Top 20 Stops on the Road to Hana You Need To See
Discover the top 20 must-see stops on Maui's Road to Hana with breathtaking waterfalls, black sand beaches, and bamboo forests
Written by a Local Expert
Jade KawanuiA Journey Through Paradise: An Introduction from Jade
Aloha mai kākou. My name is Jade Kawanui, and I was born and raised here on Maui, in the shadow of Haleakalā. For me, the Road to Hāna isn't just a road trip; it's a part of my story, my moʻolelo. I remember piling into my grandfather's truck, the windows down, the air thick with the scent of wild ginger and damp earth after a passing shower. He wouldn't just drive; he would talk story, pointing to a valley where a certain akua (spirit) resided or a stream where our ancestors fished. He taught me that this road is more than pavement and bridges; it is a sacred corridor, a living history book of our people.
This is the spirit I want to share with you. Many writers will give you a list of waterfalls and beaches, a checklist to conquer. But to truly experience the Road to Hāna, you must first understand the principle that shapes everything we do here: mālama ʻāina. This phrase means "to care for the land." In the Hawaiian worldview, the ʻāina is not something we own; it is our ancestor, the source that feeds and sustains us. We have a kuleana, a sacred responsibility, to care for it in return, and this relationship is built on respect and reciprocity. When you travel this road, you are a guest in our home, a home that is vibrant, powerful, and fragile.
The 20 stops I'm sharing with you aren't just the most beautiful spots along the highway. They represent the heart and soul of East Maui. From the rainbow eucalyptus groves to the black sand shores, each location tells a story. Some offer breathtaking waterfalls where you can swim in pools fed by mountain streams. Others provide glimpses into the living culture of our people, where families still tend taro patches as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Your Journey to Cultural Understanding
This journey will teach you how to travel with pono—with righteousness, balance, and deep respect for the culture and community that call this place home. We'll navigate the practical details, like securing essential reservations that many visitors miss, and share the unwritten rules of the road that will make your journey smoother and more respectful. This is your invitation to see the Road to Hāna not as a destination to be reached, but as a journey to be felt, an experience that connects you to the heart of Maui.
The stops ahead range from easily accessible roadside waterfalls to culturally significant communities where generations of Hawaiian families continue traditional practices. Each location has been chosen not just for its natural beauty, but for the stories it tells and the respectful way visitors can experience its magic without disturbing its delicate balance.
🌊 Hoʻokipa Beach Lookout
Your first spectacular glimpse of world-class windsurfers and Hawaiian green sea turtles sunbathing on the sand.
💧 Twin Falls
The first easily accessible waterfall on your journey, perfect for a refreshing swim in tropical pools.
🍌 Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand
Local gem combining stunning views with delicious smoothies and the best banana bread outside of Keʻanae.
🌈 Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove
Magical trees with naturally peeling bark revealing stunning vertical stripes of green, orange, red, and purple.
Ready to Begin Your Road to Hana Adventure?
Explore each section of this incredible journey at your own pace. From essential planning to the final waterfall, every stop has been carefully curated for the perfect Hawaiian experience.
ℹ️ Road to Hana Quick Info
- Total Distance: 64 miles
- Driving Time: 3-4 hours
- Curves: 620
- Bridges: 59 one-lane
- Best Start Time: 6-7 AM
📅 Must-Book Reservations
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Required for black sand beach entry - Book 30 days ahead
Parking Permits
$5 per person + $10 per vehicle for non-residents
🎒 Road to Hana Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimwear & towels
- Waterproof camera
- Snacks & water
- Cash for local vendors
- Comfortable walking shoes
🗺️ Journey Sections
🌺 Mālama ʻĀina
"Care for the land" - Travel with respect, support local families, and preserve this sacred place for future generations.
• Drive slowly in communities
• Pack out all trash
• Support local businesses
• Respect private property
Stops 1-5: Beginning Your Sacred Journey
1. Hoʻokipa Beach Lookout (Highway 36, Mile Marker 9)
Just past the charming surf town of Pāʻia, this lookout offers your first spectacular glimpse of what awaits. The viewpoint provides front-row seats to watch world-class windsurfers and kite surfers dance on the waves. The trade winds here are legendary, making this beach a mecca for wind sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
Look down to the eastern end of the beach in the afternoon. You'll often spot honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) hauled out on the sand, resting in the warm sun. These ancient creatures are sacred in Hawaiian culture, representing longevity and wisdom. Watching them peacefully sunbathe offers a perfect introduction to the spiritual connection between Hawaiians and the ocean.
Time needed: 15 minutes • Accessibility: Easy, no hiking required • Best time: Afternoon for turtle sightings
2. Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)
As the first easily accessible waterfall on the drive, Twin Falls draws crowds for good reason. The short walk through tropical vegetation leads to a beautiful cascade with swimming pools. A farm stand at the entrance sells refreshing smoothies and tropical treats. There's a $10 parking fee, which helps maintain the trails and facilities.
The lower falls are easily reached via a well-maintained path suitable for most fitness levels. The pools offer cool, refreshing swimming after the humid walk. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Time needed: 30-45 minutes • Cost: $10 parking • Swimming: Yes, in natural pools
3. Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand (Mile Marker 4.5)
This local gem combines stunning views with delicious treats. The fruit stand offers fresh smoothies made with locally grown ingredients, crispy crepes, and some of the best banana bread you'll taste outside of Keʻanae Peninsula. The family that runs this stand has been serving travelers for decades, creating recipes passed down through generations.
The lookout itself provides a lovely view through swaying palm trees toward the ocean. You can see the coastline stretching toward Hāna in the distance. This stop supports local families directly, and every purchase helps sustain the communities along the road.
Time needed: 20 minutes • Specialty: Banana bread & smoothies • Support: Local family business
4. Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove (Mile Marker 7)
Keep your eyes peeled on the left side of the road for this magical grove of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees. Their bark naturally peels away to reveal stunning vertical stripes of green, orange, red, and purple. Each tree displays a unique pattern, creating a living work of art that changes throughout the seasons.
This quick stop feels like stepping into a fantasy world. The trees were originally planted for lumber but have become a beloved attraction. The colorful bark results from the tree shedding its outer layer at different times, exposing the bright green inner bark that ages to different colors.
Time needed: 5 minutes • Photography: Excellent for wide-angle shots • Parking: Roadside, be careful
5. Waikamoi Ridge Trail (Mile Marker 9.5)
This hidden gem offers your first real opportunity to stretch your legs in the East Maui rainforest. The short loop trail (less than a mile) winds through a forest of ancient mango trees, towering eucalyptus, and thickets of bamboo. The well-maintained path is suitable for most fitness levels.
While there's no waterfall here, the trail provides an intimate introduction to the jungle environment. You'll hear the symphony of native birds and experience the peaceful cathedral-like atmosphere created by the forest canopy. The bamboo sections create natural wind chimes as the stalks rub together in the breeze.
Time needed: 30 minutes • Difficulty: Easy loop trail • Highlight: Bamboo forest sounds
Continue Your Journey