The Road to Hana is one of the most famous drives and a popular thing to do in Maui. It’s a windy road (like some of the ones we have in LA) full of scenic lookouts, beaches, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Wear your swimsuit, bring a change of clothes, and leave EARLY. This is a long drive, even if you only do half of it! We did as much as we could and decided to save the rest of it for our next trip to Maui. This was by far one of my favorite adventures I did on my trip to Maui, Hawaii. I highly recommend setting a full day aside to drive The Road to Hana and enjoy the incredible stops along the way.
I'll share with you all the best places to stop at and which ones you can skip to make your drive the best!
Follow my guide below to plan out your drive for The Road to Hana. We left around 7 am and did not return until after sunset! It was a long day.....but SO worth it. I can't wait to do the drive again!
This app is a MUST to have on during your drive. It is $7 and you basically have your own personal tour guide with you the entire time. The narrator tells you suggested stops, history of the island, and MORE. If it's your first time doing the Road to Hana, I wouldn't do it without getting this app.
HAPPY DRIVING!
TWIN FALLS: Mile Marker 2
Many say this is an easy one to skip, but I disagree! The twin falls is the first iconic stop where you can see your first waterfalls of the day. Don’t forget to grab some fruit, coconut water, or smoothie before or after your visit. It’s a short walk to the Lower Falls and then an easy 1 mile hike to the Upper Falls.
HUELO LOOKOUT FRUIT STAND: Mile Marker 4.5
Everything comes from their farm and you can order fruit, acai bowls, baked goods, smoothies, and other snacks.
RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS TREES: Mile Marker 7
You’ll find a forest of rainbow eucalyptus trees! The rainbow colors come from the bark peeling away slowly after time. If you don’t feel like stopping here, you’ll find several more of these trees at various locations on The Road to Hana.
GARDEN OF EDEN: Mile Marker 10
This is one of the prettiest gardens I’ve ever seen. If you are a garden lover, you should stop. Otherwise, I think you can skip if you want to save time. It’s also a little pricey…$15 a person. You’ll explore 26 acres of lush gardens and see panoramic views of the ocean and waterfalls. You might even spot some peacocks!
WATERFALL & ROPE SWING: Mile Marker 11.5
We happened to stumble on this waterfall on our way back and just had to jump in. When do I get the opportunity to swing off a rope? It was FREEZING, but definitely worth it.
AUNT SANDY’S BANANA BREAD (Make a left just after Mile Marker 16 on the Keanae Road)
Auntie Sandy has ran this stand for 30 years. It is said to be the best in Maui and her secret ingredient is the butter!
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HALFWAY TO HANA STAND: Mile Marker 17
HANA AIRPORT: Mile Marker 31
We stopped here only because my boyfriend booked himself a Powered Hang Gliding Tour! The powered hang glider had no sides and went as high as a mile in the sky….so it was a big NOOO from me. If you aren’t afraid of heights and this sounds appealing to you then do it! My boyfriend said it was the highlight of his trip. It was around $300 for a 45 minute ride and you get all the pictures/videos from the excursion.
WAINAPANAPA STATE PARK - BLACK SAND BEACH: Mile Marker 32
This is one of the BEST stops on the Road to Hana. Waianapanapa means “glistening water” and it definitely fits its name. The black sand was formed by lava flow that was cooled and formed tiny pieces from battling the ocean all of these years. Seeing the black sand against the turquoise water is a sight you don’t want to miss! Besides the black sand, you’ll find sea arches, lava tubes, caves, hikes and gorgeous views!
HANA TOWN: Mile Marker 34
This is where we had to turn around! We can’t wait to do the second half on our next trip to Maui.
SEVEN SACRED POOLS (OHE’O GULCH): Mile Marker 42
PIPIWAI TRAIL: Mile Marker 42
This Pipiwai Trail is a 2 mile stretch of hiking through a bamboo forest until you reach the end to see the stunning 400 foot towering Waimoku Falls. It is one of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii!
WAILUA FALLS: Mile Marker 45
It is said to be the most photographed waterfall on the Road to Hana.
What was your favorite stop on your journey on The Road to Hana? Tell me in the comments below!
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