Best Stops on the Road to Hana

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One of my favorite things about going to Maui is driving the Road to Hana. I know many people who feel like if they’ve done it once, they don’t need to do it again. But that’s not me. I want to see it all. And each time I go, I stop at new places. It’s impossible to do it all in one trip, but these are my picks for the best stops on the Road to Hana if you’re planning your Maui itinerary.

What Is The Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana is a 64-mile stretch of highway in Maui that is full of twists and turns and narrow bridges. And it’s filled with beautiful views of lush greenery, waterfalls and more. There are many turnouts along the road, where you can access some amazing hikes, swimming holes, beaches and waterfalls. It’s truly a must-do if you’re visiting Maui and up for an adventure.

The Best Stops on the Road to Hana

There are many guided Road to Hana tours that will take you and your group to some fabulous stops along the way. If you prefer to navigate yourself, these are the stops I highly recommend. You can also purchase a self-guided tour for the Road to Hana, so you can have a little bit of both worlds. You’ll hear great information and have highlights pointed out along the way, but you can choose which ones to stop at and how long to stay at each.

The Road to Hana, located on Maui, Hawaii, is famous for its scenic drive filled with lush landscapes, waterfalls, and coastal views. Here are some of the best stops along the way:

1. Paia Town

• The journey typically starts here. Paia is a charming, historic town known for its eclectic shops, art galleries, and eateries. And it’s especially famous for its banana bread. This is a great spot to grab some food before starting your journey.

2. Ho’okipa Beach Park

• Known for its big waves and excellent surfing conditions, Ho’okipa is a great place to watch surfers and windsurfers. You might even spot some sea turtles basking on the shore.
• In the winter months, the waves here are massive.
• This area is for very experienced surfers only.

3. Twin Falls – One of the best stops on the Road to Hana

• Located at Mile marker 2.
• Hike: A short, easy walk (about 0.5 miles round trip) leads to the lower falls, while a slightly longer hike (about 1 mile round trip) takes you to the upper falls.
• Description: The first waterfall stop along the route, featuring multiple cascades and pools where you can swim. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate.

4. Garden of Eden Arboretum

• Mile marker 10
• This botanical garden features beautiful trails, exotic plants, and views of the coastline. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, enjoy a leisurely walk, and soak in Maui’s natural beauty.
• Here you can see a 100 year-old mango tree, ocean views and Puohokamoa Falls.

5. Waikamoi Ridge Trail

• Located near Mile Marker 9, this trail offers a chance for a short hike in a lush rainforest setting. There are two loop trails, one about 0.8 miles and the other a shorter 0.25-mile loop.

6. Ching’s Pond

• A hidden gem near Mile Marker 16, Ching’s Pond is a small swimming hole where locals often dive from the bridge above. While it’s a more off-the-beaten-path, it’s one of the best stops on the road to Hana spot for those looking for a swim.

7. Pua’a Ka’a Falls (Mile Marker 22)

• Hike: The falls are located within Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. There are short trails from the parking area to the waterfalls and pools.
• Description: A convenient stop with restrooms and picnic areas. The park features multiple small waterfalls and pools where you can swim. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs.

8. Hanawi Falls

• A beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall located near Mile Marker 24. It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls on the route and is worth a quick stop to admire.

9. Hana Lava Tube

• Located around mile marker 31
• Paid admission required for guests 6 and older
• Turn left on ‘Ula’ino Road and drive for less than 1/2 a mile. On the left, you’ll see where you can get your flashlights for this massive lava tube. Also, they have a garden maze that’s fun to cruise through.

10. Wailua Falls – One of the most beautiful stops on the Road to Hana

• Located near Mile Marker 45, Wailua Falls is often considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls on the Road to Hana. This 80-ft waterfall is easily viewed from the road, but you can also walk closer to get a better view.

11. Hana Town

• The actual town of Hana is a quiet, rural spot with a few restaurants and small shops. It’s a good place to stop for lunch, visit the Hana Cultural Center & Museum, or just take a break from the road.

12. Hamoa Beach

• A few miles past Hana, Hamoa Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and clear waters. It’s a great place for swimming or relaxing.

13. Wai’anapanapa State Park

• Famous for its black sand beach, sea caves, and lava tubes. It’s one of the most popular stops and offers scenic coastal trails and beautiful views.

14. Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) – One of the best stops on the Road to Hana

• Hike: The main pools are easily accessible from the parking area. For a longer hike, the Pipiwai Trail (4 miles round trip) is highly recommended.
• Description: Ohe’o Gulch features a series of cascading pools and waterfalls, some of which are open for swimming. The Pipiwai Trail, which starts near the Ohe’o Gulch area, leads to Waimoku Falls, a stunning 400-foot waterfall. The trail passes through a beautiful bamboo forest and offers several scenic viewpoints.

Tips For Making it to the Best Stops on the Road to Hana:

• Start Early: The Road to Hana can take a full day, especially with many stops.
• Drive Carefully: The road is narrow and winding with many one-lane bridges. The locals might get annoyed and ride your tail (we’ve had this happen), but don’t let them push you to go faster than you’re comfortable with.
• Respect Nature and Local Customs: Some areas are private property or have cultural significance.

Where to Stay in Maui

Maui has some great hotel options, no matter which part of the island you stay in. I love staying in Ka’anapali because the beaches are beautiful, it’s close to the popular beach town, Lahaina, and some of the best Maui hotels for families are located there. But there are some great kid-friendly beaches all over the island, so you really can’t go wrong.

Some of my favorite Maui hotels are:

• The Grand Wailea – One of the nicest hotels on all of Maui. Complete with multiple pools, waterslides and a lazy river. Plus it’s situated on the beautiful Wailea Beach.
• Westin Maui Resort & Spa – This hotel is located in Ka’anapali and has lots to do for families. And it’s located near Black Rock Beach, which is a popular spot to cliff jump.
• Wailea Beach Resort – Another beautiful resort on Wailea Beach, this Marriott resort offers a ton for the kiddos. And it’s where you’ll find the longest waterslide on Maui.

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