Everytime we go to Maui, we drive the Road to Hana. And we never get tired of it. 

If you only have a few days on Maui, the Road to Hana has to be a priority. It’s Maui at its best–wild, historic, adventurous. It is a full day event, especially if you do the full circle instead of turning back at Hana. We always recommend that people do the whole road, including the backside of Haleakala, instead of turning back after Hana. After Hana the island becomes a bit more arid, and rocky, and it feels so much more wild. It’s truly impressive and a different side of Maui, one you won’t see if you don’t drive that half.

Here’s how we do the Road to Hana. 

We leave early, probably around 6:30 AM or 7 AM. We like to take our time and make all the stops, and since we drive the whole road it takes us all day. 

Two of the first stops you’ll come to are the Bamboo Forest and Twin Falls. Maui is constantly changing to accommodate surging tourist numbers, and while these stops used to be free with shoulder parking, that is no longer the case. I’m not sure if the Bamboo Forest is now charging a fee (they weren’t the last time we were there) but Twin Falls is. 

This helps manage traffic with shoulder parking and also helps protect the space. It is inconvenient for locals, who can no longer freely enjoy their island. It’s a complicated thing for sure. 

Throughout this guide, especially with Hana, I’ll mark the things that require reservation or an entrance price, but please make sure to double check before your trip. 

I think the Bamboo Forest is super special, and we always make a point to stop there. Twin Falls are also a very popular stop. Along the first part of the drive, there are some cute waterfalls with swimming holes and bridges. Please follow parking signs and do not block the road, but also, enjoy 🙂

Our next favorite stop is Honomanu Bay, located near mile marker 14. This stop is new to us, and I’m so glad we found it, especially as the most popular black sand beach, which is also a state park, is now requiring reservations which can be hard to get. This is another black sand beach, just a drive down from the main road. It is a rocky drive, but if you navigate it slowly and responsibly you can make it just fine in your car.  

It’s popular amongst surfers and fishermen and other locals, secluded, quiet, and just gorgeous. Definitely one of our favorites. 

Another stop that is a little out of the way but popular is Ke’Anea Peninsula, around mile marker 16. Personally, I think this peninsula has some of the most dramatic and beautiful sites on the drive. The black volcanic rocks jutting up from the coast are breathtaking. Some things you’ll find at Ke’Anea; Our absolutely favorite banana bread stand on the road, Aunty Sandy’s, an arboretum, vistas that feel like “Old Hawai’i.” You won’t want to miss this. 

Wailua State Wayside, just past Ke’Anea Peninsula, will offer gorgeous views. If you’re there during the rainy season, make sure to look behind you (opposite from the ocean) and you’ll see beautiful waterfalls all around. There’s just something about those tall, thin waterfalls that feels so magical. 

Nahiku Marketplace, located at mile marker 29, is a cute outdoor market with several lowkey food options. We always stop here. We’re usually too early for the Huli Huli Chicken (more on that later, but oh my gosh so delicious), but just in time to smell it cooking which is amazing. In addition to food, you’ll also find a souvenir shop, and a cafe with, and please take me seriously, the BEST iced coconut coffee I’ve ever had in my entire life. You will not regret stopping here, even if it’s just for a coffee. 

Around mile marker 31 you’ll pass the Hana Lava Tube. We did this our first time around, and it’s definitely something fun to do but if you’ve been to other laval tubes you won’t be missing anything if you don’t go.  

Wai’anapanapa State Park is probably the most popular stop on the Road to Hana. Please note this park is now requiring reservations and you will absolutely not get in without a reservation. Trust us, we tried. 

While the state park is most popular for its black sand beach and the cave on the beach, there is a lot to do here and it really is absolutely gorgeous. We used to love swimming in the now closed but legendary freshwater caves. The rocks around the caves are falling in and have made it dangerous, so the park closed off the access hike. There is still a trail to the caves that you can access if you know where it is, but I’m not going to tell you where it is. Maybe if you have some local friends they can fill you in 😉

There is also some very cool history and ancient ruins to be seen in this park. 

You’ll love Wai’anapanapa.

Now finally, you’ve made it to Hana. Because the road was so rough, Hana used to be the traditional Hawaiian town. Today, much like other parts of the island, it is becoming more and more commercialized with boutique hotels and spas. I won’t be surprised if pretty soon there’s a golf course there too. 

It’s still adorable, and we especially love the two churches (catholic and protestant) that we pass driving in, but we don’t spend much time doing anything in Hana. 

The next stop is my favorite stop, because it involves Huli Huli chicken. Just a few minutes past Hana, you’ll come to Koki Beach Park and the famous Huli Huli Chicken stop. Even more famous now because Gordon Ramsey visited it during his Maui episode of Uncharted (as they advertise with their very funny sign “as seen on Gordon Ramsey”). 

Huli Huli Chicken is a special type of barbecued chicken available on the Road to Hana. It comes with rice and mac salad and is delicious. This stop is very popular for tour buses, so if you stop around lunch time (anytime before 2 PM) be prepared for some crowds. Still worth it. We love enjoying our plate on the beach chairs overlooking the little island off the coast.

Past Koki Beach Park, there are a couple of popular hikes and waterfalls. Amongst these are Wailua Falls and Kipahulu at Haleakala National Park. A cool and historic stop is also Palapala Ho’omau Church, where Charles Lindbergh is buried. 

At some point the official highway ends and turns into another, more primitive road. We love this stretch because there are some amazing ocean views, beaches and rivers to swim in. The terrain also becomes more rugged and wild, rocky and arid, and it shows a different part of the island. 

Depending on how many stops you make, how long you stay at each stop, and where you’re staying, you should be back from your adventure between 6 and 8 PM. It is a long day, but the Road to Hana will give you one of the best and most well-rounded Maui experiences. 

As an additional resource, RoadtoHana.com has a lot of information on all the stops and attractions available throughout your drive.