Road to Hana: Is It Better to Drive in One Day or Two? Pros, Cons & Travel Tips

May 27, 2025

Robin

Key Takeaways:

One-day trips require a 10–12 hour commitment; start early to avoid driving the return route after dark.
Two-day trips allow for relaxed pacing, more stops, and safer daytime return—ideal for families or photographers.
Reservations are required for Waiʻānapanapa State Park; book online up to 30 days in advance—no walk-ins allowed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is the Road to Hana?
One-Day Road to Hana Trip
Two-Day Road to Hana Trip
How to Choose Between One Day vs. Two Days
Final Thoughts

Introduction

Dramatic view of lush green spires and steep cliffs at ʻĪao Valley State Park in Maui, Hawaii. Mist and clouds drift through the mountains under a partly cloudy sky, highlighting the towering ʻĪao Needle formation. Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is a must-do when you visit Maui! But with so many incredible things to see and do on this epic road trip, you’re probably wondering, “should I drive the Road to Hana in one or two days?”

If you’re having trouble making up your mind, let us help you decide! Here at Shaka Guide, we like to think of ourselves as your local Road to Hana guide.

And we love sharing our knowledge--and love--of this region with visitors.

In this article, we’ll lay out the pros and cons of each option and give you the facts you need to make your decision.

What is the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana is considered one of the most spectacular scenic drives in Hawaii!

Beginning in Kahului and ending at Kipahulu in Haleakala National Park, this 65-mile stretch of coastal highway features over 600 hairpin curves, over 50 stone bridges, and numerous scenic stops featuring:

stunning waterfalls
pristine beaches
lush, tropical rainforests
historic Hana Town, and
The natural wonders of Kipahulu in Haleakala National Park

Along the way, you can swim by a waterfall, check out a lava cave, hike through the jungle, visit a black sand beach, and sample some local grinds (eats) – like Aunty Sandy’s famous banana bread. (Our favorite!)

Whether you choose to explore this famous route in one day or two, we’ll help you get the most out of your epic Maui adventure!

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to swim at the famous black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, you’ll need to make advance reservations for both entry and parking. You can book a timed reservation for Wai’anapanapa State Park up to 30 days in advance. NO SAME-DAY RESERVATIONS ARE ALLOWED. The price is $10 per vehicle to park AND $5 per person to enter. You must arrive and depart within your allotted time slot. Learn more about how to plan your day at Wai’anapanapa based on your reservation time.

One-Day Road to Hana Trip

Vibrant sunrise colors fill the sky over a tranquil Hawaiian beach lined with palm trees. The ocean reflects shades of orange, pink, and purple as gentle waves lap the shore and silhouettes of tropical vegetation frame the coastline.

Overview

Completing the Road to Hana in one day is definitely doable, especially if you start early and have a well-planned itinerary.

Pros of a One-Day Trip

A one-day trip is great if you only have a short time on Maui and want to save time to explore other areas of the island.

It’s also perfect for early risers and those who like to pack as much in a day as they can. By choosing a one-day adventure, you can:

hit all the main highlights in 10-12 hours, or
choose a few sights and activities to enjoy at a slower pace, and
Save money on lodging and food with no need to stay overnight in Hana

Cons of a One-Day Trip

Trying to squeeze your adventure into one day does have a few drawbacks and can mean:

a rushed experience with limited time at each stop
increased travel fatigue due to long driving hours
missing some hidden gems due to time constraints, and
Driving back in the dark, which can be dangerous

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

Twin waterfalls cascade into a tranquil pool surrounded by dense forest and twisted tree roots in a lush jungle setting. Twin Falls

If you only have one day to explore the Road to Hana, we’ve got you covered! At Shaka Guide, we’ve curated the perfect one-day Road to Hana itinerary.

Want to take the stress out of planning–and driving? Check out Shaka Guide’s bestselling Classic Road to Hana Tour!

Our popular audio driving tour guides you turn-by-turn along the Road to Hana.

Along the way, we’ll point out all the highlights, regale you with fascinating history, and help you prioritize your time so that you can get the most out of your one-day adventure.

Our audio tour is ideal for those wanting to do the trip in one day.

We recommend starting from Kahului early, before 8 a.m., and spending about 10-12 hours exploring.

PRO TIP: Prioritize the places you want to visit and hit those first. Then on the way back, you can visit the stops you skipped, time permitting.

MORNING

Pick up a to-go breakfast or picnic lunch at the Hana Picnic Lunch Co. in Pa’ia
Check out the surfers at Ho’okipa Beach Park
Stop at Twin Falls to hike and swim next to a waterfall ($)
Stretch your legs on the short Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Wander through exotic plants at the Garden of Eden ($) or view rainbow eucalyptus trees at the Ke’anae Arboretum (free)
Swing by the Ke’anae Peninsula for stunning ocean views and be sure to pick up some of Aunty Sandy’s famous banana bread!

MIDDAY

Enjoy the views from Ke’ane Valley Overlook and Wailua Valley State Wayside Park
Grab a bite at Nahiku Marketplace
Visit the famous black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park ($/reservation)
Explore Hana Town and stop by the historic Hasegawa General Store

AFTERNOON

Relax at Koki Beach or Hamoa Beach
View the Pools of Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools) in Haleakala National Park ($/pass)
Hike in the rainforest on the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park ($/pass)

EVENING

To avoid driving in the dark, it’s best to leave Kipahulu in Haleakala National Park around 4 p.m.

Two-Day Road to Hana Trip

A winding country road cuts through a wide expanse of green grasslands with a backdrop of rugged volcanic mountains under a clear blue sky. The landscape appears remote and untouched, with scattered trees adding to the scenic charm.

Overview

Overnighting in Hana and taking two full days to complete the trip is ideal for families, those who prefer a more leisurely pace, or those who just want more time to hike and explore all the Road to Hana has to offer.

There are a number of accommodation options in and near Hana, including resorts, vacation homes, and camping.

Pros of a Two-Day Trip

If you have the time and budget, we highly recommend this option! Splitting the drive into two days allows you to:

Enjoy more stops without rushing
Experience Hana overnight, including sunrise and sunset views as well as local culture
Beat the crowds and visit popular spots early in the morning
Return during the daytime when it’s safer to drive

Cons of a Two-Day Trip

While ideal, a two-day trip requires:

additional cost for lodging and meals
An extra day in your Maui itinerary
booking in advance as lodging options in Hana are limited

Suggested Two-Day Itinerary

Our recommended two-day itinerary includes the same stops as mentioned in the one-day itinerary but spread out over two days.

Overnighting in Hana allows you more time to relax and enjoy this historic town without feeling rushed or having to drive back in the dark.

Day 1: Relaxed drive to Hana Town with stops at waterfalls, beaches, and scenic lookouts

Twin Falls, Ke’anae Peninsula, Nahiku Marketplace, Wai’anapanapa State Park
Stay overnight in Hana or a nearby area

Day 2: Explore beyond Hana and return at a relaxed pace

Hike the Pipiwai Trail and view the Ohe’o Pools at Kipahulu (Haleakala National Park)
Relax at Koki Beach or Hamoa Beach
Return via the same route or continue the full loop (check road conditions and rental car restrictions)
On the way back, stop at any of the viewpoints you missed or want to see again

PRO TIP: If you don’t get an advanced reservation at Wai’anapanapa State Park for the afternoon or evening, you can start your second day at this one-of-a-kind black sand beach.

How to Choose Between Doing the Road to Hana in One Day vs. Two Days

Waves crash against black volcanic rocks on a red sand beach with a small island rising from the ocean in the background. The vivid red shoreline contrasts sharply with the blue sea and sky.

So, which option is best for you - a one-day or two-day Road to Hana trip? It really boils down to how much time you have, how much money you want to spend, and your energy level.

Here are three things to consider:

1. Time Commitment

A one-day trip requires a very long day (10-12 hours round trip), while a two-day trip allows more flexibility and less exhaustion.

If you’re traveling with young children, a two-day trip or a modified one-day trip (only going halfway to Hana) is ideal.

2. Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, a one-day adventure is definitely more affordable since you won’t be overnighting in Hana. Your only costs will be gas, food, and entrance fees.

A two-day trip requires additional costs for accommodations and meals.

If you do decide to stay overnight in Hana, you can find lodging options that range from budget-friendly state park cabins at $100/night to spendy vacation homes and hotels starting around $300/night.

Remember to read the fine print for cancellation policies, extra person fees, cleaning fees, and taxes. They add up quickly!

These websites are a great place to begin your search:

3. Personal Travel Style

What’s your travel style? A one-day trip is best for adventure seekers and those who prefer to see highlights quickly.

A two-day trip is best for travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace, those who want more time to explore and hike trails, and others who enjoy nature photography.

Final Thoughts

Two people drive a convertible through a lush green forest on a narrow road, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation under soft daylight.

Whether you choose to spend one or two days on the Road to Hana, it’s definitely worth your time to prioritize and plan out your stops beforehand.

That way, you can make the best use of your time and see everything you want to!

If planning the stops seems overwhelming to you, let us help. On Shaka Guide's Classic Road to Hana Tour, we’ve done all the research and planning, so you don’t have to!

Our curated Road to Hana itinerary includes major highlights and hidden gems. Using GPS, our audio driving tour app guides you along the way, providing clear driving directions, pointing out the sights, and entertaining you with history, stories, and music.

We’ll help make your drive to Hana an unforgettable experience!

PLEASE NOTE: There is only one road into and out of Hana. Locals have to drive this road every day, and 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.

Visiting Maui? Check out our Maui Tour Bundle featuring 6 tours, including 3 Road to Hana Tours!

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.

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