Must-See Stops on Maui’s Hana Highway

The Road to Hana might be the most famous “attraction” in Maui.
Hana Highway is a winding, narrow road that stretches from Paia to Hana. Along this 64-mile route, there are 620 curves and over 50 bridges! The ride can be rough, but the sights are spectacular! The road features rainforests, coastal views, and waterfalls. Here are our top stops along the way to Hana:

1. Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a must-see stop, but you’ll need to purchase a parking pass and timed entry ticket in advance. Because of this, it’s best to plan your Road to Hana trip around this stop. Here, you’ll find a striking black sand beach formed by lava flows centuries ago. There’s also a lava tube to explore! With restrooms and picnic tables available, it’s a great spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch while taking in the bluest of blue waters set against the dramatic black sand. The parking fee is $10 and you can reserve your spot online. There is also a $5 per person entry fee too.

2. Ke’anae Peninsula

We arrived at Ke‘anae Peninsula early in the day hoping to try Aunt Sandy’s famous banana bread. Although it wasn’t open yet, we took time to relax, watch the waves crash, and enjoy the stunning ocean view. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and take a peaceful breather on your journey.

3. Ke’anae Arboretum

We love visiting botanical gardens and arboretums, and this one did not disappoint! While it’s not highly curated, the natural beauty speaks for itself. Our favorite part of the Ke‘anae Arboretum was seeing the vibrant rainbow eucalyptus trees. This is a state-owned, free stop on the Road to Hana, and we thoroughly enjoyed it!

4. Pipiwai Trail

Just past the town of Hana, you’ll reach the other side of Haleakalā National Park. Here, we recommend hiking the Pipiwai Trail, a scenic 4-mile round-trip hike. Along the way, you’ll pass a massive banyan tree, walk through a lush bamboo forest, and end at the breathtaking Waimoku Falls. After hours in the car, this trail is a perfect way to stretch your legs and experience the natural beauty of Hawaii.

5. Hamoa Beach

Located just south of Hana, Hamoa Beach was a spontaneous find, and we fell in love with it. It quickly became one of our favorite beaches in Maui. With its sparkling deep blue water, soft white sand, and tranquil atmosphere, it felt like a hidden oasis. We couldn’t resist taking a refreshing dip. It’s truly a special stop!

6. BONUS: Food Vendors

Throughout your drive, you’ll come across various fruit stands and food vendors. We highly recommend stopping for a treat! We grabbed fresh coconuts to drink from and the vendor even cut them open for us and said he had collected them that morning. It was such a fun and memorable part of the trip!

What is your favorite Road to Hana stop?

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