“Kahuna Nui Hale Kealohalani Makua – Love all you see, including yourself.”
Hale Makua
What is Road to Hana ?
Road to Hana is a gorgeous highway that takes travelers over more than 50 bridges and around 600 curves! You need to drive very carefully and be an experienced driver.
Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Hana Highway is a 64.4 mile-long route (103 km) along Maui’s east coast, connecting Kahului to the town of Hana. Lush rainforest, dramatic and rugged ocean vistas, beautiful wild beaches, countless waterfalls, and amazing hikes, all of this can you experience on Road to Hana.
Maui, The Valley Isle, has many different breathtaking landscapes and sceneries. Road to Hana is for me the most beautiful thing to do when on Maui! Definitely a must-do activity.
Are you planning a trip to Maui?
Wondering what are the best stops on Road to Hana?
I have been to Maui three times, last time was in October 2019 when I went on the most amazing road trip along the whole Maui. I compiled a list of the best stops on Road to Hana so I can make your life easier and you don’t have to do research for days to see, which stops are worth it.
My Tip: You need at least two days to see the most beautiful stops along Road to Hana. Stay overnight in Hana! One day is not enough to hike and fully enjoy this stunning part of the world.
Let’s get started!
Of course, as always, you can find my pictures from Maui also on my Instagram!
My stops along the Road to Hana are listed in a clockwise direction, but of course, you can do it also in counterclockwise order starting with Palapala Ho’omau Church.
Here’s my list of the best stops along Road to Hana on Maui!
Much Love,
Adele, Wanderluster Princess
1) SURFBOARD FENCE
Did you know that you can find the world’s largest surfboard fence on Maui?
There a few surfboard fences on Maui, which are all picturesque, but the easiest one to find and access is the one next to the Kū’au Store on road 36. Some of the fences are located on private property so you would to trespass to see it.
My Tip: The surfboard fence should be ideally your first stop on Road to Hana or it could also be the last stop on your way back from Hana.
Best Time to Visit: You can take nice pictures of the fence at any time. It doesn’t get crowded. It is located before the official beginning of Road to Hana. Make it your first or last stop! You can get drinks or snacks for your road trip at Kū’au Store, which is right next to the fence. They have delicious food, drinks and freshly brewed coffee!
Exact Address: Kū’au Store, 701 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
2) HO’OKIPA BEACH PARK
Ho’okipa is a beautiful white sand beach on North Shore of Maui. The beach is Mecca for windsurfers.
My Tip: Ho’okipa Beach is known for many sightings of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu). Especially during sunset hours, they can often be found on shore. You have to look very carefully, because they look just like the scattered boulders on the beach.
I made this stop my last on Road to Hana when we were driving back on the second day from the Palapala Ho’omau Church. I went there during sunset to look for the turtles, but unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to see them. After all, they are wild animals and you can never predict if they are gonna show up.
Anyway, this beach is very pretty and totally worth a stop, even if you don’t stop any turtles. I witnessed a breathtaking sunset on Ho’okipa Beach!
Best Time to Visit: Make it your second stop on Road to Hana after visiting the surfboard fence at Kū’au Store. Otherwise, go there on your second day for sunset on your way back from Road to Hana. Just be aware of the fact that, the parking lot is pretty full during sunset hours, so you will have to look for a spot for a while.
Exact Location: Ho’okipa Beach Park, 179 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
3) GARDEN OF EDEN ARBORETUM
This lush piece of paradise is one of my most favorites stop on Road to Hana! Garden of Eden Arboretum is a beautiful botanical garden with trails, picnic spots, and waterfalls & coastal views. I think seeing this stunning botanical garden is definitely worth the entrance fee.
On the other hand, there is another famous stop before the Garden of Eden, Twin Falls. I didn’t include this stop in my blog post, because I didn’t find it to be worth stopping. There are many other bigger, less crowded and more stunning waterfalls than Twin Falls.
My Tip: You can spot the famous rock from Jurassic Park movie. The Keopuka “Jurassic Park” Rock can be seen from one absolutely gorgeous lookout inside the garden. This rock was featured in the opening scene of the movie.
You can find over 700 botanically labeled specimens. Some of the plants were donated by George Harrison of The Beatles. They also have an extensive collection of plants native to Hawai’i.
Must- See in the Garden: Do not miss the 100 old Mango Tree! That was my favorite tree in the garden! It’s quite impressive.
Opening Hours: 8:00 – 4:00 daily,
I recommend you drive inside the garden, park your car and the walk through the garden. It is better and more convenient to park inside of the garden than using the parking lot next to the Highway to Hana.
We also had lunch at the food stand Aloha ‘Aina BBQ in front of the Garden of Eden and it was fabulous! They have traditional Hawaiian plates served in a banana leaf platter, coconut water, and delicious homemade banana bread!
Entrance Fee: $15 adults
Best Time to Visit: Make it your third stop on Road to Hana and have a lunch break there too!
Exact Address: Garden of Eden, 10600 Hana Highway (Highway 360) mile marker 10.5
Google Maps Location – click here
4) HONOMANU BEACH
This is a stunning secluded black sand beach located between mile marker 13 and 14 on Road to Hana. Honomanu is a hidden gem, because many visitors just catch a glimpse of from the road high above, but very few actually make it down to the bay as it is not that easily accessible.
Don’t miss the small dirt road leading down to the bay! It is totally worth it to drive down to beach! The scenery is quite breathtaking.
Best Time to Visit: Make it your fourth stop on Road to Hana.
Exact Address: Honomanu Beach, between mile marker 13 and 14, Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
5) KE’ANAE PENINSULA LOOKOUT
The Ke’anae Peninsula and lookout is about halfway to Hana. You have to take the narrow winding road (Keanae Road) down to the peninsula. There are actually two beautiful lookouts and a lovely old church.
Don’t miss the old Lanakila Ihiihi O Iehowa Ona Kava Church! It’s quite lovely and very picturesque.
The peninsula really captures the raw beauty of Hawaiian Island! Rugged lava shoreline, pounding waves, beautiful lush palm trees, it is nature at its best.
Be careful when visiting the rocky beach there. The surf and rocky shoreline can be pretty dangerous. Don’t go to close to the water.
Best Time to Visit: Make it your fifth stop on Road to Hana.
Exact Address: The Ke’anae Lookout, 210 Keanae Rd, Haiku, HI 96708, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
6) UPPER WAIKANI FALLS
Upper Waikani Falls also known as Three Bears are located very conveniently right next to the road. It’s a triple waterfall located in lush vegetation.
Did you know that there are over 18 waterfalls on Road to Hana?
Best Time to Visit: Make it your sixth stop on Road to Hana.
Exact Address: Upper Waikani Falls, Mile Marker 19.6, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
7) WAI’ĀNAPANAPA STATE PARK
Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a stunning coastal park located just 3 miles before the town of Hana. You can see here the most beautiful black sand beach on Maui, at least in my opinion.
There is a small camp located right next to the beach, in case you are into camping.
Wai’anapanapa means in Hawaiian language “glistening water.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this beach is at sunrise. I witnessed one of the most stunning Hawaiian sunrises there! At sunrise, you can take the prettiest photos and enjoy the peace and quiet since no other people will be around.
Exact Address: Waianapanapa, Hana, HI 96713, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
8) TRAVAASA HANA HOTEL
Travaasa Hana Hotel is the most beautiful hotel on Road to Hana. I stayed there for one night and really loved it. It is a high-end kinda pricey hotel, but it’s worth it. You will get a nice sleep and will be ready for the second day on Road to Hana road trip!
Most people drive the whole Road to Hana in just one day, but that’s a bad idea. You won’t see all the best spots and you won’t have time to hike the best hike on Maui.
Book accommodation in Hana, so you have two whole days for Road to Hana road trip. Otherwise, you have to drive another 3 hours back to Kahului or even longer to another place on Maui.
Exact Address: Travaasa Hana Hotel, 5031 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713, United State
Google Maps Location – click here
9) KAIHALULU RED SAND BEACH
This is my absolute favorite beach on Maui! It ‘s a dramatic and hidden cove with a stunning red sand beach! A big plus of this beach is that the cove is protected on the ocean side by a wall of jagged black lava rock, so it is really great for swimming and you don’t have to afraid of waves. Another big advantage is that almost nobody goes there, so you will most like be there alone.
Warning: Part of the trail was lost to a landslide, which means the trail is not 100% safe. Stay away from the edges and wear good shoes! I do not recommend you to wear flip flops, that could be very dangerous. I went there with my hiking shoes and everything was okay. The trail to the beach is very short around 5 minutes. Just be careful on a rainy day. It could get very muddy and slippery.
Best Time to Visit: I went there is late afternoon around sunset time and we were the only people there. The beach is truly magical.
How to Find the Beach: Park your car at Travaasa Hana Hotel parking lot. Walk on Hauoli Road toward Hana Community Center and you will see a small park, go there and you will find the beginning of the trail to the red sand beach. It takes just five minutes to get to the beach from there.
Exact Address: Kaihalulu Beach, Hana, HI 96713, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
10) HAMOA BEACH
This is another dreamy beach. Hamoa Beach is consistently ranked among “Maui’s Best Beaches“. It has beautiful silky sand and stunning lush vegetation!
Best Time to Visit: I went there in the early morning before hiking Pipiwai Trail and nobody was there. This beach is quite popular though, so come early to get nice photos.
Exact Address: Hamoa Beach, Hana, HI 96713, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
11) WAILUA FALLS
Wailua Falls is a very picturesque and easily accessible waterfall because it is right next to the road. There are a few parking spots just past the lookout point. The waterfall is located past mile marker 45 on Road to Hana.
Best Time to Visit: Make a quick stop there before hiking the famous Pipiwai trail.
Exact Address: Wailua Falls, Mile Marker 45, Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
12) THE POOLS AT ‘OHE’O
The Pools of ‘Ohe’o aka Seven Sacred Pools are beautiful small waterfalls and pools in a breathtaking setting.
My Tip: The pools are located before the Pipiwai trail. Park at the Pipiwai parking lol and go first to see the pools. The trail is next to the restrooms and you can also find there a very helpful map.
The pools were closed for swimming when I was there, but you can still see them even when they are closed. Just swimming in the pools is forbidden because of rough surf conditions.
Best Time to Visit: Before hiking the Pipiwai trail.
Exact Address: Pools of ‘Ohe’o, Hana, HI, USA
Google Maps Location – click here
13) PĪPĪWAI TRAIL
This is the most stunning hike on Maui, which leads you through a bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls.
Details of the Hike: It is a 4 miles roundtrip (6.5 km). Allow yourself at least 4 hours for the hike, because there are many beautiful sights along the way and you wanna have time to take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking nature.
You will hike in a lush green rainforest, see a giant banyan tree a few small waterfalls, bamboo forest, and the magnificent Waimoku Falls.
My Tip: This hike is located in Haleakala National Park. You will need to buy an entrance pass to the park, which costs 15 USD and it’s valid for three days.
Best Time to Visit: This hike is very rewarding, which means it is quite popular. You will encounter many people on the trail, but it’s still very enjoyable and you can take great pictures without people in the backdrop.
Exact Address: Pīpīwai Trail, Hana, HI 96713, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
14) PALAPALA HO’OMAU CHURCH
This is a picturesque tiny church, which was built in 1864. Palapala church and cemetery is a very peaceful and beautiful place and a quite popular stop on Road to Hana.
Did you know that on the small cemetery you can find a grave of the legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh?
Best Time to Visit: This should be your last stop on Road to Hana.
My Tip: Don’t drive the Road to Hana on your back. Drive in the opposite direction to Kaupo and take the road 31 and 37 going back. It is much faster and easier driving and you will see a completely different landscape of Maui.
Exact Address: Palapala Ho‘omau Congregational ChurchHana, HI 96713, United States
Google Maps Location – click here
Do you agree with the best stops on Road to Hana? Do you have something to add or you need travel advice? Don’t hesitate to contact me! 🙂 Comment below, DM me on Instagram or email me.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Happy Traveling!
XOXO
Adele
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