OUR FAVORITE ROAD TO HANA STOPS

Here is a list of our favorite road to Hana stops when traveling with our seven-year-old and 7-month-old. There are so many stops and adventures that await you on the Hana Highway. On our drive towards Hana, we focused on seeing the beautiful sights and getting to the Pipiwai Trail with plenty of time to enjoy our hike, explore Wai’anapanapa State Park, and get back to Paia town by sunset. Our road to Hana stops were safe for the kids, as I did not want to take the kids anywhere that made me nervous. I noted our timing with each stop to help you with your planning.

I have also included some stops I feel like we missed. Whether closed due to COVID, closed due to timing, or seemed a little risky for our young kids, I kept them on my list for those with older kids and our future explorations! When planning your road to Hana adventure, make sure to check out the first two posts in our guide, where I give you background information, planning considerations, and tips on how to do the road to Hana. With thoughtful planning and openness to where the adventure takes you, our favorite road to Hana stops will lead to one of your best days in Maui!

Table of Contents

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROAD TO HANA

ROAD TO HANA BASICS & PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

OUR FAVORITE STOPS ON THE ROAD TO HANA – YOU ARE HERE

HIKE THE PIPIWAI TRAIL IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

RELAX ON THE BLACK SAND BEACH OF WAI’ANAPANAPA STATE PARK

HOW FAR DO YOU WANT TO GO?

My motivation for the road to Hana was to get to the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. I had seen this hike in Sunset Magazine in 2018 and knew I wanted to go there. Once I started my research on this trail, outside of driving the backroad (which is controversial due to unmaintained dirt roads and rental car contracts), I realized the road to Hana was the way to get there. The trail and National Park are only 30 minutes past Hana and worth the time! We knew it would be a big day, but the views would pay off, and I started planning our route.

TIMING MATTERS – START EARLY

There are so many things to see on the Hana Highway. There is beauty all around, so you want to target your stops carefully as it is impossible to do everything. For example, Twin Falls is the first waterfall, and many people stop here first. I read that this waterfall is nowhere near as great as the waterfalls ahead several times. Many families end up spending way too much time here, so they cannot enjoy many of the better things ahead. Try to stick to your estimated timeline to avoid missing favorites or driving in the dark. I HIGHLY recommend Maui Revealed or a Shaka Guide audio tour for highly detailed mile-by-mile information, history, and maps.

ROAD TO HANA STOPS

PAIA TOWN – 6:50am

Paia Town is the official start of the road to Hana and a great place to fill up your gas tank. The gas station is on the right side of Highway 36 and makes pulling off to fill very easy. We were filling up shortly before 7 am, so most of the town was starting to open. The kids also started to wake up as we were leaving Paia Town, and we all began to notice the landscape becoming more lush and green. We had officially started our Road to Hana adventure!

TIP: STOP IN PAIA TOWN AGAIN IN THE EVENING

Depending on the route you choose, Paia Town can also be the last stop on your way home. This is a funky little town filled with surf shops and other stores that would be fun to browse if you have longer to visit. In addition, there are some great restaurant options in Paia Town. Flatbread Company looked like a great post-road to Hana family dinner stop or to-go pickup. Since we still had a decent drive back to Kapalua, we opted to wait and grab pickup closer to our condo, but I think we missed a gem here!

The famous Mama’s Fish House is in Paia Town too. Just make sure to get your reservation in ahead of time as they are very busy. We had friends visiting simultaneously who grabbed their dinner to-go on the beach for sunset because they were dirty and tired from their Road to Hana adventure. Since our visits were during COVID, to-go food came out as a picnic in itself!

HO’OKIPA BEACH LOOKOUT – 6:12pm

Shortly after Paia Town, The Ho’okipa Beach lookout is an easy left turn just before mile marker 9. The lookout is an easy pull-off from the highway, and the lookout parking is right at the entrance. The beach is further down, but the overlook gives you the best view.

Ho’okipa Beach is known for incredible surfing and windsurfing due to the large reef that stretches across the bay producing ideal waves. It is fun to let the kids check out the action from the parking lot. We stopped here to stretch our legs and feed the kids in the evening. This is another excellent option for a beverage or to-go dinner stop at the end of your Hana Highway adventure.

PRO TIP: RESET YOUR ODOMETER

Soon the mile markers of Highway 36 reset and start at 0 on Highway 360 – the Hana Highway. Thanks to the advice from Maui Revealed, we RESET OUR ODOMETER at the start of Highway 360 (shortly after mile marker 16) to follow along with the plans I had. I highly recommend you do the same.

RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS OR PAINTED FOREST – 7:25am

Shortly past mile marker 7, about 25 minutes into your drive, you will notice a grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees on your left. The bark has yellow, red, and blue hues and is a fun thing for the kids to see. The rain makes the color pop even more. On our drive back, it was raining, and the colors were much brighter. You can pull off a bit past the trees at mile marker seven if you want to take a closer look or stretch your legs. Check out this post for some great photos of these unique eucalyptus trees. Other visitors were enjoying the cows and views at the pullout.

WAIKOMOI NATURE RIDGE TRAIL – A STOP WE MISSED

This short, family-friendly nature trail would have made a great stop if our timeline had allowed us. Parking was empty as we passed, and Shaka Guides recommends giving this stop about 30 minutes. There are two nature loops, only about 3/4 mile with minimal elevation gain. The first loop is about 5 minutes to a waterfall, and the second takes about 15 minutes. Something to consider if your kids need to get out of the car and move a bit!

WAIKOMOI FALLS – 7:40am

Since we knowingly had passed the popular Twin Falls earlier, Wakiomoi Falls was our first waterfall sighting on our Hana journey with our kids. At mile marker 10, it was so exciting to be standing alone, staring at a beautiful waterfall in the lush green jungle. We had no idea how many waterfalls we would see on this drive, so our son especially liked this one as it was the first! We quickly pulled over as nobody was around and were able to take it all in and enjoy it. After our views, we headed over the one-way bridge pictured below to continue our journey. It had been just under an hour since we were filling with gas in Paia Town.

GARDEN OF EDEN – A STOP WE MISSED

At mile marker 10.5, this is a stop to consider with kids depending on your timeline. Although closed as we passed, I would love to see the self-guided Garden of Eden arboretum if I find myself here again. The garden is open 8-4 pm daily and is a beautiful place with over 500 tropical plants to enjoy and learn more about. With over 26 acres of lush botanicals and trails, kids can burn some energy, enjoy seeing the peacocks, and enjoy the coastal views. You can also see the beautiful upper and lower Puohokamoa Falls. The opening scene of Jurassic Park featured the garden as well! They also have a picnic area (with food trucks depending on the time) and restrooms! Adults are $15, children 5-16 are $5, and 5 and under are free.

KE’ANAE PENINSULA – 8:06pm

At this point, it was 8 am, and everyone was getting hungry. We had decided to make this our most extended stop on the way out because I read the bathrooms were clean, and the timing synced with feeding our 6-month-old daughter. I also wanted to try some of the famous Road to Hana banana bread I read about while planning.

At mile marker 16, we detoured downhill towards the Ke’anae Peninsula and were in awe of the stunning views. We could pull right up to the coast as only one other car stopped there. This was our breakfast spot. We broke out our cooler picnic, I fed our daughter, and we even snuck in a family photo on a timer! The waves crashing into the jagged lava rock was incredible. This is not a place for swimming or walking around on the coastal rocks, but it was peaceful to take in the scenery and picnic.

While we enjoyed the views, a local came to feed her miniature pony. Talk about an excellent view for life! Our son enjoyed seeing the small pony enjoying breakfast while we did. The bathrooms were clean, and our son had plenty of space to walk around and enjoy. This is a great place to recharge for the rest of your drive to Hana with the kids! It is also the location of the famous Aunty’s Banana Bread, giving us a local treat after breakfast!

We also stopped here on our way back from Hana for a similar break. Nursing, snacks, restroom, and stretching our legs. The afternoon sun was spectacular from this peninsula. We even got to see our pony friend again!

AUNTY SANDY’S BANANA BREAD – 8:48am

I knew I had to try some Hana Highway Banana Bread on our adventure, and after reading, reviews decided Aunty Sandy’s was where I had to get it! Aunty Sandy’s is open at 8:30 am daily, and the banana bread loaves are made fresh daily and served warm.

Returning to Hana Highway from Ke’anae Peninsula, Aunty Sandy’s is on your left side (we drove past heading out earlier). My husband got in line at 8:49 am (first picture) as cars and van tours started pouring into the parking lot. The second picture is at 8:52 am. You can see how quickly the line begins to grow here. At $7/loaf, the banana bread is delicious. Our son was so excited about the warm treat as we headed back out for our adventure. Unfortunately, they run out of their banana bread daily, so I recommend stopping here early versus on your way back. This is just another example of how beating the crowds was vital to our success on the road to Hana with kids.

CHING’S POND – A SPOT WE MISSED

Just before mile marker 17, you will begin seeing cars parked for this famous swimming hole. A short walk to this freshwater pond provides incredible views and a quintessential road to Hana adventures. Our friends with older kids, 10 and 12, visited the same day and said this was an absolute highlight for them! It is a perfect way to cool off from your day’s adventures.

UPPER WAIKANI FALLS (THREE BEAR FALLS) – 9:02am

Shortly after mile marker 19, you will cross another one-way bridge with a beautiful view of Upper Waikani Falls (or Three Bear Falls) on your right. The falls are named for their three sizes-small, medium, and large (just like the bear family in The Three Little Bears). We were visiting in April, and mini streams of water poured down the cliffs all around the falls. Although you cannot park right by the falls, you can park up the road and walk back to see the falls. We enjoyed viewing them from our car as we were still ahead of traffic (it was about 9 am), and we were able to pause and take in the spectacular view from the car.

PUA’A KA’A WAYSIDE STATE PARK – A SPOT WE MISSED

I have included this stop halfway between mile markers 22 and 23 because it was easy to pull off the Hana Highway for a bathroom break if your kids need it. There is another beautiful waterfall view and an exciting (probably dangerous) lava tube cave exploration for the more adventurous.

MAKAPIPI FALLS – 9:18am

Just after mile marker 25, you will see (what looks like one) waterfall approaching on your right. As you cross the bridge, you realize you are looking at a series of waterfalls coming down the island and gathering to flow underneath you. Welcome to Makapipi Falls! We were fortunate to visit when these falls were flowing relatively strong, and the beauty of the cascading falls joining into one under your feet is amazing. Unfortunately, during the summer months, the falls tend to dry up.

We opted to pull over on the pullout after the bridge and switch off, taking a peek here. We were still ahead of traffic and not too worried about cars on the bridge. However, I had read my share of tragic stories from this location due to the low guard rail. There have been several instances of visitors looking over the railing towards their feet, falling over or sitting on the rail for photos, and slipping back. From my finger in the camera photo, you can see that I was too nervous looking over to notice the blur. The rush of water coming towards you and joining together right under you to head to the ocean in front of you is beautiful. Just be careful as you take it all in!

NAHIKU LANDING – A SPOT WE MISSED

This detour sounds like a dream, so I want to revisit it. We were pushing to make our hike at the Pipiwai Trail and had to skip. This 2.5-mile detour through lush greenery takes you to an incredible view that sounds phenomenal. You must park before the bridge and walk over for the view, as the bridge is in disrepair and unsafe for vehicles. I did read locals are not thrilled about their quiet, narrow road being promoted in books & blogs. If you go, please comment below about your experience and share your photos with me!

NAHIKU MARKETPLACE – 9:38am

Just before mile marker 29, the Nahiku Marketplace is an easy pull-off on the left side of the road. We arrived shortly after 9:30 am for coffee. However, many outdoor dining options opened later in the day. There were options for shrimp dishes, fish tacos, burgers, sorbet, and that food. This marketplace has port-a-potty restroom options and makes for an easy stop if your kids need a break! From here, we headed straight through Hana to the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park!

HANA FARMS – A STOP WE MISSED

Located just after mile marker 31, Hana Farms looked awesome. We would have stopped by if we had the time in the afternoon. Hana Farms has a seven-acre farm, marketplace, restaurant, and bakery. You can browse the marketplace full of locally sourced jellies, sauces, and coffee at the farm stand or pick up some to-go snacks, like macaroni salad and pork hand pie. At the bakery, you can try a variety of local treats, like banana bread, cheesecakes, and other pastries. The property is colorful, bright, and full of local goods to take a piece of Hana home. One of my favorite souvenirs is something local I can enjoy once I am home, like jelly, BBQ, or hot sauce.

If you want more than snacks, the Hana Farms restaurant, The Bamboo Hale, serves wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, local plates, and salads. The menu looked delicious, and I kicked myself for not stopping as we passed by. I would not have missed this if I had known about it prior. Until I find myself in the lush paradise that is Hana again, I will have to stick to their online store. Hana Farms is a great place to stretch your legs on your way in or out of Hana.

HANA – 10:03am

As we came into Hana around 10 am, the colors of tropical flowers began to pop all over the landscape. We loved driving through, but due to timing considerations, we did not stop. I would love to explore Hana Bay and the Pier on a future visit. Also, the coastal hike from Wai’anapanapa State Park sounds stunning and is on my bucket list.

Hana is a relaxing sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the busier areas of Maui. It is hard to fully appreciate that when you are in the middle of a 12-hour road to Hana with kids’ adventure. If I were planning a trip today, I would consider staying in Hana for one night.

STAY THE NIGHT IN HANA TO EXPERIENCE MORE

The Travaasa, a Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt, would be a dreamy getaway in Hana for a night or two. This resort is a splurge but would make for a special night and an exciting way to spread out your road-to-Hana adventure. Located by Hana’s beautiful Hamoa Beach, the Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt will not disappoint. There are also a variety of hotels and VRBO rentals to choose from in Hana if you are interested in extending your stay.

There is value in having more time on your drive out and back. However, you also need to think about your luggage in a rental car and how that may impact the comfort and safety of your Hana Highway adventure (especially with kids in the backseat)! If you stay in Hana, you can leave a little later in the morning to avoid traffic! Our itinerary was set before I started planning our Hana Highway adventure, so we continued to see all we could!

HANA TO PIPIWAI TRAIL IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK – 25 minutes

The road conditions worsened as we left Hana and continued towards the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park. The road became bumpier, potholes increased, and everything narrowed. We hoped that crossing into a National Park would bring more stable conditions but realized quickly that was not the case. On the way out of Hana, you pass the stunning 80-foot Wailua Falls.

Although we had been on our adventure for five hours, we were so excited to be close to a bucket list destination. Our baby girl enjoyed her morning nap while our son played a game on his iPad. No shame on this final push! Although about 90 minutes later than we had estimated, we still had the road to ourselves. The road was very narrow, but our main concern was potholes without other cars to worry about.

PIPIWAI TRAIL IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK – 10:30am

We arrived at Haleakala National Park at about 10:30 am and were able to park in the main lot. Cars were coming in heavy, though. We could park in the main lot, but the crowds were heavy when we finished our hike, and the overflow parking was full. So again, early was vital! There are entrance fees to Haleakala National Park, but they are good for multiple days, meaning you can use your ticket to access the summit of the crater if you choose to visit at sunrise or another time during your trip. As of June 2021, the fee is $30/car for three days but use the link above to check the current rate before your visit.

Check out my post on the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park for all the details on this incredible bucket list hike. The sound of the bamboo forest tapping in the wind was so unique. If you enjoy hiking, I highly recommend this hike. Our seven-year-old son LOVED it.

POOLS OF ‘O’HEO – A SPOT WE MISSED

This beautiful spot has several names – Oheo Gulch, Seven Sacred Pools, Pools of ‘O’heo. No matter what you call it, they sound stunning and usually are one of the busiest places on the road to Hana. Sadly, during our visit, COVID had things closed, and we could not visit. Next time! Check here for current closure information!

KIPAHULU DISTRICT OF HALEAKALA TO HANA – 2:15pm

Our drive back towards Hana on this part of the road was the most stressful driving of the day. Because we had beat the crowds out earlier, we drove into them as we left Haleakala. We also were driving on the cliff side of the road, which was sometimes uncomfortable, passing long lines of Suburbans at one-way bridges on hairpin turns of the road.

WAI’ANAPANAPA STATE PARK – 3:06pm

Wai’anapanapa State Park is the home of Maui’s true black sand beach. The 122-acre park has epic views, coastal trails, lava tubes and caves, and camping experiences. Read more about making reservations and our experience at Wai’anaapanapa in this post.

INTERACTIVE MAP OF ROAD TO HANA STOPS

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android

FINAL THOUGHTS

From Wai’anapanapa State Park, we started our journey back to Paia Town. We were amazed at the crowds along the highway, which made us even more grateful for our early departure. If you missed the first two posts in our guide, check them out here, as they will help plan your adventure. We took our time heading home and stopped again for restrooms and snacks at the Ke’anae Peninsula. Finally, we reached the Ho’okipa Beach Lookout for a very peaceful sunset.

Anything we missed on our road to Hana adventure and need to check out next time? What was your favorite part? Let me know below!