The world-famous road to Hana is one of the must-do experiences when visiting Maui. It can be overwhelming planning what to see on this iconic road trip when you have limited time. Thus, we’ve rounded up all the road to Hana stops that we did on Maui’s epic coastal drive. You don’t have to see everything (unless you have the time) so we are here to help you choose the top stops you must make.
The Road to Hana, also known as The Hana Highway, takes you from the surf town of Paia to the peaceful town of Hana. It’s easy to find the best stops on the road to Hana, all you need to do is follow the mile markers. We have included the mile marker for each stop on the Hana Highway in this guide. It is a great addition to any Maui vacation.
The Road To Hana
Most people make a day trip out of the road to Hana drive, beginning in Paia in the morning, and spending the rest of the day working their way out to Hana Town while stopping along the way. However, we drove directly out to Hana before sunrise to explore Hana Town and its nearby attractions before making our way back slowly in the afternoon. This approach was the best decision we made. We avoided traffic and had many of the top stops on the Road to Hana all to ourselves.
The Hana Highway is one of the most popular day trips on Maui, so expect it to get very busy fast. Therefore, we recommend leaving early and driving directly to the Pools at O’he’o Gulch, a part of Haleakala National Park, which is about 30 minutes beyond Hana. Getting there early means you can beat the crowds and hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls in relative peace. Then, you can spend the day slowly making your way back to Paia.
Recommended Road To Hana Tours
Top Road to Hana Stops
Traffic on the road to Hana from Paia to Hana can be heavy and stop-and-go later in the day. By sightseeing in reverse order, you can enjoy the viewpoints and waterfalls at your own pace. Moreover, we found the views on the way back to be better than on the way out as we were on the right side of the road with unobstructed vistas!
Stock up Before you Leave Paia
Get your Maui self-guided tour to explore the top sites on Maui and check with CarRentals.com to compare car rental rates. Additionally, see our recommendations for places to stay in Maui at Where to Stay in Maui – The Best Hotels.
Hot Hana Highway Tip
Before heading out, make sure to grab some gourmet picnic lunches for your trip on the Road to Hana. The Hana Picnic Lunch Company prepares lunch and breakfast for your journey. Place your order by 2 pm the day before to set out early in the morning. There are picnic tables along the route where you can stop to enjoy extraordinary ocean views. Alternatively, you might grab some banana bread and a coffee before leaving and save lunch for when you arrive in Hana.
Note: Coffee shops and restaurants don’t open until 7 am, so if you want to pick up supplies for the day, we suggest doing it the night before and making coffee at your hotel.
1. Paia Town
Paia isn’t just a stop on the Hana Highway; it is a destination unto itself. Situated on the North Shore of Maui, there are countless things to do in Paia that will keep you engaged. We suggest spending a couple of nights enjoying this surfer’s town. Ho’okipa Beach Park is an excellent place to watch world-class surfers and windsurfers, while Baldwin Beach is a beautiful long sandy beach that is a must-visit.
Based in Paia, we stayed at the chic boutique hotel, the Paia Inn, where we woke early to head to Hana. After grabbing coffee at Paia Bay Coffee Bar and ordering a boxed lunch at CJ’s diner, we were on our way.
2. Haleakala National Park
As mentioned earlier, we drove directly to the end of the Road to Hana to kick off our road trip while going against the traffic flow.
The maps and guides typically list Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) as the last stop on the road to Hana, but we decided to chart our own course, so this was the first stop of our day.
Located 30 minutes beyond Hana at Mile Marker 42, this branch of Haleakala National Park is stunning. Upon arrival, you can hike the Pipiwai Trail to explore some of Maui’s most scenic spots. This beautiful section of the national park features a bamboo forest, the breathtaking 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls, the Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch), and the Haleakala volcano itself. Undoubtedly, this was the highlight of our road trip, and we spent the majority of the morning here.
Entry to Haleakala National Park costs $30 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the national park for three days, which includes the Haleakala Summit. Thus, you could enjoy a full day here and then visit Upcountry Maui to catch the sunrise at the Haleakala Summit the following day.
3. Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail is an easy, scenic trail. This four-mile hiking path is a beautiful experience that takes you through enormous Banyan trees and an expansive bamboo forest before arriving at the stunning Waimoku Falls. For hiking enthusiasts, ensure you check out our guide for the Top 12 Hikes in Maui for great suggestions around the island.
4. Bamboo Forest
The bamboo forest was a major highlight of the trail. We had never encountered such a pristine bamboo forest outside of Asia. Imported to Maui by Asian migrants working on pineapple farms to use as scaffolding, it features a boardwalk that cuts through the forest and surrounding trails putting you right in the center of this stunning scenery. Make sure to spend time here; it’s gorgeous and rare to see.
5. Waimoku Falls
At the trail’s end, you’ll find Waimoku Falls, a spectacular 400-foot cascade. It is perfect for photographs. We recommend sturdy water shoes or Tevas since you’ll encounter streams to cross. By arriving early, we were able to enjoy the waterfall views with just one other visitor. It was truly incredible.
Note: Please follow designated signs that prohibit getting too close to the falls. We have heard of accidents resulting in fatalities due to falling rocks in this area. While it looks safe enough, caution is paramount.
6. Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch)
The Seven Sacred Pools (also referred to as the Pools of ‘Ohe’o or Oheo Gulch) are one of Maui’s top attractions, located within the National Park. They can get very busy, so arriving early is advisable. This lovely cascading waterfall features a short loop trail of only 1 km.
Take note, the Seven Sacred Pools Trail often closes due to flooding, and there have been incidents of fatalities at Oheo Gulch, so adhere to all signs and regulations.
Once you finish exploring the National Park, it’s time to head back to Paia. We recommend stopping at as many scenic lookouts as possible during your return.
We enjoyed halting at numerous waterfalls and scenic spots on our way back and found driving in this direction to be quite rewarding for two reasons: first, we were on the right side of the road to take in the cliff views, and second, we were avoiding traffic until the evening.
7. Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is regarded as Maui’s most photographed waterfall, offering excellent opportunities for snaps. This accessible 80-foot cascade provides a lovely setting over a rocky jungle backdrop.
Wailua Falls is located at mile marker 45 on your return journey from the Pools of O’he’o. You can swim in the plunge pool beneath the falls.
8. Koki Beach Park
Koki Beach Park is a picturesque photo opportunity, featuring a fascinating mixture of red, black, and white sand. While it isn’t a safe swimming area due to strong currents, it offers lovely scenic views where you can set down your gourmet picnic lunch, originally packed from Paia.
The turn-off for Koki Beach is located at Mile Marker 51.
9. Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is that ideal crescent-shaped sandy beach that everyone dreams of. While the parking lot fills up quickly, you must walk down a set of stairs to reach the beach. Owned by Hana Maui Resort, you will share this beautiful destination with guests who have access to all the amenities. However, restrooms are open to the public. If you choose to spend the night in Hana, this is a delightful beach to visit.
Hamoa Beach is situated at Mile Marker 50. Be aware that the walk down is steep, so take caution if you have mobility issues.
10. Hana Town
Upon arriving in Hana Town (often referred to as heavenly Hana), it was time for us to eat. Hana radiates a “traditional Maui” vibe, reminiscent of a sleepy town one would expect in the Hawaiian Islands, much like Paia several decades ago.
If you opt to spend the night in or around Hana, it is a wonderful place to unwind. You can explore the cultural center, relax on the beach, or recharge at a spa. There is a picnic area where you can savor a meal while enjoying ocean views or dine at one of the numerous restaurants.
We grabbed snacks at the general store instead of opting for a sit-down lunch, as there was too much to see and we didn’t want to waste time eating. With our vehicle stocked with food again, we were set to continue our adventure. Whenever embarking on a road trip, having food on hand is essential.
11. Wai’anapanapa State Park
In summary, Wai’anapanapa State Park is the location for that classic photo of the Hana Highway. With beautiful scenic viewpoints and a black sand beach, it is a must-stop, at the very least, for photographs. There are various hiking trails, caves, and a blowhole available for exploration.
Here, you will encounter the Pa’iloa, the iconic black sand beach of Maui. A stairway provides access to the beach, allowing you to come face-to-face with the smooth black pebbles lining the shore.
Note: Wai’anapanapa State Park is situated just past Mile Marker 32 and requires reservations for entry.
12. Hana Lava Tube
This stop provides your chance to enter a lava tube if you’ve never done so before. The Hana Lava Tube was created by lava flowing to the sea over a two-year period. As the outer layer cooled, the lava continued to flow inside, forming a tube. Allocate around an hour for this visit. It is certainly one of the most underrated stops on the Hana Highway, where visitors can explore 0.3 miles of caverns, stalagmites, and lava tunnels independently.
- The Hana Lava Tube is located at Mile Marker 31, and the entrance fee is $15 per person for a self-guided tour. Restrooms are available here.
13. Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls
Two stops on the return journey that are positioned before reaching Hana are the Hanawi Falls and Upper Waikani Falls. While you can hike to see them, ensure you find a safe parking spot that does not block traffic.
The falls are located at Mile Markers 19 and 24 respectively.
Upper Waikani Falls
If you want to stop at waterfalls, there are 18 along the Hana Highway. Upper Waikani Falls is known as the Three Bears, featuring papa, mama, and baby bear waterfalls cascading at distinct lengths. You can swim here or merely relax on the boulders to appreciate one of Maui’s most celebrated waterfalls.
Hanawi Falls
Hanawi Falls can be viewed from the bridge over Hanawi Stream (one of the 80 bridges along the road to Hana). The 200-foot cascade of Hanawi Falls descends into the plunge pool below. The water here is cold, so this is not an ideal swimming location.
Nearby, you’ll find the Nahiku Marketplace, where you can enjoy coffee, tacos, sorbet, and other snacks under the shade.
14. Halfway to Hana Stand
The road to Hana is not overly long. If you leave early and drive directly, you can traverse it in 90 minutes. However, if you take your time, you may find yourself needing a rest stop and a small snack when you reach mile marker 17. Another great road trip in the US is 17 Mile Drive in California.
This quaint shop is known for its banana bread made from local bananas, as well as Maui’s favorite “shave ice,” ice cream, and various snack bar favorites. An ATM is available for those who are running low on cash. Furthermore, there is a small picnic area where you can enjoy your ice cream under the shade. If you want to try another delightful banana bread, check out Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, roughly 4 miles before reaching Halfway to Hana.
15. Ke’anae Arboretum
The great aspect of this stop on the Hana Highway is that it is free. The main attraction at the Ke’anae Arboretum is the rainbow eucalyptus trees. We found the Eucalyptus trees of Maui to be particularly captivating. Despite being an invasive species brought in from Asia, they stand out and deserve a photo-op. The short trail won’t take up too much time on your journey along the Hana Highway.
16. Honomanu Bay
If you seek another black sand beach, Honomanu Bay is an option. This location is not a popular stop on the Hana Highway, so you will find fewer crowds here, making it ideal for those wishing for peace.
Located at Mile Marker 14, Honomanu Bay features a lush coastline of Maui, where portions of Jurassic Park were filmed. We took a breathtaking helicopter shot of the coastline. This stop on the Hana Highway is worth it only if you have time, as you cannot drive down unless you own a 4X4 vehicle; hiking is necessary.
17. Garden of Eden Arboretum
While navigating the Hana Highway, it’s straightforward to discover the stops along the route, thanks to the mile markers lining the road. The Maui Garden of Eden is found at Mile Marker 10. The area has 2.5 miles of maintained walking trails, and you can view the Puohokamoa waterfalls from the Garden of Eden. This should take about an hour.
There is a $15 charge for entry into the Garden of Eden, but it is worth it if you want to experience the island’s lush flora. Don’t miss out on the ancient mango trees and delightful walking trails that wind through the meticulously maintained gardens.
18. Canyoning at Rappel Maui at Garden of Eden
If adventure beckons you in Maui, Rappel Maui is located within the Garden of Eden, offering full-day tours to rappel down Puohokamoa Waterfall. We can assure you that rappelling down a waterfall is an exhilarating experience!
19. Twin Falls
Twin Falls is yet another waterfall stop on the road to Hana. Comprising lower and upper falls, it is a short one-mile hike, making this an easily accessible waterfall for everyone. This is a great spot to take a dip in the pools. Although we didn’t swim during our visit, you certainly can. There is also a farm stand nearby where you can buy snacks and smoothies.
Twin Falls is located at mile marker 2. Parking can be limited to just 50 cars, so we recommend stopping here immediately upon leaving Paia, as there is a chance you won’t find a parking spot if you delay. Note that no parking is available along the road to Hana.
20. Ho’okipa Lookout
We already highlighted Ho’okipa Lookout as a noteworthy site in Paia. However, while navigating the Hana Highway, it serves as an excellent sunset spot on the return journey. Just outside of Paia on the Hana Highway, Ho’okipa Beach Park is one of the premier locations on the island for watching the sun go down and an ideal spot to admire professional surfers in action.
You cannot miss it, as numerous windsurfers will be cutting through the waters as you approach. The waves here are massive, thanks to the fantastic conditions on its north shore. If you are considering learning to kite surf or windsurf, we recommend seeking another spot, as this place is for experienced individuals only. Instead, follow our lead and head to Kahului Beach.
21. Paia Fish Market
After what could be labeled a long day (if you are a road trip enthusiast like us), it’s finally time for dinner. One of the best dining spots in Paia is the Paia Fish Market. Grab a plate of Mahi Mahi at this local favorite while reminiscing about the incredible experiences you’ve had today on the Hana Highway.
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There are few hotels in Hana if you decide to stay overnight which is a fantastic option to allow more time to explore. Accommodations on this side of Maui are more rugged and remote, but you can check VRBO for vacation rentals in the area like this lovely stay in Hana.
We suggest leaving early to dodge the traffic, as the Road to Hana can overcrowd quickly. If you have two days, we recommend taking the whole duration; there are many sites to see! There are a few hotels available in Hana, and we suggest the Hana Maui Resort: Check rates and availability.
Our stay at the Paia Inn in Paia was fabulous. Located on the beach, it is within walking distance of many top attractions in Paia. This boutique hotel has a trendy atmosphere and offers yoga classes, fresh Kona coffee, and chic accommodations.
Quick Tips For Driving The Hana Highway
- Make sure to pick up The Road to Hana CD at any souvenir shop in Maui. Turn it on in Paia and follow their recommendations while on your drive. It plays local music and is quite entertaining to boot.
- Stop in Paia to grab a boxed lunch at CJ’s Diner.
- Leave early, the roads are free of traffic in the morning, and you may have the highway largely to yourself.
- Pack plenty of extra water.
- Ensure you have sturdy water shoes with good grip for the waterfall trails.
- We recommend spending 2 days fully exploring the Hana Highway as one day isn’t enough to see everything. There are accommodations in Hana.
- Drive directly to Hana while only stopping for a few waterfalls and scenic ocean views to reach the park before the crowds arrive.
- Allocate at least 2-3 hours in the park to explore the hiking trails and visit the waterfalls.
- After your time in the park, drive slowly back along the highway and stop at all the spots you missed on the way out.
- Be sure to stop at the black sand beach on your return journey from the park to observe locals enjoying picnics and surfing.
- We found the return route to be more scenic, so relish your afternoon exploring.
- Stay cautious around one-lane bridges; they can be tricky on winding roads.
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About The Hana Highway
Maui’s Hana Highway is renowned as one of the world’s great coastal drives and is considered the most beautiful drive in Hawaii. Spanning 45 miles (72 km) from Paia to just beyond Hana, the drive can take a full day as you stop to admire beautiful sights along the way. Read more: The Most Amazing Facts About Hawaii
The winding road to Hana features 600 hairpin turns and crosses 59 bridges. The narrow road hugs the sides of steep sea cliffs and often brings vehicles face-to-face with oncoming traffic.
Driving the Hana Highway may not be ideal for those who are inexperienced behind the wheel; thus, we recommend taking a tour of the Hana Highway instead of attempting to drive yourself. However, if you enjoy driving and don’t mind one-lane bridges, rent a cool car and embark on this beautiful day in Maui.
To reach Hana from Paia, you’ll actually take highways 36 and 360. Nevertheless, the Hana Highway resonates with a cooler name. We hopped on Highway 36 towards Hana and then turned onto Highway 360 after 9.5 miles.
Some sources may mention the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach; please know that this culturally significant area is situated on private property and is off-limits to visitors. Please adhere to posted signs and avoid visiting Red Sand Beach.
The Best Tip for Driving the Hana Highway
The best piece of advice for driving the road to Hana is to rush towards Hana first and then drive back slowly in the opposite direction. We headed straight to O’he’o Gulch first thing in the morning, just past Hana, planning to stop there on our way back. After exploring the trails and waterfalls, we ventured back towards Paia throughout the day.
This approach proved rewarding, as we sidestepped traffic and had exclusive access to the Pipiwai Trail and the waterfalls and bamboo forest. We were truly grateful for our choice and felt proud when we noticed the long lines of vehicles facing the opposite direction as we glided past smoothly.
Planning Resources for your Hawaii Vacation
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to plan your next trip? Consider utilizing these resources, tried and tested, to assist in your journey.
Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by discovering the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We’ve relied on them for years and consistently find the best flight deals.
Book your Hotel: Find the best prices for hotels through these two providers: if you’re located in Europe, use Booking.com; for anywhere else, use TripAdvisor.
Find Apartment Rentals: Discover the lowest rental prices at VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Here is our recommendation:
Book Your Activities: If you’re looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more, we recommend Get Your Guide.
Do you require more assistance planning your trip? Be sure to check out our Resources Page highlighting all the fantastic companies we trust while traveling.
