Road to Hana

I’ve driven the Road to Hana five times. The first time I made every mistake possible — left Kahului at 9am, stopped at every pullout for 20 minutes each, got stuck behind tour buses in the one-lane sections, ran out of cash for the fruit stands, and arrived in Hana at 4pm too tired to appreciate being there. The second time I left Pa’ia at 6:30am with a full tank, cash in my pocket, the Shaka Guide app loaded, and a reservation at Wai’anapanapa State Park booked three weeks earlier. That time the road was exactly what people say it is — one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Highway 360 runs 64 miles from Pa’ia on Maui’s north shore to Hana on the remote east coast, gaining and losing elevation through rainforest, passing 59 bridges (46 of them single-lane, with the right of way going to whoever honks first), and delivering views of the coastline, waterfalls, and tropical vegetation that pile up into a continuous overwhelm of beauty. There are 620 curves. There is no good cell service for large sections. The gas stations are few and expensive. Bring cash, bring patience, and leave as early as you can.

The stops that actually matter are fewer than the guidebooks suggest. Twin Falls at mile 2 is the easy warm-up waterfall — a short walk through private farm land to a swimming hole that most people love. The Garden of Eden at mile 10 is a beautiful arboretum worth 45 minutes. The Ke’anae peninsula at mile 16 is where Aunty Sandy’s banana bread stand operates — cash only, $5–7 a loaf, worth every dollar. Wai’anapanapa State Park at mile 32 has the black sand beach and the sea caves. Hana itself is a small town with good food and no reason to rush through it. And past Hana, the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park has the Pools of ‘Ohe’o and the Pipiwai Trail.

Why Road to Hana should be on your Maui itinerary

The Road to Hana is one of those experiences that genuinely delivers what travel writing promises about it — not because it’s easy or comfortable (it isn’t), but because the landscape is extraordinary enough to reward the effort. The rainforest that lines the highway is genuinely lush in a way that Maui’s dry west coast never is. The waterfalls appear around corners without warning. The black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa is unlike anything you’ll find in the resort areas.

The Pipiwai Trail past Hana is the single best hike on the Road to Hana and one of the best on all of Maui. Four miles round trip through a bamboo forest — stalks rising 40 feet, clicking and rustling in the wind, the light filtering green through the canopy — before emerging at Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot cascade dropping from a vertical cliff face. Allow 3 hours and bring water.

The road rewards those who stay overnight in Hana rather than attempting a round trip in a day. The town at sunset, after the day-trippers have driven back to Kahului, is a different and quieter place. The Travassa Hotel (formerly Hotel Hana Maui) is the one proper accommodation option — expensive but positioned for experiencing east Maui without the commute.

What should you stop for on the Road to Hana?

Twin Falls (Mile 2) — The first significant waterfall hike, through private agricultural land (a small donation is requested at the gate). A 10-minute walk leads to twin swimming holes with rope swings. A crowd pleaser for families and an easy introduction to the road’s character. Budget 45–60 minutes.

Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile 10) — A 26-acre tropical garden with labeled plant species, ocean lookouts, and a couple of walking trails through lush plantation. Entry $20/person. The overlook above Puohokamoa Falls is genuinely spectacular. Budget 45 minutes.

Ke’anae Peninsula and Aunty Sandy’s (Mile 16) — A left turn off the highway descends to the Ke’anae peninsula, a flat lava shelf jutting into the ocean with a historic taro farming community and a small Hawaiian church. Aunty Sandy’s banana bread stand is here — cash only, $5–7/loaf, buy two because you will eat one in the car. The bread is warm, dense, and worth the stop.

Wai’anapanapa State Park (Mile 32) — Requires an advance reservation through Hawaii state parks (book weeks ahead). The black sand beach is extraordinary — formed from volcanic lava, jet black against turquoise water, framed by sea arches and blowholes. The coastal trail to the sea caves takes 30 minutes. Budget 90 minutes.

Hana Town — The road’s end point is a small Hawaiian community of a few hundred residents, a small bay, a grass airstrip, and several good food options. The Hasegawa General Store has operated since 1910. Hana Bay is calm for swimming. Budget 60–90 minutes.

Pools of ‘Ohe’o / Kipahulu (7 miles past Hana) — Part of Haleakala National Park (entry $30/vehicle). A series of tiered pools fed by waterfalls. Swimming was prohibited in 2021 due to flash flood risk and leptospirosis. Worth seeing regardless. The Pipiwai Trail departs from here.

Pipiwai Trail (7 miles past Hana) — 4 miles round trip (2.5–3 hours) through a bamboo forest to 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This is the highlight of the entire Road to Hana for hikers. Arrive early — the trailhead fills up by 10am. Wear shoes with grip; sections can be muddy.

Where should you eat on the Road to Hana?

Pa’ia (before you start):

• Pa’ia Fish Market — The best breakfast on Maui before the road. Fresh fish tacos, fish sandwiches, and fresh poke from 11am (arrive early). $14–20. Also has a second location in Kihei.

Along the road:

• Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread — Ke’anae Peninsula, mile 16. Cash only, $5–7/loaf. Non-negotiable.
• Roadside fruit stands — Multiple stands sell fresh coconuts (they’ll open them with a machete on the spot), sugarcane, starfruit, and bananas. Bring $20 in small bills. The honor-system stands with cash boxes are the most charming.

In Hana:

• Braddah Hutts BBQ — A food truck near Hana Bay with excellent smoked kalua pork, ribs, and pulled chicken. $12–18. Lines form at lunch.
• Hana Ranch Restaurant — A sit-down option in Hana town with burgers, plates, and local food in an open-air setting. $16–28.
• Pono Market — A small local grocery and deli in Hana with plate lunches and prepared foods for a budget-friendly meal.

Where should you stay for the Road to Hana?

Travassa Hana ($400–800/night) — The only proper hotel in Hana, a low-rise resort property on 66 acres of east Maui’s rainforest coast. The experience of being in Hana after the day-trippers leave is genuinely worth the cost premium. Cottages, a spa, farm-to-table dining, and access to the road’s best hikes in the early morning.

Hana Vacation Rentals ($200–400/night) — A growing market of private homes in and around Hana available on VRBO. Full kitchen access, more space, and the chance to experience the community rather than just pass through it.

Wailea or Lahaina base (day trip) — Most visitors do the road as a day trip from Wailea (90-minute drive to Pa’ia to start) or Lahaina (70 minutes). This is viable but exhausting — expect a 10–12 hour day and plan accordingly.

When is the best time to drive the Road to Hana?

April through October — Drier conditions with less rain on the windward coast. The road is more manageable and the waterfalls are flowing without the volume that can make stream crossings hazardous.

November through March — Wetter and potentially more dramatic, with higher waterfalls and more green. But the road can be treacherous in heavy rain, some stream crossings become dangerous, and Wai’anapanapa can be rougher sea conditions. Still absolutely driveable, just plan for rain.

Weekdays — The road is significantly less crowded on weekdays. The difference between a Tuesday and a Saturday is dramatic — the Saturday convoy of tour buses and rental cars can make the one-lane sections slow and frustrating.

The Road to Hana works best as part of a Maui itinerary that includes Haleakala (an early-morning drive to the summit crater) and a base in Wailea or Lahaina. See the full Hawaii destinations guide for Maui itinerary planning.