7 Best Road to Hana Stops With Mile Markers
If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you’ve likely heard the advice to drive the Road to Hana. I definitely echo that sentiment and encourage you to dedicate a day to experiencing Road to Hana for yourself! Driving the Road to Hana is one of those classic Maui experiences that is a must-do for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience a bit of adventure. There are so many beautiful areas to explore roadside at the various Road to Hana stops.
I tackled this drive on my last trip to Maui, and every stop was incredible: from the classic stops everyone raves about to quiet, hidden spots where I could soak it all in without the crowds. The Road to Hana is one of the most epic “choose your own adventure” activities I’ve ever done!
However, planning out all of the Road to Hana stops that fit your interests can feel overwhelming. There are more than 600 turns, dozens of possible stops, and limited time/daylight, which means you have to be strategic in planning out which stops are worth your time. That’s where I come in—as someone who’s always on the hunt for the best off-the-beaten-path spots and unforgettable experiences, I’m here to help you figure it all out!
In this post, I’ll share the best stops along the Road to Hana—from a few of the famous must-see spots to a few underrated gems that are absolutely worth pulling over for. Plus, I’ll also answer some commonly asked questions including how to make reservations for certain stops, how long the Road to Hana takes, and more!
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Signage for Kaumahina State Wayside Park off the Road to Hana (it’s easy to miss but definitely worth the stop!)
A gorgeous sunset view from the overlook at Kaumahina State Wayside Park, tucked away off of the Road to Hana
Kaumahina State Wayside Park (Mile Marker 12)
Kaumahina State Wayside Park is a stop on the Road to Hana that doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but it’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in some incredible views. You’ll find it around Mile Marker 12, and it’s got everything you need for a quick break: plenty of parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and stunning views.
What makes it worth the stop? The sweeping views of Honomanu Bay. The turquoise water framed by rugged cliffs is absolutely stunning, and it’s one of those spots where you can really appreciate just how wild and beautiful this side of Maui is. Plus, it’s usually not too crowded, which makes it a peaceful place to pause, grab a snack, and just take it all in.
I stopped here on my way back to Paia and I caught part of the sunset from the overlook. I was the only person in the entire parking lot and I had the whole overlook to myself.
You really don’t need a ton of time here—10 or 15 minutes is fine—but it’s a nice reset before you keep tackling those winding turns and waterfall stops ahead. Or if you decide to hit it on the way back, it’s a great final stop before heading back into Paia. Kaumahina State Wayside Park is perfect if you’re looking for a quieter spot to break up the drive and get some great photos of Honomanu Bay from above!
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park (Mile Marker 18)
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park is one of the easiest stops to miss along the Road to Hana, but it’s absolutely worth pulling over for if you want great views. Located near Mile Marker 18, this small overlook offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of Wailua Valley, the taro fields, and the Ke’anae Peninsula.
It’s a quick stop with a short staircase leading to a viewpoint that feels like a hidden gem. From here, you can see the lush green valley below framed by the ocean and cliffs. It’s a great spot for photos and for soaking up the incredible views!
You don’t need more than 10 minutes to visit Wailua Valley State Wayside Park during your journey along the Road to Hana, but I still recommend stopping because a lot of people miss it entirely and it’s worth seeing for yourself!
Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park (Mile Marker 22)
Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park is another nice “stretch break” stop but what makes it extra special is that there’s a set of small waterfalls right next to the picnic area! Located around Mile Marker 22, this park has a little bit of everything: parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and a short trail leading to a couple of small waterfalls.
What makes Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park great is how accessible it is. The trail to the falls is short and easy, so you don’t need to gear up or spend a ton of time here—just hop out of the car, walk across the road to the picnic area, and you’re standing in front of a gorgeous little cascading waterfall.
The waterfall at Pua’a Ka’a isn’t the most dramatic waterfall on the Road to Hana, but it’s a nice, refreshing stop that doesn’t take much effort to enjoy. It’s also not likely to be very crowded compared to other waterfall stops like Twin Falls or Wailua Falls. Plus, the surrounding greenery makes it feel like a little jungle oasis. I personally really enjoyed stopping here and getting to relax for a bit!
Exterior view of the entrance to the Hana Lava Tube
Looking up at the entrance from the interior of the Hana Lava Tube
Hana Lava Tube (Mile Marker 31)
The Hana Lava Tube is one of the more unique stops along the Road to Hana and well worth checking out if you’re looking for something a little different and off the beaten path. Located off the road around Mile Marker 31, this privately owned attraction gives you the chance to explore a massive underground lava tube formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity. The lava tube extends for miles, and while you can’t walk its entire length you can still experience part of the lava tube!
It’s not every day you get to walk through a volcanic cave that stretches for miles. Apparently, the Hana Lava Tube is reported as the 18th largest lava tube in the world!
The self-guided tour of the lava tube takes about 30-45 minutes and comes with a flashlight so you can navigate the dark tunnels, check out the unique rock formations, and even see remnants of tree roots that have grown into the cave. The inside stays pretty cool, which makes it a nice break from the heat of the drive. Definitely bring a light jacket if you get cold easily.
There’s also a botanical garden maze on the property that’s fun to explore if you’ve got extra time after going down into the lava tube!
The Hana Lava Tube is open daily from 10:30am to 4pm and admission costs $16/person (includes entrance to the lava tube, flashlight to explore the lava tube, and access to the botanical garden maze).
Wai’anapanapa State Park (Mile Marker 32 – Reservations Required)
Wai’anapanapa State Park is hands down one of the best Road to Hana stops. Located near Mile Marker 32, this park is home to Maui’s famous black sand beach, Pa’iloa Beach, and some of the most dramatic coastal views you’ll find on the island.
The black sand, formed by volcanic activity, is striking against the bright blue ocean and green cliffs. You can walk along the shore, swim or snorkel in the ocean, or hike part of the Ke Ala Loa o Maui Trail, which takes you along the rugged coastline. Hiking along this trail was one of my favorite experiences along the Road to Hana, and it’s one of my favorite trails on the island!
Beyond the beach, the park has sea arches, blowholes, and tidal pools to explore—making it an easy place to spend a few hours. During my visit, I stopped for lunch at a nearby food truck (more on that below) before coming into the park and then ate my poke bowl on the shores of Pa’iloa Beach!
Did you know that you can actually camp at Wai’anapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana?! If you’re hoping to stretch out your Road to Hana experience over a couple days, I highly recommend staying the night at Wai’anapanapa State Park if you’re into camping! You can research how to do this by visiting the official state of Hawaii DLNR website here.
Heads up: A reservation system is strictly enforced, and you must make a reservation in advance to visit Wai’anapanapa State Park. Trust me, though—this stop is worth the effort. You can make a reservation for Wai’anapanapa State Park here!
Hana Food Trucks and Hasegawa General Store (Near Mile Marker 34)
Once you’ve reached Hana, you should absolutely get out and explore the town and fuel up on gas if needed. It might also be a good opportunity to grab lunch from some of the incredible Hana food trucks! My personal favorite food truck in Hana is called Da Fish Shack, they have amazing poke and fresh seafood.
While you’re stopping for gas and grabbing a poke bowl, you should also stop in to Hasegawa General Store to pick up a couple souvenirs from your Road to Hana trip! They have shirts, stickers, magnets, and other goodies that make great memory tokens or gifts.
Haleakalā National Park at Kipahulu (Mile Marker 42)
Located near the end of the Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park at Kipahulu is a stop that absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Technically, this stop is past Hana Town but it’s worth the extra drive time to reach it. I’d argue that this is one of the best spots on the entire Road to Hana, and there’s a lot to do once you arrive at the park!
Once you reach the entrance to the park, there are restrooms, a water bottle refill station, a gorgeous lookout point, and a gift store with great souvenirs! Inside the entrance is also where you’ll find the start of several popular trails in this section of the park including Pīpīwai Trail, Ohe’o Gulch, and Kuloa Point Trail.
One of the main highlights here is the Pīpīwai Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a lush bamboo forest to the stunning Waimoku Falls. At 400 feet tall, it’s one of the most impressive waterfalls you’ll find on the island. The hike itself is worth the effort, with wooden boardwalks winding through the towering bamboo and otherworldly scenery. It’s really not that challenging, but it’s important you pack water and bug spray to ensure you stay comfortable for the entire duration of the hike.
Some of the other highlights along Pīpīwai Trail include Makahiku Falls (184-foot waterfall), gorgeous banyan trees, and Pīpīwai Stream. I recommend 3 hours to do this trail and fully enjoy the experience.
Another popular highlight in the Kipahulu area of Haleakalā National Park is the Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. This series of cascading pools and waterfalls is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene place to relax and take in the views. While swimming here has been restricted in recent years due to safety concerns, it’s still a beautiful spot to admire from the trail.
FAQs About Driving the Road to Hana
How long does the Road to Hana take with stops?
The truth is that the answer to this question is going to vary pretty widely depending on the interests of your travel party. I personally spent about 12.5 to 13 hours “door to door” doing the Road to Hana. This time range encompassed everything from multiple stops to bathroom breaks to hiking to lunch and more! I’d say plan for no less than 8-10 hours to be on the safe side.
What is the best time to start the Road to Hana?
The earlier the better in my opinion! I started my adventure around 6:30am leaving Kihei and didn’t finish the journey until close to 7pm. One of the best tips I can give is to start early and hit some of the more popular Road to Hana stops on the way back as opposed to first thing! This, of course, requires you to keep close track of time to ensure you can visit all of the stops you want before certain locations close for the day (usually around 4pm).
The earlier you start, the more daylight you have to enjoy the full Road to Hana experience! Driving back in the dark isn’t fun, as a lot of the roads have very narrow, winding paths. If you do end up having to drive back in the dark, make sure to exercise caution and use your headlights to alert other cars of your presence as you round blind corners.
What are the best tour companies for touring the Road to Hana?
There are several local tour companies on the island that will do full-day guided tours of the Road to Hana for those who don’t have access to a car during their trip. As someone with pretty intense driving anxiety, I appreciate that this option is available!
Here are a few options for you to consider as you research which tour company you might want to book for your Road to Hana experience:
- Dynamic Tour Maui – Small Group Road to Hana (with pick-up)
- Polynesian Adventure Tours – Road to Hana Adventure Tour (with lunch)
- Temptation Tours – Luxury Road to Hana Tour (with breakfast and lunch)
Can you visit the Road to Hana without a car?
Yes, absolutely! See the above question for a list of recommended tour companies that offer Road to Hana tours, or check out the full list of tour companies that provide Road to Hana adventures here!
Be sure to pay close attention to which tours provide pick-up/drop-off. Most do provide a pick-up and a drop-off, but I always recommend calling them or emailing to double check.
Is it safe to drive the Road to Hana in Maui?
The Road to Hana is commonly referenced as one of the most beautiful roads to drive in the world, but there are parts of the Road to Hana that can be very dangerous if you’re not careful! Specifically the blind corners, one-way bridges, and 600+ twists and turns along the highway.
However, if you practice safe driving skills you should be totally fine. It’s a good idea to stick within the limits you’re comfortable with–don’t go over the speed limit, don’t pass others unless it’s safe to do so, and always make sure to alert oncoming traffic around a blind corner with a polite beep of your horn or use your headlights (if driving in the dark).
Final Thoughts About Driving the Road to Hana
Planning your Road to Hana itinerary is no small task, but with the right stops in mind, it can be one of the most unforgettable days of your entire trip to Maui! Whether you’re hiking through bamboo forests at Haleakalā National Park, marveling at the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, or finding hidden gems like the Hana Lava Tube, the Road to Hana is a must-do experience to fully immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.
If you’re driving the Road to Hana on your own, don’t forget to make a reservation for Wai’anapanapa State Park well in advance to secure your spot to visit the black sand beach—it’s one of the most popular Road to Hana stops and the timed reservations can fill up quickly.
If you’re considering a guided Road to Hana tour, make sure to book early, as these tours are in high demand!
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