Documenting Lovely Moments
Our Road To Hana Maui Adventure: Best Stops And Tips
The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most iconic drives, and for good reason. We didn’t try to see everything. Instead, we picked and chose the stops that looked most interesting to us, taking our time to explore, grab snacks, and stretch our legs along the way. So here’s a look at our favorite stops from the road trip as well as some useful tips you need to know if you’re planning a road trip to Hana.
Tips and What You Need to Know
The Road to Hana is beautiful, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you go.
- The drive is long and winding, with lots of one-lane bridges and sharp turns, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. Start early to beat traffic and have plenty of daylight.
- Cell service is spotty, so don’t rely on GPS for every turn. Having a map or downloaded directions helps.
- Gas stations are limited along the way, so fill up before you start. The Road to Hana officially starts in the town of Paia. This will be mile marker 0 on Route 36/Hana Highway. Get gas here because we did not see a gas station after this point. Bathrooms are also scarce, so plan your stops.
- Weather can change quickly in Maui’s rainforest areas, so pack a light rain jacket just in case.
- Plan your must-see stops, but don’t be afraid to pull over whenever something catches your eye. Don’t try to see everything. A few great stops are better than rushing.
Our Favorite Stops
The Road to Hana isn’t really about getting to Hana. It’s about slowing down and soaking in all the beautiful stops along the way, from waterfalls and hiking trails to stunning beaches and scenic views. It’s impossible to do it all in one drive without rushing, so these are our top picks.
1. Ho’okipa Beach
Our first stop was Hookipa Beach. Even in the early morning, a few surfers were already catching waves. We parked in the lot and walked to the viewpoint to watch the action while finishing our morning coffee.
2. Ke’enae Arboretum
We skipped the Garden of Eden and chose this peaceful, free Ke’enae Arboretum instead. Parking is on the street, and a short walk takes you past colorful eucalyptus trees and lush tropical plants.
3. Ke’enae Peninsula
Just down the road from the arboretum, we stopped at Ke‘enae Peninsula. There were plenty of parking spots, and we walked closer to watch and hear the waves smashing against the volcanic rocks.
4. Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread
A stop at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread on the Ke‘anae Peninsula was a must. Freshly baked, moist, and still warm, it was the perfect snack for the drive.
5. Pua‘a Ka‘a State Wayside Park
This was a convenient spot to stretch our legs. Picnic benches, restrooms, and a small waterfall made it perfect for a short break.
6. Halfway to Hana
Of course we had to stop for a photo with the iconic sign! You can also grab snacks and drinks here if you need a quick refuel.
7. Hana
We rolled into town and snapped a pic at the “Welcome to Hana” sign. It’s a charming little town with a relaxed vibe. Technically this is the end of the road trip, but we drove a little further to see a few places past this town.
8. Wailua Falls
A very doable short hike from the road brought us to this stunning waterfall. It’s not too far from Hana, and we recommend checking it out. The views are worth it, but be careful on the path, it can be slippery.
9. Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is part of Haleakala National Park, and we were able to use our America the Beautiful pass for entry. We passed some waterfalls, a massive banyan tree, and eventually into the bamboo forest, which was easily one of the highlights of the day.
10. Koki Beach
The red sand here is unlike anywhere else. There was a local stand serving huli huli chicken, which tasted so good after a long road trip.
PS: Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach
Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is one of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana. We decided to skip it due to time constraints and because we already planned to visit a black sand beach on Hawaii’s Big Island later in our trip. If you do plan to stop here, keep in mind that reservations are required through the Hawai‘i State Parks website to enter the park and access the beach.
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