Is the Road to Hana worth the drive?
I always say YES! Whether you’re checking it off your bucket list, sharing the adventure with adult children, or watching the grandkids’ faces light up around every curve, the Road to Hana delivers.
It’s an unforgettable winding journey filled with breathtaking sights and scenery. Something around every corner makes you gasp in awe — that’s the magic of this drive.
One of the best coastal drives in the world, it leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools, and dramatic seascapes.
The Hana Highway takes you on a 52-mile, winding, snake-like road from Kahului to Hana. Most of its 59 narrow bridges are just a single lane wide. It has around 620 curves — with the ocean on one side and the mountains rising on the other. Some parts of the mountainside have small waterfalls. You’ll want to stop and take pictures of everything.
Van tour or self-drive: How to experience the Road to Hana
Your first decision: Should you take a van tour or drive to Hana? Both have their advantages.
When driving, you can travel at your own pace and stop where you like. On the other hand, van tours have expert guides driving for you, so you can focus solely on enjoying the ride.
With over 40 scenic stops, it’s impossible to see everything in one day. My top tip is to start early, keep some “must-see” sites in mind, and stop at a roadside stand for legendary Maui banana bread or at a local fruit stand for a delicious fresh treat. Either way, you have to experience the Road to Hana at least once — if only for the bragging rights!
Take the Maui Mālama pledge
The Maui Malāma pledge encourages you to “mindfully experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the ‘āina (ancestral land) and the welcoming aloha spirit of the kama’āina (local people).” Drive slowly, stay alert, and ensure you’re feeling your best before hitting the road. Weather and road conditions can change quickly and pose dangers. As a courtesy to native Hawaiians and faster drivers, use pullouts to let them pass.
Best stops on the Road to Hana
Find Paia’s quaint hippy surfer community just before the start of the Road to Hana. It boasts excellent breakfast spots, beach shops, and art galleries. Keep your eyes peeled for the surfers at Hookipa Beach Park and Lookout, one of the top places for windsurfing on the planet.
You’ll experience your first waterfall opportunity at Twin Falls. Located near the beginning of the Road to Hana, it has easy access, a spectacular setting, and stunning views. The Twin Falls trail is 1.8 miles round trip. There are several waterfalls and even pools to swim in.
Wai‘ānapanapa State Park, famous for its black sand beach and stunning coastal views, is my favorite stop. The remote, volcanic coastline is where wind and waves collide. The rugged, untamed beauty of the black lava rock, rich tropical vegetation, and deep blue turquoise water genuinely intoxicates. Take the time to walk along the trail through the lava beds created hundreds of years ago. Wainapanapa State Park is now requiring reservations for entry and parking.
What to do in Hana Town
Hana is a sleepy seaside town at the end of the road, one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. Located on the remote eastern tip of Maui, it features lush landscapes and historic sights. The Hasegawa General Store has been owned and operated by the same family since 1910.
Beyond Hana
If you have time and want to venture further afield, there are some great stops beyond Hana.
The Pools of ‘Ohe‘o (the “Seven Sacred Pools”) are part of Haleakala National Park. Wailua Falls is among Hawaii’s most iconic and photographed waterfalls. At 80 feet, it is also one of the most accessible, just off the side of the road. Remember: Tread lightly with an Aloha spirit. Each step you take is someone’s home, a sacred site, and a living piece of history.
The Road to Hana is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. If this incredible experience is on your bucket list, remember to take nothing from the wahi (place) but memories and leave nothing but gratitude.
Road to Hana van tours: Let someone else drive
If the idea of driving yourself and your family makes you nervous, no worries: There are van tours with knowledgeable, entertaining guides. You’ll have a great time with no stress. Two excellent options are Hāna and Beyond and Valley Isle Excursions.
Indulge in a luxury boutique hotel stay in Hana
The Hana-Maui Resort in Hana town is nestled along the famed Road to Hana. The secluded luxury oasis offers a beautiful escape into the aloha spirit and coastal charm, close to renowned beaches, tropical forests, waterfalls, and the majestic Pacific Ocean.
There aren’t many hotels in Hana, but the Hana-Maui resort is one of the best on the island. The location is perfect, too; next to one of Maui’s most hidden red-sand beaches. You can choose a hotel suite or a bungalow that looks right out onto beautiful Hana Bay. Hungry for a late snack or meal? The resort has a restaurant on site, which comes in handy when most places to eat shut down relatively early.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is the Road to Hana worth the drive?
Absolutely. The Road to Hana is one of the best coastal drives in the world, with 620 curves winding through rainforests, waterfalls, and dramatic ocean views. Whether you drive yourself or take a guided van tour, it’s a bucket-list experience.
Q: How long does the Road to Hana take?
The drive itself takes about 2.5 hours each way without stops, but plan for a full day. With scenic stops, waterfall hikes, and beach time, most travelers spend 8–10 hours on the round trip. If you’re planning more Hawaii travel, here’s how to travel better and smarter in retirement.
Q: Should I drive the Road to Hana myself or take a tour?
Both are great options. Driving yourself lets you stop wherever you like and go at your own pace. A guided van tour means an expert handles the narrow roads while you enjoy the scenery. If winding roads make you nervous, the tour is the best choice.
Q: What are the best stops on the Road to Hana?
Top stops include Twin Falls for a simple waterfall hike, Hoʻokipa Beach Park for amazing windsurfing views, Waiʻanapanapa State Park for its beautiful black sand beach, and the town of Hana itself. If you have the time, the Pools of ʻOʻheʻo and Wailua Falls beyond Hana are worth the extra drive.
Q: Do I need a reservation for Waiʻanapanapa State Park?
Yes, Waiʻanapanapa State Park now requires advance reservations for both entry and parking. Book early, especially during peak travel season, as slots fill up quickly.
Q: Where should I stay in Hana?
The Hana-Maui Resort is the top option — a secluded luxury property with ocean views, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to Hana’s red sand beach. There aren’t many hotels in Hana, so book well in advance.
The Road to Hana isn’t just a drive — it’s a memory you’ll carry long after you leave Maui.
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