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If you haven’t visited Maui, now is the time to add it to your bucket list!! While it’s true that Maui, the second largest of the Hawaiian islands, offers stunning beaches, cliff diving, world renowned snorkeling and surfing and so much more; the one thing that sets Maui apart is the Road to Hana.
This post is going to be your ultimate guide of things to do on the Road to Hana – one of the world’s most beautiful journeys.
The Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway, is an adventurer’s dream and the best way to get off the beaten path in Maui.
So rent a car or a jeep, put the top down and enjoy this ride down one of the most beautiful roads in the world!
First, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the Road to Hana. Feel free to skip ahead if you want to!
How Long is the Road to Hana?
The Road to Hana officially starts in Kahului, just west of Paia, on Maui’s north shore and officially ends in the town of Kaupo, approximately 64 miles later.
Most people, and guided tours, will start in Paia and end their journey in the town of Hana, which is about 52 miles one way. Another popular ending place is just past Hana town at the Seven Sacred Pools in Haleakala National Park.
If you choose to, you can also go all the way around and end back in Kahului. This trek will be around 114 miles and will take you on the “Back Road to Hana” throughout Maui’s Upcountry.
There is some controversy about if you should even drive this way due to the road being unpaved,quite bumpy, narrow and with a cliff that drops right off into the ocean. But nonetheless, it is quite the experience and a much different viewpoint than taking the Road to Hana the normal way is.
No matter where you decide to start and end, just remember to gas up before you leave Paia. You won’t find another gas station until you get to Hana.
How Dangerous is the Road to Hana?
The most frequently asked question is always ‘how dangerous is the road to Hana?’ There is no question that driving the Road to Hana is not for the faint of heart. But it is totally doable and there is no need to be afraid!
Just keep in mind that this is a very narrow, winding road with an estimated 600 turns, 54 one-lane bridges, no shoulder or guard rails in a lot of places and several blind corners. There is also no cell service so if you get stuck, you could have a problem.
If you use caution and do not speed, you will be just fine!
The Road to Hana is also nicknamed “The Divorce Highway” … I wonder why? Haha!
Can you Drive the Road to Hana Yourself?
If you feel uneasy about driving these windy roads yourself then you can absolutely opt for a tour. A guided tour is a great way to experience some of the most popular things to do on the Road to Hana. A tour will allow you to just sit back and relax while learning about the island’s history.
Check out some tour options here!
However, if you want to go at your own pace so you can soak up as much time as possible at all of the different stops on this list of things to do then definitely opt to drive the Road to Hana yourself.
Can you Drive The Road to Hana in One Day?
The short answer is yes you can drive the Road to Hana in one day. However, you definitely can NOT experience all of these stops on this list in one day.
My advice is, if you only have one day to spend, pick your must-see stops or spend a couple days in Hana to really experience it all.
Another popular question is can you see Haleakala National Park and drive the Road to Hana in the same day? Again, yes, however you will find that you will spend quite a bit of time in Haleakala plus the time it takes you to drive there and back that you will be missing out on many of the other sites on this beautiful journey.
Tips for Driving the Road to Hana
Start early and grab some food before you go. This will help if you get car sick. Also, if you go on a weekday you will encounter much less traffic than on the weekends.
Gas up before you go! If you run out of gas you are completely out of luck … there’s no cell service.
Also, BRING SOME DRAMAMINE! I can’t stress this enough … and I can tell you that I learned this the hard way.
Brings lots of water!!
Packing a few beach towels wouldn’t hurt either.
It’s also good to have some cash on hand. A lot of these roadside stands are cash only.
Make sure you watch the signs and mile markers to make sure you won’t miss a stop! And if you downloaded my PDF guide above, you will know ahead of time which stops you want to make.
My final tip for driving the Road to Hana is packing the right shoes is CRUCIAL to your sightseeing experience. Although you can see some of the major sites from the road, there are going to be plenty that you will have to hike to. The terrain can be slippery, rocky, steep and all of the above. Without the right shoes you will have a tough time.
Things to do on the Road to Hana – 30 Stops You Can’t Miss
For this section, I will list things to do on the Road to Hana according to mile markers. Remember, the Road to Hana starts in Paia, but this list will end just past Hana in Haleakala National Park.
Don’t forget to download your printable PDF version of the complete map of Road to Hana stops.
Mile Marker 2 – Twin Falls
Being one of the first stops on the Road to Hana, Twin Falls is very popular and usually very crowded.
You cannot see Twin Falls from the road so you will need to hike just under 2 miles to get to them. The trail is marked and relatively easy for all ages.
Compared to what is ahead of you, you won’t want to spend too much time here. Especially if you plan on taking the Road to Hana to the end. But don’t get me wrong, they are incredibly beautiful and there are options for cliff jumping and swimming here as well.
Mile Marker 4.5 – Huelo Lookout
Huelo Lookout will offer panoramic ocean views of Maui’s eastern coastline.
Grab a smoothie from the Huelo Lookout roadside stand and hit the road. They make fresh organic smoothies with locally sourced fruit and real cane sugar.
Mile Marker 7 – Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove
These gorgeous eucalyptus trees look as if they have been painted red and green. They are incredibly unique and definitely worth a stop. You don’t even need to get out of the car to see them.
Because these are so unique, I would definitely put them on your list of things to do on the Road to Hana.
Mile Marker 9 – Ho’okipa Beach
Ho’okipa Beach brings people from all over the world to surf. On a nice day, you can sit back and relax and watch the surfers and wind surfers.
You are also surely going to see some green sea turtles here. Around 4pm they like to come up out of the water and lay on the beach too!
Mile Marker 9.5-10 – Waikamoi Ridge Trail & Waikamoi Falls
A glimpse of these gorgeous falls can be seen from the road, but if you really want to experience their beauty, take the short .90 mile Waikamoi Ridge Trail that will lead you right to their base.
For a different viewpoint, if you go a little bit further, there is also another trail that will take you to the top of the falls.
Mile Marker 10 – Garden of Eden
This stunning arboretum and botanical garden is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do on the Road to Hana.
The grounds are very well maintained and offer panoramic ocean views.
You can get a good glimpse of Upper Puohokamoa Falls from The Garden of Eden as well.
The Garden of Eden is open daily from 8:00am – 4:00pm, including holidays.
Admission fees are $20 (age 16+), $15 (age 5-15) and under 5 is free.
No reservations are required.
Mile Marker 11 – Lower Puohokamoa Falls
Kind of a lesser known secret on the Road to Hana due to its hidden location, Lower Puohokamoa Falls is worth making the stop.
The trail to get to the falls is closed to the public because it’s dangerous, but you can still see the falls from a lookout point along the Hana Highway.
Mile Marker 11 – Haipua’ena Falls
Compared to some of the other waterfalls on the Road to Hana, this one is a little less spectacular. However, it is easily accessible from the road and is a great place to take a quick swim!
Mile Marker 12 – Kaumahina State Wayside Park
This is a great place to get out of the car, stretch your legs and use the restroom.
They have picnic areas and great views of Maui’s coastline. Just beyond Kaumahina State Wayside Park, there is a pullout that will give you great views of Honomanu Bay and the Ke’anae Peninsula.
There is no entrance fee.
Mile Marker 13.5 – “Jaws” Pe’ahi Surfbreak
Do you remember that movie Blue Crush about the surfer girl who entered the surfing competition in Hawaii to surf some of those giant waves? Well, imagine seeing those huge waves in person.
Notorious for dangerous swells and some of the biggest waves in the world, Pe’ahi (also known as Jaws) brings some of the most experienced surfers in the world to Maui to surf these monster waves. I personally think seeing these surfers is a must on your list of things to do on the Road to Hana.
If there are lots of cars there, that’s usually a good indication that the surf is good that day!
Mile Marker 14 – Honomanu Bay Lookout
Here you can actually see the Hana Highway as it goes back and forth around the cliffside.
It’s a beautiful stop to just quickly take a look around, but you don’t need to spend too much time here.
Mile Marker 16 – Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread
You must be getting hungry, and now is the perfect place to stop. Aunt Sandy’s fruit stand offers warm, delicious, homemade banana bread, Hawaiian shaved ice, smoothies and some other small lunch items.
Take it to go and head on to your next stop!
Mile Marker 16 – Ke’anae Peninsula
You’ll be glad that you took your banana bread from Aunt Sandy’s to go, because now you can enjoy it with a view.
Take the Ke’anae Road, just off the Hana Highway, to the end and you will arrive at the tip of the Ke’anae Peninsula. Here you will find absolutely stunning coastline views made up of old lava flows.
There is also an arboretum and botanical garden here on the Ke’anae Peninsula as well. Admission to the Ke’anae Arboretum is free and you can walk through the six acre rainforest that grows bananas and other crops.
Mile Marker 17 – Halfway to Hana Stand
Congratulations … you made it halfway!
If you didn’t get to try any of the famous banana bread at Aunt Sandy’s, don’t worry .. you can try it here too!
Mile Marker 18 – Wailua Overlook
You can make this stop at Wailua State Wayside Park a quick one. There really isn’t much to do here besides admire the scenery. But if you want to see some beautiful views of the ocean and the mountains, this is a good place to do so.
You will have to climb some stairs to get to the top and there isn’t much parking available.
Mile Marker 19 – Upper Waikani Falls
Also known as “The Three Bears”, this beautiful set of 3 waterfalls can be seen without getting out of your car. In fact, most people will just slow down on the bridge, take a photo and move on. Mostly because parking is very limited.
However, if you want to take the short hike down to the falls it is a great place to go for a swim as the water and the falls are relatively calm.
Upper Waikani Falls is nicknamed “The Three Bears”.
Mile Marker 21.5 – Wailua Iki Falls
Do not miss this gorgeous photo opportunity. The Upper Wailua Iki Falls can be seen from your car as you drive across the bridge, but be sure to stop and get out of the car and look down to see the lower level. They are the more spectacular of the two.
Mile Marker 22 – Pua’a Ka’a Falls & State Wayside Park
Again, this can be another quick stop on your list of things to do on the Road to Hana.
You’re probably getting tired from all of the driving and awesome stops that you have been to so far. This is a great spot to just stop and relax or use the restroom.
If you want to take a short hike, just follow the trail and you will come to the Pua’a Ka’a Falls and swimming hole. Relax and take a dip!
Mile Marker 24 – Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls is a favorite among tourists and one of the most photographed waterfalls in all of Hawaii because of the stunning waterfall that plummets 200 feet into a freshwater pool below.
You can see the falls from Hanawi Falls Bridge, but if you want to get closer there’s just a short trail off the road.
Mile Marker 25 – Makapipi Falls
The viewpoint is what makes these falls worth stopping to see. If you are on the bridge and look down you will be standing directly on top of them.
Mile Marker 29 – Nahiku Marketplace
Definitely consider putting Nahiku Marketplace on your list of things to do on the Road to Hana. This is a great spot to stop, stretch, grab some food and do a little shopping.
Mile Marker 31 – Ka’eleku Caverns (Hana Lava Tube)
A unique stop that is worth exploring is Ka’eleku Caverns, also known as the Hana Lava Tube.
This lava tube is the largest on Maui and is a geological wonder and one-of-a-kind exploration for those who are eager to learn. You even get to enter the cave through a skylight.
Cost is $15 per person and flashlights are provided. The tour is self guided, but you will be provided with a briefing before entering the cave by staff. There are also signs throughout to guide your way.
Mile Marker 32 – Waianapanapa State Park
You have made it to the crown jewel on the road to Hana – the black sand beach in Waianapanapa State Park.
Even if you don’t want to hang out here, because it’s not really a beach to lay out on since it’s more like small black pebbles rather than sand, you still MUST add it to your itinerary of things to do on the Road to Hana.
The stunning volcanic coastline, freshwater caves, sea arches, blowhole, bright blue water, lush greenery and, black sand is nothing short of picture perfect. You absolutely have to see it with your own eyes.
Also, be careful if you decide to go in the water. The shoreline drops off quickly and without warning and there are Portuguese Man o’ War and jellyfish that like to hangout in this area.
There is some planning required in order to be sure you can visit Waianapanapa State Park on your Road to Hana journey. You are now REQUIRED to make reservations in advance before you can enter the park. You also need to choose a time slot for when you will visit and you must leave when your time is up.
You can make these reservations HERE up to 14 days in advance, but they have to be made at least one day before you plan to visit. Fees are $5.00 per person to enter and $10 to park.
If you drive straight through from Paia, without making any other stops on the Road to Hana, you will arrive in Waianapanapa State Park in approximately 2 hours.
Most people only visit the black sand beach, but there is also the beautiful Piilani Trail that you can walk as well. The trail will take you 2.1 miles down the coast of Waianapanapa.
Mile Marker 33 – Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
Do you want to know about another hidden gem in Maui? There are only a few red sand beaches in the entire world, and you can see one right off the Road to Hana.
In order to get to the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach, you will have to take a moderately challenging 10-20 minute hike down a narrow and slippery trail.
There is a lava rock wall that protects the beach from the strong ocean currents. So if you feel that the water is calm enough for you, you could probably swim here.
Mile Marker 34 – Hana Town
Congratulations, you made it to “Heavenly Hana”!!!
There really isn’t much here besides a few roadside stands and souvenir shops really. But pull up to your AirBnb, or hotel, and relax!!! You’ve still got some incredible things to do and see past Hana on this journey down the Hana Highway!
Mile Marker 42 – Haleakala National Park – Seven Sacred Pools, Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls
These three things to do on the Road to Hana are three stops that you cannot miss and are easily the most popular attractions in East Maui. But plan on taking quite a bit of time out of your day to experience them.
Located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, about 10 miles past Hana, the Ohe’o Gulch, or more commonly known as the Seven Sacred Pools, is one of, if not the most, popular tourist attraction on the Road to Hana.
Spoiler Alert though … there’s really nothing sacred about the pools themselves. I know, how disappointing… I was hoping for some awesome story about the ancient Hawaiians and why they thought these pools were sacred .. but nope, nothing. Bummer.
You can swim in the Ohe’o Gulch, but they are often closed due to flash floods in the area and you will need to hike the Kuloa Point Trail to get to them.
Past the Seven Sacred Pools is the start of the Pipiwai Trail. This is an easy hike that will take you around 2 hours to complete and ends up being just under a 4 mile round trip.
Here is your reward for all of that hiking. The gorgeous, 400 foot Waimoku Falls. There is a high risk of rock falls in the area so use caution. If you want to get close to the falls you have to walk over a ton of slippery rocks, so make sure you have proper footwear on.
So in a nutshell, what you will see here in this part of Haleakala National Park is the gorgeous 400 foot Waimoku Falls, a dense bamboo forest, and freshwater pools that all run together and finally reach the ocean.
If you are spending some time in Hana it is definitely worth taking some time to check out the rest of Haleakala National Park, driving to the summit to see the sunrise or sunset is an incredible experience. Read more about that HERE.
Mile Marker 45 – Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Maui, and an addition that must be put on your list of things to do on the Road to Maui.
These falls are easy to spot from your car, but you can also take a minute or two walk to get to the base of them. There is a pool here that is great for swimming as well.
Mile Marker 48 – Waioka Pond (Venus Pool)
If you feel like jumping off rocks to swim in the ocean .. here’s your chance!
Waioka Pond is a natural pool with a stunning view.
However, I want you to all use EXTREME caution in this area. I hesitated even mentioning it in the post to be honest. There can be sudden flash floods that will come out of nowhere and sweep you out to sea. There can be submerged rocks, so always check the area before jumping off any of the rocks.
The trail down can be a little dangerous at times so make sure you have on good footwear.
Mile Marker 50 – Koki Beach
Koki Beach is a safer alternative to the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach if you are unable or unwilling to take the hike down there.
The sand here isn’t really red, compared to the red sand at Kaihalulu, but it does have a reddish tint and there is a short red sand trail here. If all you’re interested in is a picture of red(ish) sand, then you could consider Koki Beach.
The crown jewel here at Koki though, is the Huli Huli Chicken BBQ Hut. You’ll thank me later!
Koki Beach is also a popular surf spot, so grab some chicken and watch the surfers!
Mile Marker 51 – Hamoa Beach
You really can’t come to the Hana area, or eastern Maui in general, and not stop at Hamoa Beach. Hamoa Beach is definitely a popular tourist attraction and for good reason.
The beach is wide and crescent shaped with soft sand surrounded by sea cliffs and lush vegetation.
There can be some stronger currents here because this beach is exposed to open ocean, which also brings lots of surfers, especially in the winter months.
Best Places to Stay on the Road to Hana
The nicest place to stay on the Road to Hana is hands-down going to be Hana-Maui Resort.
Located in the town of Hana, you will find serenity, beautiful coastline views and ultimate luxury.
There are also several AirBnB or VRBO options throughout Hana as well.
Conclusion: Things to do on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana, across the northeast coast of Maui is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Remember, it is going to be all about the journey, not the destination. Take your time and enjoy the ride. All 64.4 miles, 620 curves, and 59 bridges of it!!
If you’re looking for other things to do during your vacation in Maui, be sure to check out my ultimate guide on Maui’s beaches for families and the perfect Maui Itinerary sure to keep the whole family entertained.
