Have you hear of the Road to Hana? Have you driven it during a visit to Maui? We’ve put together a two day itinerary, a travel plan to help you have a great experience as you drive the Road to Hana and loop back around to Kihei or wherever you are based for your vacation. Now, this isn’t a usual road trip but a condensed trip on a narrow highway. The sights are beautiful and the actual act of driving is an experience. This is a slow road where the journey is the reason for it.
The Road to Hana (Hāna Highway) is a stunning, winding route along Maui’s eastern coast. It’s only 64 miles, but it’s got 620 curves and 59 bridges (46 of them are single lane), it’s got some breathtaking views, waterfalls, lush rainforests, and cultural landmarks. This two-day road trip itinerary ensures a leisurely pace, allowing time to fully appreciate the journey… and taking your time will keep you from getting too nauseous. If you have questions about driving the Road to Hana or planning your time on Maui, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and this and other great experiences!
Brief History of the Hana Highway
As you do the Road to Hana road trip, you might be thinking to yourself “Why am I doing this?” Here’s the thing: the Hana Highway wasn’t intended to become a tourist attraction, but a functional road for Maui residents. With that, the influx of tourists on the Road to Hana over the years has become generally accepted, but some drivers really need to realize where they are.
Originally a footpath connecting remote communities, the Hana Highway was completed in 1926 to connect Hana to the rest of Maui. Its historic bridges, many built between 1908 and the 1930s, are marvels of early 20th-century engineering, blending seamlessly into the rugged landscape. Today, the road is both a functional route and a scenic treasure. Locals use this road, driving like pros and navigating the turns unlike I’m able to. Tourists drive it for the novelty of it. If you’re going to do the Road to Hana trip, be smart, respectful and alerts as you enjoy the journey.
Tips for a Safe Drive on the Road to Hana
If you haven’t picked up on it yet, driving the Road to Hana isn’t just going for a Sunday afternoon drive. This is a drive where being alert and courteous are equally important. It’s a drive that needs you to have a plan for your mini-road trip so that you’re not stuck somewhere on a one-lane road in the dark. Here are our tips for having a safe journey on the Road to Hana:
- Stay Mindful: Respect private property and “kamaʻāina only” signs, pack out your trash, and avoid blocking roads or driveways.
- Start Early: Begin your drive at sunrise to avoid traffic and maximize daylight. Driving the Road to Hana in the dark is NOT a thrill.
- Fuel Up: Ensure your car is fully fueled in Paʻia, as there is only one gas station on the route until you get back around to Kula near Kihei.
- Pack Supplies: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and cash (some stops don’t accept cards).
- Drive Carefully: Observe speed limits and yield at one-lane bridges. Be courteous to locals who use the road daily. Seriously, I can’t stress enough how important it is to be careful and courteous.
- Fruit Stands and Local Vendors: Stop at roadside stands for fresh banana bread, coconut, and tropical fruits as you continue on your journey.
- Plan for Nausea: If prone to carsickness, bring remedies for the winding roads. We pull over often because I’m not great in the car.
You will love this adventure, but be sure you’re smart about it.
Road to Hana Itinerary
Alright! It’s time to actually get to our plan for driving the Road to Hana. You’re going to enjoy the Hana Highway and its stops, so take your time and enjoy the road trip! As you proceed, I think having a picnic lunch at the ready for Day one on the Hana Highway is a smart idea. You can get sandwiches and drinks for the road so you don’t have to stress about making it to one of the very few food stops down the Hana Highway.
Day 1: Paʻia to Hana
I like splitting the Road to Hana into two days so that we can actually enjoy the sights and things to do. There’s nothing wrong with taking your time!
Morning Road to Hana Plan:
Start in Paʻia Town, a charming spot to grab coffee and breakfast before hitting the road. There are some great beaches here, but we’re talking about our Road to Hana itinerary. This is pretty much your last opportunity to grabs snacks and drinks for the road before you’re too far onto the Hana Highway. But then once you’re going, the fun stops begin.
Stop at Twin Falls (mile marker 2). A short hike leads to waterfalls and swimming holes. Pay attention to trail and safety signs, and then be sure to clean off your shoes before you get back into the car. But you do have another walk in the woods coming up just a few miles down the road. Explore the rainbow eucalyptus trees (just off the road), and then the Bamboo Forest at mile marker 6.5. Park safely and follow the unmarked trail to find some small waterfalls and big bamboo groves.
Your next stop is a fun one, and I think it’s one of the prettiest places on Maui. Visit the Garden of Eden Arboretum (mile marker 10.5). Stroll through botanical gardens featuring exotic plants, peacocks, and views of waterfalls and Keopuka Rock (“Jurassic Park Rock”). I think this is a 60-90 minute stop depending on the weather and everyone’s mood. The next stop is a fun one and a good spot for an early lunch.
Next up, stop at Kaumahina State Wayside Park (mile marker 12), a scenic spot with ocean views and picnic tables. It’s a quick stop, so get back on the Road to Hana and carefully continue. Stop at Ke‘anae Peninsula (mile marker 16). Visit the beach, park and lookout, and then stop to get some fresh banana bread from Aunt Sandy’s. It’s nearly lunch time.
Afternoon Hana Highway Sights and Activities
Visit Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside, which is a waterfall stop and a great place to eat lunch. You’ll park in designated spots and then cross the highway. There are some trails and guardrails to keep people safe, and then you’ll be able to clearly see where you can enter the water to swim at the base of the waterfall. You may see a sign when you park that states the you need to have a reservation for Wai‘ānapanapa State Park to visit but the Hawaii DNR site says it’s a free stop.
If you enjoyed your time at the Garden of Eden Arboretum, make a stop at the Kahanu National Tropical Botanical Garden. You can wander the gardens and see historic structures, including a heiau and other Native Hawaiian structures. The Piʻilanihale Heiau is actually the largest heiau that you can visit. Visiting Kahanu is a similar experience to the Limahuli Gardens on Kauai, so expect a lot of learning about endemic plants and history!
If you’re interested, visit the Hana Lava Tube (it’s got an entry fee per person). The grounds are pretty and then the tour down into the lava tube is neat, but this isn’t necessarily a must-stop, but it’s cool. Your last stop before you settle for the day is at a beautiful black sand beach. Swim or relax at Wai‘ānapanapa State Park (mile marker 32). Its black sand beach, lava tubes, and sea arches make it a must-see. You do need to reserve park entry in advance.
Sleep in: Hāna. Options include:
- Hāna-Maui Resort – a luxury retreat with beautiful grounds
- Hana Kai Maui – cozy oceanfront condos.
- Airbnb/VRBO – look for homes offering a more local experience.
Day 2: Hana, Kīpahulu and Done!
Yesterday was a pretty fun, pretty busy, but really chill day as you did the first part of the Road to Hana. Today is similar, but it includes more hiking and more beach time. As you depart Hana and go along the South Shore of Maui, the road gets rough and narrow, so keep in mind all the safety tips we talked about at the start. Today includes some really beautiful sights, including a slice of Haleakala National Park.
Morning Drive from Hana
Visit Hana Town, exploring its art galleries and a few historic sites. You’ll be able to find a nice breakfast and get your snacks and drinks for the day. Before you leave town, have a morning swim down and Hana Bay Beach Park. Like I said, today is full of beach time, whether you’re in the mood to lay out at each beach or just do a quick dip and move onto the next, I really enjoy this particular stretch of the Road to Hana road trip.
As you go, here are the next beaches you can stop to visit. Do you have any reason to NOT maximize your beach time while you’re on Maui?:
- Hana Beach Park
- Koki Beach Park
- Hamoa Beach
- Maka‘Alae Beach
If you’re researching stops on the Hana Highway via resources like Google Maps or AllTrails, know that sometimes there are entries or markers that are on private property. You may find a spot that looks awesome online, but then you arrive and you see that it’s got a “Private Property” or “Locals Only” sign. You choose if you’re going to respect these signs, but my advice is that you only visit designated public beaches and such. For example, the Wiaoka Pond is really pretty and has a beach, but it’s also got a Locals Only sign at the top of the trail. Maui really has a lot of tourists, so saving these special places for locals is a simple thing to do.
Afternoon at Haleakala National Park
Continuing on after your beach stops, you’ll see several waterfalls along the drive. The best one to stop at is Wailua Falls. There are places to pull off the Hana Highway and then you can walk to the bridge and check it out. It’s beautiful! Moving on, drive to Haleakalā National Park, Kīpahulu District (mile marker 42). There’s a good visitor center here and some great trails. Have lunch when you get to the Kipahulu district.
Hike the Pipiwai Trail (4 miles round trip) through the big banyan tree and then to the nifty Bamboo Forest and Waimoku Falls, a towering 400-foot waterfall. I think this is a great hike and isn’t too difficult. If you’re spending a few days exploring the other area of Haleakala, the Summit District, you’ll see that this area is extremely different and you’d never even guess that it’s in the same park.
Next up, do the easy trail at ʻOheʻo Gulch, aka the Seven Sacred Pools. This is a short hike with some historic structures and exhibits and then for scenic views, the actual stream and pools is really cool. No, you cannot swim in the Seven Sacred Pools or at this beach, but it’s still a great hike and is beautiful.
Ending with the Pilani Highway
Once you’re done at the Kipahulu Unit and are ready to get back on the road, the Pilani Highway begins. It’s an invisible transition from the Hana Highway to the Pilani Highway. This stretch of road has a few farms you can stop at, but mostly it’s loaded with beautiful views and oceanside stops. By this point, it’s basically sunset so enjoy the changing colors on Haleakala and continue to drive safely. There are some stretches at the start of the Pilani Highway that are one lane and gravel, but they widen and it becomes paved.
Eventually you’ll be on the main highway again approaching Kula and Kihei. This is the end of your Road to Hana road trip. It’s been a beautiful drive and you’ve gotten to experience the more remote side of Maui. I hope you’ve had a wonderful time!
Are you ready and excited to drive the Hana Highway? It’s not a must if this is your first time on Maui. There are so many wonderful things to do all around the island, and tons of beautiful beaches. Enjoy this mini road trip though, and if you had a great time, you could do the Northwestern Loop next time. It’s also full of beautiful sights and one-lane roads.
If you have any questions about driving the Road to Hana or planning your time on Maui, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help others plan incredible trips through the Islands of Aloha.
