Maui’s Road to Hana: Iconic Adventure 🌈 or Risky Road Trip? ⚠️

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Kaumahina State Wayside Views Road to Hana Maui

The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most famous experiences—a legendary drive that winds through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along jaw-dropping coastal cliffs. For many visitors to Maui, it’s a must-do part of their vacation itinerary and a highlight of their visit to Hawaii.

But not everyone agrees. 

Cruise the Reddit threads and you’ll discover that while many travelers rave about the journey’s beauty and charm, others find it exhausting, crowded, and not worth the effort (my husband falls in this camp).

With 600+ hairpin turns, narrow bridges, and an all-day time commitment, the Road to Hana can feel more like a marathon than a vacation highlight.

So, is East Maui’s Road to Hana an iconic adventure or an overrated hassle? 

Honestly, the truth lies somewhere in between. And I believe you just need to know what to expect so you can decide whether it’s right for you and your family. 

So today, I’m going to break down the pros, cons, and some practical tips to help you decide if it’s worth the drive—and how to make the most of it if you go. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking explorer or a risk-averse traveler looking to avoid unnecessary holiday stress, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s get started…

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Why People Love the Road to Hana 🌈

The Road to Hana isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Winding along Maui’s northeastern coast, this iconic drive is a twisting, turning feast for the senses. And it tops the Maui Bucket List for most visitors.

Waterfalls cascade into emerald pools, turquoise waves lap black sand beaches, and lush tropical forests line the way. 

Road to Hana Waterfalls Maui Hawaii
Waterfalls along the Road to Hana

For many, the charm lies in the countless stops along the route. You can hike to hidden waterfalls, enjoy fresh banana bread from a roadside stand, or explore the volcanic shores of Waianapanapa State Park. 

Simply put, the Road to Hana is a chance to soak in Maui’s wild landscapes and experience the island in a way that feels off the beaten path. 

The Reality Check 🚗

The Road to Hana may sound like a tropical dream, but the reality can be far from relaxing. The journey includes over 600 sharp curves and 50 one-lane bridges, making it one of the most challenging drives in Hawaii (and I drive on the H1 in Honolulu every day!).

A curved road warning sign on the Road to Hana Maui
Are you up for the twists and turns?

Navigating these twists and turns requires focus and patience. The drive isn’t just physically demanding, it can also test your endurance (especially if you have kiddos with you).

It takes about three hours one way from Paia to Kipahulu—without factoring in stops. Add in parking challenges, crowded attractions, and the pressure of staying on schedule, and it’s easy to see why some travelers can find the experience more stressful than enjoyable.

From sharp curves with sheer dropoffs to exasperated local drivers zipping around slower-moving tourist vehicles, a lot can go wrong on this famous long and winding road. For example, we once met a family at the airport who had a minor fender-bender on the Road to Hana and it took 6 hours for help to arrive (causing them to miss their scheduled flight home).

But I contend that the key to enjoying this iconic drive is managing your expectations and proper planning (for example, do not plan it on your last day when you have a flight to catch). 

I mean, no one loves 600+ curves on a road and limited bathroom options. But the rewards of experiencing Maui’s stunning eastern coastline often outweigh the hurdles.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Drive the Road to Hana🌺

If you love seeking out hidden waterfalls and don’t mind a full day of exploration (like 10-12 hours), you’ll be in your element here. The Road to Hana is a joy for photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts who get excited about rainbow eucalyptus trees and black sand beaches. 

I think it’s good for couples and groups of friends who can trade off driving duties and aren’t rushing to stick to a rigid schedule.

Consider Skipping If… ⚠️

If you get motion sickness easily, those 600+ curves might turn your tropical adventure into a car-sick nightmare. The constant stopping and starting, narrow bridges, and long stretches between facilities can test anyone’s patience. And that’s why I hesitate to recommend it if you’re traveling with younger children.

Even if you enjoy it, they probably won’t. 

If any of that applies to you, consider exploring just the first few stops like Twin Falls instead of the full journey. Or opt for a guided tour where you can relax and let someone else handle the driving (more on that in a moment).

And remember, there is NO shame in not driving the Road to Hana on your Maui vacation. So don’t feel pressured to check it off a to-do list. Not every Maui activity is right for everyone.

Read More: Yes, it’s OK to Skip These 3 Super Popular Maui Experiences (Here’s Why)

Drive it Yourself vs. Book a Guided Tour

If you decide to go for it, the next decision is whether to drive yourself or book a guided tour. There are pros and cons to both. 

My husband and I did this drive ourselves for the first time just a few months after the devastating Lahaina wildfires when tourist numbers were very low. Even with light traffic, he found the drive to be mildly harrowing. 

Now that tourism has rebounded, so has the traffic along the Road to Hana.

All that traffic can be extremely overwhelming for the local community. So it’s worth considering booking a tour for that reason alone. One van with a professional driver versus 10+ rental cars eases the burden for local residents and provides a safer experience for you (guides will only take you to approved, safe places). 

But if you’re torn, let’s quickly cover the pros and cons: 

Drive it Yourself (DIY) 🚗

Driving yourself gives you full control over the pace and stops, so you can see only the stops you’re most interested in. It’s also a budget-friendly way to experience the beauty of Maui since many of the stops along the road are free or low-cost. It’s the best way to see the Road to Hana if you’re confident navigating winding roads and want to spend extra time at certain stops. 

Driving on the Road to Hana Maui
Narrow roads and single-lane bridges on the Road to Hana

Just keep in mind that it can be stressful for the driver (I can vouch for that!), especially with narrow roads, blind curves, and the need to let locals pass. Plus, when you’re the driver, you miss a lot of the best views and don’t get to fully enjoy the journey. 

If you decide to drive yourself, I HIGHLY recommend downloading the very affordable Shaka Guide app:

BEST DIY Tour APP
Shaka Guide App Hawaii

The Shaka Guide App

If you’re a DIY kind of traveler like I am, this is the perfect app to download for your Hawaii vacation. These GPS-guided audio tours are fun, easy to follow, and a super affordable way to explore the islands. I bought the whole Hawaii package when we moved here but you can also purchase individual tours.

Don’t forget to download the tour to your phone before you start the drive, cell phone service is sketchy along the way. Oh, and when it comes to booking rental cars in Hawaii, this is my pick:

MY Pick
Driving on Molokai Hawaii

Discount Hawaii Car Rental

For rental cars in Hawaii, go to the local experts. They’ll find you the best rate among all the major companies with no booking fees. And their customer support is top-notch.

Book a Guided Tour 🚌

A guided Road to Hana tour eliminates the stress of driving so you can relax and enjoy the views. A knowledgeable tour guide can share interesting history and local stories, and provide insight into Hawaiian culture. Tours are perfect if you prefer a more structured day or don’t want to worry about navigating or parking. 

The only downside is that tours can feel rushed, with limited time at each stop, and you won’t have the flexibility to skip or linger at locations. 

Tip: Book a private tour like the VIP Private Road to Hana Tour with Pick Up if you want to have total control over the itinerary.

The Best Road to Hana Guided Tours

If you decide to go with a tour, here are the top-rated small group tours on Maui:

Choose your route – Out and Back vs. Full Loop 🗺️

If you choose to drive yourself, one key decision is whether to do the classic “out and back” route or complete the full loop by continuing on the Piilani Highway. So let’s quickly cover these two options because I believe there is really only one option. Note: The Shaka Guide app does have itineraries for both options.

Out and Back

The classic out-and-back route follows the Hana Highway from Paia to Kipahulu and back the same way. This route is easier and safer for most drivers and I strongly recommend that you choose it.

This route also allows you to catch any stops you might have missed on the way out. The only real downside is that you’ll be driving the same route twice which may feel repetitive. 

Full Loop

The full loop continues onto the Piilani Highway, which circles around the southern side of Haleakala. While it may seem like a fun adventure into the rugged, less-traveled side of Maui, Piilani Highway includes unpaved sections, narrow roads, and steep drop-offs.There’s also limited cell service in the event of an emergency. 

Oh, and it’s very possible that driving this route will void your rental car contract (check with your rental car company to be sure if you’re considering it).

My Favorite Stops on the Road to Hana 📍

So you’ve decided to make the drive yourself and stick to the traditional “Out and Back” route (thank you). You’ve downloaded the Shaka Guide app and 

packed the car with plenty of water and snacks. And you have some cash for those irresistible banana bread stands and other small vendors. 

Road to Hana Banana Bread Maui Hawaii
Banana Bread is a road trip must!

There are dozens of stops you could make on the Road to Hana but you’ll have to pick and choose if you want to be back before dark (and you do). With that in mind, here’s how I would suggest spending a day on the Road to Hana:

Start your day no later than 6:30 AM from charming Paia town. If you’re staying in West Maui, that means leaving your hotel around 5:30 AM. If you’re staying in Wailea, it’s about 30 minutes. Tip: When you get back to Paia tonight, stop for dinner at the Paia Fish Market! 

Now, let’s hit the road. But first, there is one important rule to remember today…

RULE #1 – There is NO PARKING anywhere ON the Road to Hana. But don’t worry, if you downloaded the Shaka Guide app, it will tell you where to park at each stop (and where to find the bathrooms!). 

Ho’okipa Beach Park (Mile Marker 9)

First up, catch the sunrise with the honu at Ho’okipa Beach Park. This is a quick stop but the best beach on Maui for spotting Hawaii’s green sea turtles (honu). From the parking lot, look for them relaxing on the sand to the right, near the rocks. Just remember to keep the required 10′ distance from these basking beauties. 

Read More: 5 Unforgettable Maui Beaches (Don’t Leave Hawaii Without Seeing #3)

Note: Shortly after you pass the Jaws Country Store (a good stop if you forgot to pack provisions!) the Hana Highway transitions from Hwy 36 to Hwy 360 and resets at Mile 0.  

Twin Falls (Mile Marker 2)

Twin Falls is the first easily accessible waterfall along the Road to Hana. Nestled between the ocean and the mountains, the falls are open to the public from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. This is also one of the few waterfalls in Hawaii where it’s permissible to take a dip in the crystalline pools (Waimea Falls on Oahu is another good one). 

Twin Falls Road to Hana Maui Hawaii
Twin Falls, Road to Hana

Since Twin Falls is one of the first main attractions on the Hana Highway, gets extremely crowded. The parking fee of $10 also covers your entrance fee. However, there are only 55 parking spaces here and they fill quickly. If there are no parking spaces when you arrive, you’ll have to skip it and move onto the next stop (see Rule #1).  

Note: Twin Falls is only open to Kama’aina (Hawaii residents) on the first Saturday of the month so keep that in mind when planning your trip.  

Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile Marker 10.5)

One of the most gorgeous stops on this list, this botanical garden houses over 700 labeled specimens. You’ll find everything from towering eucalyptus to 100-year-old mango trees and rare exotics, some of which were donated by The Beatles’s George Harrison. 

The admission fee is $20 for visitors over 16 and $10 for visitors under 16. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Kaumahina State Wayside Park (Mile Marker 12)

This convenient bathroom stop is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the best view of the Hana Highway from above. 

Kaumahina State Wayside Views Road to Hana Maui
Views from Kaumahina Wayside

Ke’anae Arboretum (Mile Marker 16)

If you didn’t get the chance to visit the Garden of Eden, the Ke’anae Arboretum is the next best thing. Home to around 150 species of plants, this botanical garden trail sits along the Pi’inau’au Stream right in the middle of a rainforest. If you’re hoping to see the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees, this is your stop.

Entry is free but parking can be a bit tricky and be careful crossing the street to the trail. 

Ke’anae Peninsula (Mile Marker 17)

A scenic detour with rugged ocean views straight out of Road to Hana central casting. But most importantly, just past mile marker 16, stop for fresh, hot banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s (open 8:30am – 2pm, closed on Sundays!).

Halfway to Hana Banana Bread Maui
Fresh banana bread on the Road to Hana

I also love the banana bread at the Halfway to Hana stand so I say try them all…who knows how long this drive will take? Bonus: They’re open on Sundays.

Wailua Valley State Wayside (Mile Marker 18.9)

Two words: Bathroom Break (thank you Shaka Guide). Most visitors breeze right by the Wailua Valley State Wayside, which is a shame because it’s one of the most scenic views of Maui! A short climb up about 30 stairs leads you to the lookout, where you’re treated to expansive views of lush greenery, mountains, and the ocean. 

Road to Hana Views from Wailua Valley State Wayside Maui
Road to Hana Views from the Wailua Valley State Wayside

It’s a good place to stretch your legs and breathe in fresh air (especially if those twists and turns are starting to get to you). There’s plenty of parking and decent restrooms.

Hanawi Falls (Mile Marker 24)

Located right next to one of those 50+ bridges, this one is easy to view from the road. Generally, only the right side flows but after heavier rains, there’s a waterfall on the left, too. 

Road to Hana Waterfalls
Hanawi Falls, Road to Hana

Nahiku MarketPlace (Mile Marker 29)

If you’re looking for locally-made Road to Hana souvenirs, this is your stop. You can also find snacks, drinks, and a few fun photo ops.

Nahiku Marketplace Road to Hana Stops Maui
Stop for souvenirs and a photo at Nahiku

Hana Lava Tube (Mile Marker 31)

If you’re following along with the Shaka Guide app, it’ll direct you to turn left near MM 31 for your chance to explore a lava tube. It you have older kids with you, they’ll love this stop. Self-guided tours are available daily from 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM. The tour takes about 40 minutes and costs $15 per person.

Waianapanapa State Park (Mile Marker 32)

First, remember that you MUST HAVE a timed reservation to enter the park! And in my opinion, timing your visit here can be one of the most challenging parts of the drive. The reservation is necessary because this popular state park is home to Maui’s famous black sand beach (Pa’iloa Beach). 

Read More: Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations You Need to Make Now 🌺📆💻

But the spectacular black sand beach and lava tubes are worth planning your day around and this is widely considered one of the best stops on the entire Road to Hana.

Waianapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach Maui Hawaii
Waianapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach

If you get an early start, you should be fine with a 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM reservation window (which I think is the best time slot). If you want to spend more time getting there, book a 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM reservation to be safe. Allow at least an hour here, longer if you plan to swim. 

Hana Town (Mile Marker 34)

After driving 50 or so miles on Hana Highway, you’ll encounter the charming town of Hana. I know what you’re thinking…Can I just stop now and stay here for the night?

And the answer is yes. Book a room at the lovely Hana Maui Resort and save that pesky drive back for tomorrow. 

Hana Beach Park Maui Hawaii
Hana Beach Park, Maui

But if you have to get back, spend at least an hour or so exploring this 4,500-acre town to experience Hana’s culture and community. Grab a bite to eat at one of the three restaurants in town, resupply at Hasegawa General Store, and spend a few minutes shopping or walking along the ocean. 

Pipiwai Trail (Mile Marker 42)

If you’ve planned your time well and still have a few hours, don’t miss this famous 4-mile round-trip hike. The trail winds through bamboo forests passing a huge banyan tree, several beautiful waterfalls, and ending at the 400-foot tall Waimoku Falls. You’ll need 2–3 hours here. 

Wailua Falls (Mile Marker 45)

Still have time? Keep going a little farther on this incredible road and check out this easily accessible waterfall that you can see from the car. 

And that’s a wrap!

Or at least that’s the most you’re likely to be able to squeeze into a single day. Remember, there’s no need to do all of these things and it’s unlikely you’ll have time. Pick the ones that interest you most and plan your own unique adventure. 

So, is the Road to Hana right for you?

The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most famous adventures for good reason—it’s a classic road trip that showcases the island’s natural beauty, history, and culture. 

But it’s also a demanding experience that isn’t for everyone. With the right planning and realistic expectations, it can be a day of incredible memories. If the idea of winding roads and a packed itinerary sounds overwhelming, Maui has plenty of other fun and rewarding activities to explore.

Read More: First Trip to Maui? Here Are 10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss!

Ultimately, whether you drive the Road to Hana, take a guided tour with a professional driver, or skip it entirely is a personal decision. Only you can decide if your family will actually enjoy a day of adventure on Maui’s most famous road. 

But hey, some of life’s most memorable experiences come from stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the journey – curves, crowds, and all.

Looking for more fun things to do on Maui? Start Here:

You Haven’t Really Seen Maui Until You’ve Explored This Stunning Sky-High Region🌿

This Famous Maui Geological Attraction is an Explosive Display of Nature’s Power 🌋🌊

The Everything Guide to the Best Maui Whale Watching Tours

Road to Hana Maui Photos Hawaii
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