The 17 Best Road to Hana Stops + Map (2024)

With its rushing waterfalls, lush foliage, and plunging ocean views, the Road to Hana in Maui is one of the most amazing things to do in Maui and one of my very best Hawaii tips. But since it’s impossible to see it all in a day, you’ll want to know the very best Road to Hana stops to make the most of your time here.

It’s one of North America’s bucket list drives …and the most famous one in Hawaii.

The problem is that you could easily enjoy a week or more here exploring remote beaches and hikes here. So if your time is more limited, let this be your guide.

Quick update: In December 2021, the State of Hawaii made it mandatory to have a reservation for the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Read more below at #13. Otherwise, the Road to Hana requires no reservations!

Best Stops on the Road to Hana

What is The Hana Highway exactly?

It’s 64 miles of absolutely gorgeous highway on the east—and rainforested—side of Maui. It connects Kahului (where the airport is) to the town of Hana at the eastern and bottom tip of the island. It’s one of the very best places to go in Hawaii.

This narrow road winds over 59 bridges through lush tropical foliage with incredible views of sheer cliffs, turquoise ocean waves, dozens of waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Rumor is that there are 620 curves on this road!

A couple of important tips to get the most out of your visit: The best way to find the places listed below is to look for the mile markers along the side of the Hana Highway.

It may also help to set your trip odometer to zero once you hit Highway 360 (which is after the Ho’okipa Lookout).

Get gas before you go! There is no gas along this road so be sure to fill up before you head out. You’ll have a long day of driving so don’t get stuck.

The road here is quite good and if you were thinking about renting a convertible on Maui, this is the drive that makes it worthwhile!

If you’re driving the Road to Hana as a day trip during your Maui vacation—which is what most people do—be sure to get an early start so you’re not driving back late at night in the dark.

And even if you do set out early, resign yourself to the fact that you’re probably not going to have time to enjoy all the stops listed below…especially if you want to hike.

I recommend arriving in Paia no later than 8 am. In fact, Paia is a great stop for coffee. You could get groceries there at Mana Foods, the best natural food store on the island. (Or hit up the food trucks by the airport.)

Driving the Road to Hana is easy and safe. Just be aware that—as noted above—you’ll be navigating lots of twists and turns. Some of them have steep drops with beautiful views to the sea.

So if someone in your group has a fear of heights, it might not be for you.

How to Rent a Car on Maui

My top two recommendations are:

1. Discover Cars has no hidden fees, 24/7 customer service, and free cancellation. They search all the major rental car companies so you don’t have to.

Check price and availability on rental cars here.

2. Turo is like Airbnb for cars. It saved us $$$ during the pandemic on our Hawaii rentals when rental car prices were sky high.

Another important thing to note: This drive is all about the journey. Not the destination.

If you do this as a day trip, spend about half your day driving to Hana and the other half driving back from Hana back to Paia. You may not even make it all the way to Hana.

In other words, if you drive from Kihei in South Maui (or anywhere in West Maui) straight through—with NO stops—you’d arrive in Hanna in just under three hours…and that’s without the return trip back!

Most people do this as an out-and-back drive, although it is possible to drive around the island’s eastern tip, with some caveats. (See FAQ below.)

Without spending the night, you’ll be lucky to make it to Wai’anapanapa State Beach (the one that requires reservations), depending on how much time you spend at the stops listed below.

To skip the crowds and traffic, consider overnighting here instead.

See “Where to stay” below for a more enjoyable and leisurely visit to this east side of the island. Take this approach if you’re not pressed for time, you’ve been to Maui once before, or you just love seeing a beautiful place with far fewer tourists.

Don’t want to drive? Leave it to a Local.

Even if you’re not afraid of heights, it’s a little hard to take in the views when you trying to navigate the hairpin turns.

This idyllic Road to Hana day tour picks you up and returns you to your hotel in an air-conditioned luxury limo-van (no more than 8 people) for a full-day tour.

You’ll enjoy plenty of stops at iconic locations, breakfast, lunch, and swim breaks at the black sand beach in Hana (or a freshwater waterfall).

Check price and availability on the Road to Hana tour here.

1. Ho’okipa Lookout (Mile Marker 9)

Once you leave Paia and head onto Highway 36, you’ll arrive at Ho’okipa Beach Park on your left.

You’ll see a gravel parking lot so be sure to pull over for the views. This is one of the best windsurfing spots on Planet Earth!

Professional windsurfing competitions happen here. And in winter, you’ll find plenty of big-wave surfers here as well.

Speaking of winter, if you’re here then, look for humpback whales. Best whale spotting occurs from late fall (October) to early spring (March).

Sometimes Hawaiian green sun turtles are sunning here as well. Please remember that they are endangered and it’s illegal to approach them in Hawaii.

Hopping back in the car, head down Highway 36. You’ll notice that soon enough Highway 36 becomes Highway 360, the astounding Hana Highway. The adventure begins!

Now is the time to reset your odometer to zero so you can follow along on the mile markers below.

Road to Hana Map: Where to Stop

How to use this map: This map is an image. Click the map to open an interactive version of the map. From there, if you click “open in my maps”, you can add this to your Google maps. Just click the tiny transparent star to the right of the map description to save it in “your places.” Go to “your places” next and there it is!

2. Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)

Twin Falls is the first of the many waterfalls you will encounter on the Road to Hana. And because of that, it can be quite crowded. It’s worth remembering this if you find a long line of cars and nowhere to park here.

If you got a late start or prefer to skip crowds, just keep driving!

Be aware that waterfalls may be rushing if there’s been rain…or you could find just a trickle if the weather’s been warm and dry.

Here is your gentle reminder to avoid leaving anything valuable in your car. Break-ins do occur with regularity all over Maui, especially in crowded tourist areas.

(You could follow local advice and just leave your car unlocked but with no valuables inside. This avoids smashed windows.)

Keep a lookout for the bridge near Mile Marker 2 and the fruit stand just to the right of it.

It’s one of the nicer fruit stands on the Road to Hana too, so consider picking up some fresh fruit or juice here.

As for Twin Falls, there are mixed opinions.

Some visitors love that the falls are so accessible. It’s just a short, flat walk to Lower Falls if you’re with someone who has mobility challenges.

The walk to Upper Falls is longer and more difficult.

However, some travelers would prefer to skip the packed parking lot and save their walk for better falls ahead. Sidenote: It’s a pay-to-park lot ($10 last time we made the drive) with just 55 spots.

My view? Take the falls where you can find them! On my most recent drive on the Road to Hana, I saw very few falls.

Then again, the day before our drive, I saw a viral video of a helicopter rescue of hikers during a flash flood on the Road to Hana.

It’s important to recognize that conditions can change dramatically in just an hour…from no sign of rain to flash floods! Always check the weather and be aware of your limits before you head out.

Update: I’ve been reading some seriously disappointing accounts of the crowds at Twin Falls and the incredibly rude ways tourists are treating locals who help with parking there when they arrive to find the site full. Please don’t be that person!

The parking lot is likely to be swamped by 9 am, so just keep driving if it’s later.

Let your heart be full of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this magical drive. Entitlement has no place here.

Where to stay on the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana deserves more time than a day trip. If you can spare one or two nights in your itinerary, I recommend you overnight in Hana, specifically at the Hana-Maui Resort.

Check price and availability at the Hana-Maui Resort here.

My top picks for Maui vacation rentals and resorts—by area—are here.

If you’re also heading to South and West Maui, read more here:

• Where to stay in Kihei

• Where to stay in Lahaina

3. Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees (Mile Marker 7)

If you keep driving, near Mile Marker 7, look over towards the left side of the road (if you’re headed towards Hana) and you will see the amazing forest of rainbow Eucalyptus trees.

From the road, it’s easy for the colors to look a bit subtle—I’ve actually edited the photo a bit below—but they are absolutely unique and gorgeous.

These beautiful trees originate from an island in the Philippines and only live in warm, humid climates.

The rainbow colors come from outer layers of bark that peel away slowly over time and at different rates, leaving this gorgeous palette of colors.

Please note: These rainbow trees exist on private property so please don’t tromp through the woods to see them. This can be very frustrating for locals and may lead to more tourist restrictions. Please be respectful.

If you can, park on the shallow shoulder (if there is room and it’s safe) and admire from a distance. I took this photo with a telephoto lens.

You can always walk back along the road if you overshoot this location while driving.

4. Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile Marker 10)

The Garden of Eden Arboretum is 26 acres of garden paradise!

Yes, there is a $20 admission fee—per adult—to get in here and you might balk at this considering Road to Hana is stunning and free.

But if you love tropical gardens, consider stopping for a 30-minute walk through here. It’s easy to spot the sign from the road, too.

You’ll find 2.5 miles of trails for walking here that come with waterfall, valley, and ocean views…not to mention the free roaming peacocks!

There’s also a food truck, restaurant, and bathrooms here, so it makes a great pitstop.

5. Ke’Anae Peninsula (Mile Marker 13)

Keep an eye out as you drive and soon you’ll see a long finger of lava extending out into the sea. That hardened lava comes from Haleakala Crater!

You will probably notice the black lava well before you arrive at mile marker 13 but you’ll have to wait until the turnout to find a place to pull over.

This low-lying peninsula was home to a taro-producing Hawaiian village in the 19th century. It was almost destroyed by a tsunami back in 1946.

Today, it’s fun to enjoy a short wander here as there aren’t a lot of lava beaches on Maui. You’ll find many more of them on the Big Island’s western shore.

You can’t swim here but it’s the perfect spot to snap a photo.

6. Honomanu Bay (Mile Marker 14)

Keep driving towards Hana and you’ll come to scenic Honomanu Bay. The lookout here is another great place to admire the Ke’anae Peninsula.

Unfortunately, you also can’t swim at Honomanu Bay. The surf can be crazy here. In fact, winter waves reach higher than 20 feet!

The good news is that if you drive down a paved road (at least part of it is paved…it turns into dirt), you can reach the gravelly beach here. You’ll find the turn-off just past Mile Marker 14.

Otherwise, if you’re not interested in time at the beach, you’ll find a pullout for a gorgeous beach view another half mile down the road, past Kaumahina State Wayside Park.

7. Ke’anae Arboretum (Mile Marker 16)

Sometimes travelers on the Road to Hana confuse the Garden of Eden Arboretum (#4 above, at mile marker 10) for the Ke’anae Arboretum.

If you like the idea of visiting an arboretum but don’t want to shell out $20 per person, now is your chance to visit one that’s free!

The best reason to visit is for an up close and personal view of the rainbow Eucalyptus. Keep an eye out for the blue marble trees as well. They’re native to Australia and you can eat the fruit.

This is a paradise for tropical fruit. You’ll find papaya, breadfruit, ginger, and banana here, and you can enjoy a serene walk along a trail streamside through the forest.

8. Halfway to Hana Stand (Mile Marker 17)

When you see the Halfway to Hana sign at Mile Marker 17, be aware that you’re more like two-thirds of the way to Hana rather than halfway.

Still, this fruit stand has been baking its famous banana bread for visitors since 1982. In fact, if you tell other Maui visitors that you’ll be driving the Road to Hana, you’ll probably get a tip to “Try the banana bread!”

This is just one place to sample it though. You can taste test here and also at Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread just after Mile Marker 16 on Keanae Road. Competition is fierce!

Other snacks and treats available here include ice cream, burgers, sandwiches, and shave ice. Try the pineapple and passion fruit.

9. Wailua Valley State Wayside (Mile Marker 18.8)

Consider this a great spot for a quick stretch. It’s just a quick stop to enjoy a panoramic view.

Be sure to drive slowly as you approach Mile Marker 18.8 as it’s easy to zoom on by if you’re not watching.

You’ll see a small place with three parking spots and a set of steps.

Once you’ve parked, climb the few stairs to the top and you’ll enjoy a gorgeous view of Wailua and taro fields. Then look the opposite way toward the mountain and marvel at the steep walls of the valley.

10. Upper Waikani Falls (Mile Markers 19 to 20)

Upper Waikani Falls is a photographer’s dream!

Once you pass Mile Marker 19, watch for Upper Waikani Falls. It’s just a half mile or so up the road. Again, it’s not really marked with a sign, so you’ll need to go slow if you don’t want to miss it.

Another thing to watch for: The “no parking” signs! You will get a ticket if you disregard them, so I suggest you drive just past the falls where there’s parking and then walk back to the falls.

In fact, it’s easy to capture a nice photo of the falls from the side of the road if you’re intent on making this just a quick stop.

Otherwise, you can also hike down to the falls from the road for a swim. Just be careful to avoid slipping as the beginning of the trail can be a bit treacherous.

And actually, if the falls are really roaring (more so than in the photo here), do not jump from the cliffs. You need to be able to see the rocks to ensure it’s safe!

11. Pu’a Ka’a Wayside State Park (Mile Markers 22 and 23)

If you’re looking for a short hike, Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park can be a nice stop.

At just under a half mile, you’ll find the Pua’a Ka’a Falls Trails to be an easy hike with a few small waterfalls thrown in to tempt you.

Just ignore the “trail closed” sign that appears and disappears here to make it to the swimming holes.

This is actually a five-acre rainforested park on the mountainside of the road.

The best reason to stop here, however, is probably for a restroom break if you’re trying to conserve time for bigger attractions to come.

12. Hana Lava Tube (Mile Marker 31)

Is the Hana Lava Tube a worthy stop?

It depends. If you read reviews, some visitors recommend skipping it while others say it’s their very favorite stop on the whole drive. It is a great place to cool off on a warm day!

Hana Lava Tube is basically an underground “lavascape”…a maze made by nature that you can explore on a clear cinder trail on a self-guided tour.

It will cost you $15 for a flashlight and ticket to get into the lava tubes. And you will definitely need that flashlight because it’s dark in there!

On a positive note, you will not encounter any bats or mosquitos here…so there’s that.

If you love an off-the-beaten-path nature adventure that feels far from tourist crowds, this could be for you!

13. Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach (Mile Marker 32)

Did you make it to Wai’anapanapa?

The opportunity to spend time here during your day trip is one of the reasons you’ve hopefully skimped on a few stops earlier today. With its famous blowhole and black sand beach, Wai’anapanapa State Park is something really special.

And also, everybody knows it, lol. As of December 2021, the State of Hawaii now requires a reservation to get into the state beach here.

There’s no parking outside the park so reserve ahead! Reservations are available up to 14 days ahead of time. Be aware that same-day reservations are not possible. Dates are released daily at midnight.

In addition to clean restrooms, this state beach is home to a pristine volcanic black sand beach formed by lava flow.

Unlike white sand beaches which renew themselves through the disintegration of shells, black sand beaches tend to be more short-lived (relatively speaking…they disappear over a hundred years or more) as the ocean reabsorbs them.

It’s easy to park here and just a short walk to view the beach. Hike along the lava walls or swim.

Be sure to stand back at the blowhole so you don’t get drenched!

You’ll find some easy hikes here, as well as ocean caves, freshwater pools, camping cabins, and sea arches.

It’s the perfect spot to relax and breathe in the beauty of East Maui. Ahhhh!

14. Red Sand Beach—Skip It.

Many day trippers turn back to make the long drive back to Paia after visiting Wai’anapanapa.

However, if you’re determined to see more—or hopefully spend the night in Hana — you might be thinking about visiting the red sand beach just past Hana.

There are only a few red sand beaches in the world, so this one, also known as Kaihalulu Beach, is a gem of a beautiful secret little cove.

The problem is: To access this beach, you’ll need to ignore a bunch of no-trespassing signs and cross across private property. Don’t do it.

As I mentioned earlier, this kind of behavior is what creates a lot of tension between locals and tourists.

Maui is in the process of being over-loved by tourists. This creates a real problem for Hawaiians because they feel a deep responsibility for protecting Hawaii’s fragile natural beauty; this responsibility is embedded in their culture.

Before you shrug, please take a moment to think about how you’d feel if people were traipsing around in your backyard.

Not to mention the fact that this trail can also be washed out, slippery, and dangerous. Rescue operations happen here all the time!

Keep driving and head to Hamoa Beach next instead.

Local tip: A great stop just a few minutes from Hamoa Beach is the Hasegawa General Store.

While I haven’t been myself yet, one of my readers says: “It’s something of a dump in appearance but has been there since 1910. It’s a great place to pick up a cold bottle of guava juice and a bag of dried squid snacks, or perhaps an air pump for a tire on your rental car with a slow leak. It’s a long-time local community spot.”

Indeed, the store boasts that it’s the oldest family-run business on Maui! so stop by and say hello!

15. Hamoa Beach Mile Marker 51)

Keep driving past Hana town—about one-half mile past mile marker 51—and you’ll turn on Haneo’o Road past Koki Beach. Look ahead as one of Maui’s most spectacular beaches comes into view.

This is a golden sand beach with clear water, shady spots, and some of the best body surfing on Maui. (But not when the surf is high!)

It’s long and wide here…encircled by sea cliffs and lush green vegetation.

Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables are also available here courtesy of the resort.

If you’re staying at the Hana-Maui Resort (everybody’s favorite place near Hana), you can take advantage of the resort’s shuttle.

You can check prices and availability at the Hana-Maui Resort here.

16. Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) and Pipiwai Trail (Mile Marker 42)

If you’re staying overnight on the Road to Hana, I recommend you spend one full day here at Ohe’o Gulch…particularly if you’re a hiker.

Are there really seven sacred pools” here? No!

There are even more than seven pools when water levels are high and the waterfalls are gushing.

The moniker “seven sacred pools” was invented way back when by a savvy marketer who was trying to entice more tourists to Hana.

Ohe’o Gulch is technically part of Haleakala National Park.

For years, this was a popular spot for jumping into deep pools. These days, thanks to a lawsuit, all jumping is prohibited.

So you may find people patrolling here to ensure no one is jumping, swimming, or even walking around the pools when the water level is high.

Afternoons can be crowded here so arrive as early as possible for a more peaceful experience if you’re staying in Hana.

Even if the pools are closed, you should hike Pipiwai Trail just above the pools; it’s one of the most beautiful hikes on the island.

Plan on a four-mile out-and-back hike, with an altitude gain of about 650 feet.

It will take about 2 1/2 hours round trip as you follow a stream, glimpse ocean views, pass freshwater pools and waterfalls, meander through lush bamboo forests, and pass a mammoth banyan tree.

Flash floods are possible here so be aware.

17. Lindbergh’s Grave (Mile Marker 41)

Just after mile marker 41, look for a paved road—it’s easy to miss—to Palapala Ho’omau Church. That’s where you will find the grave of the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh.

Lindbergh moved to Maui with his wife late in life and then passed away in 1974, after planning a ceremony and his final resting place. He requested he be buried barefoot in his work clothes.

Is the Road to Hana worth it?

This is one of the most common questions about how to spend a vacation on Maui. After all, you’re here for the beaches, right? So time is precious.

I recommend that anyone who has at least three days on Maui spend one of them driving the epic Road to Hana. The lush beauty and waterfalls of the east side of Maui are just so unique from the beachy western side.

Road to Hana FAQ

1. Is the Road to Hana dangerous?

Many have heard scary tales about the winding roads and steep cliffs and are concerned about it being safe.

Be reassured that driving the Road to Hana is very, very safe and easy.

Of course, if people in your group have a fear of heights, it may not be for them, as I noted earlier. Personally, I found it far scarier to drive Highway 1 in Big Sur, California.

But honestly, the biggest hazard here is that you may find yourself in a long procession of cars if you fail to get an early start. Being stuck in traffic can steal some of the joy from this beautiful journey.

Those who plan an overnight will enjoy a lovely day out with plenty of time dipping into waterfalls and soft sandy beaches without watching the clock as time runs out for the return journey.

2. Can you drive around the bottom of the island?

Yes, you can. I haven’t done it myself but tour buses do it regularly. One of the biggest concerns is your rental car.

Some say that you need a 4WD or that driving here could violate the terms of your insurance.

That may or may not be true. The road is usually passable, although you should expect the road to turn to gravel about 14 miles past Hana. A few miles later, it’s paved again.

For the best advice, check with your rental car agency before heading out.

3. How many stops does the road to Hana have?

Way more stops than I have listed in this post! The opportunities for hikes and waterfalls seem endless.

You’ll never do it all…especially if you’re driving the Road to Hana as a day trip from the other side of the island, so you’re likely to have to make hard choices here.

4. What should I pack for Maui?

I’ve made so many mistakes packing for Hawaii. You’ll want the right shoes for hiking in muddy streams and reef-safe sunscreen, just for starters.

I also love to bring a packable cooler.

It’s a great way to cut down on the high costs of dining out on Maui, which pads your budget for more sunset cocktails.

See my ultimate list of what to pack for Maui here.

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