Driving the Road to Hana in Maui was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. This legendary 64-mile stretch along Maui’s eastern coastline isn’t just a drive—it’s an adventure through paradise with waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests at every turn. The key to truly enjoying the Road to Hana is understanding that it’s not about rushing to a destination, but savoring the incredible journey along the way.
I learned the hard way that preparation makes all the difference. Setting out before sunrise was the best decision I made for my Road to Hana itinerary. The early start meant less traffic and more time to explore the countless stops without feeling rushed.
I packed towels, a bathing suit, hiking shoes, and plenty of snacks. These essentials allowed me to spontaneously enjoy swimming holes and trails that many visitors miss.
What surprised me most was discovering that Hana isn’t actually where the journey ends. Some of the most breathtaking sights come after the town of Hana itself. My carefully planned itinerary allowed time to explore beyond Hana, where I found stunning ocean vistas, peaceful pools, and dramatic landscapes with barely any crowds. Taking my time and respecting local drivers by pulling over when they needed to pass transformed what could have been a stressful drive into the highlight of my Maui vacation.
Planning Your Trip
Good preparation is essential for enjoying the Road to Hana. The 64-mile journey along Maui’s eastern coastline offers breathtaking views but requires careful planning to make the most of your experience.
Best Time to Go
I found that weekdays are ideal for driving the Road to Hana since there’s less traffic than on weekends. Early morning departures (around 7:00-7:30 AM) give you more time to explore the numerous stops along the way.
The dry season (April to October) generally offers better weather conditions, though brief rain showers can happen year-round in this tropical paradise. These quick showers actually enhance the lushness of the landscape and keep waterfalls flowing.
March and April were perfect when I visited – fewer tourists compared to summer months but still good weather. If you’re visiting during high season (June-August), expect more crowds at popular stops like Twin Falls and Black Sand Beach.
Essential Tips for the Drive
I highly recommend downloading an offline map before your trip. Cell service is spotty along the Road to Hana, and having directions available offline saved me several times.
Fill up your rental car with gas in Kahului before starting the journey. There’s a gas station in Hana town, but prices are higher and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The drive takes 10-12 hours if you want to stop and enjoy the sights. I started at 7:30 AM and returned around 6:00 PM, which gave me enough daylight hours.
Take turns driving if possible. The 600+ curves and 50+ one-lane bridges require concentration, and driver fatigue is real!
Consider these stops as must-sees:
- Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)
- Garden of Eden Arboretum (MM 10)
- Keanae Peninsula (MM 16)
- Wailua Valley State Wayside (MM 18)
- Wai’anapanapa State Park/Black Sand Beach (MM 32)
What to Pack
My essentials for the Road to Hana included:
- Water bottles – I brought at least 2 liters per person
- Snacks – granola bars, fruit, and trail mix kept us energized
- Swimwear and towels – for waterfall pools and beaches
- Change of clothes – you’ll likely get wet or muddy
- Bug spray – mosquitoes are common in tropical areas
- Sunscreen – reef-safe is required in Hawaii
- Cash – many roadside stands don’t accept cards
- Motion sickness medication – the winding road can be challenging
I packed a small cooler with sandwiches and cold drinks, which saved money and time instead of hunting for lunch spots. Bringing a waterproof phone case protected my electronics during surprise rain showers and waterfall explorations.
Setting Off: Start Your Journey
I kicked off my Road to Hana adventure at 7:00 AM to beat the crowds and maximize daylight hours. The early start made all the difference, giving me plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Twin Falls – The First Major Stop
After leaving Paia town, I reached Twin Falls at around 7:30 AM – the perfect first major attraction on the journey. This easily accessible waterfall is located at mile marker 2 on the Hana Highway. I spent about 45 minutes exploring the short hiking trails that lead to multiple waterfall viewing spots.
The path is relatively easy but can get muddy after rain, so I wore appropriate footwear. The lower falls offers a refreshing swimming hole where I took a quick dip. There’s also a small farm stand at the entrance selling fresh fruit and smoothies – perfect for a morning energy boost!
Navigating the Hana Highway
The Road to Hana features over 600 curves and 59 narrow bridges, most of which are one-lane crossings requiring patience and caution. I quickly learned to honk lightly before blind curves and to yield to oncoming traffic at bridges.
The speed limit ranges from 15-25 mph throughout most of the journey, and this slower pace is necessary for safety and enjoyment. I pulled over regularly at designated areas to let faster vehicles pass, which is proper etiquette on this road.
Cell service becomes spotty past Twin Falls, so I downloaded my maps beforehand. I also brought motion sickness medication – those curves are no joke! The true joy of driving the Road to Hana comes from embracing the journey rather than rushing to reach Hana town.
Natural Wonders Along the Way
The Road to Hana isn’t just about the journey—it’s about the incredible natural attractions that make every mile worth traveling. I discovered that taking time to explore these spots turns a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure.
Waterfalls and Pools
The waterfalls along the Road to Hana are absolutely breathtaking. I made my first stop at Twin Falls, which is one of the earliest waterfall opportunities on the route. It’s easily accessible and less crowded if you arrive early.
As I continued driving, the waterfalls seemed to get more impressive. Upper Waikani Falls (also called Three Bears) cascades into three distinct streams that are visible right from the road. I pulled over carefully as the roadside parking is limited.
The crown jewel for many travelers is the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch. When I visited, I spent about an hour here swimming in the tiered pools and enjoying the cascading waterfalls. Pro tip: bring water shoes as the rocks can be slippery!
Waianapanapa State Park Excursion
Waianapanapa State Park hosts one of Maui’s famous black sand beaches. The contrast between the jet-black sand, bright green foliage, and deep blue ocean created a stunning visual that my photos barely captured.
I spent the morning exploring the park’s lava tubes and sea caves. The waves crashing against the volcanic shoreline created natural blowholes that shoot water high into the air. It’s a photographer’s dream!
The park has well-maintained trails that lead to ancient Hawaiian sites. I followed a path along the rugged coastline and discovered hidden coves and natural stone arches.
Don’t miss the freshwater caves with their crystal-clear pools. Legend says a Hawaiian princess was killed here, and sometimes the waters turn red with her blood—though I only saw beautiful blue water during my visit.
The Bamboo Forest
The Bamboo Forest was one of the most magical experiences of my entire Maui trip. Located near mile marker 6.5, the trail starts innocently enough before transforming into a dense forest of towering bamboo.
As I walked deeper into the forest, the bamboo stalks grew taller and closer together, creating a natural canopy overhead. When the wind blew, the bamboo stems knocked against each other creating a natural symphony of hollow wooden chimes.
The trail can be muddy and slippery, so I wore proper hiking shoes. After about 30 minutes of hiking, I reached Waimoku Falls, a stunning 400-foot waterfall that cascades down a sheer cliff face.
The bamboo forest hike offers a welcome change from beach activities. The shade provides a cool respite from the tropical heat, making it perfect for a midday adventure during your Road to Hana journey.
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
The Road to Hana offers more than just scenic views—it’s a journey through Maui’s rich culture and amazing food. Along those 620 curves, I discovered authentic Hawaiian traditions and tasted some of the island’s most memorable treats.
Hana Farms Roadside Stand
I nearly drove past this gem, but the colorful flags caught my eye. Hana Farms Roadside Stand turned out to be one of my favorite stops on the entire journey. The stand features local produce grown right there on their sustainable farm.
Their banana bread is legendary—warm, moist, and packed with fresh bananas. I bought a loaf still warm from the oven and devoured half before reaching my next stop! They also offer tropical fruit butters, hot sauces, and homemade jams.
What makes this stand special is meeting the farmers who grow everything. They happily explained their organic farming practices while I sampled tropical fruits I’d never seen before. Remember to bring cash, as most roadside stands don’t accept cards.
Ke’anae Village
Pulling into Ke’anae Village felt like stepping back in time. This traditional Hawaiian peninsula offers a glimpse into old Hawaii, with taro fields that families have farmed for generations.
The village sits on ancient lava flows, creating dramatic scenery where crashing waves meet black volcanic rock. I spent time watching local families working the taro patches—a practice unchanged for centuries.
Don’t miss the Ke’anae Landing Fruit Stand! Their banana bread rivals any on the road, with a unique recipe that includes macadamia nuts. I paired mine with fresh coconut water opened right in front of me.
The historic stone church standing since 1860 tells a sobering story of survival—it’s the only structure that remained after a devastating tsunami in 1946.
Adventurous Detours and Must-See Highlights
The Road to Hana offers some incredible side adventures that truly made my journey unforgettable. These natural wonders showcase Maui’s breathtaking landscapes and are well worth the extra time.
Hiking the Pipiwai Trail
I found the Pipiwai Trail to be the most rewarding hike on my entire Maui trip. Located in Haleakala National Park, this 4-mile round-trip adventure takes you through a magical bamboo forest where the towering stalks create a symphony of gentle knocks when the breeze blows.
The trail is well-maintained with boardwalks through much of the bamboo section. I recommend wearing proper hiking shoes as parts can get muddy after rain.
My persistence was rewarded with the spectacular 400-foot Waimoku Falls at the end of the trail. Standing at the base of this towering cascade, feeling the mist on my face, was truly worth every step of the hike.
The entire journey took me about 2-3 hours, but I suggest setting aside more time to fully appreciate the incredible scenery and take photos.
Visiting the Oheo Gulch
Often called the “Seven Sacred Pools,” Oheo Gulch features a series of stunning waterfalls and freshwater pools cascading into the ocean. Part of Haleakala National Park, this natural wonder sits just past mile marker 42.
I arrived early around 9 AM to avoid crowds and had the place nearly to myself. The tiered pools create a stunning visual as they flow one into another.
Safety tip: Swimming access depends on water conditions and safety concerns. Check with park rangers about current conditions before planning to swim.
The short 0.5-mile Kuloa Point Trail offered me spectacular views of the gulch and coastline. I spotted a rainbow forming in the mist of one of the falls – a perfect photo opportunity!
Witnessing the Majestic Waikani Falls
Waikani Falls, also known as Three Bears Falls, appears around mile marker 21. It provides one of the most accessible yet spectacular waterfall views on the entire journey. The three-tiered cascade resembles three bears – papa, mama, and baby bear.
I found parking to be tricky as there’s only a small pullout nearby. I waited patiently for a spot and was rewarded with an incredible view just steps from my car.
After heavy rain, the falls transform into a single powerful torrent. I was lucky to see it both ways during different parts of my trip.
For the adventurous, a hidden trail leads down to the base of the falls. However, it’s steep and can be dangerous when wet. I opted to enjoy the view from the bridge, which provided a perfect vantage point for photos.
