Is the Road to Hana Worth It: Trip It or Skip It?

Last Updated on April 10, 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, chances are you’ve heard about the famous Road to Hana. It’s known for its jaw-dropping scenery, winding roads, and lush tropical stops – but it also takes up a full day, can trigger motion sickness, and leaves some travelers wondering, “Is the Road to Hana worth it?”

On our recent Hawaii trip, my husband Ryan and I tackled the Road to Hana with our three teenagers. In this post, I’ll break down what the drive is really like, share our honest take on whether it’s worth doing, and offer some key tips to help you decide if you should Trip it or Skip it.

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What Is the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana (officially known as the Hana Highway) is a 64-mile scenic drive along Maui’s northeast coast that winds from the town of Paia to Hana and beyond. Narrow lanes, winding curves and one-lane bridges make up the route. But with its lush coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, and waterfalls, the Road to Hana isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the many scenic stops along the way.

What the Hana Highway Is Really Like (From Someone Who Just Did It)

The day we drove the Hana Highway, we left our condo just before 6 a.m. to get an early start and beat the crowds. After filling up the gas tank in Paia (a must – there are no stations past that point!), we hit the road. The scenery was stunning almost immediately… green cliffs, misty valleys, and glimpses of the ocean peeking through the trees.

(Like early morning adventures? Plan a day to see Maui’s famous Haleakalā sunrise! Now that’s an early wake up call!)

While the beauty is mesmerizing, the road is very winding. In fact, the Road to Hana has more than 600 curves! If anyone in your group suffers from motion sickness, take medicine ahead of time. My daughter and I both get car sick. We took Dramamine at the start and felt comfortable throughout the trip.

There are also over 50 one-lane bridges on the Road to Hana. This can slow things down and add a bit of stress when traffic picks up. Fortunately, on the day we drove the Hana Highway, traffic wasn’t too bad and we didn’t encounter many other cars on the bridges.

Before you plan your Road to Hana day, grab my “20 Mistakes to Avoid” checklist so you don’t waste time, miss stops, or end up driving it the hard way.

It’s natural for everyone in the car to want to take in all the scenic views as they ride along – rainbow eucalyptus trees, waterfalls, lush greenery, and roadside stands selling fresh fruit and banana bread – but it’s important for the driver to stay focused on the road ahead and not get caught up in all the amazing scenery.

Is the Road to Hana Dangerous?

This was a big concern of mine. I didn’t want to feel stressed, anxious, and preoccupied with safety during the entire drive. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. While the road does have some challenges, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, and I didn’t find it unsafe.

That said, here are a few things to know:

• Curves and cliffs: Take it slow, especially if it’s raining.
• Limited visibility: Honk lightly before blind corners.
• Tight parking: Don’t stop in unsafe spots just for photos.
• No cell service. Download maps and an audio guide (we used the GuideAlong app) before you go.

As long as the driver is confident, cautious and stays alert, the Road to Hana is doable and rewarding.

(Discover 15 money-saving tips in our post: Hawaii on a Budget.)

The Pros and Cons

What We Loved:

• Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools): We arrived around 9:30 a.m. and hiked both the easy Kuloa Point Trail (beautiful black sand beach views) and the more challenging Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest and past waterfalls.
• Hamoa Beach: This was a refreshing and beautiful stop for a quick swim.
• Wai’anapanapa State Park: This black sand beach was a highlight – and for Ryan, possibly the best part of our whole time in Maui. The bay is stunning, the waves are dramatic, and the surrounding trails are short but breathtaking. Make sure to reserve a time slot ahead of your trip! You can do that here: Wai’anapanapa State Park reservations

• The little surprises: Banana bread from a roadside stand, smoothies at Nahiku Marketplace, and spotting waterfalls from the car were some of our favorite unplanned moments.

Click here for our complete Road to Hana itinerary, including 7 of our favorite stops.

What We Didn’t Love:

• Some waterfalls were dry or underwhelming. Makahiku Falls was dry with no water when we were there. Waimoku Falls – while flowing – wasn’t as impressive as we expected, especially given the long hike to get there.
• It’s a very long day. We left before 6 a.m. and returned around 5:30 p.m. – and that’s without stopping at every possible attraction.
• You have to pick and choose what to stop and see. With so many places to see, you do have to make choices or risk feeling overwhelmed.

So… is the Road to Hana Worth It?

For our family of five – including three teenagers – it absolutely was. (Traveling to Hawaii with teenagers? Check out these 11 tips for a trip to Hawaii with teens!)

The drive itself is an experience: dramatic scenery, off-the-beaten-path stops, and a sense of adventure around every turn. We hiked, swam, and ate delicious banana bread. Our kids especially loved the waves at Hamoa Beach and exploring the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you hate long drives, get carsick easily, or prefer a relaxing vacation without an early wake-up call, this might not be your thing. But if you’re up for a little adventure and want to see a wilder, greener side of Maui, I’d say the Road to Hana is 100% worth it.

Scenic and Savvy says… Trip It!

Have you experienced Maui’s Road to Hana? Do you think it’s worth it? Got any questions? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!

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