Road To Hana Visitors Guide
Hawaii’s scenic Road to Hana drive is considered one of the best road trip destinations in the United States. This 64-mile route on the island of Maui connects you with some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Hawaiian Islands. When it comes to driving Maui’s famous Hana Highway, it’s about both the journey and the destination. To help you plan your adventure on the Road to Hana, here is everything you need to know about this scenic drive!
This article contains affiliate links. If you click on our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to offer free travel guides, but does not influence our recommendations in any way. Thanks for supporting independent travel content.
Contents
What Is The Road To Hana?
The Road to Hana, officially named the Hana Highway, is a 64-mile winding highway on the Hawaiian Island of Maui that connects Kahului and Hana. It also connects visitors to verdant rainforests, epic waterfalls, colorful tropical flowers, lava tubes, and pristine Maui beaches. The road is notoriously narrow and winds through the beautiful landscape with over 600 curves and several dozen one-lane bridges.
If a self-guided road trip on the Road to Hana sounds intimidating, you can book a Road to Hana Van Tour and leave the driving to someone else!
When To Drive The Road To Hana
Most drivers who road trip on the Road to Hana start sometime between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Beginning at this time is great for photos, and all the sites along the way will be open, but you may have to deal with a lot of traffic along this scenic route.
We recommend considering leaving early in the morning because it optimizes your time on the route and increases the number of stops you can make during your drive. Leaving early in the morning also means you may not have to deal with heavy traffic while driving on the Road to Hana.
Allow a full day for the round trip (minimum 10-12 hours), and we don’t recommend attempting this drive if you’ll be returning after dark.
Road To Hana Route Options
While the Road to Hana is fairly simple and straightforward, there are a few options for structuring your day. If this is your first time driving the Road to Hana, you might want to stick with the classic Road to Hana route, or have an adventure and choose one of the other options.
The “Classic Road to Hana Route” follows Maui’s northeastern coast and takes you from Kahului to the town of Hana.
The “Circle Tour Route” is an extended version of the “Classic” Hana Route that allows you to complete a loop around the eastern part of Maui, rather than retracing your steps back to Kahului or the starting point. This route typically involves taking the Hana Highway to Hana town, continuing past Hana, and then returning to the central part of Maui via the Piilani Highway or the “Backside of Hana.”
The “Road to Hana Reverse Drive” route is essentially the classic Road to Hana route, but it involves driving it in reverse, starting from Hana and heading back towards Kahului. This approach allows you to experience the road and its attractions from a different perspective and may help you avoid some of the crowds that tend to start their journey from Kahului in the morning.
The 8 Best Stops On The Road to Hana
Top Highlights
The Road to Hana has many fantastic stops and overlooks, and there is something for everyone. Twin Falls is the first stop for many Road to Hana drivers. However, this stop is often crowded, and the waterfall is small. Instead, we recommend beginning your Road to Hana trip at the Waikamoi Ridge Trail at mile marker 9.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail (Mile Marker 9)
If you are looking for a short stroll through the rainforest, make sure to stop at the Waikamoi Ridge Trail. The 0.8-mile loop trail takes about 30 minutes to complete, with the option to take an extension of similar length. It’s a great place to stretch your legs while taking the drive. The trail can be muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes.
Garden Of Eden (Mile Marker 10)
The Garden of Eden is one of the best botanical gardens in Maui. There is an admission price, but the beautiful 26-acre gardens are meticulously maintained and worth a visit. The stop offers several great panoramic overlooks of the Pacific, and you can also view both Lower and Upper Puohokamoa Falls from here. Keep an eye out for Keopuka Rock, which is highlighted in Jurassic Park!
Right before you exit the grounds, there’s a stand where you can grab some delicious homemade ice cream!
Kaumahina Wayside Park (Mile Marker 12)
The Kaumahina Wayside Park is the first stop along the Road to Hana with public restroom facilities. The 8-acre park offers excellent views of the ocean and the eastern coast of Maui. You will find plenty of shade, picnic tables, and walking paths to explore. The park also makes a great return stop if you take the classic Road to Hana driving route.
ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
When planning a vacation, Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Travel insurance typically covers you for trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (it happens), health issues, flight delays, missed connections and more. We think it’s a no brainer and should be factored into any significant trip budget. You can easily compare the top-rated travel insurance plans here.
Keanae Peninsula (Mile Marker 17)
This small village is an interesting (and somewhat heartbreaking) historical stop on the Road To Hana. In 1946, the peninsula was ravaged by a tsunami that killed all 24 children and the teacher in the town’s school. The only building to survive the tsunami was a beautiful old stone church, and most of the peninsula is a working farm.
The end of the Kenea Peninsula is a great place to take in some beautiful views. You will likely have it to yourself as most people don’t take the time to drive that far on the peninsula as they rush to see more of the Road to Hana. We think it’s worth a stop however if you have the time.
Make sure to grab some of the famous Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread while stoping on the Keanae Peninsula! The family-owned stand often sells out by noon, arrive early for warm-from-the-oven loaves.
Puaa Kaa State Park (Mile Marker 22)
Puaa Kaa State Park is a popular stop along the Road To Hana because it allows a quick bathroom break. While here, you can also take a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool. At this stop, tables are available for picnic lunch, but most people only spend around thirty minutes at Puaa Kaa State Park.
Kaeleku Cave - Hana Lava Tube (Mile Marker 31)
A can’t miss stop on the Road to Hana, the Kaeleku Cave provides you with the unique chance to walk through a lava tube in Hawaii. This experience is unique to Hawaii and does require an entry fee. As you go underground at this stop, make sure you wear closed toed shoes for the adventure.
Waianapanapa State Park (Mile Marker 32)
Featuring one of the only black sand beaches on the island of Maui, Waianapanapa State Park is an excellent stop along the Road to Hana. All non-Hawaii resident visitors must purchase an entrance pass and a parking reservation. There is an exception for children 3 years old and younger who can enter the park for free.
All non-Hawaii resident visitors must purchase both a parking reservation ($10 per vehicle) and entrance passes ($5 per person ages 4+, free ages 3 and under) at least one day in advance here.
Waianapanapa State Park is a great place to stretch your legs and, explore the black sand beach, lava caves, and watching for sea turtles. Make sure to wear shoes on the black sand beaches as the sun makes them hotter than other beaches.
Check out this epic tour of Maui exploring Hana, Black Sand Beaches, and Waterfalls.
Hana Town
Hana is the perfect combination of a laid back beach town and quaint time capsule. The town has remained relatively unchanged for years. A quick tour of the Hana Tropicals Flower Farm allows you to take in or buy some of the colorful blooms at the farm. Or head to one of the many beaches in the area for some fun in the sun. There are also plenty of charming shops and places to purchase souvenirs. Hana is a fantastic place to grab lunch at Da Fish Shack or the Hana Ranch Restaurant.
Stops Beyond The Road To Hana
For those wanting to continue on the Hana Highway, there are several stops past Hana town that are worth seeing.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is stunningly beautiful with its rugged coastline and stark volcanic landscape. The park offers camping, hiking, and epic sunrise views from the summit. You’ll need to pay a $30 entrance fee that’s good for 3 consecutive days. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include Seven Sacred Pools Trail (see below), Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail (see below), and Sliding Sands Trail.
Check out a number of excellent day tours to Haleakala National Park.
Or take a guided mountain biking tour through Haleakala National Park.
For the best views of the park check out this 45 Minutes Helicopter Tour!
Oheo Gulch (Mile Marker 42)
The Oheo Gulch is part of Haleakala National Park and is about 15 minutes past Hana town. Also known as Seven Sacred Pools, you will need to pay the $30 entrance fee for Haleakala National Park to enjoy the trails and natural pools at this stop. Swimming is not allowed in Oheo Gulch pools due to safety concerns and non-functional flash flood monitoring equipment.
Highlights of the Oheo Gulch include the Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls, and the Kuloa Point Trail.
For more information, check out our Maui Waterfalls Guide.
Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45)
Cascading a stunning 80 feet down the side of a jungle wall into a lovely pool below, Wailua Falls is easily one of Maui’s most accessible and majestic falls. There is no hiking required, that’s right, zero hiking to see this beautiful waterfall!
For more information, check out our Maui Waterfalls Guide.
More
HAWAII
Islands, Beaches, Food and More
Maui Visitors Guide
Maui is a tropical dream come true! Hawaii’s second largest island is known for its incredible beauty, fascinating history, and stunning waterfalls. Here is some basic info to get you started and many of the best things to do in Maui.
The Best Maui All Inclusive Resorts
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, making it perfect for couples or families wanting an escape. Whether you want to be on a pristine beach or near the rainforest, here is our guide to some of the best Maui resorts to check out this year.
Maui Waterfalls Guide
If you’re looking for magical, accessible, waterfalls, then Maui is the Hawaiian Island for you. From towering windswept falls to turqoise swimming holes, our Maui Waterfalls Guide has the inside tips on visiting Maui's best waterfalls this year.
Maui Snorkeling Guide
If you’re looking for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure, Maui is a can’t miss destination. Our Maui snorkeling guide has everything you need to get the most out of your visit so you can enjoy the best of what this underwater paradise has to offer!
Best Maui Luaus
A Hawaiian luau is a combination of culture and traditions with a mix of dress, dances, storytelling, and feasting that provides an unforgettable experience for everyone. Here are the best Maui Luaus.
Maui Hotel Guide
With a vast array of accommodation options available, choosing the right Maui hotel can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this Maui hotels guide to help you navigate through the top hotels on the island.
Maui Restaurant Guide
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world, especially the island of Maui. There are incredible sights, friendly locals and plenty of mouth-watering Maui restaurants to choose from. Here is our guide to the best restaurants in Maui!
Best Maui Beaches Guide
Maui is a paradise for beach lovers. With over 30 miles of stunning coastline, Maui boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are the top 10 beaches in Maui that you should definitely check out.
The Best Hawaii All Inclusive Resorts
Looking for the ultimate Hawaii vacation experience? Check out our guide to the best Hawaii all inclusive resorts. We’ve researched the top resorts across the islands, so you can enjoy your vacation without any worries.
The Best Honolulu All Inclusive Resorts
A trip to Honolulu on the island of Oahu means beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, a rich, storied culture, and much more. Here are many great Honolulu resort options for those looking to lay back, relax, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
The Best Hawaiian Foods To Try
From the freshest seafood caught in local waters to rich and savory Hawaiian traditional dishes, Hawaii’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors. Read on for the 10 best Hawaiian foods to try on your next visit.
The Best Time To Visit Hawaii : A Month By Month Guide
Hawaii is an incredible destination year round, as the warm temperatures and sunny beaches make the islands a fantastic place to discover. Keep reading for the best times to book your visit to this tropical paradise.