Best Road to Hana Itinerary for 1 or 2 days (2024)
Are you looking for the Road to Hana itinerary that best suits your needs?
I did the complete Road to Hana drive on my family’s 7-day trip to Maui and did endless research on everything related to this bucket list drive. We spent 2 full days on the Road to Hana exploring all the stops and attractions.
In this post, I have used my personal experience of the Road to Hana to curate the perfect itinerary for Road to Hana so that you can experience this bucket-list drive in Maui and plan your Road to Hana itinerary for one or two days!
Road to Hana is about the journey to Hana and not so much about the destination of Hana. Driving on the Road to Hana and experiencing all the sights and natural beauty is a must-do on any trip to Maui. It is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
The waterfalls (and there are so many!), unique black, red, and white sand beaches, lush tropical waterfalls, amazing hikes, charming towns and villages, food trucks, and fruit stands all made for a truly memorable experience for me.
So, let’s get into the details of planning an epic itinerary for Road to Hana!
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Road to Hana Itinerary Options
There are several ways to do the Road to Hana, and I am going to list down all the itinerary options for you!
Itinerary Option 1: Day trip to Hana and back
This is the most common option that people choose to do. It means starting really early from South or West Maui, between 5 and 6 AM.
If you want to go all the way to Oheo Gulch/Pipiwai Trail on your Road to Hana day trip, then you will only have time to see the most popular Road to Hana stops.
I recommend the following stops for a day trip Road to Hana itinerary to Oheo Gulch with a start time of 6 AM from West or South Maui:
- Grab and Go Breakfast at Paia Town
- Hookipa Beach Lookout
- Ke’anae Peninsula and Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread
- Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
- Lunch at Hana town
- Wailua Falls
- Pools at Ohe’o
- Pipiwai Trail
Depending on the amount of daylight time you have left after seeing the Pools at Oheo, you may or may not have time to do the Pipiwai Trail hike, as it takes a minimum of 2 hours.
Remember to start your return drive one hour before sunset so that you can reach back to Paia town before it gets dark.
Tip: If the Pipiwai Trail is a must-do on your list, then an alternate day trip itinerary is to breeze past all the stops and drive non-stop to Pipwai Trail first. Then, visit Pools of Oheo. Later, grab some lunch at Hana and relax at the Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach. That way, you covered the three main stops, and if time permits, you can stop at other stops on the way back.
Itinerary Option 2: Day trip to Halfway to Hana and back
This is ideal for those who are short on time or for families with younger kids.
If you are planning to do the Road to Hana drive only Halfway to Hana, you will still get to experience the lush green Hana Highway and several stops before the halfway point, including Ke’anae Peninsula. You will have more time to explore the initial stops.
I recommend the following stops for the Halfway to Hana itinerary:
- Grab and Go Breakfast at Paia Town
- Hookipa Beach Lookout
- Twin Falls
- Garden of Eden (You can stop here on the way back if there is time)
- Kaumahina State Wayside Park Overlook (Restrooms here)
- Ke’anae Arboretum (short walk to see Rainbow Eucalyptus trees up close)
- Ke’anae Peninsula and Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread
- Halfway to Hana Fruit Stand
Itinerary Option 3: Road to Hana overnight (2 day) trip and back
This is the best option if you can spare two days for the Road to Hana drive. This will allow you enough time to explore all the best stops and not worry about returning before dark. This is what I did!
On Day 1, we covered all the stops up to Hana town, including Black Sand Beach.
On Day 2, we did the Pipiwai Trail hike, Oheo Gulch, and other stops past Hana town.
Keep reading to find out detailed information about each of these itinerary options. But first, let’s get acquainted with the Road to Hana drive logistics so that you can determine if you should do a 1-day or 2-day trip to Hana.
Road to Hana: Drive Logistics
The Road to Hana Drive is highly popular and always very busy with tourists. But it is also infamous because of the challenging road with its narrow and curvy roads and one-lane bridges.
There are around 600 curves in the road and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one-way bridges on the Road to Hana!
Experiencing the Road to Hana is a bucket list item for many.
But it is also daunting to plan this road trip and figure out when to start, what stops to make, where to eat, what entrance permits you should get ahead of time, if you should stay overnight in Hana or make a day trip, when to start back, and so many more things to decide.
Before we dive into the possible itinerary options, let’s go over possible Road to Hana driving routes -and what locals recommend!
If you look at Google Maps, there are two possible routes shown to do the Road to Hana. The routes differ in mostly how you return from Hana back to your origin, whether it be West or South Maui.
Out and back Route for Road to Hana (recommended)
Drive from Kahului to Hana in a clockwise direction passing the town of Paia, and then returning back the same way. This is the most common route for the Road to Hana and is a concrete road the whole way.
The majority of the road is a two lane highway except for the bridges and the road after Hana leading to Oheo Gulch, which is one lane.
The out-and-back route of Kahului-Paia-Hana is recommended by the locals in Maui for tourists who are driving the Road the Hana.
If this is your first time on the Road to Hana and you are driving instead of taking a tour, this is the route I recommend you stick to!
This Road to Hana itinerary follows the out-and-back route, i.e., driving to Hana from West Maui or South Maui to Kahului-Paia-Hana-Oheo Gulch and then back the same route.
Loop route for Road to Hana via Back Road
There is another loop route that involves driving on the backside of Haleakala Mountain. This would mean continuing further down the Hana road, which loops around the backside of the island, passes Kula, and then returns to Kahului.
This route has stretches of gravel roads and very narrow one-lane roads, which sometimes means backing quite a bit if another car comes from the opposite direction.
The Back Road to Hana route is not recommended for tourists self-driving the Road the Hana and can be dangerous if you are not experienced with such road conditions.
How long is the Road to Hana drive?
Most tourists either stay in West Maui (Lahaina / Kaanapali area) or South Maui (Kihei/Wailea area).
You should plan for a total of 10-12 hours for a Road to Hana day trip. If you want to hike the Pipwai Bamboo forest trail, add another 2 hours to this. Yes, it is a very long day trip to Hana!
An alternative for visitors who are short on time or are traveling with younger kids is to drive only Halfway to Hana, which can be done in 6-8 hours with most stops.
Keep in mind that the Black Sand Beach / Waiapana State Park is near Hana and is not a stop in a Halfway to Hana tour.
Below is the expected one-way time frame without any stops and traffic from West Maui to major milestones on Road to Hana:
- Lahaina to Paia – 1 hour
- Lahaina to Halfway to Hana – 2 hours
- Lahaina to Hana – around 3 hours
Below is the expected one-way time frame without any stops and traffic from Kihei in West Maui to major milestones on Road to Hana:
- Kihei to Paia – around 30 minutes
- Kihei to Halfway to Hana – 1.5 hours
- Kihei to Hana – around 2.5 hrs hours
But the reality is that there is lots of traffic during the day and lots of stops on the way.
You also spend a lot of time waiting for others to pass on the one-lane bridges and will most likely be moving really slowly with the traffic in both directions.
In reality and based on our experience, with traffic and a couple of restroom stops, it’s usually around 4 hours drive one way from Lahaina / Kihei to Hana. If you add sightseeing stops, it’s a lot more!!!
What time should you start for a Road to Hana day trip?
For a successful day trip to Hana, which means having enough time to see the major attractions, you will need to start very early.
Starting between 5 and 6 AM from West or South Maui will be ideal if you plan to go all the way to Hana to see the Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach.
If you plan to go only halfway to Hana, i.e., up to Ke’anae Peninsula, then you can start a little later, between 7 and 8 AM.
Road to Hana 1 day itinerary (day trip)
If you have allotted only one day for the Road to Hana drive, it is entirely possible to see some of the best stops and enjoy the journey.
Just set your expectations that you will not be able to see all the stops in one day. Pick a few that sound most appealing or are the most popular, and aim to do only those.
It is hard to find accommodations in Hana as the best ones get pre-booked months in advance. So, majority of visitors choose to do a day trip to Hana.
Let’s explore the stops on our Road to Hana day trip itinerary. I will mark the stops as optional or must-do as you will not have time for all the stops on a day trip to the Road to Hana.
Note: I will not be including any stops on private property that are considered trespassing by the Maui locals.
The most important Road to Hana stops are – Keanae Peninsula, Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach, Wailua Falls, Pipiwai Trail, and Pools of Oheo.
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 will drive by Paia. It’s a cool little surfer town, not exactly part of the Road to Hana Drive, but perfect for picking up any essentials that you need.
Here’s where you can fill your tank, grab some cash for Hana’s vendors, and maybe some gum or motion sickness meds.
You’ll find plenty of spots for a quick breakfast or lunch to go. Try not to hang around too long in the morning, though. You can stop by later in the evening on the way back for dinner or explore Paia another day.
Remember, Paia is your last stop for gas before reaching Hana. We did not stop here in the morning, as we had enough supplies and gas with us for the journey.
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 spot the turnoff for Ho’okipa Beach and Lookout. This spot’s a big hit for surfers, catching those northern swells, especially in the winter months. Kite surfers and windsurfers love it here, too.
You might also catch sea turtles at Ho’okipa, but they usually show up to lounge on the rocks later in the afternoon. So, if you’re passing by in the morning, spotting them might be a bit of a miss.
If there’s a spot to park, take a quick 5-10 minutes at the lookout. We stopped here, and it was cool to watch surfers tackling the waves. After this, the road turns inland, leaving the ocean views behind for a bit.
Stop # 3 – Twin Falls (optional)
- Stop Type: Waterfalls, swimming
- Parking: Paid
- Time Needed – 1 to 2 hours
Right before you get to Twin Falls, you’ll see a little sign marking Mile Marker 0. That’s where the Road to Hana officially kicks off.
Twin Falls, set on private land, is a popular stop, but it has a parking fee. I used my credit card to pay for parking here.
The parking area fits about 30 cars, and there’s a neat little waterfall just a short walk from there. If you’re up for it, a one-mile hike leads to more waterfalls. We just saw the first waterfall.
Twin Falls is a “maybe” stop for a one-day itinerary. There are many more waterfalls ahead on the Road to Hana.
But, if you’re only going Halfway to Hana, it’s a good spot to stretch your legs and enjoy.
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 lovely garden full of flowers, trees, and birds. They do charge an entrance fee.
It’s perfect for taking pictures and enjoying nature. They’ve got a duck pond and a place to feed birds, which is great for families, especially if you have young kids. The garden stretches over 26 acres, with trails and a view of Puohokamoa Falls.
I’d recommend stopping here if you’re only going Halfway to Hana. But if you’re heading all the way to Hana and Oheo Gulch, you might not have enough time to see it all in one day. We skipped this 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 has a great overlook for some awesome ocean views and a glimpse of the Ke’anae Peninsula.
Kaumahina Park is also a handy spot for a quick bathroom break, and parking is free.
Just a tip: bring your own toilet paper and hand soap, as they were out when we stopped by.
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 free-to-visit garden where you can see cool trees and plants up close, including the amazing Rainbow Eucalyptus. We stopped here specifically to see the Rainbow trees. My kids loved the colorful tree trunks.
There’s a whole bunch of other neat trees like Bamboo, Narra, Breadfruit, Torch Ginger, Ti Leaf, Taro Papaya, and Hibiscus.
Parking is free here, with space for about 7-8 cars right by the roadside outside the arboretum.
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 to Ke’anae town. This flat peninsula is a popular spot on the Road to Hana.
Ke’anae is famous for its taro farms, the over 150-year-old Ke’anae Congregational Church made of lava rocks, and stunning views of ocean waves hitting volcanic rocks.
The church, set against Haleakala mountain, is a peaceful sight.
We drove to the end of the road in Ke’anae, parked at the roadside, and watched the powerful ocean waves crash against the volcanic rocks. It was an incredible display of nature’s force.
Stop #8 – Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (must-do)
- Stop Type – Food stop
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 15 minutes
On the Ke’anae Peninsula, you’ll find Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, the most famous banana bread in all of Maui.
They bake it fresh every day, and when it’s gone, they close up.
Grab a loaf or two for a tasty snack on your Road to Hana journey. Trust me, it’s really delicious!
Stop # 9 – Halfway to Hana (optional)
- Stop Type – Optional food stop
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 15 minutes
Halfway to Hana isn’t an actual scenic stop; it’s more like a milestone on the Road to Hana.
At this milestone, there’s a rest stop and food stand where you can grab banana bread, shaved ice, and some snacks.
If you’re only doing the Halfway to Hana route, this is where you can turn back. But if you’re headed to Hana and beyond, this is your cue to keep on going.
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 known as Three Bears Falls, is a unique waterfall on the Road to Hana. When the flow’s just right, you’ll see three waterfalls of different heights, which is how it got its name. Lots of folks enjoy swimming there.
You can slow down on the bridge for a quick look, but parking’s tricky. It’s not safe or considerate to park on the bridge due to traffic.
We did not stop here. I took this picture from the car while my husband was driving.
If you want to stop, there’s a small spot for a few cars a bit down the road. Park there and walk back to the bridge for a better view.
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
This stop is good for a quick photo or a restroom break, especially since there aren’t many restrooms on the Road to Hana. It’s smart to use them whenever you get the chance.
From the parking area, a short trail leads you to the waterfalls and a swimming hole. It’s a favorite spot for Hana locals to take a dip.
Stop # 12 – Hanawi Falls (optional)
- Stop Type – Waterfall
- Parking – Roadside for a few cars
- Time Needed – 15 minutes
Hanawi Falls, a nice little waterfall and pool on the Road to Hana, has a limited parking area for about 4 to 5 cars.
If you find a spot, it’s a nice place to stop and check out the falls. If parking is full, you can still enjoy the view while driving over the bridge like 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, at Mile Marker 29, you’ll find Nahiku Marketplace. It’s a great spot with food vendors like Nahiku Cafe and Island Style Tacos.
They’ve got portable restrooms too. If you’re hungry and can’t wait until Hana, this is the perfect place to stop. We didn’t stop at the Marketplace as we had enough food with us and we were very eager to reach Black Sand Beach.
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, or Ka’eleku Caverns, is just off Hana Hwy on Ulaino Road, past Mile Marker 31, near Hana. It’s a cool spot if you’ve never seen an underground lava tube. Inside, there’s a part of the cave that looks like molten chocolate!
You can take a self-guided tour, and the price includes a flashlight for exploring the cave. It’s open every day from 10:30 AM to 4 PM.
We skipped this as we wanted to reach the black sand beach on 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, the most popular stop on the Road to Hana, is known for its stunning black sand beach and striking scenery.
I found the contrast of black sand with the blue ocean and greenery breathtaking. The black sand is from lava rocks worn down by the ocean over time.
Remember, you need to book advance reservations; same-day reservations aren’t allowed. Visit the State Park’s official website to reserve your 3-hour slot.
If you’re not sure when you’ll arrive, book a couple of slots to cover your bases. We booked the last slot of the day.
The beach is pretty small and tends to fill up fast. We got lucky and found it empty closer to closing time.
There’s a neat lava cave on the beach’s right side, opening to the ocean. To the left, a rocky coastal trail offers amazing views.
The park has picnic tables, restrooms, and even a campground with campsites and cabins. But heads up, cabin reservations go fast—I tried for months without luck!
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 get to Hana, you’ll see it’s more about the Road to Hana journey than the destination. Hana is a quaint town, mostly with food stands, a few grocery stores, and gas stations.
After exploring the black sand beach, we had dinner at Hana Farms, which offers amazing pizza – don’t miss the arugula salad and pesto toppings. It felt so nice to have a good sit-down meal after a long day of driving.
There is a food stand here which had some great banana bread and other food items.
For some flavorful Thai cuisine, check out Thai food by Pranee. We ate lunch here the next day.
Need to stock up for the trip back? Hasegawa General Store has you covered, and there’s a gas station nearby for a fill-up and tire check.
If you were only going to drive up to Hana on a day trip, then this is where you turn back and return to your starting point.
If you have 3+ hours of daylight left, you can continue to explore further down the road.
We stayed overnight in Hana and did the remainder of the stops the next day.
For lodging, Hana Maui Resort offers luxury with stunning ocean views.
Hana Kai, where we stayed, is fantastic, too, with great views and access to a different black sand beach. We absolutely loved our stay there! We woke up early the next day and saw sunrise at the beach next to our resort.
Stop # 17 – Koki Beach (must-do)
- Stop Type – Red Sand Beach
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 30 minutes
To visit Koki Beach, take a detour to Haneoo Road off the Hana Highway, just past Hana town.
Koki Beach is a great spot to see a red sand beach, especially since the other red sand beach -Kaihalulu Beach, is hard to access due to a landslide-damaged trail.
At Koki Beach, I loved how the striking red cliffs and sand created a beautiful contrast against the blue waters. The sand was not very red but more like a reddish brown. The sand closer to the red cliffs was more red.
Parking might be a bit difficult here. If you can’t find a spot, Hamoa Beach is a good alternative, just a bit further down the road.
Keep in mind that Koki Beach isn’t suitable for swimming because of the strong ocean currents. For swimming, Hamoa Beach is a safer choice.
And if you’re hungry, check out the popular Huli Huli Chicken stand next to Koki Beach.
18. Hamoa Beach (optional)
- Stop Type – White sand beach, swimming
- Parking – Yes
- Time Needed – 1 hour
Keep going down Haneoo Road, and you’ll find Hamoa Beach, with pristine white sand. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a picnic on the beach.
Just a heads up, finding parking can be tough since it’s one of the nicest beaches on Maui’s eastern side.
Stop # 19 – Wailua Falls (must-do)
- Stop Type – Waterfalls, swimming
- Parking – Yes
- Time needed – 30 minutes to 1 hour
As we went past Hana towards Oheo Gulch, we noticed that the road became narrower, often just a single lane, and we were surrounded by lush greenery, canopy trees, and hanging vines on the drive.
Wailua Falls, near Mile Marker 45 on Honolewa Stream, is a must-see despite the many waterfalls you’ll encounter on the Road to Hana. It’s about 80 feet high and nestled in a lush forest, complete with a swimming hole below.
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 # 20 – 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 Haleakala National Park, is known for its cascading waterfalls and tranquil natural pools set amidst lush tropical greenery.
Pools of Oheo are inside Haleakala National Park, so you’ll need to buy a $35 entrance permit at the gate. This permit is good for 3 days, which means you can also use it to catch the sunrise or sunset at Haleakala Summit within that time. Don’t forget to save your permit!
Once you’re in the parking lot, take the right fork for the Oheo Gulch trail. We did the Kuloa Point Trail, an easy 0.5-mile loop with views of the Pools of Oheo. You can do an additional 0.3-mile Kahakai trail for some fantastic coastal scenery.
The Kipahulu visitor center is a great place to get park info and updates on conditions. There’s a large parking area with restrooms and benches.
After exploring Oheo Gulch and the Pipiwai trail, it’s best to head back to Hana if you’re staying there overnight or start your long drive back to your starting point in West or South Maui.
Stop # 21 – 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
Pipiwai Trail, in Haleakala National Park and sharing the same parking as the Pools of Oheo, starts on the left after the parking lot.
It’s one of the coolest hikes in Maui, a 4-mile round trip with a climb of about 650 feet. You’ll walk on varied terrain – steps, rocky paths, wooden planks, and dirt.
Along the way, we saw a huge Banyan tree and a beautiful bamboo forest halfway through.
The trail ended at the impressive Waimoku Falls, which is 400 feet tall. The area right up to the falls is now closed, with a sign placed there. However, we got a good look at the falls from the sign.
The trail was dry when we went, but during the rainy season, the trail might be muddy and slippery, so good hiking shoes are recommended. Flip-flops aren’t a great idea because of the rocky and uneven ground.
Do you have time to hike the Pipiwai Trail? If you’re on a day trip, make sure you’ve got 2 hours of daylight for the hike and another 2 hours to drive back to Paia, so you’re not driving the Hana Highway in the dark.
Anu’s Pro-Tip: If hiking Pipiwai Trail is a priority for you (it was for me!), skip the optional stops before Hana. Stick to the must-do, so you have enough time. Or, head straight to Pipiwai first thing in the morning and hit the other spots on your way back, as time allows.
This concludes the stops on the Road to Hana. Depending on when you start, you may or may not be able to do all the stops listed here.
Remember to keep track of the daylight hours remaining and turn back when you have at least 2 hours of daylight left. Driving the Road to Hana in the dark is not advisable.
Road to Hana 2 day Itinerary
If you have allotted 2 full days for the Road to Hana drive and were able to find accommodations for the night in Hana, then you have a lot more time to do all the stops on the Road to Hana.
This is what I did on my family trip, and we thought this was a great way to do the Road to Hana and not feel rushed or keep worrying about returning before dark.
We also were able to start a little late, around 8 AM, from Kannapali, and did not have to wake up super early. We just packed an overnight bag and some snacks and were good to go.
The downside was that we were double booked in accommodations for one night, but considering this was a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list drive, it was an easy decision.
Day 1: All the stops till Hana town, including Black Sand Beach
As our journey on Day 1 ended at Hana, we had a lot more time to explore each stop. We had made reservations for the last time slot for Wainapanapa State Park from 3 to 6 PM, as that was our last stop before heading to Hana Kai Hotel for the night.
On Day 1 of 2 day Road to Hana itinerary, I recommend making the following stops:
- Grab and Go Breakfast at Paia Town
- Hookipa Lookout and Hookipa Beach (eat your breakfast here while enjoying the surfers in action!)
- Twin Falls
- Kaumahina State Wayside Park Overlook (Restrooms here)
- Ke’anae Arboretum (short walk to see Rainbow Eucalyptus trees up close)
- Ke’anae Peninsula and Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread
- Halfway to Hana Fruit Stand
- Hana lava tube
- Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
- Hana town
Keep track of the time needed to reach Black Sand Beach from your current stop, as you don’t want to miss your reservation window. You can enter Waianapanapa State Park anytime during your reservation window, but you have to exit at the time your reservation window ends.
If you are running out of time, skip some of the stops, as you can do them on the way back the next day!
Day 2: All the Stops after Hana Town and Pipiwai Trail hike
On Day 2, we checked out at 7 AM, had a quick breakfast at the food trucks in Hana, and drove straight to Pipiwai trail. It took us around 45 minutes from Hana.
We paid the entrance fee of Haleakala National Park at the gate and were on the trail by 9 AM.
As we were so early, we had the trail to ourselves pretty much the entire way going up.
Most people doing a day trip don’t reach here this early from West or South Maui, so we enjoyed the solitude. We could hear the forest sounds, the birds, and the bamboo plants swaying. It was awesome!
After the hike, we did the small loop trail to see the Pools of Oheo.
Then we did the remainder stops of Wailua Falls, Hamoa Beach, and Koki beach, and then started our journey back to our Kannapali resort.
On Day 2 of Road to Hana overnight itinerary, I recommend making the following stops:
- Breakfast at Hana Town
- Pipiwai Bamboo Forest Trail (2 hours needed for the hike)
- Pools at Ohe’o
- Wailua Falls
- Hamoa Beach
- Koki Beach
- Lunch at Hana Town (or at Huli Huli Chicken at Koki Beach)
Finally, after seeing and experiencing everything that was on our list, we started our drive back to Kannapali.
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!
Road to Hana Drive or Tour?
While planning the Road to Hana drive, all travelers face this dilemma – Should you drive the Road to Hana or take a tour?
You might be better off taking a Road to Hana tour if you–
- worry about driving on extremely windy roads with blind corners and very narrow lanes
- are prone to motion sickness
- want to enjoy the drive and scenery and not have your eyes on the road 100% of the time
- worry about driving in the dark on windy roads
- worry about not being able to find parking at stops
- worry about losing track of time and not being able to make all the stops
- you only have one day for Road to Hana, want to see everything, and time is more important than money in this case!
When you do the Road to Hana with a tour, everyone in your group can enjoy the scenery and stops, and you don’t have to worry about finding parking or driving in the dark.
The tour operators know this road like the back of their hand, and you can get a lot more from this drive than by doing it yourselves. Taking a tour also guarantees that you will make all the stops listed in the tour and will have time for the stops.
Best Road to Hana Tours
Taking a Road to Hana tour leaves the driving to someone else so that you can enjoy your day hassle-free, and not have to worry about parking or permits.
Some tour operators can even drive the backside of Hana, doing a full loop tour. Most tours offer free hotel pickup, and many include lunch.
Below are some of the top quality, highly rated Road to Hana tours –
✅ This highly-rated Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour does a full loop via the backside of Hana. Best value!
✅ Do Road to Hana in style with this excellent quality Small-Group Luxury Limo Tour with Helicopter Flight Reverse. Includes helicopter flight above Haleakala crater and gourmet lunch! Best Luxury tour!
Road to Hana Audio Tour Apps- Gypsy or Shaka?
There are two popular self-guided audio tours for the Road to Hana drive that plays on your mobile phone with GPS tracking – Gypsy Guide and Shaka Guide.
I purchased both Gypsy Guide and Shaka Guide’s Road to Hana tour to compare the two. As we had two days on the Road to Hana, we listened to them alternatively to see the differences and which one we liked better to recommend to our readers.
Gypsy Guide’s Road to Hana Audio tour
Gypsy’s Road to Hana tour was quite impressive. The narration was short and to the point, giving enough detail about each upcoming stop but not too much.
It was also very accurate in pointing out the turns for each stop and where to park. There was silence between narration points which was good.
On going back to Paia, the Gypsy tour played the stops in reverse order, which is great in case you missed some stops earlier.
We liked Gypsy’s Road to Hana tour the best and found the narrator’s voice quite soothing.
➡ Book this Gypsy Guide audio tour that includes the entire Maui island. Drive anywhere in Maui including Road to Hana, Haleakala, and West and South Maui, and the tour will narrate the upcoming stops. Best value!
Shaka Guide’s Road to Hana Audio tour
Shaka Guide’s Road to Hana tour was also good, but somehow, we found the narration a little loud for our taste. The Shaka guide was also accurate in telling us which stops are considered trespassing or are illegal to enter.
One bonus of Shaka was that it played local Hawaiian music between narration points, which was soothing.
➡ Book your Shaka Guide Road to Hana Audio Driving Tour here
Where to stay on the Road to Hana
There is not a lot of accommodation on the Road to Hana. The popular ones are booked months in advance during peak season and holiday break weeks.
We visited Maui during the winter break and luckily got a last-minute accommodation at Hana Kai due to someone canceling.
Below are some accommodation options in Hana:
✅ Hana Maui Resort is a luxury Ocean-front resort in Hana and the place to stay if you can afford it! It is, after all, a bucket list drive. The resort has a spa, restaurant, pool, and many outdoor activities for guests.
✅ Hana Kai Resort is a mid-range Ocean-front resort in Hana where we stayed. The property is next to the black sand beach at Waikaloa Bay, and we saw an amazing sunrise in the morning at the beach! The condo was amazing, with ocean views and a full kitchen.
✅ 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 a handful of very basic cabins available at Wainapanapa State Park, but they are booked months in advance. You will have to bring your own linens, towels, etc.
There are camping sites available as well at Wainapanapa State Park for online booking. But if you are a tourist in Maui, you probably will not have camping supplies. So a hotel room might be cheaper than buying all the camping gear!
Where to eat on the Road to Hana: Best food stops
There are several food stops on the Road to Hana and in Hana and beyond.
Hana Farms in Hana– This was our favorite food stop in Hana! Delicious pizza with a great selection of toppings! Everyone in our family was happy here. They also have a marketplace where you can shop for banana bread and gifts. You could customize your pizza and make it vegetarian or vegan. The marketplace had vegan banana bread!
Thai food by Pranee in Hana- Great tasting fresh Thai food with fresh veggies and huge portions. This is a food truck turned restaurant with seating. They have some vegetarian options like spring rolls, rice dishes, veggie stir fry, etc.
Huli Huli Chicken at Koki Beach – This is a very popular food option at Koki Beach! If you go to Koki Beach, definitely try it!
Nahiku Marketplace before Hana – Located just 6 miles before Hana, Nahiku Marketplace is located at Mile Marker 29. There are several food vendors here, like Nahiku Cafe, Island Style Tacos, etc. Great stop for coffee and snacks.
Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread at Halfway to Hana – The most famous banana bread stop in Hana.
Halfway to Hana Food Stand – Quick snack shop for banana bread and shaved ice.
Tips for driving the Road to Hana
If you are planning to drive on the Road to Hana, you will need a rental car. I recommend Discover Cars as they check top car rental brands and provide the best rates.
More things to do in Maui
Final Takeaways: Road to Hana Itinerary
Road to Hana is the most scenic and amazing experience on Maui and a bucket list item for many. Plan the perfect Road to Hana drive and see all the amazing best stops on the Road to Hana.
To summarize, below are the possible Road to Hana Itinerary options –
Road to Hana day trip to Hana and Oheo Gulch: Best to make only the main stops -Keanae Peninsula, Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach, Koki Beach, Hamoa Beach, Wailua Falls, Pipiwai Trail, Pools of Oheo
Road to Hana day trip to Halfway to Hana: You will have more time to do all the stops till Halfway to Hana. This itinerary option is ideal for families with younger kids or who have less time.
Road to Hana overnight itinerary: It is possible to make all the stops. Day 1, do all the stops till Hana town and Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach. On day 2, make the Pipiwai bamboo forest trail first, then the pools of Oheo, Wailua Falls, Hamoa Beach, and Koki Beach.
Best Road to Hana Tours –
✅ This highly-rated Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour does a full loop via the backside of Hana. Best value!
✅ Do Road to Hana in style with this excellent quality Small-Group Luxury Limo Tour with Helicopter Flight Reverse. Includes helicopter flight above Haleakala crater and gourmet lunch! Best Luxury tour!
Hope you have an amazing time on your Road to Hana journey!!!
Up next – make sure to take a whale watching tour if traveling to Maui between December and April.
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