The Road to Hana: Journeying Through Maui
The Road to Hana
Maui’s natural beauty is truly unmatched, and there’s no better way to experience it than by driving along the iconic Road to Hana. This 64-mile stretch of highway along Maui’s northeastern coast is a journey through lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic coastal views. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own unforgettable trip.
What to Expect
The Road to Hana is a scenic adventure down a two-lane highway that starts in the small town of Paia. As you drive, you'll navigate narrow bridges, pass through small towns, and enjoy countless scenic viewpoints. The journey is intended to be leisurely driving at a slower speed limit to take in the views and make frequent stops along the way. Expect to see:
Waterfalls: Twin Falls & cascading Waikani Falls.
Black Sand Beaches: Wai'anapanapa State Park
Verdant Rainforests: The dense, lush greenery offers stunning natural beauty and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Road to Hana is either in the Spring from April to June when the landscape is lush and waterfalls are flowing from the winter rains or in the Fall September to November since it’s a shoulder season so it’s warm enough to swim without the big crowds. We visited in November which was perfect.
While summer is warm and dry, it can be quite crowded, and winter is rainy making it a more challenging drive.
How to Plan for the Journey
To enhance your Road to Hana experience, keep these tips in mind:
Rent a Car: Opt for a rental car with unlimited mileage to explore at your own pace.
What to wear: You’ll want a bathing suit and a change of clothes, one of the first stops involves an intense swim in a waterfall so you’ll want clothes to change into.
What to pack: Bathing suit, towel, dry clothes, waterproof shoes, sneakers to hike in, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellant, cash, wet/dry bag to store items. Maui has both a Walmart and Target located in Kahului off Airport Road, 11-minutes (3-miles) from the airport.
Start Early: Begin your trip before 7:00 a.m. to avoid crowds and be able to make all the stops without rushing and most importantly to avoid driving back in the dark like we did.
Eating: Eat a big breakfast and bring plenty of water and snacks. Food options are not available at every stop.
Use a Guide: An audio guide like the Guide Along is essential to navigate your drive. A lot of the areas are remote with no cell service so you’ll need a similar app to guide your journey. The app also narrates to provide insightful commentary and cultural commentary to enhance your journey. You can also book a tour with Get Your Guide for a live guide using my discount code.
Top Stops Along the Way
Here are some must-see spots on the Road to Hana:
Twin Falls: A great spot to stretch your legs and hike to a picturesque waterfall.
Waikani Falls: Known as Three Bears Falls, this waterfall trio is perfect for photos.
Wai'anapanapa State Park: Enjoy the rugged beauty of this black sand beach and explore volcanic caves.
Seven Sacred Pools: Located in Oheo Gulch, this series of pools and waterfalls is a popular highlight.
Haleakala National Park: Home to the stunning Haleakala Crater and a variety of hiking trails.
Food and Refreshments
Don’t miss these delicious stops along the way:
Coconut Glen's ($): Treat yourself to vegan ice cream made from fresh coconuts at the 27.5-mile marker.
Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread ($): Savor homemade banana bread at the 16.5-mile marker. Price: $5-$7 per loaf. You can also buy the mix to recreate it at home.
Halfway to Hana Stand ($): Enjoy freshly baked banana bread and shaved ice at this popular roadside stop.
What are all the Stops?
The Road to Hana offers an incredible journey through Maui’s most stunning landscapes. Here is an overview of what to expect:
Paia Town: You start your journey in this little town known for its laid-back vibe. We started our journey early so we got a coffee and gameplaned for the day.
Ho'okipa Lookout: A popular spot for watching surfers and windsurfers, with stunning ocean views.
Twin Falls: The first easily accessible waterfalls along the route, perfect for a short hike and swim.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail: A short hike offering beautiful forest views and a chance to stretch your legs.
Garden of Eden Arboretum: A lush botanical garden with trails, picnic spots, and panoramic vistas.
Ke'anae Peninsula: Known for its rugged coastline, taro fields, and the historic Ke'anae Congregational Church.
Ching's Pond: A hidden gem with clear blue waters, ideal for a refreshing dip.
Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls): A trio of picturesque waterfalls easily visible from the road.
Pua'a Ka'a State Park: Features accessible waterfalls and picnic areas, great for a break.
Wailua Valley State Wayside: Offers a scenic overlook of Wailua Valley, perfect for photos.
Hanawi Falls: A tall, cascading waterfall that's visible from the road.
Nahiku Marketplace: A collection of food stands and shops offering local delicacies and souvenirs.
Kahanu Garden: Home to the Pi'ilanihale Heiau, the largest ancient Hawaiian temple, and beautiful gardens.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park: Famous for its black sand beach, sea caves, and coastal hiking trails.
Hana Town: A quaint town with historical sites, local eateries, and art galleries.
Hana Bay: A serene beach perfect for a relaxing stop.
Koki Beach and Hamoa Beach: Beautiful beaches ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach: A unique red sand beach, accessible via a short, steep trail.
Wailua Falls: A spectacular waterfall just past Hana, easily accessible and worth the stop.
Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools): A series of stunning pools and waterfalls located in the Kipahulu district of Haleakalā National Park.
Pipiwai Trail: A rewarding hike leading to Waimoku Falls, through a bamboo forest and past the Makahiku Falls.
Charles Lindbergh's Grave: Located in the peaceful Palapala Ho'omau Church cemetery, a short detour from the main road.
With a bit of preparation and a spirit of adventure, you can experience the magic of this iconic route. Pack your bags, rent a car, and set out for a road trip that promises unforgettable memories.
This revision provides a clear, engaging overview of the Road to Hana experience, with practical tips, key attractions, and food recommendations to enhance the reader's journey.
Travel Tips:
Plan Your Timing:
Start Early: Leave before 7:00 a.m. to avoid the crowds and ensure you have plenty of time to explore. The earlier you start, the more you'll be able to enjoy the sights and avoid traffic. We did not plan our time well and ended up driving most of the way back in the pitch black where all you could see
Prepare for the Drive:
Pack Essentials: Bring a cooler with water, snacks, and sandwiches, as food options are limited along the route. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for sun protection.
Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your rental car is in good condition, especially if you’re driving a longer route. Choose a vehicle with good clearance, as some areas may be rough.
Take Your Time:
Embrace the Slower Pace: The Road to Hana has many twists and turns with a speed limit often around 25 mph. Enjoy the journey by making frequent stops at scenic viewpoints and attractions. Allow extra time for each stop to fully experience the beauty.
Stay Safe and Respectful:
Follow Road Safety: Be cautious of narrow roads, one-lane bridges, and sharp turns. Drive carefully and be respectful of other drivers, especially when pulling over for photos or letting others pass.
Respect Nature: Stick to marked trails and designated areas when exploring. Avoid disturbing wildlife and take all trash with you to keep the environment pristine.
Use Helpful Resources:
Consider an Audio Guide: Using a guide like the GyPSy Guide can enrich your experience with historical and cultural insights about the landmarks you encounter.
Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty on the Road to Hana. Download offline maps or a GPS app to ensure you don’t get lost and can navigate the route smoothly.