Maui's Road to Hana with tropical landscape and waterfalls

Maui: The Valley Isle

The island of grand journeys and sublime beauty from volcanic summits to tropical rainforests

Written by a Local Hawaii Expert

The Island of Wonders

Maui is the island of grand journeys and sublime beauty. It's a place where you can start your day watching the sunrise from above a sea of clouds on a volcanic summit and end it on a legendary coastal drive through a tropical rainforest. The Valley Isle is defined by these epic experiences and a diverse landscape that inspires awe at every turn.

Don't Miss on Maui

• The Road to Hāna: An unforgettable journey where the drive itself is the main attraction
• Haleakalā National Park: Ascend to the "House of the Sun" for otherworldly sunrises and stargazing
• ʻĪao Valley State Monument: A sacred, emerald-green valley steeped in Hawaiian history
• Whale Watching (in season): Maui's ʻAuʻau Channel is the world's premier nursery for humpback whales
• Waiʻānapanapa State Park: Essential stop with stunning black sand beach and dramatic coastal scenery

Iconic Landmarks: Maui's Unforgettable Experiences

The Road to Hāna

This is arguably the most famous scenic drive in Hawaii, and for good reason. The Road to Hāna is not just a road—it's an adventure. This 64.4-mile highway (Highways 36 and 360) navigates 620 sharp curves and crosses 59 bridges—most of them only one lane wide—as it snakes its way through a lush, tropical rainforest landscape.

The journey is the destination, with countless waterfalls, stunning coastal overlooks, and verdant valleys to explore along the way.

Couple enjoying a scenic waterfall along the Road to Hana in Maui

Discover countless waterfalls and natural beauty along the legendary Road to Hāna

A Full-Day Commitment:

Do not underestimate the time this drive takes. To do it justice without feeling rushed, plan for a full 10- to 12-hour day. The key to a successful trip is starting early. Leave from Paʻia town no later than 7:30 AM to get ahead of the traffic.

Must-See Stops:

Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)

The first easily accessible set of waterfalls. Short hike to swimming holes. $10 parking fee.

Keʻanae Peninsula (Mile 16)

Rugged black lava rock peninsula. Home to famous Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Mile 32)

Famous black sand beach, sea caves, and natural stone arch. Advance reservations required.

Pipiwai Trail (Past Hāna)

4-mile round-trip trail through bamboo forest to 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā, the "House of the Sun," is a massive dormant volcano that forms more than 75% of the island of Maui. Its summit reaches 10,023 feet, creating a landscape so alien it feels like another planet. The park is divided into two distinct districts: the high-altitude Summit District and the coastal Kīpahulu District.

The Summit District

The drive to the summit takes you through multiple climate zones, climbing above the clouds to a stark, volcanic desert. Temperatures can be 30-40 degrees colder than at sea level.

Sunrise: World-famous, bucket-list spectacle. Reservations mandatory for vehicle entry between 3:00-7:00 AM.

The Kīpahulu District (Coastal)

Located 12 miles past Hāna town, this lush, tropical section is a world away from the barren summit.

Pipiwai Trail: Widely considered one of the best hikes in all of Hawaii. 4-mile round-trip through magical bamboo forest.

ʻĪao Valley State Monument

This sacred and lush valley is a place of immense natural beauty and historical significance. It was here, in 1790, that King Kamehameha I fought a pivotal and bloody battle to unite the islands. The valley's centerpiece is the iconic Kūkaʻemoku (ʻĪao Needle), a 1,200-foot tall, emerald-green lava remnant that juts dramatically from the valley floor.

Practical Tips:

Reservations are now required for all non-resident visitors and must be booked online in advance. The entrance fee is $5 per person, and parking is $10 per vehicle. The main path to the needle lookout is paved and wheelchair-friendly.

Sample Maui Itinerary: The Mountain & Upcountry Explorer

Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Begin in Upcountry by exploring the charming paniolo town of Makawao. Browse unique shops and stop at T. Komoda Store & Bakery for legendary cream puffs.

Lunch (12:30 PM): Drive to the Kula Lodge for lunch with spectacular bi-coastal views.

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Visit the fragrant Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm for a peaceful stroll through the gardens.

Evening: Continue to Haleakalā summit for a magnificent sunset above the clouds, then stay for breathtaking stargazing.

Oʻahu: The Gathering Place

Pearl Harbor & Diamond Head

Kauaʻi: The Garden Isle

Napali Coast & Waimea Canyon

Big Island: Fire & Ice

Volcanoes & Mauna Kea