The road to Hana is an iconic part of any trip to Maui. The famed transit begins in the island’s main city of Kahului. From here, travelers follow the Hana Highway (route 36) along the coastal cliffs and through mountainous jungle roads before eventually arriving at the small town of Hana. Just past Hana, are some of the island’s top attractions, so naturally the road to Hana doesn’t actually end in Hana. For example, most people will continue on past Hana to enjoy Haleakala National Park and possibly Hamoa Beach before turning around and making the drive back along the same route.
Many choose to make the road to Hana one long day. Like 10-12 hours long. If this is your speed, I hope you are an early riser and don’t mind driving in the dark. Exploring the road to Hana in 1 single day is not advisable in our opinion. You will likely be quite rushed and have to pick and choose carefully what will be included in your day. This plan also throws your spontaneity out the window, as you will have to adhere to a much tighter schedule. If you are still planning on making the trek in a day, I would recommend planning to be in the town of Paia (often considered the first stop on the road to Hana) by 7AM. PAIA IS THE LAST PLACE TO GET GAS UNTIL HANA (where a small gas station is available). Make sure your tank is full before continuing on.
For those looking for a more relaxed and comprehensive experience, consider taking the road to Hana in 2-3 days. This would include accommodations in Hana for the night and allow you access to some of the most sought after attractions early in the morning before the crowds set in. In Hana, consider staying at Hana Kai Maui. It is a lovely small collection of waterfront condos located directly on Waikaloa Bay. The soft splashing waves, dark starry night, and private early morning sunrise from the bay, may well be the most relaxing part of your Hawaii experience.
The last major broad stroke tips for the road to Hana are as follows. Firstly, know that the road to Hana is very popular and very windy. There are 620 curves and 59 bridges on the Hana Highway, and many of the bridges only accommodate one way traffic. Those with questionable intestinal fortitude may benefit from bringing some dramamine or other type of nausea medication. Coupling that with stop and go traffic and thousands of tourists jostling for the best views and parking can make for some consistent low level stress and slow going. Secondly, note that not all the “Best Stops on the Road to Hana” that you will read about online are actually legal. For example, swimming at the Seven Sacred Pools or Venous Pools may result in fines or worse if a flash flood comes rolling through. All the recommendations in this post are legal attractions with reasonable parking accommodations (meaning you won’t have to pull over your car on a sketchy turn or take your rental off roading). Without further ado, please enjoy these Best Stops on the Road to Hana.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Consistently considered one of the best stops on the road to Hana, Wai’anapanapa State Park is home to the famed “black sand beach” of Maui. Slowly eroded basaltic lava rock gives the beach this striking jet black appearance. Overall, the beach is small, secluded, and gorgeous! And although it’s not great for swimming or snorkeling, many consider bobbing in the waves and riding in on the surf a must do when visiting this famous spot.
Also, right along the beach entrance (to the right when you come down the stairs) sits a small but interesting lava tube. The lava tube is right in plain sight and said to have formed due to lava flows in the area. You must check it out if coming to the park!
The main attraction of the park is undoubtedly the black sand beach. However, the small hikes along the coastline of the beach should not be missed. Both of the main trails in the park are on the King’s Trail (said to have circumscribed the entire island of Maui at one point). While the trail stretches for miles in each direction, we would recommend starting at the beach and simply trekking to the overlooks on either side. On the northern end of the beach (to the left as you are coming down the stairs) there is a small footpath up to a blowhole, all within visual distance of the beach. This blowhole is not regular and only delivers small sprays unless the tide and surf is just right. Regardless, it is still worth checking out. The trail heading east from the beach veers off to the right before the stairs down to the beach itself. It is paved and offers awesome views of the sea arch, sea cliff, and the black sand beach below.
Lastly (but very importantly), note that you now require a RESERVATION (click here) to access the beach. We heard many tales of poor disappointed travelers who drove all the way to the entrance only to be turned away. Entrance fees for non-hawaiian residents are $10 per vehicle and an additional $5 per person. You will have to choose a time slot between 2.5-3 hours, a good amount of time to enjoy this fascinating place.
Kaihalulu Beach
Also known as the red sand beach, Kaihalulu Beach is a strikingly colorful and unique cove along the Hana coastline. It was unlike any beach we have been to before. The deep red lava cliffs tower high above the cove and provide the iconic rust red appearance of the sandy shore below. A natural jagged rock wall also shelters this secluded beach for excellent swimming and snorkeling as well.
Note that the reviews on this beach are mixed, mainly due to concerns around safety and parking. Several years ago, a rockslide took out part of the trail and the new trail is narrow and precarious at times. The edge of this rocky path to the beach has also been known to crumble away at times and bad injuries have occurred. That being said, with reasonable fitness, safety precautions (like sticking to the cliff side along the trail), and common sense, we did not find this trail too hazardous and would come again in a heartbeat.
Regarding parking, we would just recommend parking at the Hana Bay Beach Park and avoiding the stress entirely. From here, you would walk along Uakea Road (about 0.25 miles) past the Hana Community Center and School, and pick up the short trail to the beach on the left of the street just before it comes to a stop at the Hana Maui Resort. The trail to the beach is short without any real elevation gain to speak of. We would recommend at least 2 hours (including the walk from your car) to best enjoy this beautiful place!
Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park
The Pipiwai Trail is one of the top attractions in all of Maui. It is a 3.8 mile out and back hike departing from the Kipahulu Visitor Center in Haleakala National Park. The entrance fee to the park is $30 per vehicle, is valid for up to 3 days, and includes access to the summit of Haleakala as well. The trailhead of the Pipiwai trail is also conveniently right next to that of the Kuloa (“Seven Sacred Pools”) Trail, should this interest you as well.
The highlight of the hike is the picturesque bamboo forest. You will also pass a massive Banyan Tree, enjoy views of sprawling jungle as it descends the ravine towards Oheo Gulch, and marvel at the striking 400 foot Waimoku Falls as well.
For more information and pictures on the Pipiwai Trail and other top hikes in Maui, you can view our other post HERE.
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park is the quickest and most convenient of the best stops on the road to Hana. Entrance to the park is free and parking is available at a small parking lot right next to the lookout. After ascending a small set of stairs, visitors are rewarded with expansive and striking views of Wailua Valley and the coastal town of Wailua. On a clear day, you may be blessed with distant views of Haleakala Volcano and will likely see several distant waterfalls as well.
Note that this is not much of a park and does not have a bathroom or typical park amenities. Regardless, this wayside park is well worth a quick stretch of the legs to experience some of the best views on the Hana Highway!
Paia Town
Paia is a small surf town on the northshore of Maui and widely considered the first of the best stops on the road to Hana. The two main roads of Paia, Hana Highway going east-west, and Baldwin Avenue going north-south, intersect to form the main downtown of Paia. Here you will find assorted bars/restaurants, art galleries, surf shops, and a multitude of boutique stores with local made gifts and treasures. Paia is also home to the famed Mama’s Fish House, known as the top restaurant in all of Maui. Reservations are made months in advance so plan ahead if you’re going to make Mama’s Fish House part of your adventure. A lucky few may be able to score seats at the bar without reservations, however I would never count on this. For those without the luck or pocketbook for Mama’s Fish House, the Paia Fish Market is another Paia staple with excellent reviews and great vibes.
For most, Paia is a great spot for a quick breakfast and to fill up your gas tank before heading to Hana. For others, Paia is a fun laid back destination with relaxing vibes, good eats, and world class surfing/windsurfing. In fact, Paia is touted as the windsurfing capital of the world. Its central location also acts as an easy launch point for the road to Hana, Haleakala summit, and many of the other top spots in Maui. It is conveniently just 30 minutes from the island’s major airport as well.
Ho’opika Beach
Located just outside of Paia rests Ho’opika Beach. This popular site is home to crashing waves, world class windsurfing, and droves of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. These friendly creatures are seen bobbing in and out of the surf and also commonly spotted congregating on the beach as well. You may even have the good fortune of sighting an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, also known to frequent the region.
The white sandy Ho’opika Beach is a great spot for sunbathing and catching both elite windsurfers and surfers in action. You may even catch a popup surf competition if traveling in the winter months. Lastly, there is a cool lookout on your right hand side when you just get off the Hana Highway and are entering the park. This is a great spot to take in the sights of this fascinating place!
Pua’a Ka’a Falls State Wayside Park
Pua’a Ka’a Falls Wayside Park is a free, quick, convenient place that should make your list of best stops on the road to Hana. Perhaps most importantly, this wayside park is one of the few bathroom stops along this stretch of the Hana Highway.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls is a great spot to quickly stretch your legs or enjoy a scenic picnic. You may just have to contend with the droves of stray cats. The park contains a short paved path along a stream from the parking lot up to Pua’a Ka’a Falls. The falls are small but beautiful and empty into a wide shallow pool. Although not advised or technically allowed, many people escape the heat with a quick dip in this rainforest pool before hopping back on the highway!
Hamoa Beach
Hamoa Beach is like something from a dream. Widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui, this beach is known for beautiful soft sand running deep out into the ocean. This sandbar type feel makes for enjoyable swimming/snorkeling and crystal clear water. Hamoa Beach is also at times known for rough waves.This can be both a deterrent for swimming/snorkeling or a gift for surfers and those simply looking to play in the surf.
Parking at Hamoa Beach is somewhat limited. It involves parking on the side of Haneoo Road and descending some stairs down to the beach. Though once on the beach, your worries and problems are sure to melt away. The beach is beautiful and has plentiful natural coverage from the sun. It also has bathrooms and outdoor shower stations for your convenience. Furthermore, due to the remote nature of this beach, you will likely find it much less crowded than other renowned beaches on the island. All this is sure to make your trip to Hamoa Beach a truly memorable experience!
Backside of Haleakala
This recommendation is truly a gem. Most travelers on the road to Hana follow an out and back drive ending at Hana, Hamoa Beach, or the Kipahula District of Haleakala National Park. This benefits those who were unable to catch certain attractions on the outbound drive, as they now have a second chance to find parking or that perfect picture on the way back. We would counter that particularly for those making the road to Hana trek over 2-3 days, exploring the backside of Haleakala very well may be the most rewarding drive of your trip.
The terrain on the backside of Haleakala is remote, wild and breathtaking. You will pass few cars. You will see few people. And you will feel the unbelievable humility that comes with being on your own out in an immaculate landscape. There are several scenic lookouts (and tons of wild mountain goats) as you move west along the Pillani Highway. As the road turns north and back towards civilization, several fascinating stops may interest you.
Maui Wine is a scenic vineyard bottling unique vintages right along the Pillani Highway. It is also the ONLY winery in Maui. You can also consider the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, the Kula Botanical Gardens, or take a Maui Chocolate Coffee Tour. For those who built an appetite over their long and rugged drive, we strongly recommend the Kula Bistro. This all-day cafe is known for local dishes, breakfast staples, and some of the finest paninis this side of Haleakala!
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