Aloha Marci!

The Road to Hana is Maui’s most famous road trip. The 64-mile route connects urban Kahului to rural Hana Town, traveling over 50 one-lane bridges and around 600+ hairpin curves. Most of the highway winds through dense jungle, offering dramatic views of waterfalls and lush sea cliffs.

Driving the Road to Hana is a popular adventure, but it requires some planning. There is no gas or food for miles on end, and cell service is spotty. Visitors should also know important local customs, as noted at the bottom. Below is a highway map, a round-up of the best stops, and a pre-drive checklist to ensure you’re prepared.

Remember to save this email and keep it handy for your next Road to Hana adventure!

Pre-Drive Checklist



• Full tank of gas. The last gas station before Hana is in Paia: either Shell or Minit Stop.
• Snacks. You might be doing a lot of exploring before you reach Hana Town. Pack your favorite snacks so you don’t go hungry on the drive. You may also want to pack lunch if you don’t plan on stopping in Hana Town. If you’re doing the drive on a Sunday, many businesses in Hana may be closed.
• Cash. Most places in Hana accept cards, but you’ll encounter many cash-only fruit stands.
• Water. Bring lots of water, especially if you plan on hiking. You can purchase more in Hana if needed, but your last opportunity to fill your bottle (or buy water) will be in Paia.
• Swimsuit and towel if you plan on hitting the beach or swimming at a waterfall.
• Charged phone for photos and safety. Consider bringing a mobile charger or car charger. If you have an iPhone, you can also download offline maps of the area.
• Rain jacket. Rain is common on the Road to Hana. If you don’t mind getting wet, you can skip this, but packing a rain jacket is never a bad idea.
• Hiking shoes. If you plan on hitting the trails, pack hiking or tennis shoes. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy or wet.
• A change of clothes. A fresh change of clothes feels great after a long day of hiking and exploring waterfalls and beaches.
• Bug spray. Lots of water and humidity mean bugs. Some areas have a fair number of mosquitos. Bring a DEET-free one if you plan on swimming in streams or the ocean, as DEET can be harmful to the environment and reefs.
• Motion sickness medication. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to bring motion sickness medication. To be safe, you may want to take it the night before the drive.
• Reef-safe sunscreen.

Best Road to Hana Stops

Twin Falls - mm 2

Easy hike with multiple waterfalls and swimming holes. Privately owned, entry is $15. Open 8 am to 5pm.

Waikamoi Ridge Trail - near mm 9.5

Short, moderate trail through lush jungle. Great for plant enthusiasts. One mile out-and-back.

Garden of Eden Arboretum - mm 10.5

Privately owned garden on 26 acres with walking trails, native and introduced plants, and views of waterfalls and Keopuka Rock (featured in Jurassic Park). $20 per person, open 8 am - 4 pm.

Kaumahina State Wayside - near mm 12

Wayside park with restrooms, picnic tables, and views of Keanae Peninsula.

Keanae Peninsula - mm 17

Small community on a volcanic peninsula with taro patches and coastal views. Home to the famous Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread. Halfway to Hana snack stand and Keanae Arboretum are also nearby.

Wailua Valley State Wayside - just before mm 19

Small state wayside park with sweeping views of Ko’olau Gap and Wailua Valley. Only room for about 3-4 cars.

Puaa Kaa State Wayside - mm 22.5

Public park with picnic tables, restrooms, and waterfalls. A nice place for a waterfall dip.

Nahiku Marketplace - mm 29

A cluster of vendors selling coffee, food, coconuts, banana bread, and souvenirs in the heart of the jungle.

Waianapanapa State Park - mm 32

122-acre state park home to hiking trails, petroglyphs, caves, and a famous black sand beach.

Reservations are required for out-of-state visitors.

Hana Town - mm 34

Historic Hana Town features a 115-year-old general store, a restaurant, several food trucks, and an impressive statue of Queen Ka’ahumanu (King Kamehameha’s wife and noteworthy Hawaiian queen) at Hana Bay.

Koki Beach - Haneoo Road

Red sand beach and famous huli huli chicken, featured on Gordon Ramsay’s “Uncharted.” Dangerous currents, swimming not recommended.

Hamoa Beach - Haneoo Road

Stunning beach with aquamarine waters when calm. Can have dangerous shorebreak sometimes.

Wailua Falls - mm 45

Impressive 80-foot roadside waterfall with a small swimming hole.

Haleakala National Park - Kipahulu District

Home to the gorgeous, waterfall-fed Pools of Oheo and the famous Pipiwai Trail, a four-mile out-and-back trail that winds past banyan trees, waterfalls, and bamboo forests and leads to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

Quick Tips for Driving the Road to Hana

#1: It's a local custom to pull over for faster-moving vehicles or if you have a few vehicles behind you. Remember, locals use this road to travel to work, school, doctor's appointments, and even grocery stores.

#2: DON’T pack valuables. Rural areas are prone to petty crime like smash and grabs. Don’t risk it, leave your valuables at home.

#3: Don’t try to see everything in one day—it’s just not possible. Pick three must-see stops and a few backups in case a must-see is closed, has no parking, or you have extra time.



#4: Always check the weather ahead of time. If there are any severe weather alerts or heavy rain, it’s best to reschedule the drive.

We hope you found this mini Road to Hana guide helpful! We’ll see you here on the Valley Isle soon, a hui hou!

Warmest Aloha,

The Ali'i Resorts Ohana