The Ultimate Road to Hana Guide (Best Stops, Map, What to Skip + Must-Do’s)
Planning the best stops on road to hana day trip? This comprehensive guide to the road to hana drive will help you navigate Maui’s legendary 64-mile journey. I’m sharing everything you need to know about the road to hana drive– including best stops, highlights, and delicious food finds!
How long does the Road to Hana usually take?
The classic road to hana drive from Paia/Kahului to Hāna is roughly 45 miles round trip. If you white-knuckled it with no stops, it would take about 2.5–3 hours. But you’re not doing that.
A realistic Road to Hāna day trip with the best stops on Road to Hana plus a short hike runs 10–12 hours.
BUT! It’s impossible to do everything in one day. The key to enjoying this experience is picking 5-7 stops maximum and leaving the rest for another trip. The journey is about slowing down and embracing island time, not racing to check boxes.
Road to Hana Important Tips
Best Day to Drive: According to local tour guides, Saturday and Wednesday are optimal because they’re transition days when most visitors are arriving or departing Maui. Avoid Sundays (many food stands closed) and Mondays (cruise ship day means heavy traffic).
Total Drive Time: 2.5-3 hours one way without stops. With stops, plan for 10-12 hours round trip.
Starting Point: Most drives begin in Paia, the last town for gas and supplies. Mile marker 0 technically starts a bit further down, but Paia (Mile Marker -10) is your practical starting point
Go Early, Like REALLY Early: Aim to leave Paia by 7:00 AM at the absolute latest, 6:00 AM is even better. This allows you to beat the crowds, find parking, and truly enjoy the tranquility of each stop. We left at 5:30 AM and it was magical. We had Twin Falls almost to ourselves!
If you want to be passenger princess check out these private tours!
Road To Hana Map
Best Stops on Road to Hana
Mile Marker 0: Paia Town
Highlight: Grab last-minute snacks, gas, or a coffee. Paia has the chill surfer town vibe and the best chances to outfit yourself (cooler, towels).
Parking/Fees: Paid street parking and lots in town. No fees on the highway.
Why stop? You’ll want coffee and breakfast before the winding road — try a quick stop at a café in Paia.
Paia town is a super cute beach town, small and quaint to fit enough shops and restaurants. It is a great starting point for the road to hana. We went to Paia fish market (waited about 40 minutes for our food) and to be honest it was not worth it.
Mile Marker 2: Twin Falls (Ho’olawa Stream)
Distance from Start: 10 miles from Paia
Highlights: Easy waterfall access, fruit stand, multiple trail options
Parking: Paid lot, approximately $5-10 per vehicle
Food: Twin Falls Fruit Stand offers fresh smoothies, coconut water, banana bread, and seasonal tropical fruits.
This is one of the first major stops on the road to hana, and it’s popular for good reason. The Lower Falls Trail is an easy 5-minute walk, making it perfect for families or those who want a quick waterfall fix without committing to a long hike.
What to Skip: If you’re planning to see waterfalls later in the drive (like Garden of Eden or Wailua Falls), you can skip Twin Falls to save time.
Mile Marker 6.5: Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Distance: 4.5 miles from Twin Falls
Highlights: Manicured gardens, multiple waterfall overlooks, peacocks
Entry Fee: $20 per adult, children 12 and under free
Parking: Large free parking lot
This 26-acre botanical garden features labeled tropical plants, several waterfall viewing platforms, and well-maintained trails. It’s one of the more commercialized stops but offers easier access than hiking to similar views.
What to Skip: If you’re on a budget or prefer authentic, undeveloped nature spots, this can be skipped in favor of free waterfall stops ahead.
Mile Marker 9-11: Waikamoi Ridge Trail & Haipua’ena Falls
Distance: 2.5 miles from Garden of Eden
Highlights: Free rainforest hike, bamboo forest
Parking: Small pullout (2-3 cars)
Food: None available
A short, muddy loop trail takes you through native forest and bamboo. This free alternative to Garden of Eden is beloved by locals who avoid overcrowded tourist spots.
Mile Marker 16.5: Keanae Peninsula +Aunty Sandy
Distance: 7.5 miles from Haipua’ena
Highlights: Black lava coastline, historic Hawaiian village, taro farms, BEST banana bread
Parking: Limited roadside parking
Food: Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (closes at 3 PM or when sold out)
Take the turnoff and drive to the end of the peninsula for dramatic ocean views where massive waves crash against ancient lava rock. This is where you’ll find Aunty Sandy’s, consistently rated the best banana bread on Maui according to both locals and visitors and ME.
Food Details: The Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread stand here is legendary. Many argue it’s the best banana bread on the Road to Hana. It’s hot, fresh, and delicious. Be prepared for a line, especially later in the morning. This is a cash-preferred spot(($10-15 per loaf) Besides banana bread ($10-15 per loaf), they serve hot dogs, smoothies, and coffee.
Mile Marker 17: Halfway to Hana
Distance: 0.5 miles from Keanae
Highlights: Large rest stop with ATM, food options
Parking: Large lot
Food: Banana bread, coconuts, snacks, Coke machines
This popular stop is convenient for restrooms and has one of the few ATMs on the road to hana. While not as charming as other food stands, it’s a reliable spot if Aunty Sandy’s is closed.
Mile Marker 19: Wailua Valley State Wayside Lookout
Distance: 2 miles from Halfway to Hana
Highlights: Sweeping valley views, photo opportunity
Parking: Roadside pullout
Food: Seasonal fruit stands (inconsistent hours)
Pull over for a quick photo of Wailua Valley’s patchwork of taro fields and waterfalls in the distance. On clear days, you can see multiple waterfalls cascading down the valley walls. This is a must see!
Mile Marker 19.5: Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls)
Distance: 0.5 miles from Wailua Lookout
Highlights: Roadside waterfall viewpoint
Parking: Small pullout (3-4 cars)
Food: None
When water flow is right, this creates three distinct waterfalls of decreasing size – hence “Three Bears.” It’s literally right off the highway, so you can park, snap photos, and leave in under 10 minutes. For closer views, walk under the bridge (be careful of slippery rocks).
Mile Marker 22.5: Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park
Distance: 3 miles from Upper Waikani
Highlights: Swimming holes, waterfall, picnic tables, restrooms
Parking: Medium lot, fills up quickly
Food: None – bring your own
This is one of the best places to stop on the road to hana if you want to swim. The waterfall-fed pools are cold but refreshing, and the park has decent facilities including picnic areas and bathrooms. Best for swimming in the morning when the water is calmer. The pools can get crowded by midday.
Mile Marker 27.5: Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
Distance: 5 miles from Pua’a Ka’a
Highlights: coconut ice cream made with local ingredients
Parking: Roadside pullout
Food: Coconut Glen’s is famous worldwide – flavors include Hawaiian passion fruit, chocolate chipotle, and original coconut
Cash only (no credit cards)
So smooth and creamy yet claims to be vegan. This is legitimately some of the best ice cream you’ll ever taste. Made from fresh local coconuts, it’s creamy, rich, and completely dairy-free.
Mile Marker 28-29: Nahiku Marketplace
Distance: 1.5 miles from Coconut Glen’s
Highlights: Food trucks, coffee, ocean views
Parking: Small gravel lot
Food: Nahiku Cafe serves fish tacos that locals rave about. Also find Maui Coffee Roasters for excellent coffee.
The turnoff is easy to miss for Nahiku Marketplace – look for small signs.
Mile Marker 31: Kahanu Garden & Pi’ilanihale Heiau
Distance: 2 miles from Nahiku
Highlights: Largest ancient temple in Hawaii, breadfruit collection, cultural significance
Entry Fee: $18 per adult, $10 for Hawaii residents, children 12 and under free
Parking: Free parking lot
Food: None
If you’re interested in Hawaiian history and culture, this National Tropical Botanical Garden site is worth the stop. The massive stone temple (heiau) dates back to the 13th century and is larger than a football field.
What to Skip: If you’re focused on natural scenery and limited on time, this can be skipped.
Mile Marker 32: Wai’anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
Distance: 1 mile from Kahanu Garden
Highlights: Famous black sand beach, lava caves, coastal hiking, blowhole
Entry Fee: $5 per person
Parking Fee: $10 per vehicle
Parking: Reservation required – book at gostateparks.hawaii.gov at least 2 weeks in advance
Food: None – bring your own
This is THE highlight of most road to hana things to do lists. The black sand is something we had never seen before, so it was definitely worth a stop for us. When we went, I remember it was pouring rain. We still had a blast though.
Reservations are mandatory for non-residents. Book your time slot (morning, midday, or afternoon) well in advance – prime slots sell out weeks ahead. Early morning time slots are less crowded
Mile Marker 34: Hana Farms
Distance: 2 miles from Wai’anapanapa
Highlights: Farm stand, bakery, wood-fired pizza restaurant
Parking: Large free lot
Food:
- Banana bread in six varieties (original, chocolate chip, macadamia nut, pineapple, etc.)
- Bamboo Hale Pizzeria: Wood-fired pizzas with farm-grown ingredients – the ulu (breadfruit) and pesto pizza gets rave reviews
- Fresh lemonade, tropical sodas, ice cream, smoothies
- Locally grown produce, hot sauces, jams
- Enormous “aloha cookies” with chocolate and macadamia nuts
Hana Farms is one of the best stops on the road to hana for a proper meal. The pizza is large enough to share, and everything is made with local ingredients, many grown on-site. The markets are open until 6 pm.
Mile Marker 35-36: Hana Town
Distance: 1-2 miles from Hana Farms
Highlights: Gas station (last one! Super expensive!), food truck park, historic churches
Parking: Various small lots
Food: This is food truck central. Options include:
- Da Fish Shack – Fresh local fish from Hana fishermen, daily menu based on the catch. The ahi tuna BLT is legendary
- Ae’s Thai Kitchen – Pad thai, curry, coconut-crusted mahi
- Poke Bob’s – Poke bowls and kabobs
- Troy’s Plate Lunch – Only open Wednesday-Thursday, but worth it if you catch him. Run by a professional chef
- I Lava Tacos – Tacos and burritos
- Pranee’s Thai Food – Another excellent Thai option
- Joel’s – Korean chicken and burgers
Da Fish Shack is the most consistently recommended food stop in Hana. Owner Brian Maser works with four local fishing boats that go out each morning, keeping everything fresh and local.
What to Skip: Hana town itself doesn’t have major attractions – it’s just a small rural community. Stop for food and gas if needed, but don’t expect touristy activities
Mile Marker 42+:Pipiwai Trail+ ‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Distance: 10 miles past Hana
Highlights: Waterfall pools, Pipiwai Trail, bamboo forest, 400-foot Waimoku Falls
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (National Park pass accepted)
Parking: Large National Park lot
Food: Seasonal banana bread vendors in parking lot (Chef Dave’s truck)
This is part of Haleakala National Park and requires a separate entrance fee. The Pipiwai Trail is considered one of the best road to hana things to do – it’s a 3.8-mile round-trip hike through bamboo forest leading to the massive Waimoku Falls. It took us about 2 hours to complete the trail. After the pipiwai trail, do a short hike to Oheo Gulch falls aka seven sacred pools. The trail is about 0.5 mile. And it is super worth it.
