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Know Before You Go, Shaka Guide's Classic Road to Hana Tour

January 02, 2025

Shaka Guide

PLEASE NOTE: There is only one road into and out of Hana. Locals have to drive this road every day. The thousands of daily drivers on this one-lane highway greatly impact their lives. Please be respectful — do not park illegally, pay attention to signs, drive responsibly, and pull over to let locals pass. Do not enter private property or visit sites that are unsafe. And, please remember to pick up your trash.

For more on being a responsible traveler to Hawaii, click here.
You can also learn about proper Road to Hana etiquette here.
And, before you travel to Hawaii, be sure to take the Pono Pledge here.

Ah, the Road to Hana. If you’re embarking on this roughly 65-mile road trip along the winding Hana Highway, you’ve probably heard about the stunning waterfalls, swimming holes, and scenic spots you’re about to discover.

On Shaka Guide’s Classic Road to Hana Tour, you’ll make over 25 stops as you traverse the road on your way towards Hana Town and beyond.

Because this tour takes roughly ten hours to complete (no joke!), there’s a lot you need to know to start planning and make the most of your day.

So buckle up. We’ve got it all outlined here for you.

Start Planning!

You’re about to go on an epic road trip, but there are a few things you should know about the tour before you get started.

Start the tour in Kahului near the airport and end in Kipahulu (Haleakala National Park - past Hana). The tour then guides you back to Pa'ia Town (near the airport) the same way you came with even more stories to keep you entertained on the way back.
If you’re staying in West Maui in the resort towns of Ka'anapali or Lahaina, plan to spend 45 minutes driving to the start of the tour in Kahului.
Parking at Twin Falls is limited, and there is a $10 per vehicle parking fee. There is no parking or walking allowed along the road. So if the lot is full, you can try again another time or come back another day.
Entrance to Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu (Pipiwai Trail and 'Ohe'o Gulch aka Seven Sacred Pool aka Pools of 'Ohe'o) is $30 per car. If you visited Haleakala summit within the past three days, you can show your receipt to enter for free.
IMPORTANT: Reservations are required to visit Wai'anapanapa State Park (black sand beach). Book up to 30 days in advance, no same-day reservations are allowed, and the price for entry is $10 to park AND $5 per person. Book here: www.gowaianapanapa.com. Click here to learn how to plan your day based on your reservation time.
Hana Lava Tube and Garden of Eden close at 4 pm and Kahanu Garden closes at 3 pm. (They all have entrance fees.)
There are many stops on the Road to Hana that you SHOULDN’T make. These might be dangerous or on private property. We recommend you stick to the itinerary we’ve laid out.
Proper etiquette on the Road to Hana is extremely important. Remember, there are locals who must take this road every day.
This tour has one stop on the way back. Other than that, the return trip is all stories and music so you can focus on the drive, especially if it’s getting dark. The return drive will take about 3 hours back to the start.

What to Expect

To Get An Early Start

We recommend starting the tour by 8:00 am from Kahului. If you are starting from Ka'anapali, you should start driving by 7:30 am.

We know it’s early, but it’s imperative if you want to visit all the spots and minimize nighttime driving.

To Spend 10-12 Hours Exploring

If you want to do EVERYTHING on the tour -- each hike, scenic spot, and swimming hole -- we recommend you plan to spend about 12 hours on the tour.

Since there’s so much to see, we've created this suggested itinerary so you can plan in advance which spots you want to visit.

Also, some advice: Don’t get caught up in visiting every spot. You’ll want to make the most of your day, but this road trip is truly about the journey.

Stay flexible and enjoy your time at the spots you visit.

To Be Active

There are four hikes on this tour, but that’s just the beginning. There are caves to explore, beaches to visit, ponds to swim in, and gardens to marvel at.

Not to mention all the stunning viewpoints. So be prepared to be in and out of the car A LOT on this drive!

To Swim

Not only will you stop at multiple beaches along the Road to Hana, but you’ll also visit a few swimming holes!

These are generally beneath cascading waterfalls, making them truly unique experiences.

Here are all the beaches and swimming holes you’ll visit on this tour:

Ho’okipa Beach
Twin Falls *Parking fee (see note below)
Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach *Reservations required
Koki Beach
Hamoa Beach
'Ohe'o Gulch (aka Pools of 'Ohe'o or Seven Sacred Pools) *Currently closed to swimming
Waioka (Venus Pools) *Not recommended for most hikers

Pro Tip! The best waterfall swim is toward the beginning of the tour at Twin Falls where you'll have a choice of three waterfalls to visit and swim in! However, please note that parking is limited, and there is a $10 per vehicle parking fee. There is no parking or walking allowed along the road. So if the lot is full, you can try again another time or come back another day.

To Try Local Goodies

In the midst of all your driving and exploring, don’t forget to stop for a bite to eat!

We’ll remind you about the best food stops throughout the tour, but you can also check out the tour highlights in the app.

Some of our favorite stops are Aunty Sandy’s for fresh-made banana bread, Coconut Glen’s for coconut milk ice cream, and Halfway to Hana food stand for some snacks.

To Learn

The Road to Hana is more than just seeing, it’s about embracing the natural beauty of Maui and learning the unique history of Hawai'i.

With Shaka Guide, you’ll actually learn about the history of the spots you're visiting.

You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this special corner of Maui.

Budgeting

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route. Here’s a breakdown of some costs, but check the individual websites for current prices:

$30.00 per car: Haleakala National Park (Pipiwai Trail & Pools of 'Ohe'o)
$20.00 for adults: Garden of Eden Arboretum
$10.00 per car: Wai'anapanapa State Park - Parking
$5.00 per person: Wai'anapanapa State Park - Entry
$15.00 per person (5 & under free): Hana Lava Tube
$18.00 per adult (12 & under free): Kahanu Garden
$15.00 per person: Lunch
$10.00 per person: Local snack, like banana bread or shave ice

Safety Information

The Road to Hana has many beautiful natural wonders, but it is not a theme park and can be dangerous when proper safety steps are not followed.

The following are recommendations. You are in charge of your own safety.

Waterfall Safety: Do not go underneath any waterfall due to falling rocks.
Swimming and Rock Jumping: Check depth before jumping off rocks into pools. Most of Hawaii's freshwater contains harmful bacteria, so avoid getting water in your eyes, nose, mouth, or open sores. Avoid swimming when it is raining or looks like rain. Flash flooding can be deadly.
Hiking Safety: Bring water & hike in groups. Stay away from ledges. Use extra caution when it's been raining. Trails can be extra slippery.
Driving Safety: 3-5 cars per at a time for one-lane bridges. Pull over for locals. If parking along the road, make sure all four tires are over the white line. Respect "No Parking" signs.
Ocean Safety: Watch for rogue waves. Be aware of strong undercurrents and waves, especially during winter months.

Start Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.

Layers and a Jacket
Sneakers
Hiking Clothes
Water Bottle
Bug Spray
Towel
Swim Suit
Sandals
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Cash - Many stops along the way are cash-only
Car Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount

Shaka Guide’s Road to Hana By the Numbers

Let us break it down for you! This tour features:

1 Lava Cave
2 Historic Towns
2 Gardens
4 Hikes
5 Beaches
5 Scenic Spots
2 Swimming Holes
7 Waterfalls
10 Hours of Fun!

Malama 'Aina

The Road to Hana is not a theme park. It is a rare natural resource that many locals call home.

With so many visitors driving this road every day, the impact is real.

In Hawaiian, the word malama means “to take care” and the word 'aina means “land.”

When you’re in Hawai'i, we ask that you practice this and pick up your trash; respect the marine life, plants, and animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe.

Hawaii’s natural resources are precious. It’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources for generations by respecting the 'aina when you visit.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan check out our Classic Road to Hana Tour suggested itinerary.

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