Planning on hitting the Road to Hana on Maui? It’s all about seeing waterfalls, going on hikes, and tasting yummy treats! Check out the best stops on the Road to Hana!
This list of the best stops on the Road to Hana Maui was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ve driven the Road to Hana more times than I can count at this point, and I still get a little nervous on those one-lane bridges every single time.
That feeling never quite goes away, and I think that’s part of why people keep coming back to this drive.
This route is 64 miles of cliffside curves, waterfalls, and tiny towns that feel stuck in a different decade.
It’s also one of those things people build their entire Maui trip around, then end up disappointed because they tried to cram in too much, stopped at the wrong spots, or didn’t realize how much of the day would just be spent driving.
So here’s my real answer to “what are the best stops on the Road to Hana,” based on having done this drive enough times to know which stops are worth fighting for parking and which ones you can skip without any regret.
Quick Takeaways:
- Plan for a full day. Most people spend 8 to 10 hours out there, round trip.
- Best stops: Twin Falls, Garden of Eden, and Hamoa Beach are the ones I’d protect on any itinerary. Wailua Falls is worth a quick look, but it depends on recent rain, so don’t build your whole day around it.
- Skip without guilt: The Seven Sacred Pools right now, since swimming there is closed and the entrance fee jumped to $30 per vehicle.
- Don’t drive it yourself if curves make you anxious. This small-group Road to Hana tour handles the driving so you can sit back and look at the scenery.
- Renting a car for the trip? I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental since their rates consistently beat the major sites.
Should You Drive the Road to Hana Yourself or Book a Tour?
This is the first decision to make, and it depends entirely on you.
If sharp curves and one-lane bridges make your palms sweat, book a tour. You’ll get a driver who knows the road, and you can sit back and enjoy the views instead of gripping the wheel.
I’d point you toward Road to Hana tours on Viator or Get Your Guide, both of which list small-group options that stop at the better waterfalls and skip the tourist traps.
If you’d rather drive yourself, I get it.
There’s something satisfying about controlling your own pace, especially if you want to linger at a beach longer than a tour schedule would allow.
If you go this route, download the Shaka Guide app before you leave Kahului.
It’s a GPS audio tour that plays automatically as you drive, points you to each stop, and tells you what’s worth your time versus what to skip, all without needing cell service, which disappears for most of the route anyway.
Either way, you’ll want a reliable rental. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because their pricing tends to beat what you’ll find on the big booking sites, and I’ve used them on enough trips to trust the process.
What to Pack for the Drive
Treat this like any road trip, but pack a little smarter because gas stations and stores thin out fast once you leave Paia.
- Water and snacks (the last real grocery stop is in Paia)
- Cash for the roadside fruit stands and food trucks, since most don’t take cards
- Reef-safe sunscreen, since regular sunscreen is harmful to the reef ecosystems you’ll be swimming near
- Bug spray, especially if you’re stopping at any of the waterfall hikes
- A swimsuit, packed separately or worn under your clothes if you plan on getting in the water anywhere
What to Wear
For straight sightseeing and short walks, comfortable clothes are fine. I usually wear a sundress or shorts and a t-shirt I don’t mind getting a little dusty.
If you’re planning to hike to any of the falls, wear shoes with actual grip. Flip-flops on wet volcanic rock are how people get hurt, and I say that as someone who has watched it happen to other travelers more than once.
This Is a Full-Day Commitment
Too many guides gloss over this part: this is not a quick scenic detour.
Most people spend 8 to 10 hours on this drive when you count all the stops, and parking at the popular spots is first-come, first-served with very limited space.
Leave as early as you can. Not just for the light and the photos, but because by mid-morning, the lots at places like Twin Falls and Garden of Eden start filling up, and you’ll spend more time circling for parking than enjoying the stop.
If you’d rather not rush, consider spending a night in Hana itself.
It changes the whole rhythm of the trip and lets you see a few stops in the early morning quiet before the day-trippers arrive.
A Quick Word on Being a Good Guest Here
Locals drive this highway every day, not just for vacation.
If someone’s behind you and clearly local, pull over and let them pass. It’s a small thing, but it matters out here, and it’s part of how the road stays safe for everyone.
Same goes for parking. If a lot is full, don’t park on the shoulder or block the road.
It’s dangerous, it can get you a ticket, and it adds to the genuine frustration a lot of Hana residents have about the volume of tourist traffic the highway sees every day.
A pretty photo isn’t worth holding up an ambulance.
The Best Stops, Mile by Mile
I’m listing these out with their mile markers so you can plan your day without constantly checking a map.
Not every stop here is equal, and I’ll tell you which ones earn a longer stop and which ones are fine to glance at and keep driving.
Lower Paia Beach (Mile Marker 0)
Technically you’re not even on the Hana Highway yet if you’re starting in Paia, but this beach is worth ten minutes before you head out.
It’s one of the few Maui beaches with actual restrooms and showers, and I’ve seen sea turtles sunbathing on the sand here more than once.
If you’re already running behind, this is the easiest one to skip without missing much.
Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)
This is one of the easier waterfall stops on the whole route, and it’s where I usually send first-timers who want a waterfall without a serious hike.
There’s a lower set of falls that’s an easy walk, and if you want more of a workout, the upper falls add about a mile round trip.
Parking runs $10 per vehicle, which goes toward maintaining the trails. Worth noting if it’s been raining: the trail gets muddy and the water can rise fast, so use some judgment if conditions look rough.
Good for: Families, first-timers, anyone who wants a waterfall swim without committing to a real hike.
Skip if: You’ve already got several waterfall stops planned and want to conserve time for ones further down the road.
Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile Marker 10.5)
This one is one of my favorite stops on the entire drive, and I don’t say that about many paid attractions.
Admission runs $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5 to 16, with kids under 5 free, and it is worth every dollar.
You’re walking through 26 acres of trails past exotic plants, ocean lookouts, and a few small waterfalls.
It’s also where the opening scene of the original Jurassic Park was filmed, if you want to spot the rock formation for yourself. Bring your camera. This is one of the most photogenic stops on the whole route.
Good for: Anyone who wants beautiful photos and a relaxed walk.
Skip if: You’re tight on time and have to choose between this and another paid stop further out.
Ke’anae Arboretum and Peninsula (Mile Marker 16.8)
This is a free botanical garden with painted eucalyptus trees and over 150 tropical plant varieties.
It’s pretty, but I’ll be honest that it doesn’t compare to Garden of Eden. If you’re choosing between the two and only have time for one, pick Garden of Eden.
The peninsula nearby is worth a quick look too. It’s lined with black lava rock formations that are striking from a distance, though I’d keep some distance since the rocks can be unstable and the waves here are unpredictable.
This one’s worth a stop if you’re already passing through, but I wouldn’t build extra time into your day for it.
Halfway to Hana Stand (Mile Marker 17)
I make this stop every single time, no exceptions.
The banana bread is the best I’ve had on Maui, and they also sell shaved ice, kalua pork, and sandwiches if you want an actual lunch instead of just a snack.
This one’s not optional in my book.
Pua’a Ka’a Falls (Mile Marker 22)
A smaller waterfall with a swimmable pool, picnic tables, and public restrooms, which you’ll appreciate by this point in the drive.
There’s a second, lower waterfall closer to the road that tends to be quieter if the main one is crowded.
It’s a nice break, but if you’re running short on daylight, this is one you can drive past without much regret.
Wai’anapanapa State Park, Black Sand Beach (Mile Marker 32)
This black sand beach is one of the most photographed stops on the whole drive, and for good reason.
You’ll find a lava sea arch, a cave that leads down to the ocean, and black sand so striking it looks almost unreal in person.
As of 2026, all non-resident visitors need a reservation to enter, and reservations open 30 days out with no same-day booking available.
You’re looking at a $5 per person entry fee plus $10 for parking, plus a small processing fee. Book this one before your trip, not the morning of, or you risk getting turned away entirely.
Good for: Photos you’ll want to print and frame. Just book ahead.
Skip if: You can’t plan 30 days out and reservations are sold out for your dates.
Hana Town (Mile Marker 34)
Hana itself is tiny, the kind of small town where you could walk the whole thing in fifteen minutes, but it has more charm packed into those few blocks than most places ten times its size.
There’s a small cultural museum, a quiet beach, and a few places to grab food.
My favorite stop in town isn’t really an attraction at all: it’s the general store, a small building that somehow stocks everything from groceries to party supplies. I always end up browsing longer than I planned to.
The Hana Lava Tube used to be a popular stop right outside town, but it’s currently closed for an archaeological survey with no announced reopening date, so don’t plan your day around it.
Check current status before you go in case that changes.
Braddah Hutts (Mile Marker 35)
Just past Hana town, this food truck serves what might be the best barbecue on the island. I always order the ribs to share, though I rarely end up sharing.
They’re only open Monday through Friday, 11am to 2:30pm, and they take cash or Venmo only, no cards. Plan your timing around that if you want to eat here.
Good for: Lunch, if your timing lines up with their hours.
Skip if: You’re driving on a weekend, since they’re closed.
Seven Sacred Pools, ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Mile Marker 42)
A lot of older guides, including my own past version of this post, still describe this as a swimming spot. Swimming in the pools is closed right now due to safety concerns, and that’s been the case for a while.
The entrance fee has also gone up to $30 per vehicle, which covers your visit here and at the Haleakala summit for three days.
The hike along Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls is still beautiful, and the ocean views from the gulch are worth the stop on their own.
Just go in expecting a scenic hike rather than a swim, so you’re not disappointed on arrival.
Good for: The hike and the views, if you adjust your expectations going in.
Skip if: Swimming was the whole reason you wanted to come here.
Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45)
This is the waterfall you’ve probably seen in every Road to Hana photo, an 80-foot drop against a jungle wall, and you don’t even need to get out of your car to see it.
How good it looks depends almost entirely on rain, though. The last time I stopped here, it had been dry for a while and the falls were thin and a little underwhelming compared to the photos that get this place hyped up online.
If it’s rained recently, you’re in for a great show. If it hasn’t, don’t be surprised if it’s a quick look rather than a jaw-dropper.
Quick correction for anyone who’s read this elsewhere: this is not where Fantasy Island was filmed. That’s a different Wailua Falls, over on Kauai.
Huli Huli Chicken (Mile Marker 51)
For lunch or an early dinner, this roadside stand has earned its reputation, even getting a nod from Gordon Ramsay at one point.
A combo plate with chicken, ribs, rice, and salad runs around $18, and it’s filling enough to get you through the rest of the drive.
Good for: A solid meal that doesn’t require a sit-down restaurant.
Skip if: You’re vegetarian, since this stop is pretty meat-focused.
Hamoa Beach (Mile Marker 51)
This crescent-shaped beach lined with green trees is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest on all of Maui.
The sand is soft, there are shaded spots if you need a break from the sun, and the water is generally calm, though I’d still keep an eye on conditions since the ocean here can shift quickly.
Good for: Ending your day with an actual beach moment instead of just driving past one.
Skip if: You’re already behind schedule for the drive back, since this one’s worth lingering at.
My Honest Road to Hana Tips
- Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends are noticeably busier at every stop.
- Start early. Beating the crowds matters more than anything else on this list.
- Bring cash. Several of the best stops, including Braddah Hutts, don’t take cards.
- Don’t try to do everything. I’ve done this drive more times than I can count, and I still don’t stop at every single spot every time. Pick the ones that match what you want from the day.
Road to Hana FAQs
What is the Road to Hana?
It’s a 64-mile highway along Maui’s east side, known for sharp curves, one-lane bridges, and some of the most scenic stops on the island.
Where does the Road to Hana start and end?
The Hana Highway technically starts in Kahului and ends in Hana, though most people begin their drive from Paia.
How long does the Road to Hana take?
Plan for 8 to 10 hours if you’re doing it as a single day trip with stops. If you stay overnight in Hana, you can spread it across two days and move at a slower pace.
Is the Road to Hana dangerous?
Not if you drive attentively. The road is paved and well-maintained, but it has a lot of turns and one-lane bridges, so distracted driving is the real risk, not the road itself.
Final Thoughts
The Road to Hana rewards people who plan ahead and frustrates people who don’t.
Pick your stops with intention, leave early, bring cash, and you’ll come away from this drive understanding why so many people consider it one of the best things to do on Maui.
If you want help building out the rest of your Maui itinerary around this drive, my Maui travel guide covers where to stay and what else to prioritize.
And if you’d rather talk through your specific trip with someone who’s done this drive more times than she can count, I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where we can map out your whole trip together.
I also cover the Road to Hana in more detail on my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy, if you’d rather listen to trip planning than read it.
