donā€™t miss anything cool. In the Top Stops section of this article youā€™ll find a list of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana.
  • Bring a camera, bottled water, sun screen, bug spray, sunglasses, a light jacket, some cash (small bills), athletic/hiking shoes, and your sense of adventure!
  • Plan on this taking up the entire day. There is a lot to see, and rushing isnā€™t the best way to take it all in. So just relax; youā€™re on Maui time!
  • Leave your hotel fairly early in the morning (6-7am).
  • Consider grabbing breakfast along the way (Charleyā€™s in Paia is a good call).
  • Fill up on gas in Kahului or Paia Maui. A full tank should be plenty for your entire round-trip journey (buying gas in Hana is expensive!).
  • Do NOT turn around and head home after youā€™ve reached Hana! Some of the most beautiful sites lie 12 miles beyond Hana!
  • Donā€™t leave any valuables in your car. Even trunks are vulnerable to a determined thief. Leave them in your hotel safe or be sure to bring them with you whenever you leave your car to explore.
  • Help keep Maui beautiful by properly disposing of all refuse.
  • Please take it slow. The Road to Hana is narrow and boasts hundreds of hairpin turns.
  • If you notice a line of cars behind you or anyone ā€œtailgatingā€ you, just pull over as soon as itā€™s safe, and let them pass. Locals who know the road well can get a little antsy and irritable when theyā€™re stuck behind slow moving vehicles.
  • Find out what time it gets dark on Maui and leave Hana with enough time to arrive in Paia by dusk. You donā€™t want to be driving this winding road at night!
  • If youā€™re able to spend a night or two in Hana, do it! This will allow you to truly take in all the sights without having to race against the setting sun.

A 2-day trip on The Road To Hana is an ideal way to enjoy the adventure. Hereā€™s a list of some recommended hotels and B&Bs in the Hana area:

  • Travaasa Hotel Hana
  • Hana Kai
  • The Guest Houses at Malanai in Hana
  • Alaaina Ocean Vista
  • Hamoa Bay Bungalow
  • Air B N B!

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