10 Best Stops On The Road To Hana

Welcome to the best stops on the Road to Hana!

Driving the Road to Hana is a must in Maui.

This scenic drive highlights some of the most iconic sights and landscapes on the island.

I’ve put together this list of the best stops through hours of research, as well as personal experience on the Hana Highway.

Although there are many more stops along the way, I’ve omitted the ones that I visited and didn’t like as much.

I think you should take this post as a starting point, then just pull over for anything else that looks interesting!

Let’s dive in to the best stops on the Road to Hana.

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Road To Hana Essentials

Top Tours & Experiences On The Road To Hana

Where To Stay On The Road To Hana

Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
Heavenly Hana Paradise
Paia Inn

How To Get Around The Road To Hana

Of course, you’ll need to have a rental car to drive the Road to Hana yourself.

Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.

Tips For Driving The Road To Hana

You can drive the Road to Hana either on your own, or with a tour.

I much prefer to drive it on my own, so I can beat the crowds and go at my own pace.

You can also drive the Road to Hana in one day.

It’ll just be one long, adventurous day!

Or, you can break up the driving by spending the night somewhere along the Hana Highway, like in Hana or Paia.

That way, you’ll be able to take as much time as you want to enjoy the drive and each stop.

Also, you won’t have to worry about driving the Road to Hana in the dark.

It all boils down to your personal preference.

Personally, the next time I drive the Road to Hana, I think I’ll try to break it up by staying the night in Hana.

That way, it’ll feel less rushed than trying to hit everything in one day.

If you’re nervous about navigating the Hana Highway’s hairpin turns and one-way bridges, rest assured it’s not that bad.

Just drive at a speed you feel safe at, let the locals behind you pass, and you’ll be totally fine.

Do keep in mind that mile markers are not always accurate on the Hana Highway, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for your stops.

Also, you won’t get much cell service for most of the drive, so I highly recommend downloading offline maps with your stops before you go.

1. Twin Falls

mile marker 2

To start, Twin Falls is your first chance to see a waterfall on your road trip!

This stop is well marked with a plenty of parking, and swimming under the falls is super refreshing.

2. Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand

mile marker 4.5

After that, the Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand is an adorable little fruit stand that sells delicious smoothies, fresh baked goods, açaí bowls, and other treats.

It’s also the perfect place to stop for breakfast or a snack after a dip at Twin Falls.

3. The Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove

mile marker 7

Next up, this “painted forest” is a little-known gem… It isn’t marked on maps, has no sign, and no parking lot.

Here, you’ll find many of the eucalyptus deglupta, or Rainbow Gum Tree, which populate the grove.

These trees’ trunks are covered in rainbow streaks, which resemble an artist’s brush strokes.

The streaks come from patches of outer bark shedding at different times over the year, revealing the bright green bark underneath.

The bark then darkens and matures to show hues of pink, blue, purple, and orange.

This crazy natural phenomenon has no crowds, and is super instagrammable!

4. Halfway To Hana Banana Bread Stand

mile marker 17

Although there’s so much amazing banana bread on Maui, you’ll find some of the tastiest at the Halfway To Hana stand.

This stand has been a staple on the Road To Hana since 1982, and has inspired tons of people to try to recreate the recipe at home.

Halfway To Hana is also a great stop to get out and stretch your legs, use restrooms, and grab a picnic table to snack at.

5. Coconut Glen’s

mile marker 27.5

According to Conde Nast Traveler, Coconut Glen’s is one of the best ice cream shops on the planet!

They serve up delicious, organic, vegan ice cream, and other homemade goods.

Not only that, their ice cream is made with coconut milk from local Maui coconuts!

6. Honokalani Beach (Black Sand Beach)

mile marker 32

Next, Honokalani Beach is located in Waianapanapa State Park– a stop you could easily spend all day at!

This black sand beach is gorgeous, and surrounded by well-paved paths that lead to a blowhole, and other stunning coastal views.

I recommend bringing water shoes here, as the beach is pretty rocky.

Also make sure to explore the little sea cave that’s hidden right off the side of the beach!

Due to its popularity, Waianapanapa State Park requires reservations, which can be made up to 14 days in advance.

Waianapanapa State Park reservations here: gowaianapanapa.com

7. Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach)

located in Hana

If you’re an adventurous traveler, this red sand beach is a must-see on the Road To Hana.

I hadn’t even heard of a red sand beach before this, but let me tell you… it was absolutely stunning!

The red sand contrasted against the insanely blue water was something I will never forget.

Although, the beach is tricky to find!

Head over to my How To Find Kaihalulu Beach post for everything you need to know.

8. Wailua Falls

mile marker 45

Next up is the most photographed waterfall on Maui, Wailua Falls.

This stop is located right off the side of the road.

Its beauty and easy accessibility make this one of the best stops on the Road to Hana.

All you have to do is park in the pullout, and admire this beautiful waterfall!

If you want to swim, there’s a short, but steep trail that leads you down to the base of the falls.

9. The Pools At ‘Ohe’o

mile marker 42

(Note that even though the mile marker is lower than Wailua Falls, this stop is located past Wailua Falls.)

The Pools At ‘Ohe’o, along with the next stop, are located within Haleakala National Park.

First enter through the park’s entrance, pay the fee of $15, and park in the parking lot.

Next, follow the signs towards the short loop trail that leads to the pools.

You’ll shortly be rewarded with the sight of seven, tiered pools connected by waterfalls flowing to the ocean.

If conditions are safe, these pools are swimmable!

Although even if they’re closed, the views of the pools and the coastline are breathtaking, and totally worth the stop.

10. Pipiwai Trail

mile marker 42

Lastly, this 4-mile trail is one of the best stops on the Road To Hana.

Many people regard the Pipiwai Trail as the best hike on the island.

It features a massive banyan tree, the famous bamboo forest, and ends at a viewing point of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

I’d recommend this hike for the more adventurous.

Prepare for it to take 3-4 hours, and you will definitely get muddy and have to cross a stream at one point.

Although, if you’re short on time, you could turn around after you reach the bamboo forest at about 30 minutes in.

Oh, do bring bug spray!!!

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Posted By: Arabella · In: hawaii, travel, usa