The 7 Best Stops on our Road to Hana Itinerary

Last Updated on January 4, 2026

Ready to drive one of the most scenic (and winding) roads in the world? With so many incredible stops it’s easy to get overwhelmed planning your Road to Hana itinerary. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, hidden food stands, rainforest hikes… we have the inside scoop on the best stops on the Road to Hana.

On our family’s recent trip to Maui, we left early and made the most of one full day driving the Road to Hana with our three teenagers. In this post, I’m sharing our exact itinerary – with seven memorable, family-friendly stops – plus tips to help you plan your own perfect day on the Hana Highway.

Be sure to read to the end where we provide a Road to Hana map with all our favorite stops listed.

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Must-Know Road to Hana Itinerary Tips

The Road to Hana drive is gorgeous – but also remote, twisty, and full of surprises. These simple tips will make your day smoother, safer, and more enjoyable:

*Start Early – We left our condo just before 6 a.m., and I’m so glad we did. An early start means lighter traffic, fewer people at the popular stops, and more time to explore without rushing.

*Fill Up in Paia – There are no gas stations once you leave Paia, so make sure your tank is full before hitting the Hana Highway.

*Download Maps and an Audio Guide – You’ll lose cell service early on, so download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps ahead of time. For a more fun and informative drive, we recommend downloading the GuideAlong Audio Tour or Shaka Guide – they use GPS to narrate interesting facts and tell you when to stop.

*Pack the Essentials – Bring:

Swimsuits and towels (you’ll want to swim at a few beaches)
Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen
Cash for roadside food stands (the banana bread is worth it!)
Snacks, water, and a packed lunch (especially helpful if you’re on a tight timeline or traveling with kids)
Sturdy shoes if you plan to hike (like the Pipiwai Trail)
Dry bags or plastic bags to keep wet clothes or muddy shoes separate

*Reserve your Wai’anapanapa time slot in advance – You’ll need a reservation to access the black sand beach. Here’s the link: Wai’anapanapa reservations. This was a highlight from our trip and TOTALLY worth it!

With a little preparation, the Road to Hana becomes much more than just a drive – it’s a full-day adventure you’ll never forget.

7 Best Stops on the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana starting point isn’t exactly clear. Some say it starts in the town of Paia while others say mile marker zero – 15 minutes past Paia. Official or not, your starting point should be in Paia so you can fill up with gas, snacks, Dramamine, and anything else you might need for the trip.

Important note about our Road to Hana itinerary: We drove the Road to Hana as an out-and-back route – starting in Paia, continuing to Hana, then back the same way. The first three stops listed below follow the order you’d encounter them as you leave Paia. After that, we bypassed some favorite stops (knowing we’d visit them on our way back). Instead, we went straight to the end destination to make it there early in the day. This helped us avoid crowds at some of the more distant destinations and ensured we made our 12:30 p.m. reservation at Wai’anapanapa State Park on our way back, which made more sense in our itinerary.

Stop 1: Ho’okipa Beach Lookout

Why go: Sea turtles, ocean views, and a breezy start to the day.

We pulled into the overlook just minutes after sunrise. While the ocean waves were gorgeous, the sea turtles sunning themselves on the beach are the real highlight of this visit. It doesn’t take long to experience – just a short walk to the beach, but it’s a memorable must-see!

Stop 2: Auntie Sandy’s Banana Bread

Why go: Fresh chocolate banana bread and dried mango!

Shortly into the trip we couldn’t resist the urge to stop at the roadside stand advertising banana bread – and neither should you! The bread was some of the best we’ve ever had and the dried mango we bought was just as delicious. Keep an eye out for “banana bread” signs along the highway so you don’t miss it.

Stop 3: Wailua Falls

Why go: Easy photo op and short walk to the base of a beautiful waterfall.

This is one of the most photogenic waterfalls along the Road to Hana. There’s a small parking area and a quick trail down to the base. It was a great spot to stretch our legs and snap a few photos. With its short distance from the road and iconic Hawaiian waterfall view, this is easily a can’t miss stop!

*Next, we bypassed some stops in order to go all the way to Hana and start our return trip.

Stop 4: Oheʻo Gulch in Haleakalā National Park

Why go: Two scenic hikes, coastal views, bamboo forest, and waterfalls.

We arrived around 9:30 a.m., which gave us a head start before the crowds arrived. First, we hiked an easy 20-minute loop called, Kuloa Point Trail. We saw the Pools of Ohe’o, the rugged coastline and a small black sand beach. It was very windy there, but also super scenic.

Next, we hiked the Pipiwai Trail – a 1.8-mile hike (each way) through a bamboo forest, past a giant banyan tree and two waterfalls. One was dry during our visit (Makahiku Falls), and Waimoku Falls was flowing but not huge. Still totally worth the hike. We spent just over 2 hours total at this stop, leaving around 11:35 a.m.

Road to Hana Hikes are Worth the Stop

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience up close the lush rainforest, dramatic coastlines, and hidden waterfalls along the Hana Highway. Try to fit a couple hikes into your Road to Hana itinerary – it lets you slow down in a day that can otherwise feel like a blur of stops. Plus, it’s a chance to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Here are some quick tips for Road to Hana hikes:

Wear sturdy shoes or hiking sandals – wet, muddy trails are common
Bring bug spray – especially for shaded, wooded trails
Pack water, snacks, and a dry bag – in case your hike ends near a waterfall or stream
Don’t try to squeeze in every hike – choose one or two that you have time for and that look good to you

Whether it’s a 20-minute loop or a full trail like Pipiwai, adding a hike will make your Road to Hana adventure even more memorable.

(*While the Pipiwai Trail is located in Haleakalā National Park, this isn’t the same part of the park where you see the famous Haleakalā summit sunrise. That’s accessed through a separate long, winding mountain road on the other side of the park, and is not on the Road to Hana. If you want the full Haleakalā sunrise experience plan that into your schedule another day.)

Stop 5: Hamoa Beach

Why go: Waves, soft sand, and a peaceful, less crowded vibe.

Often described as one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui, Hamoa Beach is less crowded due to its out of the way location near the end of the Road to Hana. It’s a perfect spot for a short, refreshing break. We only stayed about 30 minutes, but this was a fun stop for our teens. They had a blast in the crashing waves, and the setting was calm and scenic.

(Are you traveling with teenagers? Check out our article: 11 Tips for Traveling to Hawaii with Teens.)

Stop 6: Waiʻanapanapa State Park

Why go: It’s the iconic black sand beach you’ve probably seen in pictures – and it lives up to the hype.

We had a reservation window from 12:30–3:00 p.m. and arrived a little before 1 p.m. (Reserve your time slot here.) We ate a picnic lunch at one of the shaded tables near the parking lot before heading down to the ocean and beautiful black sand beach. The dramatic beach is surrounded by jagged lava rocks, crashing waves, and lush palm trees. This was a highlight on our Road to Hana itinerary and definitely one not to miss! We explored short trails along both sides of the bay – amazing coastal views in every direction – and my daughter and I even managed a quick nap under a shade tree.

Tip: Bring water shoes if you plan to swim – it’s very rocky!

Stop 7: Nahiku Marketplace

Why go: It’s a relaxed roadside cluster of food stands, perfect for a last treat.

We grabbed smoothies and more banana bread for the return trip. It’s a great spot to wind down as you drive home.

Plus, we got these fun pictures!

Road to Hana Waterfalls: Don’t Just Drive By

One of the biggest draws of this iconic drive is the abundance of waterfalls – and while it’s easy to admire them from your car, the Road to Hana waterfalls are even better when you take time to get out and explore.

From quick roadside stops like Wailua Falls to ones that require a bit of hiking to fully appreciate, like Waimoku Falls, each one offers a different experience. Consider these tips for seeing the Road to Hana waterfalls:

Arrive early to avoid crowds at popular falls.
Bring a towel and swimsuit in case swimming is allowed (always check conditions first).
Use caution on slippery rocks or muddy trails near waterfall pools.
Have a back-up plan – not every waterfall is flowing year-round, especially in dry seasons.

You won’t see them all in one day, but picking a few great waterfall stops can add a wow factor to your itinerary – and give you an unforgettable taste of Maui’s wild side.

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

(Still on the fence about traveling the Road to Hana? Wondering if your stomach can handle the twists and turns? Check out our other article: Is the Road to Hana Worth It: Trip It or Skip It?)

Road to Hana Map

In the Road to Hana map below, we detail the route we took and all the stops we made along the way. As you can see, we covered a great distance and then backtracked for the return trip. We spent a full day (nearly 12 hours) driving, hiking, and exploring the sites along the Road to Hana on Maui’s northeastern coast.

What We Skipped (And Why)

We skipped Twin Falls and Garden of Eden to save time and beat the crowds further along the route. If you’re staying overnight in Hana or have more time, those might be worth adding.

Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own

Our Hana day trip was long, but it was one of the most memorable days of our Maui vacation. If you want a mix of hiking, swimming, and scenic stops, this Road to Hana itinerary hits a great balance of adventure and ease.

You don’t need to stop at everything to make it special – just a few well-timed stops, some banana bread, and time to soak in the views will do the trick.

Planning your Road to Hana itinerary? Have questions or a favorite stop we missed? Drop it in the comments – we’d love to hear from you! And if you’re considering a luau, check out our post, “Is Old Lahaina the Best Luau in Maui-Our Honest Review.”

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