29 of the Best Stops on the Road to Hana in Maui Hawaii
These are the best stops on the Road to Hana in Maui to see waterfalls, black-sand beaches, rainforests and sea cliffs. We’ve included Road to Hana stops with mile markers to make planning your trip easy!
Gushing waterfalls, black beaches, dramatic cliffs, hairpin turns — the Road to Hana is the Maui adventure of a lifetime. If you’re looking for the best Road to Hana stops with mile markers for your bucket-list excursion, look no further than this action-packed guide that breaks down the best places to pull over.
Use it to plot out your stops on the Road to Hana tour or day trip. Will you sample fresh banana bread? Hike through bamboo and rainbow eucalyptus forests? Or dip your toes in every waterfall-fed pool?
One of the most popular activities for a Maui itinerary, the epic drive traces a route to the remote town of Hana on the eastern end of the island. Most vacationers stick to the northeastern path along the winding Hana Highway, which rises through lush rainforests and descends to sandy bays, returning back the way they came.
This Road to Hana guide goes beyond that to the Piilani Highway, a southern route in the shadow of the Haleakala volcano that connects to Maui’s upcountry region. It’s not as common to drive this way, due to a few gripping miles of rough and narrow roads that hug cliffs with blind corners. But get past that and you’ll be treated to a paved drive along lava fields and rocky canyons with sweeping ocean views.
Below, you’ll find ideas for stops on the Road to Hana Maui, along with handy info like parking and restroom availability. Since mile markers are sometimes hard to see or overgrown, we’ve also provided mileage distances from Paia (Lower Paia Park) or Hana. Scroll to the bottom for a Road to Hana guide, including tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and a free checklist of must-bring items.
What else is there to do on Maui? Check out our island guide.
Note: As the Maui recovers from the 2023 fires, it’s more important than ever to bolster the tourism industry by being a respectful visitor and supporting locally-owned businesses. Please check with the Hawaii Tourism Authority for current information.
Road to Hana Map
This map of the Road to Hana stops shows the route you can take around the east end of the island. Many people turn around in Hana and drive back the same way that they came, but our guide below will show you how you can continue on in a loop.
Click “more options” to open a Google Map that you can save to your own account and use on your trip. Just remember to download offline maps before taking off because service is spotty on the remote east side of Maui.
Road to Hana Stops
These are the best stops on the Road to Hana you should keep on your radar. I recommend getting an early morning start because many destinations have limited parking and traffic gets heavy throughout the day.
Paia
This coastal town is the starting point for the Road to Hana trek and the last chance you’ll have to fill up on gas before you hit the cliffs and rain forests of the remote eastern side of Maui. Most of the action centers around the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and the Hana Highway, where a collection of homegrown cafes, beachy boutiques and gift shops huddle behind colorful timber facades with shady awnings.
Start the drive early in the morning before the businesses open to get a jump on Road to Hana traffic. You can come back to visit the town and beach parks on the Paia Bay later since it’s only 5 miles from the Kahului Airport.
Location: Starting point. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Restaurants, fuel and shopping.
Hookipa Beach Park and Hookipa Lookout
If you’ve yet to experience the wave-lashed northern coast of Maui, Hookipa Beach Park is the perfect spot to pull over and check out the wild windsurfing. It’s just a couple miles down the road from Paia and has a sandy seafront and a lookout point for snapping photos.
Location: 2.5 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables.
Twin Falls
The first of many Road to Hana waterfalls, this series of cascades and pools is along a short and easily accessible walking trail. Don’t turn around at the first waterfall you see, though — there are actually multiple falls with fewer crowds further down the path. Some folks make this a swimming stop, but be wary of spending too much time here this early in the journey since there’s so much more to see.
Location: Mile marker 2, 12 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Farm stand.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
If you’re eager to get out and stretch your legs, this nearly mile-long trail may be just the ticket. The path cuts through lush forests of bamboo, eucalyptus and fern foliage with elevated lookouts of the coast and green canopy below.
It’s an easy hike, but you should think twice before walking in sandals, as you’ll encounter lots of stumps and roots and the ground can get muddy and slippery after a bit of rain.
Location: Mile marker 9, 19.3 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Picnic table.
Garden of Eden
One of few Road to Hana stops that charges an entrance fee, the Garden of Eden arboretum is worth a visit if you’re into botanical sights and well-maintained nature trails. Weaving paths on the 26 acres here pass by bamboo forests, banana and mango trees (one is a century old), and hundreds of tropical blossoms in about every vibrant shade you can imagine.
There are also overlooks of a lush green valley descending into the ocean and of Puohokamoa Falls gushing into a pool ringed by greenery. You’ll probably spend an hour or two here and there is a food truck, picnic spots and restrooms.
Location: Mile marker 10, 20.3 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, snacks. Fee: Yes
Kaumahina State Wayside
This is simply a rest area with a view so you can either skip it or stop for a potty break and a glimpse of Nuaailua Bay below.
Location: Mile marker 12, 22 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables.
Honomanu Bay
You don’t have to make it all the way down to the rocky, black shore to appreciate Honomanu Bay — the lush valley that sweeps out into the sea is visible from the road above. But, if you’re itching to dip your toes in the water after spending the last couple hours in the rain forest, here’s your chance.
Look for a sharp turn on the ocean side of the road just as you round the midway point of the bay and start ascending again. You might see some cars parked along the side of the road, as the gravely half-mile path down to a parking area can be rough, even with a four-wheel drive.
It’s not the best beach for swimming because of the rocky waters, but if you want to picnic by the sea or see the valley from this lowest point, you might want to head down this way. Otherwise, pull over for some photos from above and move on.
Location: Mile marker 14, 23.7 miles from Paia. Parking: Roadside. Amenities: None.
Keanae Arboretum
If you didn’t pay to tour the Garden of Eden earlier, this Road to Hana stop is a free chance to wander among some local foliage. The rainbow eucalyptus is especially intriguing, with colorful, striped bark that can be so vibrant it looks painted on. Limited parking along the shoulder here fills up, so you might have to drive past this one to find a spot and carefully walk back.
Location: Mile marker 16, 26.2 miles from Paia. Parking: Shoulder/roadside. Amenities: None.
Keanae Peninsula
Go ahead and plan to pull off the highway for this stop on the Road to Hana Highway. The Keanae Peninsula juts between a pair of bays with a couple of lookout points where you can watch the foamy white ocean thrashing violently against jagged black lava rocks.
In the 1940s, a tsunami devastated the village here but spared the community’s 1856 stone church, which sits just a few yards back from the sea surrounded by palms. It’s still operational, and you can pop in for a visit. There is a popular banana bread and snack stand nearby.
Location: Mile marker 16, 26.3 miles from Paia to turn. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Toilets, snacks.
Halfway to Hana sign
Midway on the drive you can stop at a colorful Halfway to Hana sign. A few amenities here include a toilet and snack stand. It’s the perfect place to get and stretch your legs and snap photos in front of the sign.
Location: Mile marker 17, 27 miles from Paia, 17 to Hana. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Portable toilets, snacks.
Wailua Valley State Wayside
This scenic vista looks toward both the sea and the inland valley. If one of the few parking spots happens to be open when you drive by, go ahead and pull in and make your way up the stairs to the viewing platform. Looking toward the valley, you might spot some waterfalls and parts of the Haleakala Crater.
Location: Mile marker 18, 28.5 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: None.
Upper Waikani Falls
You can see why this is a fan-favorite Road to Hana stop. It’s easily viewable from the stone bridge that crosses the Wailua Nui Stream, so most sightseers just take a few photos and move on since it gets pretty crowded with cars and there is a lack of parking space along the shoulder.
If you’re determined to rock scramble and hike down to the pool, you’ll either need to arrive early enough to park in a way that does not crowd the road or drive a couple of bends past the waterfall until you find another small parking area on the side of the road.
Location: Mile marker 19, 29 miles from Paia. Parking: Shoulder/roadside. Amenities: None.
Puaa Kaa State Wayside and Puaa Kaa Falls
This is one of the more developed attractions on the road, with paved parking, picnic pavilions and proper restrooms. And if that’s not enough of a showstopper, you’ll also find a sidewalk path to a petite waterfall and an easily accessible pool (some picnic tables have a view).
The amenities make it popular with tour buses, though, so it can get a little crowded. If you’re more into rustic scenery, you’ll find more impressive falls in other spots.
Location: Mile marker 22, 32.3 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Toilets, picnic tables, grills.
Hanawi Falls
Another stunning waterfall, another parking problem. Luckily, you can see this one from the road. If you’re aching to test the chilly pool or you want to take a little time photographing the waterfall, you’ll have to cross your fingers for space on the shoulder just before or after the bridge, another reason to get an early start. Do not block traffic.
Location: Mile marker 24, 33.7 miles from Paia. Parking: Shoulder/roadside. Amenities: None.
Hana Lava Tube
If by some chance you’re ahead of schedule as you approach Hana, there are a couple of paid attractions down Ulaino Road about 3 miles before the town. The first is Hana Lava Tube, a cave-like atmosphere formed by lava from centuries ago that cooled into a tunnel as it flowed. You can self-tour through it for a fee to see the unique formations created.
Location: Mile marker 31, 40.7 miles from Paia to turn. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Visitor center, picnic tables, portable toilets. Fee: Yes.
Kahanu Garden
A little further down Ulaino Road, Kahanu Garden holds both a collection of Pacific Islands plants and the Piilanihale Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Different ticket prices get you either self-guided admission to the botanical garden or a guided tour that must be arranged ahead of time. Expect lots of greenery, peaceful vibes, coastal views and a chance to spot the exterior walls of the temple from a respectful distance.
Location: Mile marker 31, 40.7 miles from Paia to turn. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Visitor center, toilets. Fee: Yes.
Waianapanapa State Park
Bright green foliage blankets jagged volcanic rocks and foamy waves wash onto black sand at Waianapanapa State Park, one of the best stops on the Road to Hana. Blowholes and sea arches demonstrate the power of the ocean, as it thrashes against the hardened lava, spewing salty spray onto wide-eyed onlookers.
If you’ve ever dreamed of playing on a black sand beach, this is the place to do it. Or, you can stick to the coastal hiking paths to explore all the different coves and spot seabirds.
You need to make a reservation to visit Waianapanapa State Park.
Location: Mile marker 32, 41.6 miles from Paia to turn on Waianapanapa Road. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Toilets, showers, water fountains, picnic tables, camping/cabins.
Hana Town
Hana is part untouched Hawaiian coastal village, part hugely popular tourist destination. Its remoteness keeps it from being overrun with the commercialism typical of a highly trafficked locale, while its unspoiled essence is the very thing that captivates the sightseer. A sort of delicate and symbiotic relationship.
There are minimal amenities here — fill up with some very pricey gas if you need to, pop into the general store and a couple of souvenir shops, or grab lunch from a selection of food trucks heavy on the taco, Thai and seafood specialties. If you want to stay the night, there are a few Hana hotels and resorts to pick from.
Location: Mile marker 34, 44 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Markets, food trucks, hotels.
Hana Bay Beach Park
If you’re looking for an easily accessible spot for a picnic on the sand and some time splashing around, this dark-tinted cove is ideal. Hana Bay is one of the more amenity-rich beaches in the area, with ample parking and facilities, and it’s right where Hana Town meets the sea.
Location: Mile marker 34, 44 miles from Paia. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Toilets.
Road to Hana Stops Past the Town
The first few of these next stops on the Road to Hana are close to town and typically included on the road trip. The last few are on the remote and less-visited back Road to Hana, which includes unpaved, one-way sections along cliffs. Scroll down for our disclaimer about this drive.
Koki Beach Park
Koki Beach trades well-manicured for something a little more raw and rustic. The sand is soft and golden brown sand is soft but the choppy waves are best reserved for locals familiar with the break. You can dip your toes in, but swimming is risky with no lifeguard and a threat of rip tides.
To get there, drive down Haneoo Road toward the coast just past Hana. It loops around to meet back up with the Hana Highway and the pair of beaches along the way is worth the side trip.
Location: Mile marker 51, 2.6 miles from Hana. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Picnic table, food truck.
Hamoa Beach
Further along Haneoo Road as you wind back toward the Hana Highway, Hamoa Beach is down a steep and narrow drive that ends at the sand. You’ll need to park roadside and walk down.
Like Koki, this beach is bordered by lush vegetation and coconut palms, on a secluded little crescent. The break can be strong here, too, so you might see some surfboards out on the waves.
Location: Mile marker 50, 3.5 miles from Hana. Parking: Roadside/shoulder. Amenities: Portable toilets, shower.
Wailua Falls
Once you wind past Hana, it’s back to the waterfall zone again for a few miles. Wailua Falls is a popular Road to Hana stop, as its 80-foot drop is easily visible from the street. In the dry season, you may just see a trickle, though.
The parking shoulder is much roomier than some of the earlier road trip stops, but tour shuttles take advantage of this, so space might still be tight.
Location: Mile marker 45, 7.5 miles from Hana. Parking: Roadside/large shoulder. Amenities: None.
Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo
The final destination for many Road to Hana trips, the Oheo Gulch and its falls is about 10 miles past the town. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee, as it’s part of Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District. Keep your receipt to visit the park again within three days (including the Summit District for the Haleakala sunrise).
The series of pools form from stair-stepping waterfalls flowing down the Palikea Steam into the ocean. When they’re open, you can take a dip. This area gets crowded in the afternoon when all the road trippers tend to arrive. To avoid the rush, you’ll need to arrive extra early by either staying overnight in Hana or driving the route backwards so that this is one of your first stops.
Location: Mile marker 42, 10 miles from Hana. Parking: Yes. Amenities: National Park visitor center, toilets, water fountain, campground. Fee: Yes.
Waimoku Falls
Also within Haleakala National Park, this waterfall is on the 4-mile Pipiwai Trail up 800 feet into the rain forest. You’ll wind through bamboo thickets, over muddy patches, and past a smaller waterfall on the way to the big one — a 400-foot cataract falling over a sheer cliff face.
Location: Mile marker 42, 10 miles from Hana. Parking: Yes. Amenities: National Park visitor center, toilets, water fountain, campground. Fee: Yes.
**Safety notice/disclaimer**
The following stops are located along the back Road to Hana. Dangers include one-way roads, rough/gravel pavement, blind corners and high cliffs with limited guard rails. Some car rental companies on the island include language in their contracts or warnings about taking this route, so read your paperwork carefully and don’t expect them to help if you get stuck or in an accident here because it’s remote. If you choose to take this section of road, practice extreme caution on the narrow parts, drive slow, and honk when you’re going around blind corners to announce your presence. More travelers and small tour vans have started driving this route, so you likely won’t be the only car around.
Palapala Ho’omau Church
Made of lava rock and limestone coral, this small community church on the coast is often open to visitors. It was built in 1864 by missionaries from Connecticut but fell into disarray from abandonment and hurricane damage. The building was restored in the 1960s by Sam Pryor and aviator Charles Lindbergh, and the pair are buried on the grounds.
Take note of the stained-glass window inside that portrays the image of a Polynesian Christ.
Location: Mile marker 41, 11.5 miles from Hana. Parking: Yes. Amenities: None.
Huialoha Church
You don’t have to actually stop here to appreciate the scene from the highway as you approach from the east. The church sits just feet from the cerulean sea, a stark white patch surrounded by green lawns.
Built in 1859 by locals from the community of Kaupo, it once had a healthy congregation in the hundreds before the population of the area dwindled. The narrow path to the church off the highway is often chained, so read any posted signage before visiting the grounds.
Location: Mile marker 36, 17.2 miles from Hana. Parking: Roadside. Amenities: None.
Kaupo General Store
One of few businesses along a long stretch of road, this general store might be your last chance to grab a drink or snack before hitting the remote patches of the Piilani Highway...as long as it’s open when you pass by.
Location: Mile marker 35, 17.5 miles from Hana. Parking: Yes. Amenities: Snacks.
St. Joseph Church
Another storied church, another fantastic view of mountains and sea. Set on a headland, this one has been around since the mid-1800s and has the remains of an old stone rectory onsite as well. The grounds are open to visitors and bloom with hibiscus and plumeria.
Location: Mile marker 34, 18.5 miles from Hana. Parking: Roadside/shoulder. Amenities: None.
Back Road to Hana/Piilani Highway
The remainder of the Piilani Highway is all about the views and you’ll want to pull over once or twice as the landscapes changes just to take it all in. Luckily, the roads are pretty empty and scenic viewpoints readily available as you drive the backside of the Haleakala Crater.
Here you’ll see sweeping canyons and volcanic wasteland to one side, and sparkling Pacific ripples to the other. The Big Island of Hawaii is visible on a clear day.
Location: The Piilani Highway starts about 15 miles past Hana. Parking: Roadside/shoulder views. Amenities: None.
Road to Hana Guide and Tips
This mini Road to Hana guide and FAQ section includes everything you need to know about the road trip, from what to bring to where to eat.
How Long is the Road to Hana?
The Hana Highway runs for more than 60 miles between Kahului and the east end of Maui, just past the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo. Most folks will drive nearly this entire stretch before turning around and heading back the same way they came, for a journey of about 5 to 6 hours, not counting stops.
Driving the back Road to Hana on the Piilani Highway and making a loop to Kahului saves a few miles and minutes.
How Much Time Do You Need for the Road to Hana?
Most Road to Hana tours run for 10 to 12 hours and a self-guided Road to Hana tour should allow a similar range. Don’t let the relatively short distance between Paia and Hana fool you into thinking this is a half-day excursion. The driving is slow with all the hairpin turns, one-way bridges and traffic on the route. Plus, you’ll want plenty of time for hikes, waterfalls, beach hopping and snacking at fresh fruit stands.
It can’t be stressed enough — you must get an early start to your road trip to pack in the most activities and avoid the crowds at popular stops. If you’re staying in one of the resort hubs of Wailea, Kaanapali or Kapalua, you’ll be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour from Paia, so leaving in the wee morning hours will be essential.
This is my favorite Maui resort on the beach.
Do I Need to Book a Tour for the Road to Hana?
Whether or not to book a guided tour for the Road to Hana is a personal choice based on your comfort level, travel style, and budget. If you don’t intend to rent a car on Maui or don’t enjoy driving heart-thumping roads, you might find it more convenient to join a shuttle excursion so you can enjoy the ride and take in the views. You’ll also have the bonus of a local guide who will make sure you don’t miss anything along the way.
On the other hand, driving allows the most flexibility to stop where you want and skip what you aren’t interested in. You also might have better access to some roadside waterfalls that larger tour vehicles can’t easily park at. You may find that renting a car is cheaper than booking two or more tours if you’re traveling in a pair or group.
What Should You Wear for the Road to Hana?
Wear comfy clothes, a swimsuit and sneakers. You don’t have to go swimming on the Road to Hana, but just in case a chilly waterfall pool or sandy beach tempts you to cool off from the journey, you’ll be thankful you brought your bathing suit.
If you want to do any waterfall exploring or hiking, wear or bring a pair of sneakers. Most trails along the Road to Hana are rough and natural and frequent moisture in the rain forest means muddy patches — not exactly flip-flop friendly.
What to Bring on a Road to Hana Day Trip
Hand sanitizer | Running water isn't a given at many stops along the Road to Hana, so hand sanitizer is best for cleaning up before snacking.
Sunscreen | Make sure to pick up some reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ocean while you protect your skin under the beating Maui sun.
Mosquito repellent | If you're doing any hiking in the rain forest, you'll need this to keep the bugs away.
Refillable water bottle | You'll want to bring plenty of water along with you since there won't be a ton of places to fill up.
Road to Hana audio guide | This self-drive audio guide has an offline map and narration so you don't miss the good stuff!
Road to Hana guide book | Use this mile-by-mile guide to prep for your trip and pick out which stops you want to make. You can bring it along to remember all the details when your phone doesn't have service.
GoPro | Immortalize all your waterfall jumps and those epic hairpin turns with an action camera. GoPros can handle the moisture and ruggedness of this road trip and take both photos and videos with a wide-angle view to capture more of the surroundings.
Do You Need a 4WD for the Road to Hana?
Renting a jeep for the Road to Hana is basically a necessity...or that’s what you’d think, at least, judging by the number of them you’ll encounter.
In reality, you don’t need anything more than a compact car for the paved and narrow Road to Hana. The ruggedness and higher ground clearance of a typical 4WD might give a little peace of mind if you choose to drive the back Road to Hana, though many sedans and tour vans make their way without any trouble.
Where is the Road to Hana starting point?
The Road to Hana drive starts from Paia, Maui, a small town on the north side of the island. It’s less than 10 miles from the airport in Kahului.
Are There Gas Stations on the Road to Hana?
You’ll want a full tank when you leave Paia since you won’t hit another gas station until Hana. Fuel is extra pricey there due to the remote locale.
Are There Restaurants on the Road to Hana?
You won’t find traditional restaurants, but plenty of fruit and snack stands and a couple of food trucks are on the Road to Hana. Many of these places run on cash, so bring enough to sample the smoothies, banana bread and smoked meats.
Are There Restrooms on the Road to Hana?
While you might not find the luxuries of hand soap, paper towels, or even running water at every pit stop, there are several basic bathrooms along the way.
We’ve marked where most of the toilets are at the stops above and suggest bringing hand sanitizer or dry soap sheets to wash up along the way.
Is the Road to Hana Crowded?
If you’re not a fan of crowds or are really into those roadside stops and worried about parking, there are a couple of ways to avoid some traffic. The first is getting a super early start and the other is doing the trip in reverse.
This can mean either driving straight through to Hana and saving most stops for the route back, or it can mean driving the backside to get to Hana, which will put you at the Seven Sacred Pools long before everyone gets there, and hitting up the Hana Highway stops on the second half of your journey (after most folks have long gone).
