The Ultimate Road to Hana Itinerary

The Road to Hana is one of the best things you can do on the island of Maui. But let’s keep it real: it’s a long day, so you’ll need a solid Road to Hana itinerary to make the most out of it. Having just done it last week, I’m here to share my tips on the best stops to help you avoid wasting time on this famous 64-mile road trip.
Before You Go…
- Start Early: This isn’t a trip you want to start at 10 AM. Get on the road by 7 AM to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.
- Fuel Up: Gas stations are rare, so fill up in Paia town or Kahului before heading out.
- Download Maps Offline: Cell service is spotty, so have an offline map ready. Apps like GyPSy Guide provide a helpful audio tour.
- Pack Smart: Bring swimwear, towels, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket. The weather changes fast out here.
Now that you’re ready, let’s hit the Hana Highway!
Key Stops on the Road to Hana
Let’s break down the key stops you should hit along the Road to Hana, from mile markers to hidden gems. Remember, you won’t be able to do everything, so pick your favorites.
Paia Town (Start Point)
Start your trip in Paia, a chill surfer town where you can grab coffee and breakfast. Paia Bowls, Mana Foods, and Flatbread Company are good spots to grab a bite. Stock up on snacks and water here because you won’t see another grocery store for a while.
Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)

Twin Falls is one of the first waterfalls you’ll encounter. It’s a quick stop to stretch your legs and have easy access to a swimming hole.
There’s also usually a food stand nearby selling fresh fruit and other light snacks. If you’re short on time or the parking lot is full, don’t stress—there are more waterfalls ahead.
Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees (Mile Marker 7)

This is a quick stop but one of the most unique on the Hana Highway. The Rainbow Eucalyptus trees here are known for their colorful bark, which changes shades of green, red, and purple as it peels away.
We stopped by the side of the road while it was empty to take a few pictures and marvel at how cool these trees are!
Ho’okipa Beach Park (Mile Marker 9)
Ho’okipa is famous for its surfers and sea turtles. It’s worth a quick stop to stretch your legs and maybe spot some turtles basking on the beach. It’s a good photo op too before you really dive into the winding part of the road.
Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile Marker 10)

This stop has a small entrance fee, but the views are worth it. You’ll get panoramic looks at waterfalls and the ocean, plus it’s a nice spot to walk around and see some native plants. If you’re into photography or just want a bit of peace, this is a great stop.
Ke‘anae Peninsula & Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (Mile Marker 16)

One of my favorite stops. Ke‘anae Peninsula offers dramatic coastal views, black lava rocks, and waves crashing against the shore. This is also where you’ll find the famous Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread—a must-try that’s located right near the water. Grab a mini loaf (or two) and enjoy the views!
Halfway to Hana Stand (Mile Marker 17)
If you didn’t get banana bread at Ke‘anae, this is your chance! The Halfway to Hana stand is also a good place to grab a refreshing shave ice or some fresh fruit.
Waikani Falls (Three Bears) (Mile Marker 19)
You can see these falls from the road, but if you want to get closer, there’s a pull-off area. They’re called “Three Bears” because of the three separate waterfalls flowing side by side. This will either be a drive-by or a super quick stop.
Roadside Fruit Stands (Various Mile Markers)

Throughout the Hana Highway, you’ll pass by numerous roadside stands offering fresh, locally grown fruits like pineapple, mango, and coconuts.
Many stands work on an honor system, so keep small bills on hand. One of my favorite things to do was stop at these stands to grab fresh fruit, which is an excellent way to support local farmers!
Pua’a Ka’a Falls (Mile Marker 22)
This is a great spot if you want to hop out and take a dip in a waterfall pool. Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park has a small parking area and bathrooms, which is a nice bonus.
Hana Farms

Hana Farms is a small-scale farm and marketplace that offers a variety of freshly baked goods, tropical fruits, and local jams. You can also pick up farm-to-table meals and fresh juices.
They also have a restaurant where you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas!
Hana Lava Tube (Mile Marker 31)
Take a break from the driving and explore the Hana Lava Tube. It’s an interesting underground experience with a small entrance fee, and it’s a good way to learn about Maui’s volcanic history.
Wai’anapanapa State Park (Mile Marker 32)
You’ll need a reservation to enter Waiʻānapanapa State Park, but it’s worth it. The black sand beach, sea caves, and freshwater caves make this one of the most popular things to do on the Hana road trip. There’s also a short hike if you want to explore the coastline further.
Hana Gold Cacao Plantation

Just a short drive from Hana, the Hana Gold Cacao Plantation is a great stop for chocolate lovers. The plantation grows and harvests cacao beans to create delicious, handcrafted Hawaiian chocolate.
While you can’t take a tour of the plantation, we did learn about the chocolate-making process from the owner himself – who was super friendly! We tried a few bars to enjoy and bring back as gifts for friends and family.
Hana Town (Mile Marker 34)
You’ve made it to Hana! But don’t stop for too long—there’s still more to see. Hana doesn’t have much in the way of big attractions, but it’s a good place to grab lunch. You can find food trucks serving up all kinds of food. Or try Hana Farms for some local food or the Hāna Ranch Restaurant.
Huli Huli Chicken at Koki Beach Park (Mile Marker 50)

After visiting Hana, head a short distance to Koki Beach Park. Here, you’ll find the famous Huli Huli Chicken stand, one of the best roadside meals you can get. The chicken is grilled to perfection, and you can enjoy it at the picnic tables overlooking the red sand beach. It’s the perfect place to take a break, eat lunch, and soak in the beautiful views.
P.S: Just know that they sell out quickly, so make sure to stop by earlier than later!
Hamoa Beach (Mile Marker 50)
Another option at mile marker 50 is Hamoa Beach – a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with great swimming and snorkeling. It’s less crowded than some other spots, making it a good place to relax for a bit. There aren’t many facilities here though, so come prepared.
Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45)
Wailua Falls is one of the tallest and most accessible waterfalls along the Road to Hana. You can park right off the road and walk up for a closer view. It’s a quick but beautiful stop.
Pipiwai Trail & Seven Sacred Pools (Haleakala National Park)

Located in Haleakalā National Park, Oheo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, is a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls. It’s a great place to take a short walk!
For a more intense hike, check out the Pipiwai Trail if you’re up for a 4-mile roundtrip trek that passes through a bamboo forest and leads to Waimoku Falls. Note that swimming here is often restricted, so check conditions before you go.
Heading Back: Loop or Return the Same Way?
Technically, you have two options: you can head back the way you came, or you can continue on the back side of Haleakalā (the “back road to Hana”).
The back road is rugged and bumpy, with unpaved sections, but it offers unique, otherworldly landscapes and fewer crowds. Unfortunately, due to ongoing construction, this wasn’t an option for us when we went, but if the roads are open and you have a 4WD vehicle, go for it.
If not, retracing your steps as we did is still a great choice—you can catch any stops you might have missed.
Final Tips for the Road to Hana
- Drive with Aloha: During any Road to Hana itinerary, you’ll encounter numerous one-lane bridges and narrow roads, so be prepared to take it slow and pull over when necessary for locals who want to pass.
- Don’t Rush: The point of the Road to Hana isn’t just to reach Hana; it’s to enjoy the drive getting there. So take your time and soak it all in. After all, driving the best road in East Maui is all about the journey.
- Respect the Land: Leave no trace and be mindful of private property. Stay on designated paths and respect all posted signs.
- Book a guided tour if you don’t want to drive the rental car yourself.

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Are there any other spots I missed in this Road to Hana Itinerary? Feel free to leave a comment below!
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