Last updated on July 17th, 2026
In this Road to Hana guide we are sharing the best stops on the Road to Hana, from colored sand beaches, to waterfalls, to delicious food. Plus everything you need to know before you go!
The island of Maui holds a very special place in our hearts. We visited for the first time together on our honeymoon back in 2014 and since then, we have been back in both 2018 and 2026. There are many things we love about Maui that keep us coming back for more. But one of our favorite experiences is the Road to Hana. It’s a must-do on any Maui itinerary, so much so that we have driven it on all three visits!
In one very long day (or multiple days), you are able to see so much of the island’s beauty. From lush mountains, rugged cliffs, bamboo forests, red and black sand beaches, waterfalls, and so much more. All while getting a glimpse of small town Hawaiian life!
However, driving the Road to Hana takes a little bit of research and prep work beforehand. If you start the drive unprepared, you may not enjoy the drive. Some of the best stops on the Road to Hana are tucked away, there are limited resources along the drive, and the road itself is a bit of an experience.
But we’re here to help! In this Road to Hana guide, we are sharing all of the best stops on the Road to Hana, plus important things to know and tips. All based on our personal experience driving the route three times!
- About the Road to Hana
- How long does the Road to Hana take?
- Taking a Road to Hana Guided Tour
- Staying overnight in Hana
- Our top Road to Hana guide tips
- Where to start the Road to Hana
- The Best Stops on the Road to Hana Map
- The Best Stops on the Road to Hana
- The drive back from the Road to Hana
- If you have extra time…
About the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana (Hana Highway) winds for 64.4 miles along Maui’s East Coast, connecting the town of Kahului to the town of Hana…and beyond! Despite the drive being only 64.4 miles one way, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the small town of Hana. This is due to the nature of the road, which has 620 curves, 59 bridges (46 of which are one-lane!), and is very narrow in some spots.
The road is jokingly nicknamed the “Divorce Highway” because of the nerves and stress it can cause some. But don’t worry, we’ve never had any fights while driving it! And even as a nervous car passenger, I (Kathryn) have never been scared while driving on the road.
Along the drive, you’ll find many pull-offs with waterfalls and different beaches to explore. There are roadside stands selling banana bread and snacks, plus endless lush scenery. And while the drive is called the Road to Hana, Hana isn’t technically the final destination for many. In fact, a handful of the best stops on the Road to Hana are after the town of Hana itself.
It’s an full day adventure driving the Road to Hana. But for those who love road trips, seeing as much as possible, and exploring outside of resort areas, it will likely be a highlight of your trip to Maui!
How long does the Road to Hana take?
From where we’ll suggest to start the Road to Hana, to where we’ll suggest to end, the drive is around 2.5 hours one way. This does not include the time it takes to get to this starting point from your lodging, all of the stops you’ll make, any traffic, or the drive back.
When we have done the Road to Hana, it has typically been a 12-15 hour adventure. We always leave before sunrise so that we officially start the drive as the sun is rising. And then we typically return to our lodging in the dark.
We won’t lie, it’s a crazy long day and not for everyone. If the thought of spending that much time driving around doesn’t appeal to you, you can stay the night in Hana. We did this on our most recent visit and loved it! Not only did we have more time at each stop, but we were able to have a different schedule than most other travelers, giving us many places to ourselves the morning of day 2. We will share lodging options, including where we stayed, a bit later in this Road to Hana guide!
Another way to reduce your driving time in one day is to skip stops or not drive the entire way. However, as we mentioned above, some of the best Road to Hana stops are after the town of Hana, towards the end of the drive.
What type of vehicle do you need?
The official part of the Road to Hana is fully paved, so no special vehicle is needed. However, we do suggest renting a smaller vehicle, like a car or small SUV. With the narrow and windy road at times, plus limited parking in some spots, a super large vehicle like a big truck or van will be a tad more difficult. But it’s still totally doable–many tour groups and locals drive these larger vehicles.
While a sedan or hatchback is likely the cheapest option, if you want to drive in style, rent a convertible or jeep! It’s extra fun with the wind blowing in your hair. However, keep in mind that you will likely experience rain on the drive, so be prepared to put the top back on at any given moment. Plus, for safety reasons, we especially wouldn’t leave any belongings in an open convertible or Jeep.
Don’t want to drive? Take a tour!
If you don’t feel comfortable making this drive yourself, you can book a tour! The biggest downside is that you will have little flexibility and won’t let you choose the stops, so you may miss out on some of the places we recommend in this Road to Hana guide. However, the day will be a bit more relaxing for you! Here are a handful of tours to consider:
Maui: Famous Road to Hana Waterfalls and Lunch by Mercedes Van
Maui: Road to Hana Deluxe Rainforest and Waterfall Experience
Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup & Lunch
Ultimate Road to Hana Adventure (includes the Pipiwai Trail!)
Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Join Tripadvisor Rewards to earn 5% Trip Cash on any hotel or experience booking made in their app, which can be applied to future in-app bookings!
The Best Stops on the Road to Hana
While there are many stops you can make, we’re sharing the 20+ best stops on the Road to Hana that we have loved during our three times driving the road. You could likely squeeze in most of these spots in one day (depending on the sunrise and sunset times). However, it would be a bit jam packed and you wouldn’t have much time at each spot. While we typically love busy days on our vacations, the Road to Hana is best explored at a more carefree pace. Especially in case it rains, there is a traffic jam, or you decide to stop at something you didn’t plan.
We’ve listed each stop below in order of when you’ll find it along the drive. Each stop includes a link to Google Maps, how long it should take, and any costs to visit. Plus some tips if you’re short on time, such as if you should prioritize the stop, skip it, or any ways to make the stop shorter.
We’d suggest picking 5-8 stops you really want to make. And then if you have any time on the drive back, you can add in stops you missed before. No matter which stops you make, you’ll get to see a beautiful and lush side of the island of Maui, enjoy local treats. So it will be a fun day!
1. Ho’okipa Lookout
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 15-30 minutes. If you do plan to visit this stop, you’ll need to get here at sunrise in order to have enough time for rest of the stops in this Road to Hana guide.
Cost: Free!
The Ho’okipa Lookout is an incredible first stop on the Road to Hana overlooking Ho’okipa Beach. Not only are the views of the island amazing from here, but it’s also a popular spot for windsurfers and surfers. It is so much fun to watch them! While here, keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles on the beach. During our most recent visit, we saw 5+ sea turtles laying out on the beach, including one scooting back into the ocean. If you do see one, give them lots of space (minimum 10 feet).
Short on time? Skip this stop and visit it on another day of your trip. You can pair it with the town of Paia, which is our favorite town on the island!
2. Jaws Country Store
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 15-45 minutes
Cost: $10-$15/person
Need a quick coffee or breakfast before the Road to Hana? Or maybe just some snacks for the day? Jaws Country Store is a super cute little shop at the beginning of the Road to Hana. There’s coffee, breakfast and lunch items, smoothies, snacks, and items you may have forgotten for the day (like sunscreen).
The inside of the store is more of the shop, while outside on the right side of the building is where you can order food. They have a great outdoor seating area as well!
Jaws Country Store opens at 7 AM, so we’d recommend getting there close to when they open so you have a shorter wait and can get back on the road.
Short on time? If you are running behind or have already eaten, we’d suggest skipping this stop or just grabbing a quick coffee.
3. Twin Falls
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 1-2 hours depending on how far you go
Cost: $10 for parking, $5-$10 for treats
Twin Falls is located just down the road from Jaws Country Store. It is home to a fruit stand and waterfalls and is easily one of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana!
Along the trail you will see a couple smaller waterfalls, with the chance to continue onto Caveman Falls. This waterfall is the most impressive and has a fun swimming hole! However, sometimes the trail to Caveman Falls is closed, so keep this in mind when paying.
Once you’re back at the fruit stand, make sure to grab a fresh coconut and some coconut candy! We love munching on coconut candy as we drive the Road to Hana. The fruit stand takes credit cards and opens at 8 AM, but you can access the falls starting at 7 AM.
Short on time? If you’re arriving later than 8:30 AM, you may want to skip this stop. While the falls are neat, there are other stops on the Road to Hana that we enjoy more (plus are free). But if you arrive early enough, we have always enjoyed the scenery and treats here!
Since Twin Falls is not far from Paia town, you could also come back and experience the falls another day during your trip when you have more time!
4. Garden of Eden Arboretum
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 30 minutes-1 hour (Opens at 8 AM)
Cost: $20 per person
The Garden of Eden Arboretum is a beautiful 26 acre garden located towards the beginning of the Road to Hana. It is home to countless plants and fruit trees, many birds (including peacocks!), ocean views, small waterfalls, and even the rock from the opening scene of Jurassic Park! We visited during our first time on the Road to Hana and enjoyed it. The grounds are very well maintained and the mix of things you get to see makes it a fun stop!
Short on time? While we did enjoy the Garden of Eden, the admission fee is a bit steep. If your goal is to see Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, we’d suggest skipping this and going to the next stop instead.
5. Kaumahina State Wayside
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 5-10 minutes
Cost: Free!
Along the Road to Hana you will find a handful of state waysides. These often have a scenic viewpoint, plus other services, like trash cans and restrooms. The Kaumahina State Wayside is the first one you’ll come across and has a nice view of the ocean and coastline. We recommend making a quick stop here, especially as there are not a ton of spots to see the ocean views from above along the drive. Plus it’s a good spot for a restroom break!
However, don’t fully rely on this stop. Despite online stating it is open during daylight hours, when we drove by in the morning, the gate was closed. It was open the next day in the afternoon when we passed it again.
Short on time? This stop is super quick and worth it for the restroom stop alone (your next chance will be on the Ke’anae Peninsula). But if you do not need to use the restroom, you could skip this. There are some great ocean views ahead!
6. Honomanu Bay Overlook
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 5 minutes
Cost: Free!
As you make your way towards the Ke’anae Peninsula you will start to have some beautiful views of the lush cliffs and the ocean. But as we mentioned above, there unfortunately aren’t a ton of spots to pull over to see these ocean views.
However, if you go to the spot linked in the Google Maps link above, you will find a small pullout on the left side of the road where you can view the coastline you just drove, plus see a bit of Honomanu Bay. This bay is accessible by vehicle, but requires a rough drive down (high clearance recommended) and is more of a locals spot. So we chose to view it from up here instead.
Short on time? If you are running behind or there isn’t any parking, it’s totally fine to skip this spot. While it’s a cool view, there are better ones ahead.
7. Rainbow Eucalyptus trees at the Ke’anae Arboretum
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 30 minutes
Cost: Free!
One surprise stop we didn’t plan on during our second trip on the Road to Hana was the Ke’anae Arboretum. This FREE park is home to a variety of Hawaiian plants, but is most famous for its collection of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees. These magnificent trees shed their bark at different times, revealing vibrant streaks of green, yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue on their trunks. The effect is a stunning, natural “painted” appearance that changes over time. They look like a work of art!
This stop is super easy to miss, especially because the entrance is on a curve. So make sure you’re paying attention! The parking area is very small and is just a pull off on the side of the road. After parking, you’ll cross the road, enter a gate, and walk down a paved road into the arboretum.
While there are many different types of plants to see here, if you just want to see the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, it’s a relatively quick stop. We spent a few minutes snapping photos of the trees before heading back up to the car. Just be warned, the mosquitoes were pretty awful here!
Short on time? We really enjoy this stop, especially as a free alternative to the Garden of Eden. However, if you got a late start, we’d suggest skipping it. Some of the best stops are up ahead and you won’t want to miss them!
8. Ke’anae Peninsula
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 30 minutes
Cost: Free!
Just down the road from the Ke’anae Arboretum, on the left side, is one of our absolute favorite stops on the Road to Hana, the Ke’anae Peninsula!
This half mile long peninsula is home to a small village known for taro production. One of its most iconic landmarks is a stone church, which was built in 1856 and is the only building that survived the tsunami of 1946. We love coming here to admire the mountain views, vibrant blue water, plus rugged terrain and jagged rocks, which are from lava flows from Haleakalā. Most days, the waves are pretty gnarly here, which is very fun to watch as they crash on the lava rock.
There are two main viewpoints to enjoy the coastal and mountain views, one at the beginning of the peninsula and one at the end of the peninsula. At the end of the peninsula you can also find a public restroom, plus locals selling delicious mac nut brittle!
Short on time? You can cut down some time on the Ke’anae Peninsula by just staying in the car. But this is one of our must-see stops on the Road to Hana, so don’t miss it!
9. Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 15-20 minutes, depending on when the next batch is ready!
Cost: $9.55 per loaf (As of May 2026)
Banana bread is one of our favorite treats to have while on the Road to Hana and Aunty Sandy’s is one of the best! While listed after the Ke’anae Peninsula on our list, Aunty Sandy’s is actually located on the Ke’anae Peninsula, between the two viewpoints we mentioned above.
Their homemade banana bread comes out hot and fresh from the oven and is perfectly dense, moist, and lightly sweet (tip: add their whipped butter as well!). There is sometimes a little bit of a wait, depending on when the next batch of banana bread is ready, so make sure to allot enough time. You also will need to take it to-go, as there is no seating. We like to take it to the first viewpoint on the peninsula and enjoy it there.
They also sell smoothies, hot dogs, and snacks, but we’d suggest just grabbing banana bread here and waiting for other stops for lunch.
Short on time? This is one of the best stops on the Road to Hana! We recommend eating the banana bread right away when it’s hot and fresh, but you could also save it for a snack later.
10. Wailua Valley State Wayside
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 5 minutes to see the views
Cost: Free!
This very small pull off has a handful of parking spots and a staircase that leads you to an overlook of the ocean and also the Wailua Valley (with a tall waterfall in the distance). It’s a beautiful view! However, this stop is super easy to miss, so make sure to plug it into your GPS. Important note: Unlike the other state waysides, this one does not have a toilet.
Short on time? If you’re able to stop here and there is room to park, a great quick stop to stretch your legs! But if you have to skip it, don’t worry, there are many amazing stops ahead on the Road to Hana! And you could always try to stop on your way back.
11. Upper Waikani Falls
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 5 minutes to just stop and see the falls
Cost: Free!
Upper Waikani Falls, also known as Three Bears, is a super quick stop on the side of the road with three waterfalls right next to each other, two which flow a bit more, and one (the baby bear) that flows a little less. If it has rained a lot, the waterfalls can turn into one giant waterfall!
As you approach the bridge and falls, you’ll notice a very small pull off spot that can maybe fit one car. But if you keep going over the bridge and up the road, you’ll find a pull off on the left side of the road that you can park on and walk down to the bridge to view the falls. Be very careful if you do this, as you will have to walk on the road. Do not just stop your car in the road to take photos, as you’ll hold up traffic in both directions.
Short on time? Seeing the waterfalls is super quick and we recommend making this stop if you can find a place to park! You can also just see them from the car if you don’t want to stop.
12. Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 5-10 minutes to just stop and see the falls, longer if you want to swim
Cost: Free!
While there are many amazing waterfalls along the Road to Hana, most of the waterfalls along the road do not allow swimming. However, Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside is one of two spots where you can, along with Twin Falls. However, unlike Twin Falls, which has a fee to visit, this spot is free!
There are multiple waterfalls you can see on just a super short walk from the road and parking area. We saw people jumping and swimming at both waterfalls, but one thing to keep in mind is that sometimes there are high levels of bacteria (leptospirosis) in the water. So we’d suggest not swimming if you have any open cuts, plus not dunking your head.
This is also a good spot to use the restroom, plus throw away any trash!
Short on time? Since this is such a quick stop and a chance to see some waterfalls a bit closer, we’d suggest making the stop!
13. Coconut Glen’s
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 15-30 minutes
Cost: $8-$11 per person
If there is one food stop you have to make on the Road to Hana, it’s Coconut Glen’s. The owner Glen started by selling coconuts on the side of the road in the early 2000s, giving him the nickname Coconut Glen. This eventually led to him opening an ice cream stand with coconut milk ice cream. Sadly Glen passed away a little over a year ago, but thankfully, his legacy is living on.
We first visited this ice cream spot in 2014 on our first drive along the Road to Hana and it’s become a must-do stop for us ever since! Over the years we have seen the place evolve from an open air stand to a colorful bus. And the ice cream has consistently been delicious…even if you aren’t vegan! Their flavors rotate, but we recommend their original coconut flavor (with chunks of coconut inside!) and their lilikoi (passionfruit).
Short on time? This is one of our top stops on the Road to Hana…so don’t miss it!
14. Hana Lava Tube (Temporarily Closed)
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 30 minutes
Cost: $15.50 per person (cash only!)
While you have likely seen evidence of Maui’s volcanic activity all around the island, one of the coolest ways to experience it is to visit the Hana Lava Tube. A 1/3 mile long portion of the lava tube is open to visitors and after paying your admission and getting a flashlight, you’re able to explore it on your own!
Sadly we never got to visit this stop ourselves, but we have visited lava tubes on other Hawaiian Islands, plus on the mainland, and they are always SO fun to see. So we know this would be worth the stop!
Unfortunately, as of May 2026, the lava tube is currently closed for an archeological survey. According to responses from the owner on Google Maps, it is unclear when it will open again, but they are trying hard to get it back open.
15. Hana Farms
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 1 hour
Cost: $25+ per pizza
The Road to Hana has some surprisingly great food choices, despite its remote location. And one of our favorite food stops along the drive is Hana Farms!
This is a beautiful 7 acre farm, full of lush plants and flowers, that has a roadside stand selling local produce and goods, plus a bakery and restaurant with pizza. We stopped here on our most recent drive on the Road to Hana for lunch and loved it! Their Ulu and Pesto pizza was especially delicious and unique, with a wine infused ulu (breadfruit). It was our first time trying ulu and we loved it! The texture is similar to a potato.
While here, make sure to grab some of their fresh banana bread as well! You can get either a loaf straight out of the oven or a slightly older one. We got their fresh loaf, but didn’t eat it until the next day. And it was still delicious! They have a variety of flavors to choose from, but we loved their pineapple banana bread.
Short on time? It did take us a bit of time to get our pizza here, so if you want a super quick bite to eat, you may want to visit stop #17 (Órale Taco) instead!
16. Wai’anapanapa State Park
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 30 minutes-2 hours
Cost: Free for Hawaii residents, $5 per person entrance fee for non-residents, as well as a $10 parking fee. You must make a timed entry reservation to enter!
Another one of our favorite Road to Hana stops is Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Waiʻānapanapa means “glistening waters,” which refers to nearby fresh water streams. But it’s most famous for its black sand beach (Pa’iloa Beach), which is a result of the island’s volcanic activity. Many centuries ago, lava flowed from Haleakala down to the Pacific Ocean. The molten rock cooled and cracked when hitting the cold water, and over time has eroded into black sand and pebbles. And the contrast between the black, volcanic terrain, lush green vegetation, and vibrant blue water is absolutely striking!
There is one main beach area to explore here, as well as a smaller beach, multiple overlooks, tons of lava rock, and a sea arch. All of these spots are very easy to access!
What time should you make your reservation for? You have a couple options. For the least amount of crowds and to not have to rush to make your time slot, you could go first thing in the morning. Afterwards, you could drive west to finish the final stops and then hit up the earlier stops on your way back. Or if you want to complete all of the stops in order, you could visit mid afternoon. Just remember that there are still other spots we suggest visiting after this!
Sea Cave
As soon as you get on the black sand beach, look to your right and you should see an opening in the rocks. Enter this opening and after a few seconds you’ll see the opening on the other end, which is out to the ocean!
Also, be sure to check out the blowhole. It can be found when walking east on the paved path from the overlook. Be careful when viewing blowholes too up close because even if the ocean looks calm, it can blow at any moment without notice.
Trails
There are two trails you can hike here. They both are part of the King’s Trail, an ancient footpath that connected Maui. There are many Hawaiian cultural sites all along this trail. Please be respectful of signed and unsigned man made sites. Do not touch or move any stones.
First, you can go right (when facing the ocean) along this trail. The views are gorgeous the entire way. You will pass Hawaiian cultural sites and it gets a bit more rugged the further you go so feel free to turn around whenever you’d like.
There is also another beautiful coastal trail that you can access by going to the left once you’re on the black sand beach. This trail will take you along the rugged, lava rock cliffs, burial sites, and coves. Plus to Pukaula Point, which is a sacred site with burial mounds. Due to time constraints, we just walked a little bit of it, but if you have time, definitely check it out!
Short on time? This is one of the best stops on the Road to Hana! Even if this is as far as you’re able to drive, it’s worth it to see the black sand. If you’re in a hurry, checking out the beach really quickly is worth making the stop, but if you have 1-2 hours to spend, we recommend checking out the caves and walking part of the trail too!
17. Órale Taco
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 30-45 minutes
Cost: Varies on what menu item you order. Expect to spend $15-$20 per person.
Another food spot we love in Hana is Órale Taco! This bright blue taco truck has some delicious tacos, burritos, crunchwraps, and fun drinks (like ube horchata).
The tacos are covered in a delicious chipotle sauce and have a variety of meat options. Our top picks are the steak or garlic shrimp. However, our favorite item was the crunchwrap, which is loaded with ingredients and has a crispy cheese skirt on the bottom. It’s a great amount of food for the money. Plus, crunchwraps are just fun to eat!
Short on time? This is one of the best quick lunch spots. We got there right when they opened and got our food super quickly! But if you arrive during a rush, it may take a bit longer. However, it likely will be a quicker stop than Hana Farms.
18. Koki Beach
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 10 minutes to just see the beach, since it does require a detour along the highway. Plan for longer if you want to hang out!
Cost: Free!
Koki Beach Park is home to one of the few red sand beaches on Maui and in the world! The beach was formed from the erosion of the Ka Iwi O Pele cinder cone, which gives some parts of the sand a unique, deep crimson color. This cinder cone is a significant site in Hawaiian mythology, as it is where Pele (fire goddess) battled her older sister Nāmakaokahaʻi (sea goddess) and lost. In fact, Ka Iwi O Pele means “the bones of Pele.”
This beach isn’t huge, but during our visit it was pretty empty, giving us lots of space to hang out. There are many trees that offer shade, which we very much appreciated on a sunny day. Just be careful getting near the water here, there are signs warning you not to swim, as the waves can be pretty gnarly.
If you get hungry while here, grab a bite to eat at Huli Huli Chicken. Or head up the road to Órale Taco!
Note: If you have seen photos of a red sand beach on the Road to Hana, it was likely not this one. There is a more famous one nearby that we have visited in the past, but the legality of visiting is confusing and we found the trail to be a bit dangerous. So we would recommend visiting this one instead!
Short on time? Since seeing the beach is super quick (although down a side road), we suggest at least swinging by to see it.
19. Hamoa Beach
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: This can be a quick photo stop or longer depending on if you want to lay out
Cost: Free!
Located just up the road from Koki Beach is a gorgeous 100 feet x 1000 feet long crescent shaped beach known as Hamoa Beach. It is one of the best beaches to lay out along the Road to Hana. Plus play in the waves!
When we visited, it was rainy out, so the beach was a bit dark and gloomy, but from the photos we have seen online (shown above!), it looks gorgeous on a sunny day!
Short on time? If you’re running behind or it’s rainy, we’d suggest skipping this beach. You could also visit on your way back, as there are still a couple must-visit stops ahead!
20. Wailua Falls
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 5 minutes
Cost: Free!
Wailua Falls is a beautiful 80 foot waterfall off the side of the road. It’s the best waterfall along the drive itself! And unlike many waterfalls, which have little to no parking, there is a small lot here that can fit 10-15 vehicles. After parking, you can walk onto the bridge to get a closer look of the falls. Or even hike down a short path (to the right of the bridge) to see the falls closer.
Short on time? This is definitely one of our favorite stops along the Road to Hana! However, if you cannot get a parking spot, we suggest saving it for the drive back. Our next suggested stop has an incredible waterfall that will make up for missing this one!
21. Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 2.5-3 hours
Cost: $30 admission fee to enter Haleakalā National Park, unless you have the America the Beautiful Pass. This fee lasts for 3 days, so make sure to plan your Haleakala Summit visit within 3 days of the Road to Hana to avoid paying twice!
Towards the end of the Road to Hana, you’ll reach the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. Yes the same Haleakalā as the summit you may have ventured to during your trip!). Unlike the summit of Haleakalā, this area of the park is lush, green, and located on the ocean.
And in this area of the park lies one of our favorite stops on the Road to Hana, the Pipiwai Trail. This 3.6 mile hike takes you past a massive Banyan Tree, along streams and waterfalls, and to an epic bamboo forest, before ending at a viewpoint of the 400 foot tall Waimoku Falls. It packs quite the punch for its relatively short distance!
To learn more about this hike and what to expect along the way, check out our detailed guide to hiking the Pipiwai Trail.
Short on time? This hike is a must-do in our opinion. It’s easily our favorite overall experience along the Road to Hana, so we’d heavily prioritize it!
22. ‘Ohe’o Gulch
Location: Google Maps
Length of stop: 30 minutes
Cost: $30 admission fee to enter Haleakalā National Park, unless you have the America the Beautiful Pass. This fee lasts for 3 days, so make sure to plan your Haleakala Summit visit within 3 days of the Road to Hana to avoid paying twice!
Also located in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park is the ‘Ohe’o Gulch. Which is home to several tiered pools with waterfalls, surrounded by lava rock and lush plants, all leading out to the ocean. In the past, you could swim here, but it is now forbidden. Please obey the signage and do not go down to the pools.
Even though you cannot swim here anymore, there are multiple vantage points to see the pools, waterfall, and coastline. Which is still very worth it! To get to these viewpoints, it’s a short walk along an interpretive trail from the visitor center. You also can access it from a turnoff on the Pipiwai Trail, which makes it a great add-on to that hike.
Short on time? This is such a quick add on from the Pipiwai Trail that we highly suggest stopping by.
The drive back from the Road to Hana
The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park marks the end of the official Road to Hana. Once reaching here, you will want to begin your drive back to Paia. And while there is a backside to the Road to Hana (continuing west from the Kīpahulu District), it is more of a local route and can be a bit rugged of a drive. Because of its conditions, it is often not allowed by rental car companies.
We personally suggest driving back the same way you came, which is what we have always done. This allows you to visit any stops you missed on the way down. It will take you about 2.5 hours to reach Paia after your final stop (assuming it’s the Pipiwai Trail or the ‘Ohe’o Gulch).
Once you reach Paia, we highly recommend grabbing dinner at Paia Fish Market. It’s one of our favorite restaurants on the island! Another popular spot to eat in Paia is Flatbread Company.
Staying the night in Hana
While most people complete the Road to Hana as a day trip, you can also stay the night in Hana! We finally did this on our third trip along the Road to Hana and highly recommend it if your schedule allows.
However, we will say, lodging can be a bit pricey in the area and there aren’t a ton of options. So make sure to plan ahead. Here are a handful of options you can consider staying at!
Hotels
- Hana-Maui Resort: A luxury resort located along the water in Hana
- Hana Kai Maui: A hotel with different condos that you can rent by owner
- Heavenly Hana Paradise: A very small, two room hotel, which feels more like a vacation rental.
Vacation Rentals
Cabins
During our visit, we stayed in a cabin at Wai’anapanapa State Park. There are 12 different cabins to choose from, all of which have multiple sets of bunk beds, a kitchen (fridge, sink, microwave, hot plate), a bathroom with a toilet and shower, and a lanai and charcoal grill. It’s very bare bones and the only thing they provide is toilet paper. So you will need to bring bedding, towels, cooking supplies, etc.
These cabins are $100 per night for non Hawaii residents, but there is a two night minimum to stay here. Unless only one night is available. We lucked out and snagged a one night only reservation for Cabin #1!
It was a fun place to stay for the night and gave us access to the black sand beach without a reservation. To see our full experience at the cabin, what to bring, and other important details, check out our detailed guide!
Camping
Camping is the most affordable way to stay along the Road to Hana. Wai’anapanapa State Park not only has cabins, but also tent and campervan campsites! The Kīpahulu Campground located at Haleakalā National Park is another option. It’s located right by the Pipiwai Trail, giving you easy access the next morning.
Our 2 Day Road to Hana Itinerary
If you want to visit the Road to Hana over 2 days, like we did, here’s our exact itinerary!
Day 1
- Got to the Ho’okipa Lookout right around sunrise. We ended up spending an hour here watching the surfers and sea turtles.
- Drove to the Ke’anae Arboretum and saw the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees.
- Checked out the different viewpoints at the Ke’anae Peninsula, plus got banana bread at Aunty Sandys. We spent quite a bit of time here since we weren’t in a rush.
- Made a quick stop at the Wailua Valley State Wayside and the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside.
- Enjoyed ice cream at Coconut Glen’s.
- Grabbed lunch at Hana Farms. We made sure to get extra for dinner that evening.
- Checked into our cabin at Wai’anapanapa State Park around 3 PM. And then headed to the black sand beach area for a couple hours!
- Got back to our cabin and ate our leftover pizza, played games, and relaxed a bit.
Day 2
- Left our cabin at Wai’anapanapa State Park just before sunrise.
- Made a quick stop at Wailua Falls.
- Hiked the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls, plus added on ‘Ohe’o Gulch.
- Hung out at Koki Beach.
- Grabbed lunch at Órale Taco.
- Made the 2 hour drive back to Paia. We got back around 3 PM!
Road to Hana driving etiquette
Before hitting the road, it’s very important that you understand how to be a responsible visitor along the Road to Hana. This is not only a daily commute for many locals, but is also a special, untouched area of the island that deserves to be treated with respect.
Let locals pass
With the curvy roads and beautiful sights, we totally get that you may want to move at a slower pace. But please let the locals pass! You will likely have a local or two tailgating you along this drive. If this happens, find a safe spot to move over so they can pass you.
Also, if you’re driving really slow, let other tourists pass as well.
Obey all signage
Many areas along the Road to Hana are private property. Make sure to obey all no trespassing signs and no parking signs. Stick to the spots we listed on this Road to Hana guide, as they are all legal for tourists.
Honk around blind curves
There are quite a few blind curves along the Road to Hana. We suggest lightly tapping your horn to let people coming the other way know you’re there. Some locals drive very fast around the corners. 😅
Do not stop in the road
Some of the views and waterfalls along the Road to Hana do not have parking spots to enjoy them. But whatever you do, please do not stop in the road to see or snap a photo of something. If you cannot safely and legally pull over, just keep moving.
Take your trash with you
Help keep Hawaii beautiful and please NEVER litter. You will find some trash cans at the state waysides and the state and national park, so please dispose of trash there.
Tips for driving the Road to Hana
Listen to GuideAlong
We’d suggest downloading the GuideAlong – Road to Hana audio tour to navigate you on the road. We have used it every single time we’ve driven the road! The narrator (who is awesome!) shares tons of information, stories, and tips as you drive. And one of the best parts is that you don’t need cell service, it will autoplay based on your GPS position.
While you can just get a Road to Hana audio tour, you could get the Maui Bundle, or Hawaii Bundle to save money and learn even more during your Hawaii travels!
Fuel up beforehand
While there is a gas station in Hana, it will be pricier, so make sure to fuel up in advance. Kahului has a Costco gas station (if you’re a member), plus many other gas stations.
Get an early start
Driving the Road to Hana is an all day event, so make sure to get an early start. This is not only to have enough daylight, but to help beat the crowds and tour buses at the popular stops.
We always start the drive in the dark from wherever we are staying on Maui. We try to hit the actual Road to Hana right around sunrise. This has given us enough time to drive the entire road, make a bunch of stops, and avoid driving in the dark.
Understand the road conditions
The Road to Hana is a windy, narrow, and hilly road. If you get car sick easily, the Road to Hana may not be a ton of fun for you. We’d suggest taking some Dramamine or ginger beforehand to help with any sickness or consider skipping the Road to Hana.
Also, if you really hate road trips or driving, you may not enjoy the drive and we’d suggest skipping it or going on a tour.
Download offline Google Maps
Even though the GuideAlong app will take you to many of the best stops on the Road to Hana, we suggest also downloading offline Google Maps so you can see how far you have until the next stop and to ensure you don’t miss any turns.
Be flexible
It’s impossible to see everything that we’ve included on this Road to Hana guide in one day. So being flexible is key! This is especially important as you may get stuck in a rain storm, decide to make unplanned stops, take longer at a stop than planned, or come across a traffic jam.
During our first time driving the Road to Hana, we got stuck in a traffic jam for 30 minutes. There was some construction going on and we couldn’t move. Some people thought they closed the road (which wasn’t the case) and they turned around. But we stuck it out and got back on the road eventually.
Hide valuables
Car break-ins are somewhat common on Maui and have occurred along the Road to Hana. While we haven’t ever had any issues, we suggest bringing only what you need for the drive, leaving nothing in the car during stops, and storing any extra luggage at your hotel.
If you’re staying the night in Hana, you can ask your hotel the night before if they’ll store your bags, if you’re returning to the same hotel after. Or you can store your bags at Island Locker Life in Kahului, which is what we did! We used Island Locker Life multiple times during our trip and our bags were always safe!
Be aware of reservations and hours
If you want to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park you will need to make a reservation in advance! Some timeslots sell out, so plan ahead! We also suggest making lodging reservations as far in advance as possible.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not every restaurant is open 7 days a week or all day. So make sure to check hours so you can time your visit accordingly!
What to pack for the Road to Hana
Snacks
While there are many food options along the Road to Hana, we suggest bringing some snacks just in case something is closed or you get hungry before you can stop. If you need any snack ideas, these are some of our favorites.
Water
Maui is very warm and humid, so staying hydrated is key! Make sure to hit the road with plenty of water on you, to avoid having to buy water on the road. We suggest packing a reusable water bottle or Camelbak bladder.
And since you’ll likely sweat a lot, we also recommend bringing some electrolytes. LMNT is our favorite! If you use this link, you get a free sample pack (8 packets!) with any order.
Sun protection
If you catch the Road to Hana on a nice day, you will get quite a bit of sun exposure. Make sure to bring a sun hoodie, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Adam wears KALIYADI sunglasses and Kathryn wears Ray-Bans.
Hiking shoes
Make sure to bring hiking shoes, preferably ones you don’t mind getting muddy. We love our Altra Lone Peaks (Adam’s and Kathryn’s), because they are lightweight, have good grip, and dry out fast if they get wet.
Rain jacket
There’s a very solid chance you’ll get rained on at least once along the Road to Hana. So make sure to pack a rain jacket (Adam’s, Kathryn’s)!
Swimming gear
If you plan to get into the water, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and towel! A beach chair is a nice perk as well.
Bug spray
One regret we had on our most recent Road to Hana road trip was not bringing bug spray. We got eaten alive at the Ke’anae Arboretum. So make sure to either pick up some spray before hitting the road or buy some before your trip.
Reservation screenshots
If you have any reservations, make sure to screenshot your confirmations, in case you run into any issues. We had zero cell service on the drive, minus in a small area of Hana.
America the Beautiful Pass
If you’re visiting Haleakalā National Park and have the America the Beautiful Pass, make sure to bring it!
Offline Maps
Not only should you download offline Google Maps, but we suggest downloading offline AllTrails maps. That way you can ensure you do not get lost on any hikes. To do so, you will need an AllTrails Plus membership. Use our code aplusk30 for 30% off!
Phone charger
Make sure to have a phone charger that can work in your rental car. Many rental cars use USB-C chargers now, so we unfortunately had to go buy a new cord when we got on the island.
Cash
We found that most roadside stands took credit cards, but just in case, make sure to carry cash!
Need more ideas for your Maui trip?
- 5 Days on Maui itinerary
- 30+ Incredible Things to Do on Maui, Hawaii
- Staying at the Wai’anapanapa State Park cabins: What to expect & pack!
- 9 fun things to do at Haleakalā National Park on Maui
- How to visit Haleakalā National Park at sunrise: Everything to know!
- 14 Must-Visit Beaches on Maui
- Our Top 20 Maui Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
- The Ultimate Maui Packing List (with downloadable list!)
- 45+ Delicious Places to Eat on Maui, Hawaii
- Watch our Hawaii videos
- Read all of our Hawaii travel guides
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