Road to Hana Maui: Top 10 Stops + Day Trip vs. Staying Overnight

Stop 1: Twin Falls

GPS Address: Twin Falls Maui, 6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

Twin Falls is one of the first major stops on the Road to Hana and an easy way to start the day with waterfalls, greenery, and a short walk through a privately owned tropical farm.

There are multiple waterfalls and swimming areas, although access and swimming conditions can change after heavy rain. You could spend around 45 minutes here if you only walk to the closest falls, or closer to 90 minutes if you continue farther and stop to swim.

Parking is limited to about 55 spaces and costs $10 per vehicle. It is first come, first served, and reservations are not accepted, so arriving early gives you the best chance of getting a spot.

Stop 2: Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees

GPS Address: Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees, VQMV+XC, Haiku, HI 96708

The painted trees are rainbow eucalyptus trees known for their striped trunks in shades of green, orange, red, and purple. There are a few places along the Road to Hana where you can spot them, but this is the only location that officially appears on Google Maps, so it’s worth plugging in to make sure you don’t miss them.

Parking is the tricky part. There is no official lot, just a dirt pull off that fits around four or five cars. The trees are right beside the road though, so it’s a very quick stop and cars usually move in and out pretty fast.

Stop 3: Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread

GPS Address: Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, 210 Keanae Rd, Haiku, HI 96708

Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is located on the Keʻanae Peninsula and serves warm loaves of banana bread from a small roadside stand.

The banana bread is the main reason people come, but the detour also gives you a chance to see the peninsula’s coastline, taro fields, and waves crashing against black lava rock. The stand has plenty of parking, although it can get busy, and they have been known to run out of bread by the afternoon.

Honestly, Aunty Sandy’s is genuinely the best banana bread we have ever tried. It is always served warm, and you should absolutely ask for butter. This stop was also featured on Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted.

💣Antisocial Tourist Tip — Aunty Sandy’s banana bread does not have nuts!

Stop 4: Upper Waikani Falls

GPS Address: Upper Waikani Falls, Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

Upper Waikani Falls, often called Three Bears Falls, is a set of roadside waterfalls flowing down a lush cliff beside the highway. It can be a very quick stop because the falls are visible directly from the road.

There is no official parking lot, just a small pull off nearby. Space is limited and stopping can feel awkward when traffic is heavy, so we simply enjoyed the view as we drove past. If you do manage to get a safe parking spot, you can walk a little closer for better photos before getting back on the road.

Stop 5: Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach

GPS Address: Honokalani Beach Parking, Hana, HI 96713

Waiʻānapanapa State Park is one of the biggest stops on the Road to Hana and the one you absolutely need to plan in advance.

The park is known for its black sand beach, lava rock coastline, sea caves, arches, and walking trails. This is not a quick photo stop. Give yourself at least 90 minutes, or closer to two hours if you want time to walk the trails and explore beyond the beach.

Non-Hawaii residents must make advance reservations for both entry and parking. Reservations open 30 days in advance and are released daily at midnight Hawaii Standard Time. They do sell out, so mark your calendar and make your reservation as soon as your date becomes available.

💣Antisocial Tourist Tip — This beach is smaller than you might expect, so it can feel crowded quickly. If you are staying overnight in Hana, skip this stop on the drive there and reserve the first time slot available the next morning. It is less than 30 minutes from Hana, and honestly, getting to experience it before the crowds arrive makes staying in Hana worth it.

Stop 6: Hana (Overnight or Pass By)

GPS Address: Hana Maui Resort, 5031 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713

Hana is a small, quiet town rather than a major attraction packed with sightseeing. Honestly, it is one of the least exciting stops on the drive itself. Some day trippers do not even bother continuing the final stretch after Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach and simply turn around instead. Others drive through Hana to reach Huli Huli Chicken and the attractions found farther beyond town.

But Hana becomes a completely different experience when you choose to stay overnight, which is what we did. Hana Maui Resort by Hyatt is the perfect place to break up the drive and spend the night somewhere that actually feels like part of the experience. The rooms are beautiful, the pool is incredible, and there are great dining options right on the property (and food trucks nearby).

Staying overnight also lets you slow down and enjoy the Road to Hana at a much easier pace. It makes visiting Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach easier too, since its timed reservation can be difficult to coordinate around traffic and spontaneous stops. We skipped the beach on our drive into Hana and reserved the first time slot the following morning instead.

Stop 7: Huli Huli Chicken

GPS Address: Huli Huli Chicken, 175 Haneoo Rd, Hana, HI 96713

Huli Huli Chicken is a casual roadside food stop near Koki Beach, just a few miles beyond Hana. The chicken is cooked over an open grill, covered in a secret marinade, and served with whatever sides they have prepared that day. It may be one of the simplest meals you have on the island, but it will also be one of the best, so we definitely recommend making time for it.

There is informal parking with plenty of space near the stand and beach area, along with picnic tables scattered around for seating. The stand can sell out and hours vary, so keep that in mind if you are arriving later in the day. This stop was also featured on Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted!

Top Stops Beyond the Road to Hana Maui

The Road to Hana experience does not necessarily end in Hana, or even at Huli Huli Chicken. If you continue past town toward the Kīpahulu District, there are several more major stops worth considering.

These stops are much farther along the route, so they make the most sense for travelers staying overnight in Hana or planning to continue around Maui’s east side rather than turning around and driving back the same way.

Stop 8: Wailua Falls

GPS Address: Wailua Falls, Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713

Wailua Falls is a large roadside waterfall located about 20 minutes past Hana on the way toward the Kīpahulu District. The falls can be seen directly from the road. There is a small roadside parking area, but space is limited. If it is full, don’t worry, you can still enjoy the view as you drive by.

Stop 9: Pīpīwai Trail

GPS Address: Kīpahulu Visitor Center, Hana, HI 96713

The Pīpīwai Trail is a four mile round trip hike inside the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. The trail climbs through rainforest, passes Makahiku Falls, crosses a bamboo forest, and ends near the viewing area for 400 foot Waimoku Falls. It is moderately strenuous, gains about 800 feet in elevation, and takes most hikers around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Parking is available near the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. There is no separate parking or hiking fee, but you must pay the Haleakalā National Park entrance fee. A private vehicle pass currently costs $30 and is valid for three days, covering both the Kīpahulu and Summit Districts.

💣Antisocial Tourist Tip — You only pay this fee if you turn off the highway and enter Haleakalā National Park. If you skip the Pīpīwai Trail and ʻOheʻo Gulch, you can continue driving around Maui’s east side without entering the park or paying the fee.

Stop 10: ʻOheʻo Gulch

GPS Address: Kīpahulu Visitor Center, Hana, HI 96713

ʻOheʻo Gulch is a stream valley filled with small waterfalls and natural rock pools that eventually flow into the Pacific Ocean. It is often called the Seven Sacred Pools, although there are actually more than seven pools.

A short half mile trail from the Kīpahulu Visitor Center leads to viewpoints overlooking the pools, waterfalls, and coastline. You will park in the same lot near the visitor center as you would for the Pīpīwai Trail, which means the same national park entrance fee covers both attractions.

Just be careful if you decide to include ʻOheʻo Gulch. The area around the pools can be dangerous, and swimming is prohibited because of flash floods, unpredictable currents, falling rocks, and debris washing down from higher elevations.

Day Trip vs. Staying Overnight: Which Should You Choose?

There is no single right way to experience the Road to Hana. A day trip works perfectly well for many visitors, while staying overnight makes more sense for anyone who wants to slow down or continue beyond Hana.

Choose a Day Trip When:

• You have limited time in Maui and only want to prioritize a handful of major stops.
• You plan to turn around in Hana, or even before Hana, and drive back the same way you came.
• You do not mind a very long day in the car.
• You want to keep your existing Maui hotel as your base instead of packing up and changing hotels for one night.

A day trip is the simplest option, but it still requires a full day commitment and a realistic itinerary. It does have one underrated benefit though — the ability to return to crowded stops on the drive back if parking was full earlier in the day.

Stay Overnight When:

• You want to experience the Road to Hana at a slower pace.
• You plan to continue beyond Hana to places like Wailua Falls, the Pīpīwai Trail, or ʻOheʻo Gulch.
• You want time for longer hikes, additional beaches, or a less rushed visit to Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach.
• You do not want to drive the traditional Road to Hana in both directions on the same day.
• The overnight experience itself appeals to you.

Staying overnight also makes timed reservations easier to manage. Instead of trying to predict exactly when you will reach Waiʻānapanapa while making spontaneous stops throughout the day, you can reserve an early time the next morning and have a less crowded experience.

For us, staying overnight was the better choice. It allowed us to enjoy the drive without racing the clock, relax at Hana Maui Resort, visit the black sand beach early the following morning, and continue around Maui’s east side instead of turning around.

Should You Turn Around in Hana or Drive the Full Loop?

Most visitors turn around before or shortly after reaching Hana and drive back the same way they came. We continued around Maui’s east side the following day, but that route is not the right choice for everyone. Road conditions can change, some rental agreements restrict the drive, and parts of the road are much rougher and more remote.

Personally, we didn’t find the roads rough at all, but we also had perfect weather and no rain the day before, so conditions were ideal. That said, this area did feel very remote, and at times, we felt like we were the only ones on the island.

There also is not as much to do beyond Hana. It’s still beautiful, with plenty of ocean views, hikes, and waterfalls, but other than the Haleakalā National Park area, the scenery is less dense and tropical. It has a completely different vibe from the classic Road to Hana portion of the drive.

We absolutely think the full loop is worth exploring, but do not feel disappointed if you don’t have the time or the right vehicle to complete it. The stretch between Paia and Hana is the true Road to Hana experience, and in our opinion, it is the best part of the entire loop anyway.

Self-Driving vs. Taking a Road to Hana Tour

We are huge advocates of self driving whenever possible because it gives you complete control over your day and route, so naturally, we chose to rent a car and drive ourselves. This also allowed us to add stops before and after the Road to Hana, like seeing sea turtles at Hoʻo­kipa Beach Park before starting the drive or having dinner at Mama’s Fish House afterward.

But we understand that driving is not for everyone. If winding roads make you nervous or you would rather relax and take in the views, a Road to Hana tour may be worth the extra cost. Most tours start early and last a full day. Some tours even include hotel pickup, which is helpful because Maui’s tourist areas are so spread out.

Best Time to Drive the Road to Hana

The best time to drive the Road to Hana has less to do with choosing the perfect month and more to do with getting an early start and keeping an eye on the weather.

Weather can change quickly in this part of Maui, and rain is possible at any time of year. A little rain can make the rainforest and waterfalls even more impressive, but heavier rain can affect trails, swimming conditions, visibility, and the road itself. Always check the forecast and current road conditions before leaving.

Crowds also matter. Maui is generally busiest during the summer vacation months from June through August, spring break, and the holiday period from late December into early January. Those busier seasons can mean more traffic and fewer parking spaces at popular stops, so starting early gives you the best chance of staying ahead of the busiest part of the day.

The truth is, there is no month that guarantees perfect weather or empty roads. Choose the dates that work for your Maui trip, start as early as possible, and stay flexible if conditions force you to adjust your plans.

Road to Hana Planning Tips

• Download your map and route before leaving because cell service can be unreliable along the drive.
• Start with a full tank of gas. Fuel options become limited once you get farther along the route.
• Bring water and snacks, even if you plan to stop for lunch. Hours can vary, and food stops may sell out.
• Carry some cash for parking, roadside food, and smaller businesses that may not accept cards.
• Reserve Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach as soon as your date becomes available. You will not get in without an advance reservation.
• Never force a stop when the parking situation feels unsafe. Many roadside attractions have very limited space, and there will always be another view ahead.
• Check the weather, park alerts, and road closures before you leave, especially if you plan to continue beyond Hana.
• Allow far more time than the mileage suggests. The road is slow, winding, and filled with places that will tempt you to stop.
• Check your car rental agreement before attempting the full loop around Maui’s east side. Some companies restrict where their vehicles can be driven.

Final Thoughts on the Road to Hana Maui

The Road to Hana can be a day trip, an overnight adventure, or the beginning of a full drive around Maui’s east side. The best option really depends on how many stops you want to make and how much time you are willing to spend in the car.

A day trip is completely doable if you start early, choose your priorities, and turn around before or shortly after reaching Hana. Staying overnight makes more sense if you want a slower pace, an early visit to Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach, or enough time to continue beyond Hana to the Kīpahulu District.

Whichever option you choose, do not feel like you need to complete all ten stops in this guide. Use them to build a route that fits your interests, then leave room for the waterfalls, viewpoints, and unexpected stops you find along the way.

The Road to Hana is not about reaching one final attraction. It is about everything you experience along the journey.

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