Road to Hana

Wai’anapanapa State Park is a gorgeous 122-acre state park that’s home to the Maui Tour‘s most famous black sand beach and packed with stunning vistas and historic sights.

Follow the signs to explore along the beach and spot the sea arch offshore and find the blowhole, or walk through the park’s lava formations, caves, ancient sites, pictographs and native forest groves. Just remember, whether you’re headed here for the beach or a hike you’ll need a reservation.

One of the world’s most scenic drives and certainly the most famous drive in the Maui Tour, the Road to Hana is not to be missed.

The drive is rich with waterfalls, black sand beaches, bamboo forests, lava rock formations and amazing ocean views as you wind your way through 620 curves and 59 bridges. You’ll want to spend a full day exploring the Road to Hana, making time to see the incredible Rainbow Eucalyptus trees and green sea turtles.

Located on the Maui Tour‘s northeastern shore, Ho’okipa Beach Park has an excellent surf break that brings out the kite and windsurfers.

It’s also an excellent place to spot green sea turtles in the surf or as they come ashore to rest. Just be sure to give them plenty of space, they’re protected fiercely by locals and the Endangered Species Act.

Discover Hamoa Beach, a jewel often lauded by authors and travelers alike as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific.

This stunning, crescent-shaped expanse of salt-and-pepper sand is fringed by lush hala trees and dramatic sea cliffs, offering a postcard-perfect vision of tropical paradise. The turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, bodysurfing, and snorkeling, especially during calmer summer months, while winter brings more robust waves for experienced surfers. With its remote feel and breathtaking natural beauty, Hamoa Beach provides an idyllic escape to relax, soak up the Hawaiian sun, and experience the unspoiled charm of East Maui.

Journey to the legendary town of Hana, a tranquil and isolated community on Maui’s eastern coast, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers.

Reaching Hana via the world-famous Hana Highway is an adventure in itself, a winding road with over 600 curves and nearly 60 bridges, carving through breathtaking rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and offering dramatic seascapes. Once in Hana, you’ll find a peaceful village steeped in Hawaiian tradition, where pastures meet the main street. Explore local treasures, relax on pristine beaches, and feel the authentic spirit of aloha in this remote and captivating corner of Maui.

Paia is colorful, quirky, and packed with surf-town soul. Shop local, grab a bite, and soak in the laid-back vibes before hitting the Road to Hana.

Soak in the bohemian charm of Paia, a historic plantation town turned vibrant surf hub on Maui’s North Shore. Known as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World” due to the consistent winds at nearby Ho’okipa Beach, Paia exudes a laid-back, eclectic atmosphere. Stroll along its colorful main street, Browse unique boutiques, local art galleries, and surf shops. Enjoy delicious, fresh cuisine at its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, including the famous Paia Fish Market. Paia serves as the gateway to the Road to Hana, making it the perfect spot to fuel up or unwind.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Oheo Gulch, famously known as the “Seven Sacred Pools,” located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. This series of stunning tiered pools and cascading waterfalls are fed by the Pipiwai Stream, flowing through a lush tropical rainforest before meeting the ocean. While swimming in the pools is often restricted due to safety concerns and natural conditions, the visual spectacle is undeniable. The surrounding area offers incredible coastal views and is the starting point for the renowned Pipiwai Trail, making Oheo Gulch a must-see natural wonder on your Maui adventure.

Embark on one of Maui’s most rewarding hikes, the Pipiwai Trail, located within the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. This captivating 4-mile roundtrip trail winds you through diverse and enchanting landscapes. Journey through a mystical bamboo forest so dense it creates a serene, shaded canopy, pass by a majestic banyan tree, and witness several stunning waterfalls, including the impressive Makahiku Falls. The trail culminates at the base of the magnificent 400-foot Waimoku Falls, a truly awe-inspiring sight. This moderately challenging hike offers an immersive experience in Maui’s lush interior.

Rainbow Eucalyptus trees shed their bark to reveal trunks streaked with color, like nature’s paintbrush at work. Spot them near mile 7 or at Keʻanae Arboretum.

Witness a living work of art at a Rainbow Eucalyptus grove, one of Maui’s most unique natural spectacles, often found along the Road to Hana near mile marker 7 or at the Ke’anae Arboretum. These magnificent trees, scientifically known as Eucalyptus deglupta, shed their bark at different times, revealing vibrant streaks of green, yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue on their trunks. The effect is a stunning, natural “painted” appearance that changes over time. Standing amongst these towering, colorful giants is a surreal and unforgettable experience, showcasing the incredible diversity and beauty of the plant kingdom.

Feel the raw, natural beauty of Koki Beach, a stunning dark-red sand beach located near Hana. Framed by dramatic ironwood trees and striking red cliffs, Koki Beach offers a more wild and untamed coastal experience.

It’s a favorite spot for local surfers and bodyboarders, known for its powerful shore break, especially during the winter months. While swimming can be challenging due to strong currents, the beach is perfect for scenic walks, photography, and witnessing the impressive power of the Pacific. Directly offshore, the picturesque Alau Island, a seabird sanctuary topped with coconut palms, adds to the dramatic and memorable scenery.

Twin Falls is the first waterfall stop on the Road to Hana, with short trails, swimming holes, and a farm stand serving fresh fruit and banana bread.

Experience the enchanting Twin Falls, typically one of the first captivating waterfall stops on the legendary Road to Hana. This easily accessible natural wonder features beautiful cascading waterfalls, inviting freshwater pools, and lush tropical surroundings. A short, scenic walk through a privately owned farm stand (offering delicious banana bread and fresh fruit) leads you to these picturesque falls. Depending on rainfall, you may see one or both falls flowing robustly. It’s an ideal spot for a refreshing dip, a beautiful photo opportunity, and a gentle introduction to the rainforest beauty that awaits further along your journey.

Upper Waikani Falls, aka “Three Bears”, features three perfect cascades side by side. Located right off the Hana Highway, it’s a quick and beautiful photo stop.

Delve into Maui’s volcanic heart with a visit to a fascinating lava tube, such as the accessible Ka’eleku Caverns. Formed centuries ago by flowing molten lava, these subterranean tunnels offer a unique opportunity to walk through the pathways created by ancient volcanic eruptions. As you explore the cool, dark passages, you’ll witness incredible geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the distinct textures left by the cooling lava. It’s an awe-inspiring adventure that reveals the powerful forces that shaped the Hawaiian Islands, providing a memorable and educational experience for all ages.

Alau Island is a tiny islet with towering palms, seen from Koki and Hamoa Beaches. This seabird sanctuary adds a surreal touch to Maui’s southeast shoreline.

This iconic sea stack, crowned with a cluster of swaying coconut palms, is a protected seabird sanctuary, providing a vital nesting ground for various native Hawaiian birds like the ‘Iwa (Great Frigatebird). While landing on the island is prohibited to protect its delicate ecosystem, its presence significantly enhances the stunning coastal views. Alau Island is a frequent subject for photographers, embodying the wild, natural beauty of the Hana coastline and adding a touch of tropical mystique to the seascape.

Stroll through rainbow eucalyptus groves and native taro fields at Keʻanae Arboretum. This peaceful roadside stop offers a botanical break along the winding Hāna Highway.