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The Road to Hana is a must-do experience when you are in Maui! It is a scenic drive along Maui’s northeastern coastline to many viewpoints and hikes along the way. Now, the drive itself is the main star of the adventure, with A TON of curves and one-way bridges (600+ curves and 50+ one-lane bridges if we are getting into it), but it is really great scenery and fun stops along the way!

Starting The Road To Hana

The Road to Hana officially begins in the small town of Pāʻia. This is the last real “town” before you hop on the famous Hana Highway (Hwy 36, then 360), so make sure to get gas and grab some snacks/breakfast here.

To tackle this adventure, I highly recommend starting early in the morning (~6-7 AM). This will allow you to beat the crowds and give yourself a full day. Without stops, the road takes ~2.5–3 hours one way (slow-moving with all of the turns and one-way bridges), but with stops, you will make it a full-day trip.

The best strategy is to drive all the way past Hana to the Pipiwai Trail first, so you can enjoy the hike before it gets too hot and busy, and then take your time on the drive back, stopping for viewpoints, food, and waterfalls along the way.

Important Note About the Road to Hana: It may look tempting on the map to make the drive a full loop by continuing past the Pipiwai Trail and around the backside of Haleakalā, but most rental car companies do NOT allow it. The road conditions there are rough, narrow, and unpaved. Driving it against your rental car agreement makes you fully responsible for damages and any additional payments required to assist you. So, drive the Road to Hana one way and return the same way!

My Favorite Stops on the Road To Hana

Pipiwai Trail & ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)

This is one of Maui’s most iconic hikes, located inside the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. The Pipiwai Trail takes you through a massive bamboo forest and ends at the Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot waterfall. Just across the road, the Seven Sacred Pools are a series of tiered pools and waterfalls that flow into the ocean.

Wailua Falls

One of the many easy waterfalls to visit on the Road to Hana. You can view it right from the roadside or take a short walk for a closer look. It is a perfect quick stop that doesn’t require a long detour.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)

This stop allows you access to see the black, volcanic sand beach. The black sand with the blue ocean water is really something! 

Important! Reservations are required to enter Waiʻānapanapa, so make sure to book your time slot online ahead of time.

Hāna Farms Roadside Stand, Pizza Oven & Bakery

After all that driving and hiking, refuel with pizza and a relaxing atmosphere! Hāna Farms is a quirky, tropical spot with wood-fired pizza, fresh baked goods, and shaded outdoor seating.

Garden of Eden Arboretum

About halfway along the drive, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is worth the stop. I almost decided not to stop here, but I am so glad I did! You will see exotic plants, colorful tropical flowers, and even rainbow eucalyptus trees. And my favorite part was the peacocks that wander around :). It is beautifully maintained and has short walking trails leading to waterfalls and ocean views. Fun fact: parts of Jurassic Park were filmed here!

Many More Stops

These are just a handful of the highlights. There are countless waterfalls, hidden trails, fruit stands, and viewpoints along the Road to Hana. Part of the fun is pulling over whenever something catches your eye. So, don’t be afraid to hop out and explore; that’s what makes this drive such an adventure!

Tips for the Road To Hana

• Pack snacks & water: Food options are limited.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Many stops have short hikes.
• Gas up before you go: Fill up in Paia, as gas is limited past there.
• Motion sickness alert: The drive can be tough if you get motion sickness, so pack Dramamine or ginger chews.
  Car rental: A compact car is fine, but a Jeep can make the drive more fun.
• Be patient: Other tourists are navigating these unique switchbacks and might be driving slowly.
• LET LOCALS PASS: This is the number one tip to remember when driving the road to Hana! Locals drive this route daily, and they will be extremely appreciative if you let them pass. They will often thank you with a friendly “shaka,” which is the Hawaiian hand gesture meaning “aloha,” “thank you,” and “hang loose.”

What to Bring with You on the Road to Hana

• Hiking shoes
• Sandals
• Swimsuit & towel
• Light rain jacket
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Snacks and water
• Offline Maps
• Dramamine/Ginger Chews

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The Road to Hana is one of the best things to do in Maui! Enjoy every twist and turn and one-way bridge throughout the drive, and take time at each stop along the way to appreciate the beauty of Maui. I am so excited for you to experience the Road to Hana on your Maui trip. If you are looking for how to combine this activity in your larger Maui itinerary, check out my 5-day Maui itinerary here.

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