Everything you need to know about driving the Road to Hāna:
what to bring and essential stops along the way!

Written by Lauren

This post contains affiliate links.

Driving the Road to Hāna takes you from Pā’ia on the north shore, along the coast of East Maui to the town of Hāna. The Road to Hāna, the drive in Maui, if not all of Hawaii, is a scenic two-lane winding road along lush coastal cliffs.

Think slow, winding turns through a tropical paradise filled with roadside waterfalls, scenic coastal views, swimming holes, and one lane bridges. 

Hāna itself is a sleepy rural town. Here you’ll find plenty of beaches, a smattering of food trucks, and a few general stores. 

And while it may seem to be lacking all the bells and whistles of the resorts on the leeward side of the island, Hāna more than makes up for in what it does have to offer: bliss and peace.  

While it’s true Hāna is what’s awaiting you at the end of the road, it is the drive itself that is the destination. 

Starting in Pā’ia, the Road to Hāna is accessible from any part of the island. How early you get up and hit the road will depend on where you’re coming from. I recommend you go from Pā’ia or Kula. 

East Maui | Hāna 

The Road to Hāna is a very popular tourist attraction in Maui. An average of 2,000 cars a day ride this road. So, just know that ahead of time. 

All in all, the Road to Hāna would take you roughly two hours to drive the 64 miles, one way, without stopping.

But, of course, the whole point of the drive is to stop and take in the scenery! The drive is the destination. 

Along the winding (sometimes rugged, definitely remote) drive, you’ll find some roadside food stands—with coffee, shave ice, ice cream (even dairy free!), banana bread, açaí bowls, and local grinds. In Hāna, you’ll have more culinary choices. 

A lay of the land

What You Need to Know about Driving the Road to Hāna

• The road itself (at least up to Hāna) is paved and smooth. You will have no difficulty driving a 2WD vehicle. 

• You will have to make many, many, many hairpin turns, and, at times, you will feel like you are hugging the cliffs on your right (on the way there) … better to hug the cliff then push oncoming traffic off the edge. Just saying.

• You will have to drive over one-lane bridges. No biggie: just look ahead before you cross to see if there’s another car coming. In no time, it’ll become so second nature you won’t even think about it.

• If there’s a long line of cars behind you or someone is riding your tail, pull over at the next shoulder and let them pass (there are pull overs along the way for just this reason). It’s a much nicer drive when you’re not worried about the cars in front and back of you. 

• Car break-ins have been known to occur at stops. Keep valuables out of sight and doors locked. 

• You’re on island time, baby. That means, businesses along the road may or may not be open at any given time. Many businesses are closed on Sundays.

• Bring snacks!

• Bring cash — many businesses are cash only

• Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need

• If you’re prone to carsickness, I’d stock up on the Dramamine (or drive)

• If you’re making the drive all in one day, give yourself 2 hours of daylight to get back 

And most importantly, remember to practice the spirit of aloha — be kind, be courteous, be friendly, be gracious and patient, and remember that you are a visitor there. Slow down and give way to pedestrians, especially when driving through local communities. 

Optional Road to Hāna tours

Still nervous about making the drive yourself? 
Consider booking a tour.

My take on driving the Road to Hāna

Driving the Road to Hāna was one of the best parts of my trip to Maui! 

(So much so, I even did it a second time by myself after all my friends had left and I was the last one standing.)

The experiences I had along this road really felt like the Maui I was after—coastal tropical jungle cliffs with the Big Blue out to the west, dotted with the occasional humpback whale spout out in the distance. Time seemed to slow down on this part of the island as we drove through the cliffside jungle, spotting traditional Hawaiian farming communities between the trees when the view allowed. It felt like what I imagined the Maui before the advent of jet-setting tourists and big resorts must’ve been like—rural, green, lush, the land shaped by man to suit its natural rhythms. 

We were properly on the road by 8:30am—9 at the latest—and we really didn’t have too much of a problem with traffic. I did pull over a few times to let other cars pass, and then there were times when I passed by other cars. There were even some times when we were mostly on our own.

Were there hairpin turns that illicited weird sounds out of my mouth involuntarily from time to time? Sure. Happens to the best of us. But, all in all, I would not classify this as a “dangerous” road. It’s paved. It’s smooth. There isn’t ice. (Looking at you, Ring Road, but that’s a tale for another time.)

If you need a break, take one. Pull over at the next stop (one with a scenic ocean view is ideal for giving the old eyeballs a rest) and stretch your legs.

Drive slow and take your time. 

Side note: I do get car sick, but had no issues as the driver.

My best advice for driving the Road to Hāna 

Just enjoy the ride. Don’t try to do all the things. Pick a few things you’d really like to do and be flexible because things will take you longer than you think.

And, this might be a controversial statement, but here goes: if you’ve seen one waterfall, you’ve seen them all. 

Don’t waste your energy on trying to see the “best” or “biggest” waterfall. Yes, waterfalls are beautiful. Especially Hawaiian ones set in lush, tropical jungle paradise with swimming holes. But at the end of the day, you’re stressing yourself out to see water … that is falling. 

Many of the falls do not have dedicated parking areas. In fact, a lot of them have No Parking signs. And those that do have lots, tend to be small and require you to walk down the road to the falls. 

So use your discretion and common sense. 

Also, you will see several waterfalls from the road. So, rest assured, you will get some waterfall action no matter what you do.

What to bring on the Road to Hāna

◦ BUG SPRAY
◦ Snacks + sammies 
◦ Water 
◦ Cash 
◦ Sunglasses
◦ Bathing suit
◦ Towel
◦ Change of clothes
◦ Athletic / strappy / can go in water sandals or water shoes
◦ Dramamine 
◦ An adventurous spirit

Road to Hāna Highlights

There is so much you can do along this 64 mile drive. 
Here are just a few, below I’ll go into detail on the ones we stopped at.

◦ Twin Falls ♿️🚻 (swimming, Porta Potties, food truck)
— donations, $10 parking
◦ Huelo Lookout Stand ♿️
◦ Waikamoi Nature Trail (10 minute or 30 minute loop trail)
◦ Garden of Eden ♿️🚻 (food truck and restrooms)
— $20 entrance / $10 for children
◦ Keanae Arboretum ♿️
◦ Ke’anae Peninsula ♿️🚻 Aunt Sandy’s Famous Banana Bread stand
◦ Wailua Valley State Wayside Park 🚻
◦ Upper Waikani Falls (The 3 Bears)
◦ Wailua Iki Trail (half hour loop trail to waterfalls)
◦ Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park ♿️🚻
◦ Hana Lava Tube (cash only, family-friendly)
◦ Hanawi Falls
◦ Coconut Glen’s (dairy-free ice cream) ♿️
◦ Kahanu Garden + Pi’ilanihale Heiau ♿️
◦ Hana Gold Chocolate Farm
◦ Wai’anapanapa State Park ♿️🚻

Hāna highlights:

◦ Food trucks
◦ Hana Bay Beach (black sand beach)
◦ Kaihalulu Beach (red sand beach)
◦ Koki Beach
◦ Hamoa Beach
◦ Hana Ranch Restaurant (the only sit-down option with a bar) 

Some points past Hāna worth seeing:

(especially if you’re staying in Hana and can hit them first thing in the morning)

◦ Waioka (Venus Pool) — freshwater pool
◦ Wailua Falls
◦ The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park (the tropical, coastal part)

East Maui and Hāna Weather

Year around the temperatures average in the 70s during the day and mid to high 60s at night.

Daily rain is common.

Driving distances from Hāna

Distance from Kahului airport: 2 hours
Distance to Makawao: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Distance to Lāhainā: 2.5 hours
Distance to Kapalua: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Distance to Kāʻanapali: 2.5 hours
Distance to Pā’ia/beginning of Road to Hāna: 2 hours
Distance to Haleakalā: 30 minutes
Distance to Kīhei: 2 hours and 15 minutes 
Distance to Wailea: 2 hours and 20 minutes

I recommend wearing your bathing suit under fast drying clothes and athletic strappy sandals that can get wet. Bring a change of clothes for later!

On the itinerary:

➳ Get an early start – 7am 
➳ Stop for coffee and breakfast in Pā’ia at Belle Surf Cafe or Island Fresh Cafe
➳ Stop at Mana in Pā’ia for snacks + fill up on gas
➳ Twin Falls
➳ Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand
➳ Waikamoi Nature Trail
➳ Ke’anae Peninsula + Lookout
➳ Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park 
➳ Coconut Glen’s dairy-free ice cream 
➳ Hana Gold Chocolate Farm
➳ Waiʻānapanapa State Park
➳ Hāna

➳ Get an early start

➳ Stop for coffee and breakfast in Pā’ia at Belle Surf Cafe or Island Fresh Cafe

➳ Stop at Mana in Pā’ia for snacks + fill up on gas

➳ Twin Falls 

6300 Hana Highway
Haiku, HI 

About twenty minutes into your drive, you’ll arrive at Twin Falls. It is one of the first attractions on the drive, and thus, gets a lot of action. Plan to arrive before 9am or after 11am to beat the crowds.

Enter through the gate into the gravel parking lot and snag a spot.

$10 parking

Donations accepted

No reservations needed: first come, first serve

Every First Saturday of the Month are Twin Falls Kama’aina Exclusive Days—meaning: not open to visitors

Time needed: an hour

ADA notes: If you’re up for a little off-roading (there are no paved areas here), you will be able to get out, check out the food stand, and explore a little bit. You might be able to view the lower and middle falls from above, but the upper falls requires some rock clambering and stream-wading. Though, you still could traverse some of the jungle path. It is a nice area to explore and soak up those Hawaiian vibes. 

What you’ll find here:
◦ Three waterfalls with swimming holes (does require some walking to get to)
◦ Porta potties
◦ Food truck

These falls are on private land, so these funds go towards maintaining and improving the land (parking lot maintenance, planting fruit trees and native plants, etc)—so as always, be courteous and respectful, and remember, you are a visitor here! 

Some say it’s overrated, but I disagree. I think it’s the perfect introduction to tropical waterfall paradise, especially for visitors and those of us prone to unsteady legs! 

There are three falls here. We decided to hike to the furthest falls first (the upper falls), and then hit the closer one (lower/middle falls) on the way back. (The lower/middle falls being a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot and there is another one closer to the highway.)

The upper falls is a leisurely 20 minute walk through manicured jungle paths.

Clamber over some rocks, find a spot to set down your gear, and get in there!

Be warned, it is chilly-willy in those waters! But dunk under and you’ll be just fine! After all, when’s the next time you’re gonna get a chance to swim in Hawaiian waterfall pools? 

I honestly can’t remember if we went to the middle falls or lower falls, but at one of the falls closer to the parking lot, you’ll have the chance to do some cliff jumping if that floats your boat (it does not float mine)! We didn’t swim in this one, just poked around for a bit. 

Don’t forget to hit the food truck for some snacks (smoothies and banana bread, anyone?) and use the bathroom before getting back on the road!

➳ Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand

7600 Hana Highway 
Huelo lookout, Road to Hana
Island time

Everyday is a winding road . . . 

If Sheryl Crow isn’t on your Road to Hāna playlist alongside Lilo & Stitch’s Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride, now’s the time to add it. 

And there’s nothing like a cup of strong authentic Kona blend to keep your senses sharp while maneuvering all those sharp turns. 

This bright, sunshine yellow food truck was a welcome sight on the side of the road for this driver. 

This was one of those unplanned for, serendipitous moments. As soon as we passed by the rainbow-splashed yellow shack on the left side of the road, I knew I had to check it out and see what it was all about. 

I made a u-turn as soon as (safely) possible to go back around.

Time needed: 15-20 minutes

ADA notes: You can access the stand from the parking lot without any stairs, and you can get a glimpse of the ocean from the road. To access the official scenic overlook, you have to descend stairs.

What you’ll find here:
◦ Coffee, smoothies, shave ice, açaí bowls, hot crepes, fruit, ready to drink fresh whole coconuts, and that iconic Maui gold (hint: it’s also home to a sponge named Bob who lives under the sea)
◦ Scenic overlook

As for your caffeine fix, you can get the best, most authentic Hawaiian coffee here for $4 or a blended ice cococcino (coconut ice cream and coffee) for $8. Like most vendors along the way to Hāna, they take cash and Venmo. 

Past the food truck, down a few steps, you can glimpse the ocean through the trees at Huelo Lookout. 

This roadside stand was a happy happenstance for us. A last minute pullover became a moment in time that will forever be imprinted on my senses—the golden sunshine streaming in through the tree canopy above, the music playing from the stand, the bananas hanging from the roof of the truck.

It was there, in a place we least expected and hadn’t planned for, that we felt it . . . the spirit of Hawaii, of the islands, of all those who have called that place home over the millennia. 

And while that spirit is not ours to keep, it was ours for a moment to touch, to connect to, to get to experience, to share with and in. 

That’s part of the magic of travel, isn’t it? That thing we keep coming back for more of. And the best part is, you never really know when it’s going to happen or what you’re going to stumble upon. That’s the thing you have to keep your eyes and your soul open for. 

Always leave room for magic to surprise you. 

➳ Waikamoi Nature Trail

Where to park:
Small lot off Hana highway
Waikamoi Nature Trailhead and Parking Area
HI-360, Haiku, HI 96708

This was my second favorite trail and one we didn’t even plan for (the best kind!).

Time needed: 30 minutes

ADA notes: Stairs and unpaved trail 

What you’ll find here:
◦ Short, easy jungle hike
◦ 10 minute or 30 minute loop to a waterfall

Miles: just shy of 1 mile out and back
Elevation gain: 250ft
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Facilities: none
Dogs must be leashed

We had this trail to ourselves, and it was exactly what my soul needed on the winding coastal drive—a lush, tropical jungle oasis filled with bird-song, sun streaming in through the canopy above, and trees dripping with vines.

Highly recommend this stop to stretch your legs and breathe in the rich, earthy air.

➳ Ke’anae Peninsula + Lookout

A slight detour off the Hana Highway 

This is a dead-end. You will have to turn around to get back out onto Hana Highway, but well worth the stop! 

Stop for: the sweeping, vibrant views with banana bread, potty break

Time needed: 15 – 20 minutes

ADA notes: Bathroom has flat entrance (with maybe a slight lip, but no stairs). Plenty of room at the lookout to maneuver wheelchairs and take in that Big Blue.

What you’ll find here:
◦ Aunt Sandy’s Famous Banana Bread stand
◦ Bathrooms
◦ A church
◦ Breathtakingly beautiful rugged volcanic tidal pools and seaside cliffs

➳ Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park 

There are several roadside state parks on the drive to Hāna. This one is more than halfway to Hāna and the one we stopped at. 

We just pulled into the parking lot right off the highway, used the restrooms, then tailgated our lunch: sammies out the cooler. We didn’t stay long and explore, but if you were interested … 

Stop for: picnic lunch, bathrooms, waterfalls with swimming holes

Time needed: 20 – 30 minutes

ADA notes: Bathrooms are accessible. Ramps to waterfall overlook and picnic tables across the street. It’s a bit of tight squeeze in these parts all around.

What you’ll find here:
◦ Easily accessible waterfalls with swimming holes
◦ Picnic tables

➳ Coconut Glen’s dairy-free ice cream 

1200 Hana Highway

In a gravel parking lot, off the side of Hana Highway, there lives a yellow and purple VW van slinging vegan ice cream out of its side! 

Another little gem of a surprise!

Stop for: vegan ice cream, Instagram worthy vibes

$8 for two scoops

Cash only

Time needed: 20 – 30 minutes

ADA notes: Fully accessible

What you’ll find here:
◦ Vegan ice cream (obviously!)
◦ Tables, chairs, picnic areas

Stop by and get your scoops of that little bit of Maui magic, ay? 

➳ Hana Gold Chocolate Farm

2998 Hana Highway

Full disclosure: I didn’t stop here on my first trip to Hana, but made it one of my few stops on my second go around.

Make a stop at one of Hawaii’s first cacao plantations and get your hands on the most delicious small, daily-made batches of chocolate-y goodness! 

Hawaii is the only state that grows cacao!

When I arrived, I was greeted and given a fun, brief (5 – 10 minute) overview of what the cacao growing, harvesting, and processing cycle looks like as I wandered around the porch of the shop.

And then I left with my hands full of the Maui gold to take home with me.

Stop for: chocolate and to learn about the cacao farming process

Time needed: 10-15 minutes

ADA notes: The shop has stairs, but don’t let that stop you! I’m sure the employee’s would be happy to accommodate you. 

What you’ll find here:
◦ Hana GOLD! Of the chocolate variety ($8/bar)

Psst. My favorite was the Molokai Dark Chocolate sea salt!

➳ Waiʻānapanapa State Park

(why-Ah-naa-paa-naa-paa)

A beautiful, sprawling state park with wild, volcanic coastline, black sand beach, and sea caves.

 $10 parking fee, must be booked in advance (see below)

Stop for: checking it off your bucket list, exploring the sea caves, camping, hiking, sightseeing, Hawaiian history

Time needed: two hours

ADA notes: I *believe* the paved trail along the coastline is fully wheelchair-accessible, as are the picnic tables under the trees, and the bathrooms. There are steps down to the black sand beach, but honestly, the views from above are even more incredible!

What you’ll find here:
◦ Black sand beach!
◦ Freshwater caves
◦ Lava tube
◦ Kipapa O Kihapiilani Trail (a 3 mile, moderate round trip hike that takes you along the rugged coastline over lava fields with fantastic views)
◦ Natural sea arches and sea cliffs 
◦ Bathrooms + outdoor showers
◦ Picnic tables

The iconic black sand beach at the end of the Road to Hāna is a must see. I ventured into the sea caves straight off the beach (just on the southeastern side of the beach, can’t miss ’em). It’s mostly sand until you reach where the mouth of the cave meets the ocean. I didn’t linger long, but it was fun to explore.

The waves were rough here when we went. The slope of the shoreline is steep, so ankle-height water quickly turns to waist-high waves more than capable of knocking you on your ass and pushing you all the way in to shore. We saw more than one person get knocked off their feet. So we mostly just stayed along the shore. But our feet were in the water, so it counts!

Called “Glistening waters” in Hawaiian for the freshwater caves here that are a beautiful, clear aquamarine

Don’t forget your QR code

You must book your time slot and parking
at Waiʻānapanapa State Park in advance ($10 per vehicle)

Make sure to open up your reservation QR code on your phone’s browser and screenshot it before you hit the road because chances are good you will not have service to access it when you need it.

➳ Hāna

We actually drove right through Hāna on accident. That’s how small it is. 

When we figured out we’d passed it (it didn’t take long), we turned around and posted up near Hana Ranch Store and walked across the street to a lot with food trucks. We got Ae’s Thai Kitchen. There are picnic tables to sit down and enjoy your meal at. 

What you’ll find here:

Hāna eats

◦ Hana food truck park
◦ Hana Ranch Restaurant — the only sit-down option with a bar
◦ Braddah Hurts BBQ Grill — open 11am – 2:30pm / closed on weekends

Hāna beaches

◦ Hana Bay Beach (black sand beach)
◦ Kaihalulu Beach (red sand beach)
◦ Hamoa Beach

Stop for: saying you made it all the way to Hāna, food trucks, red sand beach

Time needed: eternity … or anywhere from half an hour to half a day

ADA notes: the food truck lot was full accessible

The sun was starting to set, so, unfortunately we didn’t linger long in Hāna.

We stopped at Pa’ani Mai Park to use the bathrooms before heading back. 

➳ The Way Back

We did a straight shot (well, not literally, there are a LOT of curves, but we didn’t stop) back to Pā’ia, where we stopped and ate at Milagros Food Co at the intersection of Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue. 

Road to Hāna Accommodations 

If you have time to stay a night or two in Hana, I would definitely recommend doing so! We’re all about those slow, easy, breezy vibes.

Speaking of catching a vibe …

Romantic Hana Hideaway, Big Ocean Views, Old Hawaii Charm

This is where I’ll be staying next time I’m in Hāna. Just look at that lanai! LOOK AT IT! 👀

JJs Hāna Hale – Farm House

Horses, chickies, pigs, pups, drinking a cup of Kona coffee on a beautiful lawn under swaying palms? Say less.

Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

Well, hello paradise. Where should I put my bags?

Hana Kai Maui

This lush, oceanfront property has lots of different condos to chose from to fit your needs.

Home away from home

Ooh, so romantic!

Paradise: Ocean View Cottage Solar Power Tropical Flower Gardens

A mountainside guesthouse smack dab in the middle of lush gardens with an outdoor shower!

Hana Ocean Palms Bungalow

Please forward my mail. I live here now.

Hale Manu, the Bird House

2 Bedroom Guesthouse with lanai located on a two-acre fully landscaped property.

I could go on (I just love a good stay, you know?), but I’m cutting myself off. I will also note that you can find other locally owned guesthouses and inns in Hāna. Find more by searching below.

Past Hāna

We didn’t venture past Hāna, but if you’re staying in Hana for the night, here are some highlights you might want to hit the next morning:

➳ Waioka (Venus Pool) — freshwater pool

➳ Wailua Falls

➳ The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park (the tropical, coastal part)

• Visitors center
• Kuloa Point Trail (half mile loop) to see the ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
• Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls (2 miles each way, gentle grade through stream side bamboo forests)

X marks the spot!

Pocket Guide: Road to Hāna

Road to Hāna

Stop in Pā’ia for breakfast, snacks, and gas
Twin Falls
Huelo Lookout Stand
Waikamoi Nature Trail
Ke’anae Peninsula 🚻
Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park 🚻
Coconut Glen’s
Hana Gold Chocolate Farm
Wai’anapanapa State Park 🚻
Hāna

Maui Revealed

This is my go-to resource for Maui and I cannot recommend this book enough!

Andrew is the real deal. He (and now his team) live and breathe Hawaii in a way that seriously makes me jealous, spending two years on the ground researching, exploring, and doing all the things before publishing their blue guidebooks.

All written with a dash of humor and a smattering of sarcasm, it’s the perfect companion for your Maui trip planning.

In Maui Revealed, he covers:

• Maui’s history
• Everything you need to know about Maui
• All 6 areas of the island, plus 3 offshore islands
• Reviews of all beaches
• Activities
• Adventures
• Dining

Well, now that you’ve got a lay of the land, it’s time to put on some Sheryl Crow and hit the winding road that is Hana Highway to discover it for yourself! 

See some waterfalls (maybe even take a dip!), eat some local chocolate and freshly made banana bread, shop at a roadside fruit stand, stroll some tropical jungle trails, and take in all those spectacular coastal views.

Remember to give yourself more time than you think you’ll need, take your Shaka Guide along for the ride, and drive with the spirit of aloha.

Take the pressure off yourself to do all the things, and just make it a priority to be there and enjoy the ride!

And if you want to make it even more leisurely, stay the night in Hāna so you won’t have to rush back the same night.

Enjoy the ride, my friends!

Mahalo!

The Maui Collection