Our relaxed 2 day Road to Hana Itinerary
Driving the Road to Hana in Maui was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Hawaii. We spent two full days exploring the Road to Hana — and honestly, I’m glad we did.
I had done tons of research before our trip and quickly realized that doing the entire drive, including stops past Hana like Oheo Gulch and the Pipiwai Trail, was going to be a very long day if done as a day trip. Staying overnight in Hana turned out to be the best decision and allowed us to enjoy every stop at a relaxed pace.
In this post, I’m sharing our 2-day Road to Hana itinerary, including where we stayed, how we planned the route, the best stops, and all the tips I wish I’d known before going. Whether you’re visiting for a day or two, you can use this guide to plan your own epic Hana adventure.
Looking for a Road to Hana tour instead of driving yourself? Below are the top Road to Hana tour recommendations:
✅ Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour Experience the black sand beach and other highlights with a local guide.
✅ Small-Group Luxury Limo Tour with Helicopter Flight Reverse. 6-hour tour in a luxury limo and return via helicopter!
Overview of the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in the world. This famous 64-mile stretch of the Hana Highway winds through lush rainforest, waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and tropical gardens — with over 600 curves and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one-lane.
What makes it special isn’t the destination, but the journey itself — the waterfalls (and there are so many!), rainbow eucalyptus trees, fruit stands, black, red, and white sand beaches, and that feeling of being surrounded by untouched nature.
A few key things to know before you go:
- Distance: About 64 miles one way from Kahului to Hana
- Driving time: Around 3–4 hours each way without stops (realistically 8–10 hours with sightseeing)
- Route: Start in Kahului, pass through Paia, and follow Hana Highway (HI-360)
- Best way: Drive the out-and-back route. The “backside” of Hana has rough, unpaved sections that are not recommended for most rental cars.
- Entrance fees: None for the Road to Hana. $30 per vehicle for Haleakala National Park if you want to visit the Pipieai Trail and Oheo Gulch. (more on that later)
- Reservations: Required for Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach, but not for other stops
We started our drive from Kaanapali in West Maui, spent one night in Hana, and returned the next evening. This pacing let us hike, visit all the stops, and truly enjoy the drive instead of rushing.
Itinerary Options
There are several ways to experience the Road to Hana depending on how much time you have:
If you can spare two days, the overnight option is 100% worth it.
Our 2-Day Road to Hana Itinerary
If you have two full days for the Road to Hana and can find accommodations for a night in Hana, you’ll have so much more time to enjoy the drive and all the amazing stops along the way.
That’s exactly what we did on our family trip, and it turned out to be the best way to experience the Road to Hana without feeling rushed or constantly watching the clock. We started a little later, around 8 AM from Kaanapali, and didn’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn. With an overnight bag and a few snacks packed, we were ready for the adventure.
We did have to double-book accommodations for one night, but honestly, it was worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime bucket list drive.
Day 1: Stops up to Hana Town
We started from Kaanapali around 8 AM, packed an overnight bag, snacks, and water. It was so nice not having to wake up at 5 AM like most people doing the day trip!
We had reservations for Waianapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach) for the last time slot, 3 to 6 PM, so we planned our stops to arrive there by mid-afternoon.
Stop 1 – Paia Town (optional)
- Stop Type – Food, gas, essentials
- Parking – Yes, Google Maps Free public car parking location in Paia
- Time Needed – 30 minutes
Before you hit the winding Road to Hana, you’ll drive through Paia, a cool little surfer town that’s not technically part of the Hana Highway but makes a great place to stock up on supplies.
This is the last stop for gas before Hana, so it’s smart to fill up your tank, grab some cash for roadside stands, or pick up motion sickness meds if anyone in your group needs them. You’ll also find plenty of breakfast spots and cafes here if you want to grab something to go.
We didn’t stop here in the morning since we already had enough gas and supplies. Paia is worth exploring on another day, or even on your way back in the evening if you want dinner before heading to your resort.
Stop 2 – Hookipa Beach Lookout
- Stop Type: Ocean views, beach, turtles
- Parking: Free
- Time Needed: 15 to 30 minutes
Just down the road from Paia, you’ll see the turnoff for Ho‘okipa Beach Lookout. This is a must-stop if you enjoy ocean views and watching surfers in action.
Ho‘okipa is one of the most famous surfing beaches on Maui, known for its big northern swells in the winter. If you’re lucky, you might also spot sea turtles basking on the rocks later in the afternoon, though they’re less likely to be there early in the morning.
We stopped here briefly to watch the surfers tackling the waves before continuing on our way. It’s a fun stop to stretch your legs and take in the views before the road starts to wind inland.
Stop 3 – Twin Falls (optional)
- Stop Type: Waterfalls, swimming
- Parking: Paid
- Time Needed – 1 to 2 hours
Right before you reach Twin Falls, you’ll see the sign Mile Marker 0, marking the official start of the Road to Hana!
Twin Falls is set on private land and has a small parking lot that fits about 30 cars. There’s a short walk to the first waterfall, and if you’re up for it, a one-mile trail that leads to more falls.
We decided to stop here and check out the first waterfall, which was beautiful and easy to reach. This is a great place to stretch your legs, especially if you’re doing the Halfway to Hana version of the drive.
If you’re doing the full drive to Hana, you can consider skipping this stop since there are many more waterfalls ahead. But it’s a nice early stop to enjoy if you have time.
Stop 4 – Garden of Eden (optional)
- Type of Stop – Garden, picnic area, waterfalls
- Parking – Yes, Entrance fee per person
- Time Needed – 1 to 2 hours
The Garden of Eden is a peaceful, beautifully maintained garden filled with flowers, tropical trees, and birds. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy nature. There’s even a duck pond and an area where kids can feed the birds; perfect if you’re traveling as a family.
The garden covers about 26 acres, with walking trails and scenic viewpoints, including a nice overlook of Puohokamoa Falls.
I’d recommend stopping here if you’re doing only the Halfway to Hana route, as it’s one of the more leisurely and kid-friendly stops. But if you’re driving all the way to Hana and Oheo Gulch in one day, you may not have enough time to see it properly. We ended up skipping it due to the per-person entrance fee.
Stop 5 – Kaumahina State Wayside Park (Scenic Overlook and Restrooms)
- Stop Type – Scenic Overlook, Restrooms
- Parking – Yes, free
- Time Needed – 15 minutes
Kaumahina State Wayside Park is a great scenic stop with sweeping ocean views and a clear look at the Ke‘anae Peninsula in the distance. It’s also one of the few reliable restroom stops along the Road to Hana, so it’s a good place to take a quick break.
Parking here is free, and there’s usually enough space to find a spot. Just a heads-up — when we stopped, the restrooms were out of toilet paper and hand soap, so it’s smart to bring your own just in case.
Stop 6 – Ke’anae Arboretum (must-do)
- Stop Type – Garden stroll, Rainbow Eucalyptus trees
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 30 minutes
Ke‘anae Arboretum is a small, free garden that’s perfect for a short, peaceful walk among tropical plants and trees. The highlight here is the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, with their striking multicolored bark.
We stopped here specifically to see them, and my kids loved how the tree trunks looked like something out of a painting.
You’ll also find plenty of other interesting plants, including bamboo, breadfruit, narra, torch ginger, ti leaf, taro, papaya, and hibiscus. Parking is limited to a few spots right along the road, so it’s best to go early in the day if you can.
Stop 7 – Ke’anae Peninsula (must-do)
- Stop Type – Ocean views, historic church
- Parking – Roadside
- Time Needed – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Right after Ke‘anae Arboretum, take the turn toward the small village of Ke‘anae. This flat peninsula is one of the most scenic and culturally rich stops on the Road to Hana.
Ke‘anae is known for its taro farms, the 150-year-old Ke‘anae Congregational Church built from lava rocks, and its dramatic coastline where powerful waves crash against volcanic rocks. The historic church, set against the backdrop of Haleakala, adds a quiet sense of peace to the landscape.
We drove all the way to the end of the road, parked along the roadside, and spent time just watching the ocean waves slam into the rocks. It was an incredible display of nature’s power, one of those moments that really makes the Road to Hana feel special.
Stop 8 – Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (must-do)
- Stop Type – Food stop
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 15 minutes
No trip to the Road to Hana is complete without stopping at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread on the Ke‘anae Peninsula. It’s easily the most famous banana bread in all of Maui.
They bake it fresh every morning, and once it’s sold out, that’s it for the day. We picked up a loaf here, and it was absolutely delicious! Warm, moist, and the perfect snack for the rest of the drive.
Stop 9 – Halfway to Hana (optional)
- Stop Type – Optional food stop
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 15 minutes
Halfway to Hana isn’t a scenic overlook but more of a fun milestone along the drive. There’s a small rest stop and food stand here where you can grab banana bread, shaved ice, and quick snacks before continuing your journey.
If you’re only driving Halfway to Hana, this is a good turnaround point. But for us, it was just a quick stop to stretch our legs and mark the halfway point before continuing toward Hana and the Black Sand Beach.
Stop 10 – Upper Waikani Falls (3 Bears Falls)
- Stop Type – Waterfalls
- Parking – Limited roadside
- Time Needed – drive by slowly to catch a glimpse
Upper Waikani Falls, also called Three Bears Falls, is one of the prettiest waterfalls on the Road to Hana. When the water flow is just right, you’ll see three distinct waterfalls of different heights, which is how it got its nickname.
It’s a popular photo stop, but parking is very limited, and it’s not safe or considerate to stop on the bridge itself because of traffic. We didn’t stop here, I took a quick photo from the car while my husband was driving.
If you’re lucky enough to find a spot just down the road, you can park there and walk back to the bridge for a better view of the falls.
Stop 11 – Pua’a Kaa State Park and Puaakaa Falls (optional)
- Stop Type – Restrooms, waterfall, swimming hole
- Parking – Yes
- Time needed – 15 minutes, longer if swimming here
Pua‘a Kaa State Park is a convenient stop for both restrooms and a quick photo. There aren’t many restroom options along the Road to Hana, so it’s smart to take advantage whenever you find one.
From the parking area, a short, easy trail leads to a small waterfall and swimming hole that locals love.
Stop 12 – Hanawi Falls (optional)
- Stop Type – Waterfall
- Parking – Roadside for a few cars
- Time Needed – 15 minutes
Hanawi Falls is a beautiful little waterfall and pool along the Road to Hana, but parking is limited to just a few cars.
If you find a spot, it’s worth stopping to take a quick look at the falls. If parking is full, you can still enjoy the view from the bridge while driving across, which is what we did.
Stop 13 – Nahiku Marketplace (optional)
- Stop Type – food stop, shopping
- Parking – Roadside
- Time needed – 15 to 30 minutes
About 6 miles before Hana, near Mile Marker 29, you’ll find Nahiku Marketplace, a small cluster of food vendors like Nahiku Café and Island Style Tacos. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite or coffee, and there are portable restrooms available.
If you’re hungry and can’t wait until Hana, this is the perfect place to stop. We didn’t stop here since we had packed enough food and were eager to reach the Black Sand Beach for our reservation.
Stop 14 – Hana Lava Tube / Lava Cave (optional stop)
- Type of Stop – Lava Tube
- Parking – Yes, Entrance Fee per person
- Time Needed – 30 to 45 minutes
The Hana Lava Tube, also known as Ka‘eleku Caverns, is located just off Hana Highway on Ulaino Road, past Mile Marker 31. It’s a fascinating stop if you’ve never seen an underground lava tube before — one section even looks like molten chocolate inside!
Visitors can take a self-guided tour, and the entrance fee includes a flashlight for exploring. The cave is open daily from 10:30 AM to 4 PM.
We skipped this stop since we wanted to reach the Black Sand Beach in time for our reservation. Plus, we had seen a lava tube before in Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park while hiking the Kilauea Iki crater trail.
Stop 15 – Waianapanapa State Park / Black Sand Beach (must-do)
- Stop Type – Black Sand Beach, caves, coastal trail, picnic
- Parking – Yes, Advance paid reservations are required to enter
- Time Needed – 1 to 2 hours
Waianapanapa State Park is the most famous stop on the Road to Hana, known for its dramatic black sand beach and rugged coastal beauty.
I found the contrast of the jet-black sand with the blue ocean and lush greenery absolutely breathtaking. The black sand was created from lava rocks slowly worn down by the ocean over centuries.
You’ll need to book an advance reservation to enter the park, as same-day reservations aren’t allowed. Visit the official state park website to reserve your entry slot. We booked the last slot of the day, which worked out perfectly.
The beach is fairly small and can get crowded earlier in the day, but we got lucky—it was almost empty near closing time.
There’s a lava cave on the right side of the beach that opens up to the ocean, and a coastal trail to the left with sweeping ocean views.
The park also has picnic tables, restrooms, and a small campground with cabins and tent sites. Cabin reservations go fast! I tried for months but couldn’t get one.
Stop 16 – Hana Town (must-do)
- Stop Type – Food, Gas, Essentials
- Parking – Yes, in front of shops, restaurants
- Time Needed – An hour to overnight if staying like we did
When you reach Hana, you’ll realize it’s more about the journey than the destination. Hana is a small, peaceful town with a few grocery stores, gas stations, and food stands.
After exploring the black sand beach, we had dinner at Hana Farms, which serves delicious pizza with fresh toppings like arugula and pesto. It was the perfect sit-down meal after a long day of driving. For lunch the next day, we tried Thai Food by Pranee and loved the fresh flavors and generous portions.
For lodging, Hyatt Hana Maui Resort is the top luxury option, while Hana Kai Maui, where we stayed, offers beautiful ocean views and easy beach access. We absolutely loved our stay and even caught a peaceful sunrise from the beach next to our resort the next morning.
If you need supplies, stop by Hasegawa General Store for snacks and essentials or to top off your gas tank before heading back.
If you’re doing the drive as a day trip, Hana is the usual turnaround point. But if you have more time, continue past town to explore the scenic spots beyond.
Day 2: Stops Beyond Hana Town and Pipiwai Hike
On Day 2, we were looking forward to hiking to the Pipwai trail. We started early, around 7 AM, after breakfast at Hana food trucks, and drove toward the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.
As we went past Hana towards Oheo Gulch, the road became narrower and more shaded, lined with thick greenery, hanging vines, and canopy trees arching over the road. It felt like driving through a rainforest tunnel.
Stop 1 – Pipiwai Trail (must-do)
- Stop Type – Hiking, Bamboo Forest, Waterfalls
- Time Needed – 2 to 3 hours for the hike
- Parking – Yes, entrance fee to Haleakala National Park
The Pipiwai Trail starts inside Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu District and shares the same parking lot as the Pools of Oheo. The trail begins on the left side just after the parking area.
It’s one of the most scenic hikes on Maui, a 4-mile round-trip with about 650 feet of elevation gain. The path varies between stone steps, wooden planks, and dirt, and the scenery changes constantly as you climb.
Along the way, we saw a massive banyan tree and then entered a serene bamboo forest halfway through the hike. The tall bamboo swayed and creaked gently in the wind, and walking along the wooden boardwalk surrounded by endless green was an experience I’ll never forget.
The trail ends at Waimoku Falls, a stunning 400-foot waterfall cascading down a sheer rock face. The area directly near the base is now closed, but we still had a great view of the falls from the sign at the end of the trail.
The trail was dry when we visited, but it can get muddy and slippery after rain, so sturdy hiking shoes are best. Flip-flops won’t do here as the terrain is rocky and uneven.
Stop 2 – Oheo Gulch / Pools of Oheo / Seven Sacred Pools (must-do)
- Stop Type – Waterfalls, pools, ocean views, trail
- Parking – Yes, entrance fee to Haleakala National Park
- Time Needed – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Oheo Gulch, located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, is known for its series of cascading waterfalls and peaceful natural pools surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
You’ll need to purchase a Haleakala National Park entrance permit ($35 per vehicle), which is valid for three consecutive days. It’s the same pass you can use to visit the Haleakala Summit for sunrise or sunset, so be sure to hold on to it.
From the parking lot, take the right fork to the Oheo Gulch trail. We followed the Kuloa Point Trail, an easy 0.5-mile loop with scenic views of the pools and the coastline. If you have time, continue on the short 0.3-mile Kahakai Trail for even better ocean views.
The Kipahulu Visitor Center nearby is a good stop for park information, restrooms, and shaded benches.
Stop 3 – Wailua Falls (must-do)
- Stop Type – Waterfalls, swimming
- Parking – Yes
- Time needed – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Wailua Falls, near Mile Marker 45 on Honolewa Stream, was one of my favorite quick stops on this stretch. The 80-foot waterfall plunges into a pool surrounded by lush tropical vegetation—it’s picture-perfect and easy to access.
There is parking for a few cars just after the bridge. We parked there and took a short walk back to the bridge for a great view of the falls.
Stop 4 – Hamoa Beach (optional)
- Stop Type – White sand beach, swimming
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 1 hour
To visit Hamoa Beach, take a detour to Haneoo Road off the Hana Highway. Hamoa Beach has a beautiful stretch of soft white sand surrounded by greenery. It’s one of the most scenic beaches on Maui’s eastern side and a great spot to relax after the morning’s hikes.
The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a quiet picnic by the water. Parking can be a bit challenging since spaces are limited, but it’s worth the effort to stop here if you can find a spot.
Stop 5 – Koki Beach (must-do)
- Stop Type – Red Sand Beach
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 30 minutes
Continuing along Haneoo Road, you’ll reach Koki Beach, a beautiful spot to see a red sand beach, especially since the other one, Kaihalulu Beach, is currently difficult to access due to a damaged trail.
I loved how the striking red cliffs and reddish-brown sand contrasted with the bright blue ocean. The sand near the cliffs looked the most red and very unique!
Parking can be tricky here, so if you can’t find a spot, Hamoa Beach just down the road is a great alternative. Koki Beach isn’t safe for swimming because of the strong ocean currents, but it’s perfect for photos and taking in the views.
If you’re hungry, stop by the famous Huli Huli Chicken stand right next to the beach.
Around early evening, we started our drive back toward Kaanapali, tired but happy that we’d been able to see everything we wanted without feeling rushed.
We reached our resort early in the evening and got enough time to relax as the next morning, we were going on a whale watching tour from West Maui!
Suggested 1-Day and Halfway Itineraries
If you’re short on time or can’t stay overnight in Hana, it’s still possible to experience the best of the Road to Hana in a single day. Below are two sample routes — one for a full-day trip to Hana and back, and another for a shorter “Halfway to Hana” drive.
1-Day Road to Hana Itinerary
A one-day trip works best if you start early, ideally between 5 and 6 AM from West or South Maui. This gives you enough time to make the key stops and return before dark.
Suggested route:
- Grab a quick breakfast in Paia Town
- Stop at Hookipa Lookout to watch surfers
- Drive to Ke‘anae Arboretum to see Rainbow Eucalyptus trees
- Continue to Ke‘anae Peninsula and grab a loaf of Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread
- Head straight to Waianapanapa State Park for the Black Sand Beach (advance reservation required)
- Have lunch in Hana Town
- Optional quick stop at Wailua Falls before turning back
If hiking the Pipiwai Trail or visiting the Pools of Oheo is a priority, skip most earlier stops and drive straight there first, then explore others on the way back. It’s a long day, but absolutely doable if you plan carefully.
Halfway to Hana Itinerary
If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a slower pace, a Halfway to Hana trip is a great option. You’ll still enjoy the lush rainforest scenery, waterfalls, and local food stands — just without the long drive.
Suggested route:
- Breakfast or coffee stop in Paia
- Watch the surfers at Hookipa Beach Lookout
- Stretch your legs at Twin Falls
- Stop at Kaumahina State Wayside Park for scenic views (and restrooms)
- Walk among the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees at Ke‘anae Arboretum
- Enjoy the coastal views and taro farms at Ke‘anae Peninsula
- Pick up warm banana bread at Aunt Sandy’s and return back
This version takes about 6 to 8 hours round trip, giving you time to enjoy the beauty of the Hana Highway without the rush.
Driving vs Taking a Tour
One of the biggest questions when planning the Road to Hana is whether to drive it yourself or take a guided tour. I researched both options before our trip, and each has its perks depending on your comfort level.
Driving Yourself
If you like flexibility and adventure, driving yourself is the best choice. You can stop wherever you want, stay as long as you like, and explore at your own pace.
The downside is the road itself. It’s narrow, curvy, and full of one-lane bridges, which can be stressful if you’re not used to that kind of driving. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication and take it slow. Lucky for me, my husband does all the driving on trips 🙂
For self-drivers, I highly recommend using an audio guide app to make the drive more enjoyable and informative. I purchased both Gypsy Guide and Shaka Guide to compare them. Since we had two full days on the Road to Hana, we listened to them alternately to see which one we liked better and could recommend to my readers.
- Gypsy Guide – My favorite of the two. The narration was clear, well-timed with GPS, and gave just the right amount of detail. It plays the stops in reverse order on the way back, which was great.
- Shaka Guide – Also good, with a friendly narration style and local Hawaiian music between stops. Like Gypsy guide, it pointed out which stops are on private property.
Both apps work offline and make the drive feel like having a personal tour guide in the car.
➡ I recommend this Gypsy Guide audio tour that includes the entire Maui island. Drive anywhere in Maui, including the Road to Hana, Haleakala, and West and South Maui, and the tour will narrate the upcoming stops. Best value!
Taking a Tour
If you’d rather sit back and enjoy the scenery, a guided tour is a great option. You won’t have to worry about parking, driving in the dark, or keeping track of time.
Tours are perfect if you only have one day, prefer a stress-free experience, or want to let someone else handle the winding roads.
Below are my top Road to Hana tour recommendations:
- Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with lunch – Experience the black sand beach and other highlights with a local guide.
- Luxury Limo Van Tour with Helicopter Flight – 6-hour tour in a luxury limo and return via helicopter!
Where to Stay on the Road to Hana
There isn’t a lot of accommodation along the Road to Hana, and the best options get booked months in advance, especially during peak season or holiday weeks. We visited Maui during the winter holiday week and were lucky to find a last-minute cancellation at Hana Kai, which turned out to be perfect.
If you can find availability, staying overnight in Hana makes the drive so much more enjoyable. You can explore at a relaxed pace, visit all the stops without rushing, and catch the sunrise or sunset right by the ocean.
Below are some great options:
✅ Hyatt Hana Maui Resort – A luxury oceanfront resort and the top choice if it’s within your budget. The property has a spa, restaurant, pool, and beautiful views — ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
✅ Hana Kai Resort – This is where we stayed, and we loved it. The condo-style units overlook Waikaloa Bay, with easy access to a quiet black sand beach. We even caught a gorgeous sunrise right from the beach near our room.
✅ Heavenly Hana Paradise is a mid-range guest house with several studio rooms with private bathrooms. The location is serene in a tropical setting and close to food options in Hana.
There are also a few rustic cabins and campsites at Waianapanapa State Park, but they book up fast. You’ll need to bring your own linens and supplies, so for most visitors, a hotel or condo stay in Hana is a lot easier and probably cheaper than buying camping gear.
Where to Eat
Here are some of our favorite food stops along the Road to Hana — from fresh banana bread to local-style lunches and farm-to-table pizza.
- Hana Farms (Hana) – Our favorite stop in Hana. The wood-fired pizza was delicious; don’t miss the arugula and pesto combo. The marketplace next door sells banana bread (even vegan) and local gifts.
- Thai Food by Pranee (Hana) – Great spot for flavorful, fresh Thai food. We stopped here for lunch the next day and loved the veggie stir-fry and spring rolls.
- Huli Huli Chicken (Koki Beach) – This is a very popular food option at Koki Beach. If you go to Koki Beach, definitely try it.
- Nahiku Marketplace (Mile Marker 29) – A cluster of small food stands like Nahiku Cafe and Island Style Tacos. Perfect for coffee or a quick snack before reaching Hana.
- Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread (Ke‘anae Peninsula) – The most famous banana bread in Maui, baked fresh daily. We grabbed a loaf, and it was the best banana bread of our trip.
- Halfway to Hana Stand – A quick rest stop for shaved ice, banana bread, and drinks.
If you’re driving all the way to Hana, pack water and snacks for the road as dining options are limited between stops.
Tips from our visit
Here are some of the most valuable tips from our own Road to Hana experience:
Final Takeaways
Driving the Road to Hana was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our Maui trip. The lush scenery, waterfalls, and beaches make it a true bucket list adventure.
If you can, plan it as a two-day trip. Staying overnight in Hana made the drive far more relaxed and let us enjoy every stop without feeling rushed. For a day trip, start early and focus on key highlights like Ke‘anae Peninsula, Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach, and Oheo Pools.
If driving the winding road sounds stressful, book this small-group Road to Hana adventure tour.
If driving yourself, I highly recommend this Gypsy self-guided audio tour.
No matter how you go, the Road to Hana is all about the journey — slow down, take it in, and enjoy the beauty of Maui’s east coast.
Up next, if you’re visiting between December and April, check out my experience taking a whale watching tour in Maui.
Related Posts
Check out my other posts from our Maui trip below!
