The Road to Hana is 50 miles of two-lane highway through the wet, green east side of Maui: 620 turns, 59 one-lane bridges, and a drive that averages 25 mph on a good day. On a busy one, you’ll crawl. Budget a full day, not a half.
The road passes waterfalls you can swim under, a bamboo forest, a 400-foot waterfall deep in Haleakalā National Park, taro farms, a lava tube, and a small village reshaped permanently by a 1946 tsunami. You’ll get to maybe five of these in a day if you are relaxed about it. Fewer if you are not.
Table of contents
- Know before you go
- Popular stops and sights
- Lesser visited points of interest
- Things to do in Hana
- Tips for finding Road to Hana tours
Table of Contents
- Know before you go
- Popular stops and sights
- Lesser visited points of interest
- Things to do in Hana
- Tips for finding Road to Hana tours
Two decisions to sort before you leave the hotel: which route you’re driving (out-and-back to Hana, or the full loop through Kīpahulu), and whether Waiʻānapanapa State Park is on your list. Waiʻānapanapa now requires advance reservations at $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, and they fill early during peak season. The rest of this guide covers both.
The Road to Hana is a supremely scenic 64.4-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 which connects Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui. Image: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tommy Lundberg.
More scenic drives on Maui
The Hana Highway is but one of several scenic drives worth taking on Maui – both for the drive itself as well as the destinations they lead to, such as a remote town or the summit of a tall volcano. You can read about all 4 of them (the Road to Hana, the Haleakalā summit via the Haleakalā highway, Kahekili Highway, and Upcountry Maui) in our resource on road tripping in Maui.
Good to Know Before You Go
Here’s what you need to know before embarking on the Road to Hana.
Leave Early, Pick Three Stops, and Take Your Time
As you’ll see below, there are endless ways to explore the Road to Hana. Between the points of interest, the pull-offs, the fruit stands, the trails, the waterfalls, and the town of Hana itself, there’s more than anyone could possibly experience in one trip; however, we often find that people still try, making stop after stop after stop and spending every ounce of daylight along the route.
If that sounds like a great plan for you, then hey, do your thing. But, we actually recommend a more measured, relaxed approach to the journey.
- Gas: Fill up in Kahului before you leave. There is one gas station in Hana and it charges well above Maui prices.
- Departure time: Leave Kahului by 7:30am. Twin Falls and other early stops get crowded by mid-morning and stay that way.
- Cell service: Coverage drops off past Haiku and stays unreliable for most of the drive. Download your navigation route offline before you leave your accommodation.
- Rental cars and the back road: Most rental car agreements prohibit the section of road between Hana and Kīpahulu (the Option 2 loop route). Check your agreement before committing to the loop. Some companies have updated their policies, but many still restrict it.
- Waiʻānapanapa reservations: Day-use now requires an advance reservation ($5 per person AND $10/vehicle). Reservations fill quickly during peak season. If this is on your list, book before you leave home.
- Entry fees: the following stops on the Hana Highway require entry fees: Ka’eleku Cave ($12 adults), Kahanu Gardens ($18 self-guided, $30 guided), Waiʻānapanapa ($5/person + $10/vehicle (reservation required)), Haleakalā National Park ($30 / vehicle)
To make the most out of your road trip you should start early. Bonus: amazing sunrise views! Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
In theory, sure, you could fit in five, six, maybe even ten stops along the way. It looks really good on paper, all the things you can see. The problem is how it plays out in reality: Parking lots fill up, traffic moves slow, congestion occurs. Some stops are quick; others require more time. The more you plan, the more you’re going to put pressure on yourself to “do it all,” and we find that mostly results in a decrease in quality – you’re so focused on checking off all the spots that you don’t truly get to know any of them, and all the stopping and starting brings on a wave of fatigue. The road itself is prone to make people tired because of its constant twisting and turning.
Our #1 tip for driving the Road to Hana is to “take it easy”, so you can take in the lush and tropical scenes along the road. Photo by Jordan McQueen on Unsplash
Our advice is to take it easy. Pick two, three, or four stops to target, with a couple backup plans in the event a place is already congested (remember, we’re trying to respect the locals by not overloading places). Take your time, bring snacks, and don’t try to do too much. The great thing about the Road to Hana is that it can be a different experience every time. Make the drive early in your trip, and if you are completely smitten with it, you can come back a few days later and do it again with new stops.
Taking it easy can also mean to let someone else do the planning and driving for you. A good example of one of such tours is the following one organized by a local family:
Road to Hāna, Hawaiian Style
A native Hawaiian family from Hana guides groups of up to 12 through the Road to Hana, with stops at the black sand beach, a waterfall swim, and fresh banana bread at Aunty Sandy's.
from:
$210
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.The Route: 2 options
When you look at a map, the Road to Hana appears to be rather straightforward. The journey is only 50-some miles from Kahului to Hana, so you might be thinking you can be there and back in a half day.
Think again. Sure, it’s only 50-miles, but you’re traveling on a small, two-lane country road, with 620 turns and 59 one-lane bridges. For much of it, you won’t go any faster than 25 miles-per-hour, and at some points, you’ll crawl along in traffic or find yourself yielding at bridge crossings.
Plus, this is not an A-to-B type drive. It’s a start and stop kind of drive, with endless pull-offs and points of interest to check out. Cars are frequently turning on and off the road, and if you’re not one of them, you’re missing out what makes the drive so special. In this sense, one should budget an entire day to experience the Road to Hana, and do so with relaxation and patience in mind.
There are two options for completing the Road to Hana.
- Kahului-Hana-Kahului: Wherever you begin the day, you’ll drive through Kahului and officially being your journey from there, cruising along the Hana Highway through Paʻia and past Hoʻokipa. From there, you’ll arrive at the official Mile Marker Zero location for the route, and then it’s 35 miles to the town of Hana. Once you reach Hana, you turn around and come back the way you came.
- Kahului-Hana-Kīpahulu-Kula: The outbound journey remains the same, starting in Kahului and heading to Hana. But instead of turning around, you continue through Hana and make a circle around Haleakalā, following the coastal road through the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park to the much-drier south shore, eventually arriving in the upcountry town of Kula.
| Out-and-back (Kahului–Hana–Kahului) | Full loop (Kahului–Hana–Kīpahulu–Kula) | |
|---|---|---|
| Time added | Baseline | 2+ hours extra |
| Key addition | — | Kīpahulu District, Pīpīwai Trail |
| Rental car restriction | No restriction | Most agreements prohibit it |
| Road condition | Paved throughout | Back road section unpaved and narrow |
Both route options include the Hana highway, part of which is shown here. Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Driving Through Residents’ Home: What That Means
As you’ll see below, there are many wonderful opportunities to stop along the Road to Hana. But when you do, make sure you do so while thinking about the people that live there. Residents along the Hana Highway have been impacted greatly in the past by illegal parking, overcrowding, trespassing on private property, the usual problems: illegal parking, trespassing, and overcrowding. Remember, this area is home for residents, so please keep the following in mind:
- Be sure to park in designated areas only, and if it’s too full or crowded, come back later or choose a different stop.
- Be kind and courteous to local volunteers who patrol the area to help manage crowds.
These all seem like basic pointers on respectful behavior, but, as it seems to go with the human race, The parking, trespassing, and crowding issues along this road are real so keep that in mind when a spot looks full.
A small bay hidden in the mountainside along the Road to Hana on Maui. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Popular Stops on the Road to Hana
Below are established, popular places along the Road to Hana that you should consider stopping at to experience, despite the fact that they tend to be crowded. After all, things are popular for a reason, and each stop offers something special to visitors.
Fruit Stands
Location: Various
Description: There are too many to list, and they often carry various hours, so just keep your eye out for fruit stands along the Road to Hana, selling fruit, smoothies, breads, and other local treats.
Fruit stands along the Road to Hana come in all sizes and shapes. Image credit: Amy Meredith, source.
Bridge Crossings
Location: Various
Description: There will be many people stopped at bridge crossings, as lots of water tends to fall below them. Though this adds to congestion and confusion, we’re not so jaded as to overlook them completely. Crossing narrow valleys, the drops below are worth a look: narrow green valleys with water running through. If you decide to stop, be sure to park out of the way, and avoid bridge crossings that are already crowded.
One of the many one-lane bridges and waterfalls on the road to Hana. Image credit: Forest and Kim, source.
Twin Falls
Location: Mile Marker 2
Time needed: 45-60 min including hike.
Description: This is the first easily accessible waterfall along the Hana Highway, so naturally, it is one of the most popular to visit. The appeal is a wide, circular swimming pool at the base of a 15-foot waterfall at the end of a three-quarter mile hike. It is usually packed, but the pool is wide enough that you can find a spot and it’s an inspiring place, especially for families with small children, who will enjoy the hike and swim.
Make sure to bring a towel and wear swim gear when hiking to the Twin Falls. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
Location: Mile Marker 12
Time needed: 15-20 min
Description: Kaumahina is the first “real” stop along the road to Hana – “real” in the sense that it’s a state park with facilities – and people tend to pop in for a bathroom break. But don’t be in such a rush. This 8-acre park offers great views of the ocean/eastern coast, plenty of shade, picnic tables, and walking paths. If you travel to Hana and back along the same route, we like this as a final stop on the trip back, for a final breath.
Upper Waikani Falls (aka Three Bears)
Location: Mile Marker 19
Time needed: 10-15 min
Description: Also known as Three Bears, this spot features three side-by-side-by-side 70-foot waterfalls. Waterfall lovers will want to check this out, crowds or no crowds.
The Upper Waikani Falls are popular stop on the road to Hana because it is photogenic and situated like a drive-thru right off the road. Photo by Kevin Barasa on Unsplash
Puaʻa Kaa State Wayside Park
Location: Mile Marker 22
Time needed: 20-30 min
Description: This high-trafficked stop is fun because you can take a quick bathroom break, then jump in for a swim in a waterfall pool. Picnic tables are available for a longer hang out, but most people come and go in less than thirty minutes. Pull over, jump in, dry off, and keep driving, that is the Road to Hana rhythm in one stop. In that sense, you should appreciate it for yourself.
Kaʻeleku Cave (Hana Lava Tube)
Location: Mile Marker 31
Time needed: 45-60 min
Description: This stop provides the unique opportunity to walk through a lava tube, an experience so unique to Hawaiʻi that even though there’s an entry fee ($12 for adults) and it brings you underground (away from the waterfalls), it has become a well-established stop, with bathrooms and a maze for children.
Tip: You’ll want close-toed shoes for this adventure.
Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park
Location: Approximately 10 miles south of Hana.
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Description: see our guide to Haleakalā National Park for a more complete description. Below we summarize 3 highlights:
The Pīpīwai Trail is the main reason to stop here. It’s 4 miles round trip from the visitor center, and the first stretch runs through a bamboo forest dense enough to block the sky. Past the bamboo, the trail opens into a grassy plateau before the landscape closes in again at the base of Waimoku Falls, which drops 400 feet off a basalt cliff. The trail is often muddy: Kīpahulu is in a rainforest and it shows. Plan 2 to 3 hours for the round trip, not counting time at the falls.
The Pools of ʻOheʻo are a series of tiered freshwater pools that step down from the Kīpahulu Valley toward the ocean. Swimming is periodically restricted by the NPS due to leptospirosis risk and dangerous currents after heavy rain. Check with rangers at the visitor center when you arrive before planning the day around a swim. On days when the pools are closed, they’re still worth seeing: the lower pools overflow directly into the surf, and the contrast of fresh water meeting open ocean is a distinct scene from anything else on the Road to Hana.
If you’re staying overnight in Hana, the Kīpahulu campground is the best reason to do it. You’ll have the area to yourself by late afternoon, when the day-trippers clear out.
Aerial photo of the Pools of ʻOheʻo running into the ocean. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Less-Visited Stops Worth the Detour
To be clear, there aren’t too many publicly-accessible secrets left on the Road to Hana, and you’ll run into other people no matter where you go. But, some places tend to draw less crowds than others, for various reasons. Below are some places that are still easily accessible (aka, they’re “on the map”) but are usually not as busy.
Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove
Location: Mile Marker 7
Description: This colorful grove of trees is not marked by any sign, so it’s easy to miss. But on the Ma Kai side (ocean side) of mile marker 7 is a small grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees. If you’ve never seen one, they are quite a site, with multi-colored trunks. Be respectful about where you pull over when visiting this site.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Location: Mile Marker 9.5
Description: This small two-loop trail will take you less than an hour, bringing you through a variety of Hawaiian foliage, including eucalyptus, kukui nut, bamboo, and more tropical plants than you can count. It remains less appreciated because 1) it does not lead to a waterfall, and people who take the Road to Hana become fixated on waterfalls and 2) it tends to be muddy, and people don’t like mud. But, we see it as a very beautiful, worthwhile walk through a dense Hawaiian rainforest. Bring some towels for your muddy shoes.
Keʻanae Peninsula
Location: Mile Marker 16.5
Time needed: 20-30 min
Description: This small village is a small stop that is easy to rush past and worth not rushing past. In 1946, the peninsula was ravaged by a surprise tsunami, killing all 24 children (and the teacher) in the town’s school. The only building that remains today from that period is an old stone church, and now most of the peninsula is a working farm for taro and other crops. The end of the peninsula is a great place to reflect and catch some views – there’s room to spread out – but most people don’t take the time to get there because they’re in too much of a rush.
On your drive down the peninsula you’ll pass a stone church built in 1856, the only remaining building after the devastating tsunami of 1946. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Kahanu Gardens
Location: Mile Marker 31
Time needed: 90 min
Description: Though it is an established botanical gardens, it doesn’t get as busy as you might expect because 1) there is a $18 entry fee and 2) it takes about an hour and a half to properly explore (most people, as we mentioned above, are trying to hit as many places as possible, and attractions such as these “take too long”). Kahanu relays the history of the area and its settlers, including a restored Hawaiian heiau (temple). For the full experience and a true sense of place, take the guided tour ($30).
Things to Do in Hana
Many people look at the Road to Hana as the journey and, for some reason, don’t spend any time in Hana itself. Instead, they turn around and head back the way they came, or continue on towards Kīpahulu. In our book, that’s a mistake. Spend some time exploring the area, visiting the local beaches, and grab something to eat at a local restaurant or food truck.
Beach Parks
Here’s a list of beach parks to check out in Hana.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park: This black-sand and black-rock beach is the largest beach park in the area and is a local favorite for fishing, barbecuing, and hanging.
Koki Beach Park: There are two main appeals to this beach – red sand and a surf break. Swimming is not recommended due to the strong currents, which makes surfers happy. On-lookers will be happy, too, hanging out and exploring the red-sand beach.
Kaihalulu Beach: Another famous red-sand beach in Hana is Kaihalulu. It requires a short but slippery/steep hike along the coast, with many roots and unmaintained areas long the trail. Note: Visitation of this beach is controversial with locals because the trail passes through private property. You will no doubt see others doing this; however, we recommend visiting Koki instead, out of respect for local residents.
Crescent-shaped Kaihalulu (red sand) beach is cut deep into the Ka’uiki Head cinder cone, whose rust-red lava supplies the beach with red sand. Image credit: Paul Bica, source.
Hāmoa Beach: This crescent-shaped beach is where you want to go to spread out in the sand, backdropped by small green cliffs. When calm, swimming and snorkeling are possible, and its breaks attract bodyboarders and surfers, too. If you’re looking for a classic, family-friendly, white-sand beach in Hana, Hāmoa is a great choice.
Hāmoa Beach is a striking beach & surf spot known for clear water, (sometimes) sizeable waves & strong currents. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Accommodations
One way to beat the fatigue of driving is to split the trip into two days with an overnight in Hana. You’ll see more, and get a better feel for Hana and the surrounding area. Here are some places we recommend.
- Hana-Maui Resort: This beautiful resort in Hana has changed ownership several times – now it’s a Hyatt – but regardless of who owns it, it’s still the top choice for well-appointed luxury because of its location on 66 acres and a sloping hillside that offers dramatic views from many of its rooms and pool.
- Ala Kukui Retreat Center: One of the most interesting accommodations in Hana is the apartment at the Ala Kukui Retreat Center. Located in a lush valley, it is the ultimate relaxation stay, with quiet grounds to stroll, tropical gardens, and a strong Hawaiian cultural program.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park Campground and Cabins: This state park is the best rustic option in Hana, offering a campground and cabins along its black-sand shores. Campsites are $30 a night for non-residents and reservations must be made in advance.
Read more in our complete accommodation guide for Maui.
Vacation Rentals and Condos
There are various inns, vacation rentals, and condos in Hana. You can find them on Airbnb and similar websites.
Food
You’ll find small fruit and food stands along the Road to Hana, but if you’re looking for a real restaurant, make plans to try one of these local establishments in the town of Hana.
- Hana Ranch Restaurant: Looking for a full-service, locally-oriented restaurant with a full bar? Look no further than Hana Ranch Restaurant, the culinary arm of Hana Ranch. Try the classic Hana burger – made with Hana beef raised right on property – or another island favorite, like poke or kalua pork.
- Da Fish Shack: If it’s fresh fish on your brain, Da Fish Shack Food Truck serves up a mix of seafood offerings using local fish. We recommend one of the classics: the fish burger, fish and chips, or the fish tacos.
- Ae’s Thai Kitchen: If you hadn’t noticed, Hawaiʻi is full of Asian-fusion, and this Thai truck expresses it fully. Try the Shrimp Pad Thai or, on a rainy day, one of the house-made curries.
- Troy’s Plate Lunch: Troy, the proprietor, goes fishing each week and sells his catch at his food truck, along with other chicken and pork plate lunch options.
Road to Hana Tour Options
One way to bypass the need to self-drive and decide between stops is to jump on a tour, such as the ones offered by Hana and Beyond:
Road to Hāna, Hawaiian Style
A native Hawaiian family from Hana guides groups of up to 12 through the Road to Hana, with stops at the black sand beach, a waterfall swim, and fresh banana bread at Aunty Sandy's.
from:
$210
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.There are many companies that offer tours along the Road to Hana, so here’s what you should consider:
- Choose a small-group tour (12 people or less). This ensures a more personalized experience, and to reduce the impact along the Road to Hana (bigger buses take up more parking room, etc.).
- Inquire about the type of van used on the tour. Does it have large windows? Is it climate controlled? Remember, it’s a winding journey, so you’ll want to be comfortable.
- Ask about the planned stops. Different companies will make different stops, so it’s a nice way to decide which one is the best fit for you. For example, some may be more adventurous than others.
- Check with your concierge for any deals. Sometimes, companies offer specials that may be appealing, all other things being equal.
- Consider the time commitment. Many tours are all day, eight to ten hours in length. When driving yourself, you have flexibility in how you manage your time and when you head home. With a tour, you do not.
Road to Hana Audio tours
Audio tours are a good compromise between a 100% DIY trip and joining a guided tour. Costing typically $20 they track your position using GPS and let you know about all activities, stops, and viewpoints along the way, as well as sharing knowledge about local history and Hawaiian culture. See e.g. this audio guide that includes 135 narration points and is good for an 8 to 10 hours road trip.