Majestic Waimoku Falls and bamboo forest at the end of Road to Hana

Road to Hana Stops 16-20

Complete your epic journey from Hana Town through pristine beaches to the magical bamboo forest and towering Waimoku Falls

Written by a Local Expert

Jade Kawanui

Stops 16-20: The Grand Finale

Congratulations—you've reached the final and most spectacular section of your Road to Hāna adventure. After experiencing the black sand beach paradise of Waiʻānapanapa, these last five stops take you beyond Hana town into truly wild territory where towering waterfalls, pristine beaches, and mystical bamboo forests create an unforgettable finale to your journey.

This final section requires extra time and energy. The Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls alone takes 2-3 hours, and the ʻOheʻo Gulch area closes at 5 PM. Plan accordingly to experience these magical final stops without rushing.

16. Hāna Town (Mile Marker 34) 🏘️

Congratulations! You've reached Hāna, the destination that gives this famous road its name. This isn't a bustling tourist town but a quiet, authentic community that maintains its rural Hawaiian character. The town provides essential services while preserving its peaceful atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

Hasegawa General Store serves as the community hub, offering everything from groceries and souvenirs to local gossip and island wisdom. This historic store has been serving Hāna residents for generations and provides insight into authentic Hawaiian country life. It's the perfect place to grab snacks, cold drinks, and unique gifts.

For food, Da Fish Shack offers excellent poke bowls featuring fresh local fish. Hana Farms provides farm-to-table dining showcasing ingredients grown right here in East Maui. Both establishments embody the slow food movement that characterizes Hāna's lifestyle. Use Hāna as your refueling stop, both for your car and yourself—the gas station here is essential if you're continuing to Kīpahulu.

Essential stops: Hasegawa General Store, gas station • Dining: Da Fish Shack, Hana Farms • Time needed: 30-45 minutes

17. Hamoa Beach (Mile Marker 51, counting down) 🏖️

Often called one of Hawaii's most perfect beaches, Hamoa lives up to its reputation. This beautiful crescent of salt-and-pepper sand nestles between protective sea cliffs, creating a sheltered bay with consistently excellent conditions for swimming and body surfing. The unique sand composition creates a comfortable surface for lounging.

The beach gained fame through James Michener's writings, but its beauty speaks for itself. The protected bay provides safer swimming than many exposed East Maui beaches, while the surrounding cliffs add dramatic beauty to the coastal setting. Strong swimmers will enjoy the body surfing opportunities when swells arrive, while calmer days provide perfect conditions for relaxed swimming.

Hamoa offers excellent facilities including restrooms and outdoor showers. The beach rarely gets overcrowded, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere even during busy periods. This makes it an ideal spot for a longer beach break before continuing to the more adventurous final stops.

Best for: Swimming & body surfing • Facilities: Restrooms, showers • Atmosphere: Peaceful, rarely crowded

18. Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45) 💧

This spectacular 80-foot waterfall represents arguably the most impressive and easily accessible cascade on the entire Road to Hana. The falls plunge dramatically into a beautiful pool, creating a scene that captures the essence of tropical paradise. The convenient roadside location makes it accessible for all visitors without requiring challenging hikes.

A small parking area just past the bridge provides safe access without dangerous roadside stops. The short walk to the viewing area is suitable for all ages and abilities. The powerful cascade creates a refreshing mist that provides natural air conditioning on hot days, making this a perfect cooling-off stop.

The pool at the base looks inviting, but swimming here requires extreme caution due to falling rocks and strong currents. Many visitors prefer to admire the falls from the secure viewing areas while taking photos of this natural masterpiece. The falls photograph beautifully throughout the day as light conditions change, offering different moods from the same spectacular scene.

Height: 80 feet • Swimming: Not recommended due to danger • Best feature: Easy access with dramatic views

19. ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) (Mile Marker 42) 🏞️

Located within Haleakalā National Park's Kīpahulu District, these tiered pools represent one of Hawaii's most famous natural attractions. The series of cascading pools flows toward the ocean, creating a spectacular display of water moving through different levels of volcanic rock carved by centuries of flowing water.

The short loop trail from the visitor center provides excellent overlooks of the entire gulch system. You'll see how centuries of flowing water carved these pools from solid volcanic rock, creating natural bathtubs and infinity pools that seem almost too perfect to be natural. The connection between the freshwater pools and the ocean below illustrates the complete water cycle in action.

Swimming in the pools has been closed for safety reasons for many years, but the viewing experience remains spectacular. The pools often appear turquoise or emerald depending on light conditions and water levels. This restriction protects both visitors and the delicate ecosystem while preserving the area for future generations.

Part of: Haleakalā National Park • Swimming: Currently prohibited • Closes: 5 PM daily

20. Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls (Mile Marker 42) 🌿 EPIC FINALE

The Pipiwai Trail provides the perfect culmination to your Road to Hana adventure. This 4-mile round-trip hike ranks among Maui's best trails, offering diverse ecosystems and a spectacular finale at 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This trail takes you through some of the most magical landscapes in all of Hawaii.

The journey begins through open grassland before entering increasingly dense forest. You'll pass a magnificent banyan tree whose aerial roots create a natural cathedral that feels like entering a living temple. The trail crosses several streams via boardwalks and bridges, each offering different perspectives on the surrounding jungle ecosystem.

The highlight comes in the dense bamboo forest section. Hundreds of towering bamboo stalks create an otherworldly environment that creaks and whispers in the wind. The filtered light and natural acoustics make this feel like walking through a living musical instrument—each step creates a symphony of natural sounds.

The trail culminates at the base of towering Waimoku Falls, where water plunges 400 feet down a sheer cliff face. The power and beauty of this cascade provide a fitting finale to your Hāna journey. The mist from the falls creates a refreshing microclimate perfect for rest and reflection on your incredible adventure.

Distance: 4 miles round-trip • Duration: 2-3 hours • Difficulty: Moderate • Highlights: Banyan tree, bamboo forest, 400-foot waterfall

Pipiwai Trail Highlights

🌳 Banyan Tree Cathedral

Massive banyan with aerial roots creating a natural temple-like atmosphere. Perfect for photos and meditation.

🎋 Bamboo Forest

Dense grove of towering bamboo stalks that create magical sounds and filtered light effects.

🌊 Stream Crossings

Multiple boardwalks and bridges over crystal-clear streams flowing through the jungle.

🏔️ Waimoku Falls

400-foot waterfall finale with powerful mist and incredible photo opportunities.

Important: Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, start early to avoid crowds. Trail closes at 5 PM with the park. Allow 2-3 hours minimum for the complete experience.

Journey Complete - Plan Your Next Adventure

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