What Are the Best Stops on the Road to Hana?
- Start early—by 8 a.m.—so you can reach Hana in time, enjoy major stops, and avoid driving back at night.
- Pack cash—local banana bread, garden entries, lava tubes, and parking often don’t accept cards.
- Don’t swim unsafely—some trails, waterfalls, and pools are hazardous. Shaka Guide highlights the safest spots to enjoy.
Planning a trip to Maui? Make sure to add the Road to Hana to your vacation must-do list!
This epic highway is considered one of the most spectacular scenic drives in Hawaii.
Beginning in Kahului and ending in Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu, this 65-mile stretch of coastal highway features over 600 hairpin curves, more than 50 stone bridges, and numerous scenic stops, including:
- majestic waterfalls
- pristine beaches
- lush, tropical rainforests
- historic Hana Town, and
- The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools) in Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu
There are so many things to see and do along this popular drive that you just can’t do it all.
Also, some of the stops are either really similar to others down the road or are just mediocre in comparison to the really good ones.
It can be overwhelming to know which stops to choose.
We’re here to help! If you’re planning a vacation or already on the island looking for things to do on the Road to Hana, you’re in the right place!
At Shaka Guide, we like to think of ourselves as your local Road to Hana experts.
Whether you join us on one of our self-guided Road to Hana tours–or venture on your own, we can help you maximize your time and experience by sharing the best stops and things to do on the Road to Hana!
Best Stops on the Road to Hana
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the very best stops along the Road to Hana.
We’ll include brief descriptions, important info, and a simple cost guide so you can decide which stops are right for you and your budget.
- $ - Budget-friendly
- $$ - Splurge a little
- $$$ - Splurge a lot
🤙Included stop on Shaka Guide’s Road to Hana tour
Stop 1: Pa’ia Town - $–$$ 🤙
Travis Thurston
Full of quaint shops and good restaurants, this beachy neighborhood is the perfect place to begin your Road to Hana adventure.
Stop for coffee and breakfast at a local cafe, or grab some sandwiches to go from the Hana Picnic Lunch Company.
Pa’ia is the last place to gas up before Hana Town.
- Public parking
- Restaurants, coffee shops, gelato & shave ice
- Art galleries & gift shops
- Gas station
Stop 2: Ho’okipa Beach - FREE 🤙
Shutterstock Image
Stop by this beautiful white sand beach to catch surfers in action! The strong winds and good waves make Ho’okipa Beach Park a popular spot for ocean sports–like surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
In fact, it’s been nicknamed the “home of contemporary surfing” and hosts a number of events and competitions.
Depending on the time of day, it’s also a popular spot for napping sea turtles!
- Covered pavilions with picnic tables
- Public restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Lifeguards on duty from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stop 3: Twin Falls - $ 🤙
Shutterstock Image
If swimming in a freshwater pool next to a waterfall is on your vacation bucket list, then you won’t want to miss Twin Falls!
Tucked away in the Hana rainforest, Twin Falls at Wailele Farm includes three picture-perfect waterfalls—each accessible via a short hike.
- Swimming & hiking trails
- Farmstand with tropical fruits and banana bread
- $10 per vehicle parking fee
- Gates open at 7:10 a.m. & close at 6 p.m. Last entry is at 5 p.m.
- Closed the first Saturday of the month
*This is a privately-owned farm–not a state park. Twin Falls asks that visitors please treat their employees and nearby residences with respect and aloha!
Stop 4: Jungle Zipline Maui - $$
If you’re looking to add thrill and adventure to your vacation, check out Jungle Zipline Maui.
Soar through the rainforest on one of their state-of-the-art zipline courses and experience the breathtaking beauty of Maui’s North Shore from above.
- Full-length 8-zipline course
- Family-friendly 5-zipline course
Stop 5: Waikamoi Nature Trail - FREE 🤙
Waikamoi Ridge Trail, a family-friendly hike on the Road to Hana; Allie_Caulfield, CC BY 2.0 via Flickr
This easy three-quarter-mile nature trail loops through a lush forest of giant eucalyptus and mahogany trees. It’s a great place to stretch your legs before your long drive ahead!
Stop 6: Garden of Eden Arboretum - $ 🤙
Experience the natural beauty of Maui at the Garden of Eden. Walk and explore the beautiful trails through this 26-acre arboretum, featuring tropical flowers, rare trees, and breathtaking ocean views.
- Educational visitors center with restrooms
- Picnic pavilions
- No reservations required
- Admission fee
- Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop 7: Ke’anae Arboretum - FREE 🤙
Hoping to see the colorful rainbow eucalyptus trees? This is the spot!
Located past Mile Marker 16, the Ke’anae Arboretum is a botanical garden nestled in a rainforest along the Pi’inau’au Stream.
A half-mile paved path takes you through 150 varieties of tropical plants from Hawaii and around the world.
- Open daily
- No facilities or amenities
NOTE: Remember to bring mosquito repellent, and please do NOT pick the plants or flowers.
Stop 8: Ke’anae Peninsula - FREE 🤙
Ke’anae Peninsula; Navin75, CC BY SA 2.0, via Flickr
The Ke’anae Peninsula is a short detour off of Hana Highway after Mile Marker 16, but it’s well worth the drive.
Enjoy spectacular views of the rugged lava rock coastline, vibrant blue sea, and green taro patches.
While you’re there, we highly recommend stopping at Aunty Sandy’s for a loaf of delicious banana bread!
- Ke’anae Lookout
- Public restrooms at Ke’anae Park near the softball field
Stop 9: Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread Stand - $ 🤙
Located on the Ke’anae Peninsula, Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is one of our favorite local grinds!
Baked fresh daily, Aunty’s famous banana bread has been featured in Gordon Ramsey’s “Unchartered” TV series on the National Geographic channel.
But don’t wait too long to grab your loaf of delicious, warm banana bread. This popular item sells out quickly!
- Arrive early. They sell out quickly!
- Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Stop 10: Halfway to Hana - $ 🤙
Halfway to Hana Food Stand, stop for some snacks for the rest of the trip; dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Halfway to Hana Food Stand is the perfect place to grab a snack and stretch your legs.
Conveniently located at Mile Marker 17, about halfway to Hana, this popular roadside stand offers fresh banana bread, shave ice, ice cream, smoothies, fresh fruit, and lunch items like burgers and sandwiches.
- Free parking
- ATM onsite
- No restrooms
- Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Stop 11: Wailua Valley State Wayside - FREE 🤙
This lookout offers spectacular views in all directions! You’ll be able to see the Ke’anae Valley, Wailua Peninsula, Haleakala Crater, and beautiful waterfalls. Bring your camera!
- Ocean, mountain, and valley views
- Public restrooms
- Picnic tables
Stop 12: Roadside Lava Tube Cave - FREE 🤙
Want to explore a small lava tube cave? Located near Mile Marker 23, this natural wonder is one of the road’s hidden gems! Because the entrance isn’t clearly marked, it’s easy to miss.
But if you’re taking one of our Road to Hana tours, we’ll tell you exactly where to pull over.
Stop 13: Coconut Glens - $ 🤙
This colorful roadside stand offers visitors a “truly magical adventure.” For many tourists, this is a must-stop destination on the Road to Hana!
Featuring fresh, locally made ice cream, Coconut Glens specializes in delicious tropical flavors ranging from coconut and passion fruit to mango and ube.
They also offer traditional flavors.
- Coconut milk-based ice cream
- 100% vegan, dairy-free & organic
- Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- No restrooms
Stop 14: Nahiku Marketplace - $ 🤙
Located near Mile Marker 29, Nahiku Marketplace offers several outdoor dining options, including island-style cafes, Mexican, Thai, and sweet treats.
It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs from local vendors.
- Food vendors
- Local arts & crafts
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms available (porta-potties)
Stop 15: Hana Lava Tube - $
If you’d like to explore a bigger lava tube cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites, then check out the Hana Lava Tubes.
This lava showcave near Hana is one of Maui’s great natural wonders!
Great for families, the cave temperature is warm and comfortable year round, and there are no mosquitoes or bats to worry about.
- Self-guided cave tours
- Visitor center, picnic shelter & garden maze
- No reservations needed
- Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop 16: Kahanu Garden - $
Kahanu Garden is a National Tropical Botanical Garden outside of Hana featuring native plants of value to Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Rich in history and heritage, this storied place is also home to Pi’ilanhale Heiau, believed to be the largest ancient structure in Polynesia.
- Self-guided tours
- Guided tours (may sell out in advance)
- Online reservations encouraged
Stop 17: Maui Skydiving - $$$
Looking for a fun and unforgettable activity to do on your Road to Hana adventure? Take the leap of a lifetime with Maui Skydiving!
Enjoy epic views of the island when you jump from 10,000 feet and glide down with expert guides.
- Tandem skydive with optional media packages
- Minimum 18 years of age
Stop 18: Wai’anapanapa State Park & Black Sand Beach - $ 🤙
Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach, Maui
Visit this amazing black sand beach, created when hot lava shattered in contact with the ocean.
The state park also includes a freshwater cave that leads to the ocean, a blowhole that shoots water into the air, and a sea arch formed from erosion.
- Advance reservations required for Wai’anapanapa State Park
- No same-day reservations allowed
- Arrive within 30 minutes of your allotted time slot
- $10/vehicle parking fee PLUS $5/person entry fee
- Lodging, camping, picnicking & hiking
RELATED: Check out our Wai’anapanapa State Park Travel Guide for more information.
Stop 19: Hana Town $–$$ 🤙
From sugarcane fields to seaside retreat, the charming town of Hana is full of history. Take a break and find a place to eat at one of Hana’s food trucks or sit-down restaurants.
- Public restrooms at Hana Bay Beach Park
NOTE: The trail to nearby Red Sand Beach is extremely hazardous and visitors should avoid going here.
RELATED: The Backstory of the Town at the End of the Road: Hana’s History
Stop 20: Hasegawa General Store - $–$$ 🤙
A trip to Hana would not be complete without a stop at the legendary Hasegawa General Store.
This historic Hana landmark has seen better days, but don’t let its weathered exterior keep you from exploring one of Maui’s most unique stores!
Inside this 100-plus-year-old building, you’ll find a wonderful variety of merchandise from groceries and snacks to T-shirts, souvenirs, and more!
- “Uniquely Hana” merch
- Farm fresh produce
- ATM
- Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Stop 21: Fagan’s Cross - FREE
This large stone cross was erected in memory of Paul Irving Fagan, Sr.
By establishing cattle ranching and building the Travaasa Hotel, Fagan provided employment for many local people and helped revitalize the town of Hana after the decline of the sugar industry.
To access the cross, hike to the top of the hill via a short, steep trail. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views!
- Paved 1.5-mile out-and-back trail with 500-foot elevation gain
- Moderate
Stop 22: Koki Beach - FREE 🤙
Shutterstock Image
Koki Beach is a favorite spot for local surfers and a great place to watch these experts catch some waves.
The unique reddish color of the sand comes from the cinder cone hill next to it.
In Hawaiian, this prominent hill is called Ka Iwi o Pele, which means “the bones of Pele.”
According to legend, the fire goddess Pele was defeated here in battle by her older sister, the goddess of the ocean.
- Surfing
- No lifeguards (swimming not recommended)
- Grassy picnic area with tables
- Public restrooms
- Huli huli chicken food truck nearby
Stop 23: Hamoa Beach - FREE 🤙
Shutterstock Image
Surrounded by cliffs, this crescent-shaped beach is perfect for families because of the protected cove and large sandy area. Park next to the road and access the beach by a set of stairs.
- Swimming & snorkeling
- Body surfing & boogie boarding
- No lifeguards
- Limited roadside parking
- Shaded pavilion with picnic tables
- Portable toilets
Stop 24: ‘Ohe’o Gulch at Haleakala National Park, Kipahulu - $ 🤙
November through March are some of the "least" rainiest days on the Seven Sacred Pools
Also known as Seven Sacred Pools or the Pools of ‘Ohe’o, this series of cascading waterfalls and pristine pools is one of the most beautiful sights on the tour!
You can access views of the pools and ocean via a self-guided walk along the Kuloa Point Trail, a short loop trail near the visitor center.
- Easy half-mile loop
- Waterfall and ocean views
- Park entry fee or pass required
Stop 25: Pipiwai Trail at Haleakala National Park, Kipahulu - $ 🤙
The 3.5-mile Pipiwai Trail meanders through a lush rainforest and rewards you with views of two spectacular waterfalls.
If you’re short on time, you can hike partway to the first lookout for a view of Makahiku Falls and then turn around.
- Moderate 3.5-mile rainforest hike
- Waterfall views
- Park entry fee or pass required
Tips for Stopping Along the Road to Hana
Parking Tips
Finding a parking spot at some of these destinations can be a little tricky and may require some patience and flexibility.
Here are a few tips:
- Always park in designated parking lots or pull-outs.
- Avoid blocking driveways.
- Avoid parking along the highway where there are “No Parking” signs posted.
- Lock your vehicle and take your valuables with you.
- Make advance reservations for parking at Wai’anapanapa State Park ($10 fee)
Best Time to Visit Each Stop
The best time to visit each spot is before the crowds. That means waking up early and hitting the road before they do!
We recommend starting in Pa’ia no later than 8 a.m. The earlier the better!
If you are doing the trip over two days, another option is to head out after the main crowds, arriving at popular destinations when most folks have moved on.
This works well if you plan to stay overnight in Hana and don’t need to worry about the return drive at night.
Safety Considerations
The Road to Hana has hundreds - literally hundreds - of twists and turns. Driving the road can be daunting once the sun goes down.
In the winter, the sun sets at about 5:30 p.m. In the summer, it's closer to 7:30 p.m. Be sure to check what time the sun sets so you can plan your visit accordingly.
To avoid driving in the dark, try to leave Kipahulu by at least 4 p.m. This way, you can enjoy a relaxing return drive with the possibility of stopping at a few places that you might have missed earlier.
Here are other ways to stay safe on your trip:
- Follow all posted signs about flash floods, dangerous waterfalls, and strong currents.
- Do not enter streams or pools during heavy rains or flash flood conditions. Drownings have occurred.
- Stay behind designated fences and barriers.
- Stay on designated trails.
- If there are “No Swimming” signs posted, do NOT swim. (Hawaii’s fresh water streams and pools can be deadly due to flash floods, falling rocks, and bacteria.)
- Pull over to take pictures. (Do not stop in the middle of the road or take pictures while driving.)
Be a Good Guest
Shutterstock Image
Hana and the surrounding communities are home to thousands of residents who must drive this road every day. You might be on vacation, but their daily lives are greatly impacted by tourism.
Here are some ways visitors can show respect on the road:
- Let locals pass. Do not hold up vehicles behind you.
- Slow down and take turns at one-lane bridges.
- Park legally. (Illegal parking will cost you $$!)
- Respect private property. (Avoid visiting places with “No Trespassing" signs.)
- Use public restrooms. (Do not use roadsides or the forest as restrooms!)
- Avoid honking your horn. (This is considered rude in Hawaii.)
- Pick up your trash.
- Respect the wildlife and plants. (Remember it is illegal to touch sea turtles.)
- Do NOT stack rocks or take rocks or sand home.
Final Thoughts
The Road to Hana is more than just a scenic drive—it's a journey through some of Maui’s most stunning and culturally rich landscapes.
From the beachy town of Pa’ia and the epic surf at Ho’okipa Beach to hidden gems like Twin Falls, Waiʻanapanapa’s black sand beach, and the Pipiwai Trail, each stop offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the island.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, craving fresh banana bread, or hiking to the Pools of ‘Ohe‘o, you’ll find something unforgettable around every bend.
JUST REMEMBER: You can’t do it all in one day, and that’s okay! Plan your route based on your time and interests. Start early, and allow plenty of time to explore your favorite spots without rushing. With a little preparation, a lot of flexibility, and a spirit of adventure, the Road to Hana will be a highlight of your Maui vacation. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Robin is a former middle school teacher who loves using stories to bring history to life. Born and raised in Hawai’i, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home — but part of her heart will always be in the islands. When not writing or reading about WWII, she’s hiking Mount Rainier, exploring the Olympics, or volunteering as a Volcano Ambassador at Mount St. Helens.
Robin updated and edited the Grand Circle Island Tour, the Legendary North Shore Loop, and the East Oahu Shoreline Drive.
Explore the Road to Hana with Shaka Guide
If planning your own stops seems overwhelming to you, let Shaka Guide help! We’ve done all the research and planning, so you don’t have to! Choose one of our three curated Road to Hana tours:
- Classic Road to Hana Tour - our most popular
- Loop Road to Hana Tour - includes the less-traveled backside of Hana
- Reverse Road to Hana Tour - same as the Loop Road to Hana tour, but goes in the opposite direction
All of Shaka Guide’s Road to Hana tours include major highlights and hidden gems. Using GPS, our audio driving tour app guides you along the way, providing turn-by-turn directions, pointing out the sights, and entertaining you with history, stories, and music.
No matter which tour you choose, we’ll help make your drive to Hana an unforgettable experience!
Visiting Maui? Check out our Maui Tour Bundle featuring 6 tours, including 3 Road to Hana Tours!
Exploring Hawaii soon? Whether you're headed to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, Shaka Guide has a self-guided audio tour to match your adventure.
Each tour features turn-by-turn directions, fascinating stories, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Check out our full collection of Hawaii tours and start planning your trip today!
Need help choosing? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com.
Like this article? Share it on Pinterest!
MAUI TRAVEL GUIDES:
- The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide
- Which Maui Tour is Right For You?
- Where to Camp in Maui
- Maui Maps
- 10 Ways To Be An Eco-Conscious Visitor in Maui
- 10 Ways to be a Safe and Responsible Traveler in Hawaii
ROAD TO HANA RELATED
- Know Before You Go, Classic Road to Hana Tour
- Shaka Guide's Classic Road to Hana Itinerary
- Is The Road To Hana Dangerous?
- Which Shaka Guide Road to Hana Tour is Right for You?
- Road To Hana: Guide To Having An Epic Driving Tour
- Road To Hana Must Know Tips
- The Scenic Hawaiian Roller Coaster: The Road to Hana
- Road to Hana Maps
- Road to Hana Map with Mile Markers
Classic Road to Hana Tour
TikTok
to fuel your ride 
