Road to Hana Guide & Itinerary: Top Stops, Tips & Safety Advice

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Locals on Maui rarely drive the Road to Hana. They’ve seen the Hawaiian jungle, swum in waterfalls, and experienced the ocean views. Why would they drive the curves and one-way bridges, crowded with visitors and Hana residents?

Maybe they drove it twenty years ago. Perhaps they tell you it isn’t worth it. The worst case is someone gives you poor Road to Hana guide information.

When it comes to the Hana Highway (AKA, Divorce Highway), updated information is king. On our last drive, we learned we no longer need to carry cash, as the local vendors now have Starlink. While Maui residents are a terrific source of information, we do our best to drive the road frequently to stay updated on stops and tips.

The Road to Hana ranks as one of our bucket list Maui experiences that we always recommend. It is the prettiest and most unique drive in Hawaii. But, overcrowding, parking challenges, and private property make this a tricky day out if you’re not prepared.

Here is your one-stop shop for everything Road to Hana. Let’s make your day, or two days, stress-free. Welcome to your Road to Hana Guide.

Here are some of our best Road to Hana resources from this article:
1. We highly recommend a local tour if you don’t want to drive. Here are our favorite Road to Hana Tours. We aren’t just trying to sell you a tour; a local guide provides a wonderful experience.
2. Social media is full of Road to Hana etiquette. We distill the banter into practical, helpful, and kind ways, as the drive should be fun: Road to Hana Etiquette in 7 Tips.
3. Book a rental car for the drive. Jeeps and convertibles are fun! But, not necessary.
4. What Road to Hana Route are you going to take? Our favorites are the Classic and the Reverse.
5. It’s a great idea to take two days for your Road to Hana itinerary. Check out Where to Stay in Hana, Maui, for One Night.

What is the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana is a Maui scenic drive on the Hana Highway (HI-360) that connects the town of Hana in East Maui with Kahului in central Maui. The 52-mile drive is relatively short, but it isn’t easy to navigate.

The drive is an experience, with 620 curves and 59 bridges winding you through the rainforest and along the cliffs of East Maui. Waterfalls, cliffs, and dramatic ocean views have replaced the resorts and beaches of Ka’anapali.

Why the Road to Hana is So Famous

The road is famous for its stunning natural beauty and the many unique stops along the way. Several parks, beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, historic sites, and cultural attractions are accessible from the road.

Some of the most popular attractions include the Twin Falls waterfall, the bamboo forest part of the Pipiwai Trail, and the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park (we cover more stops below).

The Road to Hana is also famous for its challenging driving conditions. The narrow, winding road requires drivers to remain alert and cautious. Most of the bridges you’ll encounter are only one-lane, which makes the drive tricky and slow at times.

You’ll sometimes hear it referred to as the Divorce Highway because the drive can get tense. However, the stunning scenery and many attractions along the way make the drive worth it for those up for the challenge.

Driving Challenges on the Road to Hana

We’re going to address this upfront because I don’t see many articles covering it, and it is an important consideration when deciding whether and how to drive the Road to Hana. 

The Road to Hana has faced many challenges over the last decade, making driving difficult. While the road itself is in far greater condition than it was in the 1980s and before, this Maui scenic drive has new issues.

There has been an influx of visitors, a lack of parking, and a lack of knowledge about navigating the road. Combined with road maintenance work, sometimes this trip can be more of a headache than the view is worth. This is especially true in the height of the summer, when it is most crowded. 

It’s important to know that there are many private properties and areas where parking is strictly prohibited. You will get cited and ticketed if you park illegally on the road, and they began cracking down on this very seriously starting in 2021. 

Our Road to Hana etiquette guide provides the best information on driving the road well (like who goes first on those 59 one-lane bridges?) and what to watch out for on your journey. 

Best Day to Drive the Road to Hana

This is our most frequently asked question when people design their Road to Hana itinerary. So, I enjoy asking our Road to Hana tour guides this question. It is, to some degree, subjective, as data isn’t available to my knowledge.

As crowds at the stops and traffic on the highway are the biggest concern, let’s discuss the best day to drive the Road to Hana.

Our tour guide with Valley Isle Excursions (save 10%), who is a Hana local, says Saturday and Wednesday are the best days. His reasoning is that these are transition days, with visitors flying onto and departing from Maui. They aren’t driving the Road to Hana.

Our private tour guide, Joe, from Holo Holo Maui Tours, also believes Saturday is the best day. Even though you get more local traffic from Hana (residents running errands like a Costco run), the large number of flights on Saturdays means visitors are not driving.

Avoid Sunday and Monday, as those are the days NCL’s Pride of America cruise ship is in the Port of Kahului. You may also find Road to Hana fruit stands, food trucks, and some stops are closed on Sundays. Like, Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is closed on Sundays. 

If you’re heading to Maui on a cruise ship, a tour is your best bet, and we highlight the ones that work with ship schedules in our list of Maui Shore Excursions. A private Road to Hana tour is ideal for cruise passengers as they pick you up at the port and make sure you get back on time.

• Private Road to Hana and Haleakala Combo Tour
• Private Road to Hana: Halfway to Hana and Hana and Back
• Private Road to Hana: Bamboo Forest Hike, Halfway, Classic, and More

Road to Hana Guide: Our Videos

We have driven the Road to Hana over a dozen times, and we are still finding new stops, local vendors, and hidden gems. We like to share our experience on our YouTube channel. Here are some of our Road to Hana videos to help you plan your route and trip. They include Road to Hana itineraries, with the stops we make along the way.

• 10 Road to Hana Mistakes
• Road to Hana Resort: Review of the Hana Maui Resort
• Road to Hana Stops: Camper Van Trip!
• 12 Road to Hana Stops
• Road to Hana with a Pro: A Private Tour Experience

You will find more videos in the related sections below.

Road to Hana Guide: Top 7 Stops on the Road to Hana

There is so much to see and do on the Road to Hana that it’s challenging to fit it all into one day. Having a few must-see stops picked out before setting off on your drive is important. Here are some of the best Road to Hana stops, in no particular order. See our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary for two Road to Hana itineraries.

Road to Hana map

1. Wai’anapanapa State Park

Mile marker 32

This is quite possibly our favorite stop, so take some time to explore. You’ll find a black sand beach, caves, tidepools, panoramic views, and walking trails. If you decide to extend your trip for just one night, they also offer camping and cabins; see our Maui camping article. 

Reservations are required to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park, so make sure you’ve made those well in advance of your visit.

You must book a time slot. You can arrive anytime within the time slot, but we recommend trying to get there toward the beginning. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from Kahului to Wai’anapanapa with no stops. Figure out your route and your stops, and you can estimate your time slot. You can always make adjustments during your drive!

2. Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees

Mile marker 7

This is a popular, quick stop to see the rainbow eucalyptus trees at mile marker 7. There are no signs, so this is easy to miss. Parking is available on the road shoulder. Park and carefully run across the road. You can’t miss the trees.

If you want to skip this stop, rainbow eucalyptus are in the Keanae Peninsula’s arboretum at mile marker 16.5. 

3. Ke’anae Peninsula

Mile marker 16.8

Here you’ll find a rugged coastline, an arboretum, and (famous) Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread. Stretch your legs, go for a walk, and enjoy the views. Be sure to find some Rainbow Eucalyptus in the Ke’anae Arboretum.

4. Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park

Mile marker 22.5

These are very accessible waterfalls with picnic tables, restrooms, and swimming holes. This is a great place to stop and take a rest. You’re more than halfway to Hana, so take a minute to enjoy the beauty you’ll find in this park. 

5. Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park

12 miles past Hana

This area is actually past Hana, but it’s worth a visit. In this part of Haleakala National Park, you’ll find the Pipiwai Trail with the famous Bamboo Forest and Waimoku Falls. You’ll also find the Pools of ‘Ohe’o here (sometimes called the seven sacred pools but swimming in Oheo Gulch is often discouraged due to safety concerns. 

We hiked the Pipiwai Trail in about two hours. Give yourself three hours to hike the trail and explore some other district areas. It is best to visit if you’re doing a full circle route or completing the Road to Hana in two days.

Entrance to Haleakala National Park requires a fee. For details, see our tips for visiting Hawaii’s National Parks and our Visiting Haleakala National Park Guide.

Keep your ticket if you plan to revisit Haleakala National Park on your trip (perhaps for sunrise or sunset). It is suitable for entrance into the park for three days.

You can check the status of the hiking trails on the National Park Service website. 

6. Hamoa Beach

Mile marker 51

This bay is absolutely beautiful on sunny days. When the ocean conditions are calm, it’s a great place to swim and enjoy the crystal clear water. This is one of our favorite beaches on Maui. 

Pick up food in Hana or at the huli huli chicken roadside stand at Koki Beach Park, and then go to Hamoa Beach. We like to spend half the day here as it is our favorite beach in East Maui. This and Wai’anapanapa black sand beach make for a memorable Maui vacation.

Hamoa Beach is about 15 minutes past Hana Town. You will find a shower and porta-potties at the beach. There is no lifeguard on duty.

7. Wailua Falls

This impressive waterfall has a parking lot right off the highway. Few folks drive past Hana, so it isn’t that busy. There is no need to hike to this fall as the views from the bridge are impressive.

We do not recommend walking down to the pool as the trail is in poor shape and it is dangerous to swim under Wailua Falls.

Wailua Falls is on our list of Best Maui Waterfalls. Most Maui waterfalls are along the Road to Hana.

More of the Best Road to Hana Stops

If you have time and want to add on a few more Road to Hana stops, plant lovers will enjoy a stop at the Garden of Eden Arboretum, and our kids loved exploring the Hana Lava Tube.

We don’t put all of our best information into the Road to Hana Guide. For more stops in the planned itinerary days, grab our Maui Wayfinder Itinerary.

We have two excursion days dedicated to the Road to Hana. We include maps, Google Map directions, durations, and everything else you need for a stress-free Road to Hana experience. Learn more below.

In our article “How to Do the Road to Hana in One Day,” we share an example Road to Hana itinerary.

What You Should Skip on the Road to Hana

Popular sites will tell you to stop at places that you shouldn’t. These spots are either on private land, have no parking/extremely limited parking, or are dangerous. These include:

• Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach
• Bamboo forest hike that is a few miles past Paia, toward the start of the Road to Hana. Don’t get this private property hike confused with the bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail.
• Hanawi Falls is a popular swim hole but it can get dangerous with upstream flooding and water releases
• Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears falls) is on private property

Food Options Along the Road to Hana

Eating is our favorite thing to do along the Road to Hana. Make sure to fill your Road to Hana itinerary with stops for Coconut Glen’s ice cream, Hana Gold Cacao Plantation chocolate, Braddah Huts BBQ, Huli Huli Chicken, and more.

As you drive toward Hana, feel free to stop at one of the many fruit stands dotting the route. Some are residents putting their fruit out for sale while others, like Hana Farms, are larger, organic operations selling banana bread, fresh fruit. Hana Farms is located just before Hana.

Nahiku is a small village about two-thirds of the way to Hana. Nahiku has a row of restaurants and gift shops on the makai (ocean) side of the road. Look for the smoke from the huli huli chicken shack.

The coffee shop is our favorite in this village. Not all the shops are reliably open, but the huli huli chicken and the art gallery are usually open.

There is only one sit-down restaurant in Hana, which is the Hana Ranch Restaurant. It has a good menu of Hawaii classics in an upper-tier dining experience. They have happy hour (pau hana), and it’s great for lunch or if you’re spending the night in Hana. The Hana Maui Resort owns it.

Our favorite food option is the food truck parks in Hana. There are two parks, with the largest one near the Hasegawa General Store in central Hana. You can find coffee, Thai food, poke, seafood, and more. See our Maui Food Truck article for details on the two food truck parks.

Tips for Driving the Road to Hana

We have a lot to share in this Road to Hana guide from our experience. This section is a collection of our favorite tips and Road to Hana FAQs we receive from readers.

Can you take a rental car on the Road to Hana?

You can take your rental car on the Road to Hana. The road is in good shape and any type of rental car is suitable for the drive.

Most visitors are confused about whether they can take their car on the unpaved portion of the road past Hana town, sometimes known as the backside or the backway to Hana.

This portion of the road takes you from Kipahulu to Upcountry Maui (Highway 31). Parts of this road are unpaved, have no guardrails, have little cell phone service, have one lane, and will occasionally wash out during big storms on Maui. 

Because of this, some rental car companies will void the insurance and/or not provide emergency roadside service if you drive on the backside of Hana. Confirm that you can drive this section of the island with your rental car company in advance.

The County of Maui has been closing the backside at times to non-residents as they do road repairs. It is challenging to know if it is open or not on the County of Maui website, so it makes planning the drive challenging.

If you’re looking for a rental car, you’ll definitely want to check out our favorite booking site, which has helped us save thousands of dollars over the years. 

How long should I plan to spend on the Road to Hana?

If you drive the road without stops and there’s no traffic, you can expect to drive the entire Road to Hana (one way) in just over two hours. But the stops are the entire point of enjoying this part of the island! With stops, you can expect to spend 10 -12 hours. Yes, that’s a long day, but you can do as much or as little as you want. 

All guided tours of the Road to Hana run 10-12 hours. 

Where should I start driving the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana officially begins in Paia, a charming community on Maui’s north shore. This is your last chance to easily stock up on food, water, and gas before heading onto the road, so if you need to, make a stop here. We usually grab a coffee in town and a few snacks from Mana Foods. 

If you have enough time on Maui, we recommend exploring Paia and the nearby stops on a day when you’re not driving the Road to Hana. There is a lot to see and experience on Maui’s North Shore, which is why we include it as a separate day in our Maui itinerary. 

Is the Road to Hana suitable for children?

We have taken our kids on the Road to Hana multiple times, from 18 months old to seven years old and counting.

You know your kids and how well they can handle long car trips. The Road to Hana is kid-friendly because of all the stops. If you plan your itinerary that way, they will be in the car for less than twenty minutes between stops.

The Road to Hana is an all-day car ride, so set expectations that it will be a 12-hour day. Halfway to Hana is a popular route for families. Go to the Keanae Peninsula, then head back to Central Maui.

If your kids suffer from car sickness, the Road to Hana is a terrible idea. The winding roads are not the best for motion sickness.

You can mitigate motion sickness by taking Dramamine the night before the trip. Roadside shops, like Halfway to Hana, sell ginger chews that help with motion sickness,

What’s the best route to take on the Road to Hana?

While the Road to Hana may seem pretty simple (drive there and drive back) there are a few different ways you can structure your day to see what you want to see on the way. If this is your first time driving the Road to Hana, you’ll probably want to stick with the classic Road to Hana route. 

Options for driving include:

• Classic Road to Hana: make stops from Kahului to Hana and then drive back
• Stops on the Way Back: drive to Hana and make stops on the way back
• Circle Tour: make stops from Kahului to Hana and continue to the backside
• Reverse Road to Hana: drive the backside of Haleakala to Hana and make stops from Upcountry to Hana to Kahului
• Road to Hana with a Helicopter Tour: take a helicopter with a Road to Hana guided tour to enjoy the view from two perspectives

As you start looking at tours, you’ll find that some stick to the Classic Road to Hana route, while others do a Circle Tour so you’re able to see more sights past Hana town. 

Read more about these five routes in our Routes to Road to Hana guide. This tour company does the full Circle Tour of the Road to Hana (backside).

What time should you start the Road to Hana?

Honestly, the earlier the better. When we do the Road to Hana, we aim to leave by 6:30 am to avoid the crowds and get a jumpstart on the day. 

One of the first stops on the Road to Hana is Twin Falls. Their parking lot is the most crowded between 9 am and 2 pm (yes, they do get full and turn cars away). It takes 1 hour to 90 minutes to get to Twin Falls from most resort areas on the island, so it’s safe to say that most people set out on their excursion between 7:30 am and 8. You’ll want to get on the road before they do. 

Should I drive the Road to Hana myself or take a tour?

The Road to Hana has become a very popular destination for travelers, and it is at the top of many Hawaii bucket lists. It is spectacular. However, this attention has created significant road congestion and made it difficult to find parking at many top sights.

After taking a guided tour of the Road to Hana, we discovered how nice it was to have someone else handle all the planning and parking. Plus, having a local Hana guide added to our experience because we were able to hear stories that we wouldn’t have heard otherwise.

If you’re torn between a guided tour and driving it yourself, we wholeheartedly recommend it. Not only will you have a better experience, but you’ll ease the pressure of overcrowding that locals are experiencing. 

Check out our favorite Road to Hana guided tours, and you can even see a video of our experience on a tour here: 

Driving safely on the Road to Hana

Though the Road to Hana has many twists and turns, it’s paved and generally safe. But there are some precautions you’ll want to take on your journey: 

• Pay attention to the road, rather than the sights
• Pull over for faster vehicles (locals tend to drive faster on these roads)
• Pay attention to signs asking you to yield before bridges and honk before curves.
• Check weather conditions for flash flood advisories
• Check water conditions before swimming — the ocean currents can be strong and rough
• Stay on trails and off of private land
• Adhere to no parking signs because you will get ticketed

Check out our full driving guide for the Road to Hana. 

Should I do the Road to Hana in one day? 

Most people visiting Maui don’t have unlimited time to enjoy and explore the island. If you can only spend one day on the Road to Hana, make the most of it by planning ahead. Our Road to Hana in one day helps lay out the stops and timing for your one day excursion. 

If you have more time and are excited to explore East Maui, staying a night or two in Hana can be a good idea. That way, you can take your time seeing things on the drive to Hana and explore sights past Hana the next morning, like the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. Just be prepared that East Maui is very quiet (which is what adds to its charm!), so don’t expect nightlife. 

It can be hard to find accommodations that let you book just for one night, but we have some options in our Where to Stay in Hana for One Night guide. 

Our favorite place to stay the night is the famous Hana Maui Resort. This is the priciest yet nicest option for staying in Hana. It is a true hotel compared to the inns and B&Bs in Hana.

What should you bring on the Road to Hana? 

East Maui and Hana are remote, and you won’t find many amenities along the road. So it’s important to be prepared before you head out on your journey (or at least stop in Paia to pick up some last-minute things). 

Pack a day bag with:

• Light jacket
• Shoes for hiking (we love Tevas)
• Bathing suit
• Sunscreen
• Towels
• Water and snacks
• Basic first aid kit (bandaids!)
• Change of clothes
• Cash for food stalls along the way

Check out our full list of recommended travel items for a trip to Maui. 

There are occasional car break-ins along the Road to Hana, but they are rare. Very rare. Just like when you’re home, you’ll want to avoid leaving valuables out in the open. Leave valuables in the trunk.

Road to Hana Guide Planning Checklist

• Step 1: Do you drive the road yourself or take a guided tour? By now you probably know whether you want to head out on this journey yourself or have a local guide drive you. If you want to go with a guide, check out our favorite guided tours here (plus get a discount!), and you’re done with your planning! If you’re going to drive the road yourself, move onto step 2. 
• Step 2: Decide whether you’re going to stay overnight or do your trip in one day. Most people make this journey in one day, but if you want to stay overnight, this is a good time to check out hotel or camping reservations. 
• Step 3: Plan out your must-see stops, making sure to note the mile marker and order of the stops. Don’t try to fit in too many. Choose 3-4 must see stops and then take it easy for the rest of your dive. 
• Step 4: Plan out your route. We lay out five options for driving the Road to Hana so choose the one that is most comfortable for you. If visiting Waianapanapa State Park is high on your list, make sure to get a reservation now. 
• Step 5: Download an app for the drive. If you decide to forgo a guided tour, you’ll still want some audio to help you navigate the drive. While not as informative or entertaining as a guided tour, the Shaka Guide app has a few Road to Hana routes that gives some great information and alerts you to upcoming stops. 
• Step 6: Pack the car. Use our packing list above and get ready the day before you plan to set out. You’ll have an early morning start, so it’s best to just get up and go! 
• Step 7: Enjoy the ride. There’s a lot to see and sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to see it all. Head out with a sense of aloha, take it easy, and if you need to deviate from your list because parking is full or the traffic is making you tense, go with the flow! 

Want more Maui guides? You’ll want to read these before your trip:

• Our complete Maui Guide
• Maui trip planning (updated!)
• 14 Amazing Things to Do in Kihei: your South Maui bucket list
• 33 things to do on Maui (+ things to skip)
• Where to stay on Maui: hotels and rentals for a range of budgets
• The 7 best snorkeling tours on Maui 
• The best luaus on Maui (our honest review!)

Plan Your Dream Trip…Easily

Stop searching and taking notes. Our itineraries take you step by step on amazing excursion days around the island. So you can have your dream vacation without all the work.

Wow, we are on a roll. Love the itinerary for Maui. We are just getting back from Hana today. My uncle complimented me on my ability to pack it all in. 

Paula M.

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