The Road to Hana is one of the most popular road trips for adventure seekers due to the challenging road to get to Hana. With its winding roads, tight curves, one-lane road (at times), breathtaking jungle views, and waterfalls, it’s a must-do while visiting Maui.
Many people do this as a day trip but if you really want to explore (& not drive the roads at night), I suggest staying at least one night. I camped on the Road to Hana for 2 nights and you can read about it here. I suggest starting in the town of Paia and if you are staying a night or two, drive the whole way through Hana, so you’ll come out on the southeast side. Here are all the best places to stop on the Road to Hana – mile markers included.
Tips Before You Go:
- Make sure to gas up your car
- Take out cash from the ATM in Paia for the roadside stands
- Create a bomb island playlist
- Wear SPF (here’s my favorite tinted SPF)
- Pack lots of water and snacks
- Don’t forget your sunglasses/hat/visor
- Bring motion sickness medication like Dramamine
- Rent camping gear in advance from Maui Vacation Rentals here
Paia Town
Paia is a cute little surfer town on the North Shore of Maui and a popular starting point for the Road to Hana. It’s a historical plantation town that has two main streets of boutiques and restaurants. Some of my favorites are Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, Hana Picnic Lunch Company to grab a sandwich and snacks for the road, and the popular Paia Fish Market and Mama’s Fish House (which you’ll most definitely need a reservation for)! It’s also the last place to gas up your car before heading out on the Road to Hana.
Ho’okipa Beach Park
You’ll barely get on the road from Paia before wanting to pull off here to watch the horizon full of surfers and windsurfers. This is a great stop on the way back if you don’t drive through, as on the way in you might just want to get going! However, this is definitely a spot you don’t wanna skip and it’s an easy pullover lookout. Not only will you watch the incredibly talented and sometimes pro surfers here but it’s known that the large green Hawaiian sea turtles frequent this area. Look long and hard and you’ll see tons of them usually in coves near the rocks!
Twin Falls Hike
Mile Marker #2
This is a quick and easy hike to get you started on the Road to Hana. You’ll get deep in the jungle of Maui, see a waterfall, and swim in a waterhole. Since Twin Falls is near the beginning, it gets quite crowded and the parking lot fills up fast. Typically the parking attendants will guide you to another place to park or tell you to keep driving and you’ll have to give it a second shot on the way back.
Once you get on the trail, it’s quite wide and flat and although the parking lot appears full you’ll have plenty of distance from others. The first waterfall is only a quarter of a mile in and there’s a viewpoint from the top but you’ll want to go around to the right to hike down if you want to jump in or just hang out on the rocks above.
The second waterfall is a bit further down and you’ll cross a little river. Depending on the time of the year, you’ll either be able to walk along the rocks or wade through the water. There’s another river crossing before you’ll see the second waterfall. A few daredevils were jumping off the rocks into this one since it’s a lot higher and only a limited space that’s deep enough to dive. However, the water is easily accessible to swim in and you can even swim under the falls and explore the little cavern behind.
Garden of Eden
Mile Marker #10.5
Maui’s very own botanical garden, the Garden of Eden, is a must-visit! It’s perfect for families because it’s a .6-mile easy loop trail. Walking through the lush jungle you’ll see ducks, peacocks (be careful – I got chased by one!), a 100-year-old mango tree, and stunning views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
One of the main attractions is Keopuka Rock Overlook where you can experience your very own Jurassic Park moment. The opening scene of the movie was filmed here!
Aunty Sandy’s Famous Banana Bread
8:30-2:30pm Mile Marker #16
Banana bread and coconut candy are A MUST on the Road to Hana! Aunty Sandy’s has been a Maui classic since the 80s, so it’s a tradition to stop here! Her banana bread is cooked fresh daily and she offers many other fresh local treats – like coconut candy!
Keanae Arboretum
Mile Marker #16.7
I came for the unique rainbow eucalyptus trees and ended up exploring the 25+ acres of park. There’s a 2.5-mile hike that runs through the entire arboretum where you’ll see beautiful plants and stunning overlooks. It’s free to visit, so many people choose to visit the Keanae Arboretum over the botanical gardens – I say, visit both!
Keanae Peninsula Lava Rock & Swimming Hole Pond
Mile Marker #16.8
Keanae Peninsula is a lava flow from Haleakala Crater that juts off Maui’s coast located right off Hana Highway. The contrast of the jagged, black lava rocks next to the white-capped rashing waves and turquoise ocean is incredible. Climb around the lava rocks but be careful, it’s quite dangerous and there’s absolutely no swimming here! There’s a large parking lot, picnic spots, and you’ll likely catch locals fishing.
Kaumahina Wayside Lookout
Mile Marker #17
Another great spot to stop and stretch your legs, have a picnic, or just enjoy the beautiful lookout. It’s a 7.8-acre park overlooking the Maui coastline. There are public restrooms available and plenty of parking.
Halfway to Hana
Mile Marker #17.3
Halfway to Hana is hard to miss as there are plenty of signs leading up to it including the main sign out front. They sell lunch items and snacks but they’re most famous for their banana bread!
Wailua Lookout
Mile Marker #19
The Wailua lookout is easily accessible from the road. A great place to stop and stretch your legs. You’ll climb up a flight of stairs and overlook the Wailua Valley. A wide view of the coastline and right behind you, mountain views plus you can see the Wailua waterfall from here. It’s absolutely incredible!
There’s a parking lot here and also restrooms available for public access.
Wailua Waterfalls
Past bridge on right after Mile Marker #22
Another waterfall that’s located right off the highway! There are two small trails on each side that let you get a little closer to the falls. There’s very limited parking space here, so don’t block the road to park if there is no space available. Don’t forget your swimsuit because you can swim in them!
Pua’a Ka’a Wayside
Mile Marker #22
Pua’a Ka’a is easy to see from the road, has a parking lot, and no hiking is required! There are a few picnic shelters before you hit the paved path to reach the waterfalls. Depending on the time of the year, there’s a large swimming hole at the bottom of the falls that is safe to swim around in.
Nahiku Marketplace
Mile marker #29
Nahiku Marketplace is a stretch of roadside market stands that is perfect to stop and stretch your legs. Take a break on one of the picnic benches while enjoying a local fresh meal, a cup of coffee, or a fresh smoothie. Browse the shops with local art and jewelry. There are also restrooms available here!
Hana Lava Tubes
10:30-4pm $12 Mile Marker #31
Take a self-guided tour underground through the natural lava tubes. There are handrails on the way down and you’ll be instructed to grab a flashlight to really explore. It’s family-friendly and a reprieve from the mid-day sun!
Waianapanopa Black Sand Beach
Mile Marker #32
Waianapanopa is one of the many black sand beaches in Hawaii but the only one on Maui. As of March 2021, reservations are now required to visit Waianapanopa State Park and you can make it 14 days in advance here. Unfortunately, this was right before my trip and we were unaware so we missed the booking window. But it’s definitely a must-visit!
Kaihalula Red Sand Beach
Kaihalula Beach is a bit off the beaten path -there’s actually a sign that says no trespassing but according to all the locals who showed us the way, it was ok! Find parking near Hana Ball Park and head towards the ocean, pass the yellow gate, and follow the dirt trail road. This trail is quite dangerous as it’s very narrow and right on the cliffside above the rocks and crashing ocean waves.
Trust me – it’s worth the trek! Towards the end of the trail you’ll hike down onto a beach that’s quite secluded and a perfect little cove for swimming!
Tony & Christine’s Campsite
Mile Marker #49-50
This is where we stayed and camped the second night (our first night was at a stranger’s roadside fruit stand and you can read the story here). There’s a large field of cows that have the best views overlooking the Maui coastline and if you camp here, you’ll have the second-best views. The campsites are set far enough away from the road that you won’t even hear the cars and they’re far enough apart that you have privacy from other campers – although when I was there, there were only 2 other campsites occupied. The views are insane and during non-Covid times, Tony’s Place is open along with a nearby fruit stand.
Pipiwai Trail, Seven Sacred Pools, & Waimoku Falls
Mile Marker #42
This hike is incredible, one of the best hikes on the island! It’s a 4-mile out-and-back trail that takes you through a bamboo forest and ends with a stunning waterfall. There is a .5mile trail to go down to the Seven Sacred Pools, you can swim here in the seven natural pools when the water levels permit. Since it’s located inside Haleakala National Park, there is a national park entrance fee of $20 USD.
The Road to Hana is more about the spontaneous stops on your journey than the actual destination of Hana, so enjoy this beautiful bucket list road trip!
