The Road to Hana, One Mile at a Time
The Road to Hana is one of the most popular adventures in Maui. Imagine lush green scenery, countless waterfalls, and turquoise ocean views lining a winding coastal highway. Around every curve, a natural wonder awaits, from bamboo forests and rainbow eucalyptus trees to black sand beaches and sea caves.
Below I lay out some of the popular mile markers along the road to Hana, and some tips if we stopped there. You can also check out our full Maui itinerary if you are interested!
Road to Hana….here we come!
We decided to wake up early, pack a lunch, and hit the road. We had been advised to start early and warned that driving the full loop around the island could be tricky—it’s often better to turn back the way you came. We decided we would decide that later.
Paia is the last town before you begin your Road to Hana journey. Be sure to fill up your gas tank here—it’s the final place to do so before heading out. If you’d like, this is also a great spot to grab coffee, breakfast, or even a picnic lunch before hitting the road.
Paia Town has a lot to offer, we chose to come back later in the week so we would have more time to enjoy it properly. A lot of guides include Hoʻokipa Beach Park , "turtle beach," on their Road to Hana list, but we also went here on our Paia day trip. Click here if you’d like to Read my Maui Itinerary witch includes a day in Paia.
Twin Falls - Mile Marker #2
This is often people’s first stop on the Road to Hana. It has a small parking lot, a fruit stand, and port-a-potties. The waterfalls are just a short walk from the parking area, and there’s a large pool at the falls that’s popular for swimming.
We did stop here, but it was quite crowded during our visit, and the waterfalls weren’t as memorable as some of the others we saw later in the day. As for the port-o-potties… they were the worst I’ve ever encountered—completely full, no toilet paper, and swarming with flies. We all decided to hold it and went on our way to the next stop!
Halfway to Hana Stand and Ke'anae Arboretum - Mile Marker #17
The Halfway to Hana Stand, is an iconic, family-run stop that’s been operating since 1982. Famous for its freshly baked, warm banana bread and Banana Mac Crunch ice cream, it also offers a variety of food and drinks, along with a shaded seating area—perfect for a relaxing break during the drive. We didn’t stop here, online suggested they did not have anything gluten free.
The Ke’anae Arboretum is a Botanic Garden and is free to enjoy. They have some rainbow eucalyptus trees that are easily accessible which are located along a short, paved trail. (You can also view the rainbow eucalyptus tress scattered throughout the Hana Highway.)
Upper Waikani Falls - Mile Marker #19
Also known as Three Bears, this spot appears to have space for two to three cars, but it is actually a no-parking zone. Often, cars stop anyway, and then several more park behind them, taking up much of the road and creating a potential hazard.
There is, however, a turnout farther up the road where you can park and walk back down. The walk can be a bit tricky, as there isn’t a designated path. That is where we parked and walked carefully, as close to the edge, and as out of the way as possible.
Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park – Mile Marker #22
This rest stop features a short hike to a waterfall and a freshwater pool, along with bathrooms and a picnic area. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs and cool off with a refreshing swim.
Hanawl Falls - Mile Marker #24
Hanawai Falls features some beautiful waterfalls visible from a bridge. Most of the time, only the right side flows, but during periods of heavier water, additional falls appear on the left. Be sure to park safely off the road when stopping to view them.
Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream - Mile Marker #27
Delicious, dairy free, coconut milk based ice cream crafted with organic ingredients, yummmmm! Our stop also included a freshly cut coconut to drink out of.
Nahiku Market Place - Mile Marker #29
Nahiku Marketplace is the perfect stop to stretch your legs, grab a bite, do some shopping, and recharge. This marketplace is home to several relaxed outdoor dining options, in addition to food, you’ll find some local shopping. There are picnic tables and port-a-potties here as well.
Wai’anapanapa State Park - Mile Marker #32
Pa'iloa Beach, located in Waiʻānapanapa State Park near Hana, Maui, is a stunning black sand beach shaped by volcanic activity. I loved the striking contrast of the black sand, turquoise water, and lush green cliffs surrounding the cove. It’s absolutely stunning. It also boasts a small sea cave adding to its natural charm. When were were there is was absolutely packed with people.
UPDATE: Now, you need a make a reservation and pay an entrance fee to access the beach, which hopefully makes the experience even more enjoyable! The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hana Town - Mile Marker #34
You made it to Hana! Hana Town is a great spot to stretch your legs, use the restrooms, and relax. You can explore the Hāna Cultural Center and Museum or stop by the historic Hasegawa General Store. Or grab a bite from the local food trucks or enjoy a meal at the Hāna Ranch Restaurant. Lots of people spend the night in Hana, I wish we did, but we did not plan ahead on that and continued our drive.
Wailua Falls - Mile Marker #45
Wailua Falls are easily visible from the road and spanning a bridge, these falls are tall and impressive. Just past the bridge, you’ll find parking spots, as well as local vendors selling handmade artwork—and sometimes food.
Kipahulu, Haleakala National Park - Mile Marker #42
This was our favorite stop! While the Seven Sacred Pools were a little underwhelming, the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls was absolutely stunning. The hike is roughly 4 miles round trip, winding through some of the lushest scenery you can imagine. Along the way, you’ll find a massive banyan tree, charming bridges, a mile-long bamboo forest, and several waterfalls—each sight more breathtaking than the last.
The Banyan Tree: One of the trail’s highlights is a giant banyan tree. Take a break in its shade, have a snack, or even climb along its long limbs. This incredible tree was a standout for us and truly a magical spot.
Bamboo Bliss: Walking through the bamboo forest is a sensory experience. The tall bamboo sways in the wind, creaking and rustling in a way that almost feels musical. It’s serene, otherworldly, and unforgettable.
Waimoku Falls: The trail culminates at the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. After passing through the bamboo forest, you’ll cross a shallow stream by stepping across rocks. A short walk beyond the stream reveals this majestic waterfall—a perfect reward for the hike.
During the hike we were starting to worry about it getting dark and debating when to turn back, but our determined 6-year-old insisted we had to reach the 400-foot Waimoku Falls at the end. Thank goodness she pushed us—we made it, and it was completely worth it!
Now was the time for us to decide if we wanted to turn back the way we came or continue to drive around the island. We decided to drive around. The drive defiantly had us worrying if we made the right decision a few times, but we made it back in one piece! It took us 13 hours to drive the entire Hana Highway, including all the stops we made and all the stops we had to make due to cows blocking the back side of the island!
Palapala Ho’omau Church - Mile Marker #41
The church is tucked among beautiful foliage and features a small, peaceful park, as well as the grave of Charles Lindbergh. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out for the nearby stables. Be sure to be respectful when visiting this serene spot.
Tips:
1. Decide between a day trip or an overnight stay
It can be wonderful to take your time on the Hana Highway, especially if you don’t have to drive all the way back the same day. That said, it’s absolutely possible to have an amazing experience in just one day. The key is deciding how much you want to see and do—and whether you’re up for a full day of driving. When we drove the entire Hana Highway, it turned into a 13-hour adventure!
If you choose to stay overnight, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance. There are limited options in Hana, and they fill up quickly.
2. Rent a car or book a tour
I recommend renting a Jeep, if one is available. Choose something reliable with decent gas mileage. If you plan to drive the full loop around the island, a more rugged vehicle like a Jeep is a smart choice. Some sections of the road are unpaved, muddy, and full of potholes.
We were fortunate with the small Nissan we rented, but we passed three different cars with flat tires along the way.
If you’d rather not drive, there are also several guided tours available that take you along the Hana Highway, stopping at many of the scenic pull-offs and highlights.
3. Get the R2H Audio Guide
This downloadable audio guide highlights all the must-see spots along the journey. It’s like having an experienced local guide riding along with you, sharing tips, stories, and directions as you go. Their website is also a fantastic resource for planning your trip.
4. Make a Plan
Do yourself a favor and don’t try to do everything along the Road to Hana. You’ll end up exhausted and won’t fully enjoy the experience. Instead, choose a handful of spots that really catch your eye and spend a little extra time at each one. If I were to do this trip again, I’d make fewer stops early on so we could reach the black sand beach and start the hike earlier in the day.
What to Bring for the Road to Hana
Food: Pack a lunch and/or bring plenty of snacks.
sunscreen and bug spray: Our poor four-year-old seems to attract mosquitoes like it’s her full-time job and ended up with quite a few bites after our hike.
Water: Bring more than you think you’ll need, though you can purchase some along the way.
Cash: Many of the food stands and smoothie spots are cash-only.
Towels: It might rain—or you may decide to stop for a swim.
Hiking shoes: If you plan to hike, wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.
A full tank of gas: best to be prepared.
Planning a vacation to Maui? When you return home with all your incredible memories and photos, I can transform them into a beautifully curated photo book.
Vacations go by so quickly, but the memories deserve to last. We want those moments preserved in a way we can hold in our hands, revisit often, and cherish for years to come.
Instead of letting your photos sit on your phone, let’s turn them into something tangible—something that tells the story of your Maui adventure for generations. Contact me for more information, or learn more here!
