The road to hana: a scenic, soulful journey through maui
Waterfalls, jungle views, banana bread & unforgettable stops along one of Hawaii’s most iconic drives
Driving the Road to Hana is less about reaching a destination (honestly there really isn’t much in Hana!) — and more about the journey itself. Winding through lush rainforests, hugging dramatic cliffsides, and crossing over 50 one-lane bridges, this legendary route offers a slice of old Hawaii: unspoiled, untamed, and unbelievably beautiful.
I recently experienced this iconic drive on a trip to Maui, and it’s one of those days that imprints itself on your heart forever — partly because of the views, and partly because of the warm banana bread I devoured halfway through (yes, that recipe’s right here).
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own magical Road to Hana adventure — including must-see stops, timing tips, and how to get there.
What is the Road to Hana?
The Road to Hana (Hana Highway) is a 64-mile stretch of highway along Maui’s northeastern coast, connecting the town of Paia to the tiny village of Hana. The road winds past waterfalls, black sand beaches, bamboo forests, and cliffside lookouts, with dozens of scenic pullouts and hidden gems along the way.
It’s not about getting to Hana fast — it’s about slowing down and soaking it all in.
How Long Does It Take?
Plan for a full day — at least 10 to 12 hours round trip from most parts of Maui.
- Drive time alone (no stops): 2.5–3 hours each way
- Realistic drive with stops: 5–6 hours each way if you’re enjoying sights and hikes
- Option: Stay overnight in Hana to take your time and explore more
Transportation Options
You’ve got a few ways to do it:
1. Self-Drive (Recommended for Adventurers)
- Rent a car and explore at your own pace
- Allows spontaneous stops, food breaks, and photo ops
- Download the GyPSy Guide app or Shaka Guide for a narrated tour that works with GPS (amazing!)
2. Guided Tours
- Sit back and enjoy the views with a local guide
- Many include hotel pickup, lunch, and curated stops
- Great if you want to relax or don’t feel confident on narrow roads
3. Private Driver / Small Group Tour
- Ideal for families or couples wanting a customized experience
- Can be pricey but offers a stress-free, personalized itinerary
Must-See Stops Along the Road to Hana
Here’s a sample itinerary of highlight stops heading east from Paia to Hana:
1. Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)
- Short, easy walk to waterfalls
- Great first stop for stretching your legs and grabbing fresh fruit at the stand
2. Garden of Eden Arboretum (MM 10)
- Lush botanical garden with panoramic views of the coast
- Small entrance fee, but worth it for peaceful trails and photo spots
3. Ke’anae Peninsula & Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (MM 16.5)
- MUST STOP. The banana bread is legendary and baked fresh all day
- Gorgeous views of crashing waves and lava rock coastline
4. Wailua Falls (MM 45
- One of the most photogenic waterfalls on the route
- Also known as the Three Bears waterfall.
- Can view it right from the roadside — no hike required!
- It is on a sharp turn in the road, so you cannot get out and visit this waterfall – plus you are not allowed to swim here anyway. You may be able to take a photo as you go past, but be careful stopping on the side of the road.
5. Waiʻānapanapa State Park – Black Sand Beach (MM 32)
- Famous black sand beach with sea caves and lava tubes
- Reservations required to visit — book ahead online!
- Excellent picnic stop or quick dip
- The beach is black lava rock, difficult to sit and lay on, and is quite small and can get crowded
- There isn’t much shade on the beach – but you may be able to find a tree
- The waves and current here are very big and high. Great for wave jumping, but you do need to be very careful
- Take swim shoes if you plan to go in the water – there are so many rocks and smaller rocks will get stuck inside your toes and in your shoes!
- There are showers near the restrooms for you to shower off and get rid of all the rocks hidden in your bathing suit and swin shoes afterwards!
6. Hāna Town (MM 52)
- Small, charming village that feels worlds away
- Refuel here with lunch, local crafts, and a peaceful vibe
7. Wailua Valley State Wayside (MM 19)
- Less touristy spot with sweeping views over the Wailua Valley
- Quick stop but breathtaking
8. Optional Overnight in Hana
If you can swing it, spend the night at places like:
- Hana-Maui Resort (luxury with island elegance)
- Hana Inn or vacation rentals for more budget-friendly options
This lets you explore the “backside” of the island the next day or just enjoy Hana’s tranquil beaches like Hamoa Beach without the crowds.
FOOD & DRINK ON THE ROAD TO HANA
Most prepared food and coffee starts around mile 16 and beyond. It’s wise to bring your own snacks and water, especially for the early hours of driving until you come across food stands.
Banana Bread
Banana bread is a must on the Road to Hana! There are many different little stands selling banana bread along the route. All are good. But probably the best known is Aunt Sandy’s. They have been there for a long time and everybody talks about Aunt Sandy’s banana bread! See here for the address, hours etc.
Fruit Stands
- Self‑serve fruit stands from early in the drive up to mile ~9–10: pick up fresh tropical fruit like mango, papaya, coconut candy, and juices—you pay with exact change into a box.
- Coconut Glen’s at mile ~27: offers vegan ice cream and coconut sweets made with local ingredients.
COFFEE
If you got up early for the Road to Hana you may be wanting your coffee! Coffee is served at many different little stands along the route. Halfway to Hana has a stand which sells coffee.
Nahiku Café & Marketplace (mile ~29): serves excellent coffee including a macadamia‑nut latte (hot or iced), along with smoothies, Thai plates, barbecue, pizza, and local snacks. On the Go with 4 Kids in Tow+2The Road Les Traveled+2Reddit+2
Reddit visitors confirm:
“Full barista coffee service is at Nahiku Cafe… Macnut latte hot or iced… amazing” Reddit+1On the Go with 4 Kids in Tow+1
Hana Farms (mile ~31): serves coffee along with locally made baked goods, fruit, and a restaurant offering pizzas, salads, and aloha cookies (macadamia‑chocolate). The Road Les Traveled+3Tangled Up In Food+3Reddit+3
In Hana town (mile ~34): small food truck lot including coffee trailers like Da Mean Bean, But First Coffee, and the Hasegawa General Store. There are also food trucks serving tacos, ribs, barbecue, and more. YouTube+3The Road Les Traveled+3Reddit+3
Reddit comments:
“There is a great coffee trailer in Hana on the ocean side close to Hasegawa General Store. Da Mean Bean? It’s great!” Facebook+6Reddit+6Reddit+6
Fruit
SHAVE ICE
Shave ice is a Hawaiian treat and can be found in several places along the route. It is available at the Halfway to Hana stand.
Heartier Meals
- Huli Huli Chicken stand near Hana (mile ~49): grilled chicken, ribs, and pork served plate style with mac salad, rice, and greens. A popular lunch or dinner stop. The Road Les Traveled+1Reddit+1
- Hana Farms restaurant (mile ~31): serves wood-fired pizzas (e.g. pesto & breadfruit), hearty salads, and produce-driven menu items. Great for a sit-down lunch. Tangled Up In Food+1Reddit+1
- Food trucks in Hana town: offer a range of options—BBQ, tacos (e.g. the popular blue Orale Taco truck), Thai food, poke, and ribs.
Tips for the Road
- Start early (7:00–8:00 am) to avoid traffic and have time for stops
- Fuel up in Paia — it’s the last major gas station before Hana
- Bring snacks, water, and motion sickness remedies if needed (the roads can be very twisty and curvy)
- Download offline maps or apps — cell service is patchy
- Wear comfy shoes and a swimsuit if you plan to hike or swim, take a change of clothes too
- Use restrooms when you find them! There are few along the route
- Be patient — there are many one-lane bridges, slow drivers, and tight curves
Final Thoughts
The Road to Hana is more than a scenic drive — it’s a soulful experience. It’s about pulling over for a waterfall that wasn’t on your list, chatting with a banana bread vendor who calls you “cousin,” and feeling small (in the best way) surrounded by nature that’s wild, sacred, and breathtaking.
Whether you drive it yourself or take a tour, make it a day of slow travel, sweet bites, and spontaneous moments. And don’t forget the banana bread. Trust me on that one.
Have you driven the Road to Hana? What was your favorite stop?
Drop your tips or memories in the comments — or tag me on Instagram @abiteabroad with your photos!
