The Road to Hana is a famous 52-mile highway in Maui that curves alongside cliffs and through a rain forest. You’re going to make over 600 turns and cross over 45 bridges. You’ll drive past beautiful trees and numerous waterfalls.
Many people have the Road to Hana on their Maui bucket list, and rightfully so. But you must know that the journey here is better than the destination — there’s not much to see in Hana. It’s a small charming town, don’t get me wrong, but the road to Hana is famous because of the road. If you’re making the long journey, here are the best stops on the way.
Is the Road to Hana Worth It?
Common Complaints about the Road to Hana
- Too many curvy turns. The Road to Hana involves a long (I mean, very long) drive down a very curvy, two-lane highway. If someone is prone to car sickness, they probably won’t like this drive.
- Traffic can get backed up. Fortunately, I didn’t experience this when I drove to Hana on a Friday in April. When you decide to go is also important! Though, many complain that tourists can disrupt the locals as many residents in Hana use this road as their everyday commute.
- The views aren’t great. Some complain that you can’t see the ocean while driving. But, you can see incredible trees and waterfalls and bridges.
- There’s no place to park or pull over at most waterfalls. Yes, this is true. There are many waterfalls you will pass by on the drive, unable to stop to properly look at them. I found this a charming quirk of the road to Hana. The passengers in our car had their cameras ready any time the driver shouted out a waterfall was up ahead.
- Businesses and attractions may be closed.
- It will probably be raining. It’s a rain forest, so expect rain! We got poured on a couple of times during our drive, and it was amazing. I personally loved the times it was raining on the road to Hana. I can see why others might not like the rain, though.
- There’s not much to see or do in Hana. At the end of your drive, when you reach Hana, you may be disappointed that there isn’t really anything worth seeing or doing in Hana. Just remember it’s more about the journey.
- You have to go back the same way you came.
Pros of Driving the Road to Hana
It’s beautiful. The Hana Highway and everything you’ll see on the Road to Hana is so lush, green, and gorgeous. It’s a beautiful drive through a rain forest, across bridges, and past iconic landmarks.
It’s a unique and memorable experience. Your day driving to Hana is one you’ll always remember. You’ll have the chance to see waterfalls, walk through a lava tube, see a black sand beach, and explore gardens and arboretums.
You get to see a more natural, undeveloped side of Maui. You won’t find any strip malls or huge stores on the road to Hana. Paved parking lots are even few and far between. Discover a side of Maui that is largely untouched and natural.
Should You Drive the Road to Hana?
Don’t drive it. If you’re not 100% bent on driving to Hana, best to opt out and just spend another day at the beach.
Drive part way or half way. You can also drive part way or half way before turning around, getting a taste of the Road to Hana without it taking up your whole day.
Drive all the way to Hana. If you’re ready for a long day of adventure, prioritize your stops on your journey to Hana.
Tips for Driving the Road to Hana
Download maps. Cell phone service is spotty on the Road to Hana, so to help with navigation, I’d recommend downloading the Hawaii state map to your navigation app to use offline. HereWeGo and Google Maps let you do this. I also pre-saved our planned stops in the app to ease the search process.
Prioritize your favorite stops. Due to time constraints, you won’t be able to stop at everything on the Hana Highway in one day. Pick and choose what’s most important to you and make those your priorities.
Follow all signs and laws. Don’t block the road or park somewhere that’s not meant for parking. The roads are very small and you do not want to block it or make it hard for people to pass you. So if there’s no room or if there are any signs warning against parking, don’t park! Just keep driving. There’s so much more to see on the Road to Hana.
Road to Hana Driving Etiquette
- Let locals (and faster vehicles) pass.
- Park legally and don’t block the road.
- Don’t stop on bridges.
- Don’t intrude on private property.
- Follow road and safety signs.
- Avoid honking your horn.
- Leave no trace. (Pick up your trash.)
- Don’t take or stack rocks.
- Live aloha — the law of aloha “is the coordination of mind and heart” and each person must “think and emote good feelings to others.” So while in Hawaii, do as the locals do, and live aloha.
Map of Best Stops on Maui’s Road to Hana
15 Best Stops on the Road to Hana in Maui
Stop 1: Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa Beach Park is a white sand beach that sea turtles love. Stop by to see if any are chilling in the sand.
Note: This stop is before the official Road to Hana mile marker zero.
Stop 2: Road to Hana Cafe
Make the Road to Hana Cafe one of your first stops and order an acai bowl, a coffee, or whatever will help you power through the day.
Note: This stop is before the official Road to Hana mile marker zero.
Road to Hana Mile Marker Zero
Blink and you’ll miss this tiny sign, designating the official start of the Road to Hana. It’s just a small green road sign that says “Mile 0,” but once you pass it, you’ll know you’ve officially begun the Road to Hana.
Stop 3: Twin Falls
Mile marker 2
Twin Falls is one of the first waterfalls you’ll see on your drive to Hana. It’s also one of the only waterfalls that has a designated parking lot.
There’s a small parking lot in the front and another one in the back. Attendants will most likely be there to guide you in where to go.
It costs $10 to park and see the falls.
There are several paths to follow to the waterfalls, a lot of plants, and bamboo. It’s a can’t-miss spot for sure.
There is also a farm stand here as well as one a bit down the road for more refreshments, if desired.
Stop 4: An Arboretum
Mile markers 10 and 16
There are two arboretums to choose from —
- Ke’anae Arboretum
- Garden of Eden Arboretum
Here’s a little about each:
The Ke’anae Arboretum is about 6 acres; it’s free to enter, but the parking is limited to what’s available on the side of Hana Highway. There are rainbow eucalyptus trees here, but the trails can get quite muddy.
The Garden of Eden Arboretum is 30 acres and costs $20 a person to enter. There’s also a bit more parking. It seems to be well maintained with several trails and restrooms.
If either of these places are too crowded, you can also try visiting on your way back.
Stop 5: Ke’anae Lookout and Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread
Mile marker 16
If you turn off into Ke’anae Road, you’ll reach the Ke’anae Lookout and Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread. These are some great stops off of Hana Highway.
Stop 6: Halfway to Hana Rest Stop
Celebrate reaching the halfway point by buying more banana bread at this rest stop. Or, if you didn’t stop at Ke’anae, you can stop here for some treats. Trying all the banana breads along the Road to Hana was one of my favorite things.
Stop 7: Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park
Mile marker 22.5
At Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park, you’ll find Pua’a Ka’a Falls. It is free to stop here and walk over to see the waterfall. There are also restrooms and picnic tables here, if needed.
Stop 8: Lunch at Hana Harvest Cafe in Nahiku
Mile marker 27
Hana Harvest Cafe is a small cafe that offers grab-and-go lunch items. There are sandwiches, pasta salads, purple sweet potato salads, smoothies, beverages, and more. We were fascinated with the blue and red bananas hanging in bunches from the roof.
There’s some covered barstool seating outside, perfect for watching the rain. We loved this little cafe.
There are more food and shopping options about 2 miles up the road at Nahiku Marketplace (mile marker 29).
Stop 9: Hana Gold Chocolate Shop
You have to drive on an unpaved, dirt road to Hana Gold Chocolate Plantation and Shop, so see if your car is up for it before heading up the driveway. I guess we arrived too late as all the milk chocolate was sold out, so this stop was kind of a dud for us.
There are a few shops in Maui that sell Hana Gold Chocolate, so that could be your next best option if you miss this one.
Stop 10: Hana Lava Tube
Mile marker 31
The Hana Lava Tube was the centerpiece of our drive! Here you can stretch your legs and walk a quarter-mile (half-mile round trip) into a dark cave formed by lava almost a thousand years ago.
It costs $15 per person (cash only), and flashlights are given for your walk as it’s dark in there!
It didn’t seem like a long walk — once you reach the “chocolate” room you have to turn back — but it was an interesting experience.
There’s some good photo opportunities at the entrance of the lava tube, and there’s also a garden maze on the property for those in your party who don’t want to venture inside the cave.
Stop 11: Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Mile marker 32
The Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a popular stop on the Road to Hana. So popular that you need to book timed reservations in advance.
The Black Sand Beach is small, so they try to limit the number of people there at any one time.
It costs $10 for parking and an extra $5 per person.
We didn’t end up stopping here as I wasn’t sure how long it would take us to reach this park (it’s very close to Hana). We had also already seen a beautiful black sand beach on the Big Island, so it wasn’t a must-see for us. But if it is for you, definitely book a reservation!
Stop 12: Hana!
Mile marker 34
You finally made it to Hana! Fill up with gas at Hana Gas, if needed.
Check out the Hana Bay Beach Park and relax on a nearly black sand beach.
If you came on a Friday like we did, you can shop at the Hana Farmers Market until 4:30 p.m.
Stops Past Hana
Stop 13: Hamoa Beach and/or Koki Beach Park
Mile marker 38
There are a few beaches in and past Hana, such as Homoa Beach and Koki Beach Park. Consider lounging in the sand or jumping in the ocean waves for a bit before heading back.
Stop 14: Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park
Mile marker 45
Length: 4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 800 feet
The Pipiwai Trail, a four-mile, out-and-back hike to see a banyan tree and a bamboo forest on the way to two waterfalls, is inside the Haleakala National Park.
- Makahiku Falls — 0.5 miles into the trail, you will reach the overlook to view Makahiku Falls.
- Banyan Tree — About 0.6 miles into the trail, you’ll see a huge Banyan Tree estimated to be over 100 years old.
- Bamboo Forest — 1 mile into the trail, you will reach the Bamboo Forest. Listen to the bamboo creak and pop in the wind.
- Waimoku Falls — 2 miles into the trail, the trail ends at Waimoku Falls.
You’ll need to pay an entrance fee if you don’t have an annual national park pass. However, if you went to Haleakala recently, you can use your same ticket as it’s valid for three days.
The hike can take around two hours, so be cautious of time if you’re not staying in Hana for the night. You don’t want to be driving the Hana Highway in the dark.
We didn’t continue on to do this hike, even though it sounded amazing. Our crew was too beat, ready to drive back.
Stop 15: Seven Sacred Pools and ‘Ohe’o Gulch in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park
Mile marker 45
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 80 feet
On the Kūloa Point Trail, which starts by the Kīpahulu Visitor Center, you’ll be able to view the Seven Sacred Pools. The trail also passes by archaeological sites and ocean views, ending at Kuloa Point at the mouth of ‘Ohe’o Gulch.
Drive Back the Way You Came
Will you have to drive back the way you came? Yes, most likely. The Hana Highway continues on around the island, but it becomes more and more treacherous, narrowing, and even becoming a dirt road at some points. It’s much safer and faster to turn around and drive back out the way you came in.
The drive back was much quicker for us than the drive to Hana as we didn’t make any stops. You can opt to stop at places you missed on the way there, depending on the time. We were tired but full of all the beauty of the Road to Hana. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What to Know Before Traveling to Maui
There are four main islands where people live and visit in Hawaii — the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I’ve heard the wonders of Hawaii all my life but never understood it until I visited for myself.
Every island is unique and beautiful in its own right. No matter which one you visit, you will leave inspired and in awe. Here are some things to know before you go in order to be a respectful traveler.
Is Hawaii Suffering from Overtourism?
Yes, quite simply. There’s been numerous articles recently about how Hawaii is suffering from overtourism due to a post-pandemic travel boom, affecting its residents.
Some ways to help are to postpone your travel plans to Hawaii, visit one of the less-visited islands (such as the Big Island or Kauai), and/or visit during the low season (avoiding the summer and any school breaks).
You can also help by supporting local Hawaiian businesses (not corporations) and taking part in cultural classes or activities while in Hawaii.
How Do I Respect Hawaii as a Visitor?
Hawaii is a beautiful place — and the Hawaiian government and citizens do an amazing job at preserving the beauty. Did you know billboards are banned in the state of Hawaii in order to maintain natural beauty? As a visitor, please help contribute to these preservation efforts.
- Before traveling to any Hawaiian island, become familiar with how to be a respectful and responsible traveler to the islands and pledge to travel pono.
- Learn about the Hawaiian history and culture.
- Protect the oceans by not littering, reducing plastic use, and wearing reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii is the first U.S. state to ban coral-harming chemicals in sunscreen).
- If hiking, don’t go off the trail and follow all signs and rules in place.
- And most importantly, be kind! Have your best attitude when interacting with other people on the island, both locals and travelers alike. It’s actually a law in Hawaii — the law of aloha “is the coordination of mind and heart” and each person must “think and emote good feelings to others.” So while in Hawaii, do as the locals do, and live aloha.
What’s the Weather Like in Hawaii?
Pack your summer clothes as Hawaii’s temperatures are around 80 degrees year-round. The only exceptions are in the higher elevation areas of Volcano, HI on the Big Island and Haleakala in Maui where it does get chilly. Otherwise, there isn’t a need for a jacket. Rain comes in and out but usually doesn’t last long. Still, try to check your weather app before arrival for more specific information.
Will I Need to Rent a Car?
Yes, definitely. Book a rental car as far in advance as possible as Maui is fairly small and many rental car companies had to consolidate during the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving the Road to Hana
Must-do stops on Road to Hana?
My favorite stops on the Road to Hana were Twin Falls and the Hana Lava Tube. Definitely stop at those two places!
How long does the Road to Hana take with stops?
If you’re driving all the way to Hana, it will take all day. You can turn back at any point, though.
How many stops are on the Road to Hana?
The limit does not exist. There are so many possible stops you can make on the Road to Hana. I’ve included the top 15 ones in this post!
Where does the Road to Hana begin and end?
The road to Hana technically begins at mile marker zero (see it on Google Maps), and it ends in the town of Hana.
What is the best route to take to Hana?
There’s really only one road to Hana, the Hana Highway, and one way to get to Hana. You start at mile marker zero and end in Hana. There is a rough, narrow road that loops the other way from Hana, but you would need a 4×4 vehicle.
Is Road to Hana in Maui Hawaii overrated?
I personally don’t think so. But whether the Road to Hana is worth doing is hotly debated. You should take your personal preferences into consideration — do you like long drives? can you drive on windy mountain roads? do you want to explore this rain forest side of Maui? If yes, I think you’ll like it.
Why is the Road to Hana famous?
It’s famous because it’s a 52-mile highway in Maui that curves alongside cliffs and through a rain forest. Where else can you make over 600 turns and cross over 45 bridges? It’s a highway where you can drive past beautiful trees and numerous waterfalls. The beautiful scenery along the journey makes the Road to Hana famous.
What are the best restaurants or food options along the Road to Hana on Maui?
- Road to Hana Cafe
- Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread
- Halfway to Hana Rest Stop
- Hana Harvest Cafe
- Nahiku Marketplace
- Hana Gold Chocolate Plantation and Shop
How scary is it to drive on the road to Hana given all of the turns?
It’s not that scary, but you do have to remain alert and vigilant at all times.
Can you drive a rental car all the way around the road to Hana?
We rented a car to do the drive to Hana because we needed one anyway while we were in Maui. Our rental car was a regular sedan. It didn’t have 4-wheel drive.
However, if you’re planning to continue driving past Hana around the other side of Maui, you would need a vehicle with 4-wheel drive.
Do I need a four wheel drive car to drive all the way on the Road to Hana?
If you’re just driving to Hana from mile marker zero, you don’t need a four-wheel drive vehicle. If you’re planning to drive past Hana, out the other side, you will need a 4-wheel vehicle.
How fast do people generally drive on the Road to Hana?
Locals drive fast. Tourists tend to drive slower. There were several times we had to let cars pass us. Be aware of the faster vehicles wanting to get around you, and let them pass when it’s safe to do so.
What are the best tour companies for touring the Road to Hana?
- Valley Isle Excursions
- Hana & Beyond
- Awapuhi Adventures
- Experience Maui Tours
- Holo Holo Maui Tours
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Hawaii
12 Things to Do in Haleakalā National Park
3 Day Maui Itinerary: What to Do in Maui, Hawaii
5-Day Oahu Itinerary: What to Do on the Most Popular Hawaiian Island
7-Day Big Island Itinerary: How to Spend a Week on the Big Island of Hawaii
Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Big Island Hawaii