The Best Road to Hana Stops on Maui
The road to hana is one of the most popular things to do on Maui. It is best to prioritize your stops and follow all the signs and laws on the road to hana.
The Road to Hana is a captivating journey, renowned for its natural wonders and cultural landmarks. It attracts visitors from all over the world seeking a unique Hawaiian experience.
road to hana map stops
Pua’a Ka’a Waterfall
If you’re looking for a beautiful waterfall and pool, Pua’a Ka’a is a great stop. Located around mile marker 22 on the Hana Highway, this small state wayside park has everything you need for a quick stop including parking, bathrooms, and covered picnic areas.
There are two waterfalls at this stop, one tumbling down a steep cliff and the other cascading into a large pool for swimming. The pool is a great spot to cool off, especially if the weather has been hot and humid.
You can also follow a trail upstream to another smaller waterfall and swimming hole. The trails are very slippery, so be careful and take your time. This is also a great spot to watch the sunrise since it’s very close to the water.
It’s impossible to see everything on the Road to Hana in one day, so prioritize your favorite stops. Some of the most popular stops include Ho’okipa Beach Park, Twin Falls, Ke’anae Peninsula, Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, and Ohe’o Gulch. Wai’anapanapa requires advance reservations during busy seasons, so make sure to book in advance if you plan on visiting.
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
The road to Hana stops countless splendors often overwhelms visitors, with an amazing new sight just around every turn. One of these jaw-dropping vistas is found at the Kaumahina State Wayside Park, which is one of the most popular stops for those embarking on this epic road trip adventure. This breathtaking park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with hiking trails brimming with natural beauty.
Located along the road to Hana stops in Highway, Kaumahina State Wayside Park is easily accessible by car. Visitors can park and enjoy the scenic coastal views from one of the park’s picnic areas. This is also a good spot for families to take a break and stretch their legs. As an earlier stop along the Road to Hana, it isn’t as crowded as some of the other parks farther down the road, so visitors can enjoy their meals in tranquil surroundings.
Located in the town of Haiku, Kaumahina State Wayside is a lush forest-enclosed rest stop with scenic vistas of the northeast Maui coastline. With exotic plants and a gorgeous setting, this rest stop is the perfect place to relax and recharge. It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching, as this pristine sanctuary is home to a variety of native Hawaiian birds. Visiting this serene destination is truly an experience of a lifetime.
Wailua Falls
Located north of Lihue, this breathtaking waterfall is easily accessible and offers a stunning view from the roadside viewing area. The water cascades down two tiers into a plunge pool surrounded by lush green foliage for a picture-perfect scene that epitomizes the beauty of Hawaii. This waterfall is particularly picturesque in the morning when the sun shines through the mist for a rainbow effect that is sure to capture your imagination.
Unlike some other popular spots along the road to Hana stops, Wailua Falls doesn’t require any hiking and can be enjoyed from the main parking lot. This makes it a convenient stop for those who don’t have time to hike and want to enjoy the sights without the additional hassle of navigating a difficult trail.
The falls also have some cultural significance to the Hawaiian people as legend states that ali’i, or royalty would come here and jump from the top of the waterfall to prove their courage. While some visitors have attempted this, jumping from the cliffs is extremely dangerous and therefore it is recommended that you admire the beauty of this waterfall from the viewing area.
A wide-angle lens will help you capture the full scale of this beautiful waterfall, and a polarizing filter may be useful for reducing glare on the water. Remember to respect all posted warnings as jumping from the cliffs is strictly prohibited.
Black Sand Beach
A beach that gets its onyx hue from volcanic activity, Black Sand Beach is a must-see for those who want to see what makes this part of the world so different. This beach is not for swimming as it’s too rocky and dangerous, but you can spend time strolling the pristine shoreline while observing honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) that love to sun themselves here.
The area is a nature lover’s dream, with lava formations, blow holes, heiaus and lush green jungle all around. It’s also home to native plants and endemic birds that are unique to Hawaii, while a variety of sea turtles make their way here to lay their eggs.
One of the best things to do here is simply to take in the beautiful scenery and relax under a palm tree while listening to waves crash against the shore. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a green sea turtle swimming nearby.
The only thing to be aware of is that bringing black sand back home with you is forbidden as local legend claims that bad luck will follow anyone who removes the dark sandy treasure! Located in Waianapanapa State Park along the Road to Hana, this black sand beach is a highlight of the famous drive. It’s also a great spot for beachgoers who love taking pictures.
Top 5 Stops on the Road to Hana
Despite the popularity of this route, there are still some stops that tend to be less crowded. We recommend planning ahead to maximize the time you can spend in these areas.
The Garden of Eden Arboretum and Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread are a couple of great places to stop. They are also more secluded than other popular stops on the road to Hana.
best places to stop on the road to hana
The Road to Hana is a one-of-a-kind drive on the northeastern part of Maui. You will encounter lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. The trip can take an entire day to complete, but if you plan carefully and have patience, you will enjoy every minute of this unforgettable experience.
If you’re hungry, stop at Hana Farms and enjoy wood-fired pizzas, BBQ brisket, salads, or banana bread. It’s located just north of Wai’anapanapa State Park.
Koki Beach is a beautiful family-friendly beach that allows you to spread out on the sand and relax. It’s a perfect place to swim and snorkel. The water is calm and the scenery is spectacular, with a backdrop of small green cliffs.
If you’re lucky, you may have the entire beach to yourself. The Ke’anae Peninsula is a short detour off the Hana Highway and offers stunning views of the ocean ripping through jagged lava rocks. You’ll also see the famous Coral Miracle Church.
road to hana banana bread stop
The Road to Hana is a scenic drive full of waterfalls, coastal views, and lush rainforests. But it’s not just about getting to Hana; it’s about taking the time to enjoy all the stops along the way. From taro patches and turquoise seascapes to botanical gardens and waterfall pools, the teeny tiny – sometimes one lane – road offers something new around every corner.
During your journey, you’ll probably see signs for the famous Hana Pools. This iconic swimming hole is a must-see for visitors to Maui. This freshwater pond is a stunning sight and provides the perfect opportunity to cool off from the heat.
If you’re planning to visit Hana Pools, make sure to arrive early as parking can be limited. You should also be prepared for a hike or swim if you want to experience the full experience. It’s best to bring a bathing suit and some water shoes in case you need them for the slippery rocks. You’ll also need a towel and sunblock to protect yourself from the harsh Hawaiian sun.
road to hana waterfall stops
There are a number of road to hana waterfall stops and each is unique. Some are more dramatic than others, but all are worth a stop to enjoy the beauty of Maui’s rainforest.
The Wailua Valley State Wayside Park is a great stop for views of little Wailua town and the famous coral miracle church. It is also home to a small waterfall and the lush green valley of the taro fields and Ke’anae Peninsula.
Another nice waterfall stop is Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the fresh water on a hot day. It is not as dramatic as other waterfall stops on the road to hana, but it is a beautiful place to rest and recharge.
It is important to know that you cannot visit all of the Road to Hana stops in one day, especially if you want to take your time enjoying them and hiking on some of the trails. So, prioritize your favorite stops and plan accordingly. It is also a good idea to carry a map of the road and be prepared to pay for parking in some places.
road to hana waterfall stops
One of the most unique stops on the road to Hana is the Hana Lava Tube, which allows you to explore a volcanic lava tube that extends for miles. This privately owned attraction is an experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Another must-see is Waianapanapa State Park, a 122-acre natural park that is home to Maui’s famous black sand beach and spectacular coastal hikes. The park offers a variety of sights, including sea caves, blow holes, and heiaus. It’s also a popular camping destination, with cabins and tent camping sites available.
If you’re planning a trip to the Road to Hana, it’s important to prioritize your stops and be sure to follow all local laws. While it’s tempting to stop at every waterfall and trail along the way, you may not have enough time in a day if you want to enjoy them all. Be sure to bring a full tank of gas, wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are good for hiking, and make sure you have cash on hand because not all businesses accept credit cards.
road to hana maui stops
One of the most famous things to do in Maui is drive the Road to Hana. This is a must-do for any traveler to the island, and it’s definitely worth dedicating an entire day to the experience. There are a lot of beautiful areas to explore along the way, including waterfalls, food stands, and groves of Eucalyptus trees.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Also, don’t forget to wear your swimsuit and a towel for some impromptu swimming at some of the many waterfall-fed pools.
The first stop on the Road to Hana is Twin Falls, located just after you pass the town of Paia. This is a great place to take a quick swim and get some exercise before continuing on your journey.
The next stop is the famous Haleakala National Park at the Kipahulu entrance. This is a must-see spot for nature lovers and offers a stunning panoramic view of the coastline. It’s also home to a few hiking trails, including the Pipiwai Trail, which features a majestic banyan tree and lush forest.
