Twin Falls is the first of many waterfalls on our excursion today. Unbeknownst to most, there are actually three different falls in the area: Twin Falls (the smallest and closest), Rope Swing, and Caveman Falls (the larger falls farther upstream). If swimming at a waterfall is on your vacation bucket list, then this is the one place you won't want to miss!

The trail to the first falls is well-maintained, family-friendly, and a relatively easy walk from the parking lot. Caveman requires a 1.5 mile moderate hike round trip. Most people stop at Twin Falls for a picture or a quick dip in the swimming hole.

You'll also find a really great farmstand nearby selling fresh fruits and banana bread.

The entrance is to the left of the fruit stand. After passing the gate, take the first left at the cluster of bamboo trees for Twin Falls. Or continue on the trail for the other waterfall.

Hours: 8 am - 3:30 pm Daily *Closed the first Saturday of the month for Maui residents only.

Note: There is a $10 per car parking fee and parking can be very limited. Also, there is no parking or walking allowed on the road. So if the lot is full, you can try again later or come back another day.

Caution: As with all freshwater pools in Hawai'i, watch out for flash flooding. Flash floods, caused by rain in the mountains, can happen suddenly--even if it's sunny where you are. Also, beware that most freshwater streams in Hawai'i contain Leptospirosis. So avoid getting water in your eyes, nose, mouth or open sores. 

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This family-friendly trail is a short three quarter mile loop that takes you through a forest of giant eucalyptus and mahogany trees. Consider making a quick stop here if you’d like, especially if you have kids that are looking to stretch their legs.

Ke'anae Arboretum is really a lovely botanical garden that is also free and a great place to stretch your legs a bit.

A short walkway leads through a myriad of trees and plants from around the world - including giant bamboo trees, African tulip trees, taro plants, banana, papaya, and breadfruit trees. Each is marked with a nameplate showing the country of origin and plant name. This is, for sure, the best place to go if you want to see the rainbow eucalyptus trees up close and take some pictures. It really looks like the color has been painted on the trees.

Plan on spending around 30 minutes strolling through the gardens here. If everyone is tired and wanting to get back, then this is something you could pass up. 

It is kind of tricky to find the arboretum. The front entrance is not very obvious, and comes quickly around a turn. Look for a small park sign and a green gate. You will need to park across the street and walk in. After you enter the gate, there is a nice 20 min stroll along a paved road before you come to the actual arboretum. Take as long as you want, and then turn around the way you came to exit the arboretum. Admission is free.

Waikani Falls is actually a series of three waterfalls also known by its nickname - Three Bears Falls.

Even though Hawai'i has no bears, the falls likely got this nickname because the three falls have different heights-- short, medium and tall, just like the family of bears in the children’s story - Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

NOTE: There is no parking at this waterfall, so enjoy the view as you drive by.

As you continue driving towards Kipahulu (Haleakala National Park), look out for Wailua Falls along the road. Up to this point you have already seen a ton of waterfalls. But this one is the largest of them all, at 80 feet tall. The best view is from the right of the bridge. There's no need to stop, just be mindful of other drivers on the road as you keep an eye out.

'Ohe'o Gulch, also known as the Pools of ‘Ohe’o or the Seven Sacred Pools, is a series of cascading waterfalls that lead to pristine pools of water.

Take in the natural beauty and reminisce on all you’ve seen and learned on your tour today.

NOTE: There’s a $30 entrance fee per car to enter Haleakala National Park. If you visited Haleakala summit within the past three days, you can show your receipt to enter for free.

UPDATE: The Pools of 'Ohe'o are currently closed to swimming. But the trail is still open for viewing the waterfall and pools.

Once you get to Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu, we recommend you check out the Pipiwai Trail. This three-and-a-half-mile rainforest trail offers beautiful views of two waterfalls and a bamboo forest.

The hike is rated moderate and takes about 2 hours to complete.

If you’re short on time or looking for a family-friendly option, you can just hike partway to the first lookout point where you can see Makahiku Falls.

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Note: There’s a $30 entrance fee per car to enter Haleakala National Park. If you visited Haleakala summit within the past three days, you can show your receipt to enter for free.

As we continue along Hana Highway, we’ll stop by a lava cave hidden on the side of the road. This cave was formed when hot lava from an eruption cooled and hardened on the exterior, while it continued flowing in the inner core.

After the lava drained out, the hardened exterior shell remained, forming a cave. Duck and watch your head as you enter the cave. The entrance is small with some jagged rocks, but it quickly opens up to where you can easily stand up.

NOTE: If you are interested in exploring a bigger lava tube cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites, then save some time to check out the Hana Lava Tubes. This paid attraction near Hana Town is one of Maui's great natural wonders!

On your way back, we'll pass the trailhead for Waioka, also known as Venus Pools.

This hidden gem features a cool waterfall, swimming hole, and opportunity to cliff jump. 

While it looks idyllic, you should know that Waioka poses several dangers such as a steep and slippery trail, harmful bacteria in the water, risk of injury from cliff jumping, and dangerous flash floods. Tragically, people have been severely injured and some have even died at this location. 

If you decide to go, you visit the pools at your own risk. Remember, if it has rained recently, looks like rain, or is starting to get dark, you should definitely skip this spot.

NOTE: East Maui Ready has issued an advisory against visiting Waioka for the safety concerns stated above. They encourage visitors to only visit places in East Maui that are open to the public or managed by state and federal parks. In addition, there is no parking near the trailhead. Please respect the "No Parking" signs.

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Please Note: Parking AND entrance fees are now required to visit Waianapanapa. You MUST make an advance reservation to visit the park. NO same day reservations will be accepted. * Book your reservation on www.gowaianapanapa.com. 

Visit one of Maui’s only black sand beaches. Created when hot lava shattered on contact with the ocean, this beach is unlike any others on the Road to Hana.

While you’re there, look out for the freshwater cave that leads to the ocean, a blowhole that shoots water into the air, a sea arch formed from erosion, and a hiking trail along the coast. 

This is a great spot to spend some time, stretch your legs, lay in the sun, and even have a picnic.

Entrance is $5 per person AND $10 per vehicle to park. 

Hamoa Beach is a perfect family beach because of the protected cove and the large sandy area. If the waves aren’t too strong, there is some pretty decent snorkeling on the far left side of the cove. Park next to the road and access the beach by a set of stairs.

Now, just around the bend from Ching’s Pond is an amazing overlook of the Ke’anae Peninsula. You will see a large shoulder on the left that you can pull in for a great bird's-eye view of the peninsula.

Notice the many taro patches that dot the landscape. This is a great place for a picture with an incredible backdrop!

Pullover to view beautiful sheer cliffs and crashing surf at Nua’ailua Bay!

Wailua Valley State Wayside is a small overlook that offers an excellent view of the ocean and Wailua Village with taro fields and a famous church called the “Coral Miracle Church.” And don't forget to turn around and look towards the mountains. You will see the Haleakala Volcano in the distance. You may even get lucky and see a waterfall or two cascading down in the distance.

The Ke'anae Peninsula is a short detour off of the Hana Highway that leads you to the old village of Ke'anae where you can get some awesome views of the ocean ripping through jagged young lava rock. I highly recommend this little detour. It should only take 15 minutes round trip.

The best viewpoint is at the end of this road, next to the baseball fields. While driving out there, you will see an old-stone church to your right. This was the only building standing after an April 1964 tsunami devastated the community.

There is a public restroom here located on the large grassy area next to the baseball field. 

This well-maintained park is a great place to stretch your legs and use the restroom. While you are here, snap some photos of the Ke'anae Peninsula, which we will be visiting in a bit.

Pull over to the right and cross the highway for a view of Honomanu Bay. If there is no room to park, you can also stop by on the way back if there’s still daylight.

You made it to Hana! Now, take a few minutes to lay down and relax at Koki Beach. One interesting feature of this spot is the large hill beside it. Hawaiians have a name for this spot - it’s called Ka Iwi o Pele, which means "the bones of Pele." Actually, this hill is a cinder cone that erupted lava just before Mount Haleakala went dormant.

Note: Koki Beach is a favorite spot for local surfers, but we do not recommend swimming here due to dangerous rip tides, high waves, and no lifeguards. If you are looking for a swimming beach, try Hamoa Beach, which is less than a mile down the road.

Jaws is a world-famous surfing beach. To access this spot, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a muddy dirt road.

During the months between December and March, when the wind and ocean conditions are just right, Jaws can produce waves as high as 70 feet! There are many big wave competitions held here every year that attract the best surfers from around the world.

However, most of the time this beach has little to no waves. So unless it’s winter and you are sure that Jaws is “breaking,” we suggest you skip this beach and keep driving.

The Garden of Eden is a family-friendly spot with a variety of exotic plants from tropical rainforests throughout the world. While you’re there, you’ll see stunning coastal views and catch a glimpse of the Keopuka Rock, which was featured in the opening scene of Jurassic Park.

Note: There is a moderate admission fee to enter the arboretum. Check current prices here.

HOURS: 8am - 5pm Daily

No Reservations Required

Kahanu Garden is a National Tropical Botanical Garden featuring native plants that are of value to Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. You’ll learn about the connection between the ancient Hawaiians and the land. It's also a sacred cultural site--home to Pi'ilanihale Heiau, believed to be the largest ancient temple in Polynesia. 

NOTE: There is an admission fee to enter the garden, and it closes at 3pm.

HOURS: 9am - 3pm. Closed Sundays.

This general store has been owned and operated by the same family since 1910. It has everything from snacks to souvenirs. It’s a great place to stop to pick up food and drinks for the road. You can also skip it for now and visit on the way back.

Hours: 9:30am - 6pm Daily

Pro Tip! The only gas station in Hana is next door. Fuel up here if you need to.

Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread is a little snack shop on the way to the Ke'anae Peninsula. It is definitely one of the best places to buy banana bread on the Road to Hana! Aunty Sandy's has even been featured on Gordon Ramsey's "Unchartered" TV series on the National Geographic channel.

Of course - because it's so good - be prepared to spend a little extra money. Believe us, it's worth it! They also have some great shave ice and an array of standard local food items and drinks if you are hungry and looking for more than a snack. HOURS: Open Monday - Saturday from 8:30 am until sold out. Closed Sundays.

Looking to grab a snack for the road? Stop at Halfway to Hana food stand. This snack shop sells cold drinks, tasty banana bread, shave ice, lunch items like burgers and sandwiches, and small bites like fruits and chips.

Fun Fact: Halfway to Hana is actually just before the official halfway point.

Pro Tip! If you are traveling with kids, got a late start, or crunched for time, this place is a good place to turn around for a “mini” Road to Hana tour. You’ll hear lots of great stories on the return trip.

HOURS: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Daily

Maui Ocean Center is one of the most popular attractions on the island. You may be thinking: 'but I have the real ocean all around me?' Trust us, it’s worth it. You can get up close and personal with tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and even sharks. In fact, this spot was named one of the top 15 aquariums in the nation by TripAdvisor. While you’re there, you’ll see ocean creatures not found anywhere else in the world. The best part? You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the relationship between Hawaiian culture and pacific marine life. Depending on your schedule, you may wish to visit another day when you can spend more time at the center. There is an entrance fee for Maui Ocean Center.

Advance reservations are required, tickets are available on their website.

Just past Haleakala in a remote graveyard is the final resting place of Charles Lindbergh. If you’re not familiar with this famous figure, Lindberg was an aviator known for making a nonstop flight from New York to Paris. In 1972, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and after receiving various treatments in New York to no avail, he decided to spend the remainder of his life on Maui. Behind the church is a small park, feel free to walk around and enjoy the serenity here. 

Get one more beach in before you end your day! There’s a short walk to the shore, and when you get there you’ll notice it’s different from the other beaches on this tour. The beach is filled with rocks! Although you won’t feel sand between your toes, stop and listen as the waves crash onto these rocks. You’ll hear a loud rumbling if the conditions are right.  

The audio narration will tell you when to look for an amazing overlook of nuu bay. You will recognize it because of a couple worn trail to the left that takes you to an awesome vantage point of the nu’u bay and mountain range. Check them out by pulling over when prompted.

My friends, as the road hugs the coast ahead, you are going to see some very amazing views. Imagine for a moment with me, the red, hot lava flowing down haleakala, eventually meeting the pacific ocean cooling down. Initially the whole mountain was black cooled lava. Overtime life settled in, lichens, grass and trees began to grow. Ah, the power of life! And if you are here at the right time, the view of sunset from here is out of this world. I will tell you where to pull over up ahead for a great view and photo op.

We’re not done with waterfalls just yet! This will be the ninth and final waterfall of your adventure today. Visiting Alelele Falls requires a short hike that crosses a stream, but other than that, it’s pretty accessible. The falls are roughly 50-feet tall and there’s a pool for you to swim in. If you’re looking to get back before dark, skip this spot and keep driving. Haleakala National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. As of June 2020 (COVID 19 response) The summit area is now open for sunrise viewing and must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Reservations allow access to the Summit District of the park from 3:00am to 7:00am. Please visit here for more information.

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As you drive along this country road you’ll soon spot a rock formation in the ocean. This sea arch was created by an ancient dried lava flow that has carved out a hole by the ocean’s unrelenting waves. 

Congratulations! You’ve made it to Hana. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. But don’t worry, the tour isn’t over - some of the best stops are yet to come! We recommend you grab a bite to eat here in Hana. There are loads of options to choose from. This is the last stop for food until you get back to Pa'ia Town.

Note: Visitors should not go to the Red Sand beach. Many years of overuse have caused erosion resulting in a dangerous hike along steep cliffs to and from the beach.

This next waterfall is under a bridge!

Makapipi Falls is one of the most interesting falls on the tour. Not only does the highway cross over the cascades, but the water flows from a lava streambed into a beautiful pool below.

After you cross the bridge, you can park on the shoulder and walk back for a closer look. 

Makapipi Falls may be dry in the summertime, but when the water is flowing, it's worth the stop!

The consistent strong winds and good waves at Ho'okipa Beach make this a popular spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. You can stop here briefly to check out the surfers! There is a great view from the parking lot above that overlooks the beach.

NOTE: If you are lucky enough to catch some sea turtles sunbathing on the beach near the restrooms, remember to keep your distance. Touching a sea turtle is against Hawaii state law.

Throughout history, Pa’ia was mostly a sleepy little plantation town. Today, it still retains that small town charm. Bead stores, surf shops, and art galleries line the streets of this seaside tourist town.

Pa'ia also offers great dining options. Stop here before your trip to grab some breakfast, coffee, snacks, or lunches to go! It's also a great place to return for dinner after your day on the road.

Take advantage of the free public parking, and don't forget to fill up on gas before you hit the road. The next station is over two hours away in Hana.