Road to Hana Maui
A legendary scenic drive on Maui, winding through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along dramatic coastlines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the views
Road to Hana Maui
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy the views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary scenic drive on Maui, winding through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along dramatic coastlines.
"The drive itself feels like an adventure movie come to life, with every turn bringing something new."
🚗 Rent a Smaller Car
Easier to navigate narrow roads & curves. [^T4, ^Reviews]
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Essential for navigation! [^Reviews]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Mile Marker 32
Stunning black sand beach, sea caves, and blowholes. Reservations are often required.
Twin Falls
Mile Marker 2
Easily accessible waterfalls and pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. Fruit stands offer local treats. [^T1, ^Reviews]
Pipiwai Trail
Kīpahulu District (past Hana)
Hike through a magical bamboo forest to the impressive Waimoku Falls.
Seven Sacred Pools (Oheʻo Gulch)
Kīpahulu District (past Hana)
A series of stunning natural pools cascading down the hillside. Water access can vary. [^Reviews]
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Navigate with Confidence (and Caution)
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Smaller Car
Easier to navigate narrow roads & curves. [^T4, ^Reviews]
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Essential for navigation! [^Reviews]
🧳 Pack Essentials
Swimsuits, towels, water, snacks, cash! [^T4, ^Reviews]
⏰ Start Your Day Early
Maximize daylight & avoid peak crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Smaller Car
Easier to navigate narrow roads & curves. [^T4, ^Reviews]
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Essential for navigation! [^Reviews]
🧳 Pack Essentials
Swimsuits, towels, water, snacks, cash! [^T4, ^Reviews]
⏰ Start Your Day Early
Maximize daylight & avoid peak crowds.
⚠️ Drive with Caution
Pull over for locals, honk on blind curves. +2
🎟️ Reserve Ahead
Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach requires reservations. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Road to Hana is a breathtaking, unforgettable journey through Maui's lush interior, celebrated for its stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and vibrant rainforests. While the drive is long, winding, and requires significant concentration, most visitors find it incredibly rewarding. Be prepared for limited cell service, potential crowds, and the need for careful navigation, but the spectacular scenery makes it a must-do Maui experience. [^T13, ^Reviews]
"A Road Trip as Unforgettable as the Destination Itself!
The Road to Hana is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Hawaii. Winding through dense rainforest, waterfalls, and cliffs with sweeping ocean views, the drive itself feels like an adventure movie come to life. It’s long, slow, and sometimes hectic — with more than 600 curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, and steep drop-offs — but every turn brings something new. A jeep or other fun ride makes the experience even better and gives you the freedom to pull off at hidden gems along the way.
Highlights worth stopping for include Twin Falls (easy access waterfalls and fruit stands), Waiʻānapanapa State Park (with its stunning black sand beach), and Upper Waikani Falls (the “Three Bears” waterfalls). The Seven Sacred Pools at Oheʻo Gulch are another iconic stop, though water access can be restricted depending on conditions. If you’re short on time, you can skip the very first beach stop — the later scenery and unique spots are far more rewarding.
Be prepared: there isn’t cell service for a lot of the drive and it takes most of the day, parking can be tricky at popular stops, and those prone to motion sickness should plan ahead. It’s not for novice drivers, but for those up for the challenge, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey that’s just as memorable as the destination itself."
S. Sen
"The Road to Hana is probably the most amazing and beautiful road trips we have ever experienced. We have taken this trip 3 times and it is incredible every time!
Let me start with a heads up, It is a long trip on a narrow road with some single lane bridges and steep dropoffs. you don't want to pass cars or try to rush. They do have tours available, But we prefer to drive ourselves and at our own pace. If you're driving, you'll want to give yourself a good part of the day. It takes several hours to get to Hana, even without stopping to take in the views. We always plan a full day and hit all the stops.
It can be dangerous due to bad drivers, but we've only seen one wreck in 3 round trips. (Some dummy thought it would be cool to go off roading!)
With that said, It is so worth the trip!
The views are absolutely spectacular! There are so many beautiful waterfalls and amazing ocean views along the way. many places to pull off and get photos and some roadside parks to explore. I suggest packing a cooler with a picnic and drinks, because you won't see much as far as stores or restaurants before you arrive in Hana. there is a island influenced pizza ranch and a roadside stand in Hana that are pretty good.
Truthfully, If I could provide more stars, I would. The road to Hana is not something you want to miss out on! Safe Travels!"
Rob VanSuilichem
"LOVE IT! I loved the experience of driving this road. It was small, narrow, with lots of blind and sharp corners. BUT you do get a lot scenic views, and parts of the island you never knew existed. If you have some patience and can handle tight spaces and allow goings then you will be fine. You will find the occasional local racing 🏎️ through the narrows but I would just pull over and they would race by😂. Check out some of my videos for a sample of the road. It did take is about two and a half hours to get up the entire road. Another two and a half to get back down but that included pit stops. Plenty of shops and places to eat. It was really hard to stop and take pictures with such a small road🤪. We mainly went up this road for black sand beach and the water fall hike. That pretty much filled our entire day and we started at 530am."
Casey Swain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive itself can take 2.5 to 4 hours without stops, but most visitors dedicate a full day to explore the numerous sights along the way. Starting early is crucial to make the most of your time and avoid the worst crowds. [^T5, ^Reviews]
Driving yourself offers flexibility, but the road is challenging. Tours provide a stress-free experience with knowledgeable guides. Many recommend using an app like Shaka Guide if driving yourself.
Download an offline map or use a guided app like Shaka Guide. Cell service is unreliable. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and many one-lane bridges.
The backside of Hana is significantly more challenging, with rougher roads and fewer pull-offs. While some have done it, it's not recommended for rental cars and can be dangerous due to blind corners and local traffic. [^R1, ^Reviews]
Driving clockwise (starting from Kahului) generally means hitting popular spots earlier. Counter-clockwise (the 'reverse' Road to Hana) can be less crowded initially but involves navigating the more challenging backside road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the road itself doesn't require reservations, specific popular attractions like Waiʻānapanapa State Park (black sand beach) do. It's essential to check and book these in advance. +1
Some attractions, like the Pipiwai Trail within Haleakalā National Park's Kīpahulu District, have entrance fees. Many waterfalls and viewpoints are free to access, though some may have small parking fees.
Most natural attractions like waterfalls and beaches are accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to start early to maximize your time and avoid driving in the dark.
It's generally advised against taking rental cars on the rougher backside of Hana. Stick to the paved main highway, especially if you have a standard rental. [^Reviews]
Shaka Guide is a popular GPS-enabled audio tour app that provides commentary, stories, and directions as you drive the Road to Hana, highlighting points of interest and offering practical tips.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include Twin Falls, Waiʻānapanapa State Park (black sand beach), Pīpīwai Trail, and the Seven Sacred Pools. Many travelers also enjoy the bamboo forests and various waterfalls. [^T1, ^T7, ^I4, ^Reviews]
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes or water shoes. Bring a swimsuit and towel for waterfall swims and beach visits. [^T4, ^Reviews]
Yes, many waterfalls along the Road to Hana offer opportunities for swimming. Always exercise caution, check water conditions, and be aware of local advisories.
You might spot sea turtles basking on beaches, colorful birds in the rainforest, and various tropical plants and flowers.
Sit in the front passenger seat, focus on the horizon, avoid reading, and consider motion sickness medication. Taking breaks at scenic overlooks can also help.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are limited. Look for roadside stands selling banana bread, fresh fruit, and local plate lunches. Paia Town and Hana town have more established eateries. [^T7, ^T17, ^Reviews]
Don't miss the famous Hawaiian banana bread, fresh tropical fruits, and local plate lunches. Some food trucks offer delicious options too. +1
Absolutely! Packing a cooler with drinks and snacks is highly recommended, as food stops are infrequent and can be crowded. [^Reviews]
Hana town has a few dining options, including local eateries and food stands. However, many visitors find it best to pack their own food or rely on roadside vendors. [^Reviews]
Paia Town offers several charming cafes and bakeries, such as Paia Bay Coffee & Bar, which is a popular starting point for many.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers a new vista! Capture waterfalls, lush rainforests, dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches, and vibrant flora.
It can be challenging due to the narrow roads and constant turns. It's best to pull over at designated spots or overlooks to safely take photos. [^Reviews]
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for waterfall shots. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the landscape.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park's black sand beach, the bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail, and various unnamed waterfalls are incredibly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Prioritize stops with easy access and clear safety guidelines for swimming. 💰 Budget Travelers
Look for free parking areas and avoid attractions with high entry fees if you're on a tight budget. 🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Navigation: Driving the Road to Hana
+1Starting early is paramount. Aim to depart before 7 AM to experience the initial stretches with fewer cars and enjoy the serene morning light. This also allows ample time to stop at various points of interest without feeling rushed. Remember that cell service is extremely limited, so downloading offline maps or relying on a dedicated GPS device is essential. [^T12, ^Reviews] The drive can be physically and mentally taxing, so frequent breaks at scenic overlooks are encouraged to stretch your legs and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
The 'Reverse' Road to Hana is an alternative route that some travelers opt for, starting from the backside of the island. This can sometimes mean fewer crowds initially, but the road conditions can be more challenging and may violate rental car agreements.
Waterfalls, Beaches, and Bamboo Forests: Must-See Stops
Beyond the immediate roadside attractions, the journey continues to impress. The Pipiwai Trail, located past Hana in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, is a must-hike. This trail winds through an enchanting bamboo forest before culminating at the majestic Waimoku Falls.
+1 Nearby, the Seven Sacred Pools (Oheʻo Gulch) offer a series of picturesque cascading pools, though swimming access can be restricted based on conditions. [^Reviews] Many other unnamed waterfalls and scenic viewpoints dot the route, inviting spontaneous stops to admire the lush, tropical landscape. Remember to pack your swimsuit and towel to take advantage of the numerous opportunities for a refreshing dip in the clear waters. Always prioritize safety and be mindful of local conditions and advisories when swimming. [^T4, ^Reviews] The sheer abundance of natural beauty means you'll want to allow ample time to explore these incredible sights without feeling rushed.
Planning for Success: What to Pack and Prepare
Comfortable clothing and sturdy, water-friendly footwear are a must. You'll be doing some walking, and potentially wading through streams or exploring rocky shores. A swimsuit and towel are essential for enjoying the numerous waterfalls and beaches. Consider bringing a change of clothes for comfort after swimming or getting wet.
Technology preparedness is also key. Cell service is notoriously unreliable, so download offline maps of the area and any guided tour apps you plan to use. Ensure your phone is fully charged, and consider bringing a portable power bank. [^T12, ^Reviews] Finally, for those prone to motion sickness, packing medication and employing strategies like sitting in the front seat and focusing on the horizon can make the journey much more pleasant.
Social
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