Begin the day with a scenic site and geologic wonder! As you drive along this country road you’ll soon spot a rock formation in the ocean. This sea arch was created by an ancient dried lava flow that has carved out a hole by the ocean’s unrelenting waves.

There’s a short walk to shore, and when you get there you’ll notice it’s different from the other beaches on this tour. The beach is filled with rocks! Although you won’t feel sand between your toes, stop and listen as the waves crash onto these rocks. You’ll hear a loud rumbling if the conditions are right.

This is just one of the first beautiful views that the tour has to offer! This windy spot offers views of Nu’u Bay and Mount Haleakala.

Your first of nine waterfalls for the day! Visiting Alelele Falls requires a short hike that crosses a stream, but other than that, it’s pretty accessible. The falls are roughly 50-feet tall and there’s a pool for you to swim in. If you’re looking to get to Seven Sacred Pools or Venus pools (both a few stops away) skip this stop -- those are both great swimming holes as well. Haleakala National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. As of June 2020 (COVID 19 response) The summit area is now open for sunrise viewing and must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Reservations allow access to the Summit District of the park from 3:00am to 7:00am. Please visit here for more information.

Just before Haleakala in a remote graveyard is the final resting place of Charles Lindbergh. If you’re not familiar with this famous figure, Lindberg was an aviator known for making a nonstop flight from New York to Paris. In 1972, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and after receiving various treatments in New York to no avail, he decided to spend the remainder of his life on Maui. 

This is by far one of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana. Oheo Gulch, also known as Pools of ‘Ohe’o and Seven Sacred Pools, are a series of cascading waterfalls that lead to pristine swimming holes. This is the perfect place to spend some time, especially since you’ll arrive before the crowds.

Note: There’s a $30 entrance fee per car to enter Haleakala National Park.

After your swim it’s time to work up a sweat! There’s a three-and-a-half mile rainforest trail that offers beautiful views of two waterfalls and a bamboo forest. The hike is rated moderate and takes about 2 hours to complete, if you’re short on time, or looking for a family-friendly option, hike to the first lookout point where you can see Waimoku Falls. From there, turn around and continue on the tour.

Note: There’s a $30 entrance fee per car to enter Haleakala National Park.

Just after Haleakala National Park where you’ll find Seven Sacred Pools, we have another secret swimming hole for you to check out. This is a wonderful alternative to Seven Sacred Pools because it is usually uncrowded and you can also do some rock jumping. Sometimes the waterfall is dry, but you can still swim in the pool below.

As you’re driving look out for Wailua Falls along the road. It’s a breathtaking, 80-foot waterfall. The best view is from the right of the bridge. Be mindful of other drivers on the road as you keep an eye out.

Want to sit back and relax for a little? This is a perfect family beach because of the protected cove and the large sandy area. If the waves aren’t too strong, there is some pretty decent snorkeling on the far left side of the cove.To access the beach, park next to the road and take the set of stairs down to the sand.

Now, take a few minutes to lay down and relax at Koki Beach. One interesting feature of this spot is the large hill beside it. Hawaiians have a name for this spot – it’s called Ka Iwi o Pele, which means the bones of pele. Actually, this hill is a cinder cone that erupted lava just before Mount Haleakala went dormant.

This general store has been owned and operated by the same family since 1910. It has everything from snacks to souvenirs. It’s a great place to stop to pick up food and drinks for the road. Note the only gas station in Hana is next door to the general store. This is good spot to fill the tank for the road ahead.

Pro Tip! The only gas station in Hana is next door. Fuel up here if you need to.

You made it to Hana -- that was fast! Don’t worry, there’s still loads to see. We recommend you grab a bite to eat here in Hana, there are loads of options to choose from.

Note: Visitors should not go to the Red Sand beach. Many years of overuse have caused erosion resulting in a dangerous hike along steep cliffs to and from the beach.

Parking AND entrance fees are now required to visit Waianapanapa. You MUST make an advance reservation to visit the park. 

NO SAME DAY RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 

* Book your reservation on www.gowaianapanapa.com. 

Visit one of Maui’s only black sand beaches. Created when hot lava shattered on contact with the ocean, this beach is unlike any others on the Road to Hana. While you’re there, look out for the freshwater cave that leads to the ocean, a blowhole that shoots water into the air, a sea arch formed from erosion and a hiking trail to ancient burial grounds. This is a great spot to spend some time, stretch your legs, lay in the sun, and even have a picnic.

Entrance is $5 per person AND $10 per vehicle to park.

More than just a garden, Kahanu Gardens is also a cultural site and National Historic Landmark. Here, the focus is on plants of value to Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. You’ll learn about the connection between the ancient Hawaiians and the land. The garden is also home to a thatched canoe house and one of the largest heiau (or temples) in all of Polynesia.

Note: There is an admission fee to enter the garden.

You don’t need to stop, but just before the turn to Nahiku Road, look out for a waterfall on the side of the road. Most people drive by and don’t even notice it’s there! You’ll see it under the bridge. As you look for the waterfall, please be mindful of the other drivers on the road. Also, if you’re traveling in the summer months and don’t see the falls, it could be because they’ve dried up.

Note: Do not park next to the falls! Drive past the falls a ways to park, then walk back.

As we continue along Hana Highway, we’ll stop by a lava cave hidden on the side of the road. This cave was formed when hot lava from an eruption cooled and hardened on the exterior, while it continued flowing in the inner core. 

After the lava drained out the hardened exterior shell remained, forming a cave. Duck and watch your head as you enter the cave, the entrance is small and there are some jagged rocks, but it quickly opens up to where you can easily stand up.

Note: Please keep low and watch your head. The rocks in this cave can be sharp.

Waikani Falls is actually a series of three waterfalls, also known by its nickname -- the Three Bears Falls. Don’t worry, there are no bears in Hawaii. The falls likely got this nickname because the three falls have varying heights: short, medium and tall, just like the family of bears in the children’s story Goldilocks and the Three Bears. 

Note: Do not stop at the falls! There is no parking.

Wailua valley state wayside park is not much of a park... more like an overlook. Here, you can get an excellent view of little Wailua Town and a famous church called the “coral miracle church”. When you get to the overlook, you will see the Haleakala Volcano behind you. You may even get lucky and see a waterfall or two cascading down in the distance.

The park is currently closed due to COVID-19. Check their website for updates.

Looking to grab a snack for the road? Stop at Halfway to Hana Food Stand. This snack shop also has tasty banana bread in addition to shave ice, lunch items like burgers and sandwiches and small bites like fruits and chips.

Pull over for an amazing overlook of the Ke’anae Peninsula. You will see a large shoulder on the left that provides a great birds-eye view of the peninsula. Notice the many taro patches that dot the landscape. Don’t worry, you’ll visit this peninsula shortly.

The Ke'anae Peninsula is a short detour off of Hana Highway, but it’s well worth the time for its stunning views of the ocean ripping through jagged lava rock. There are also some public restrooms near the peninsula.

As you’re leaving the Keanae Peninsula you’ll spot Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread on the left side of the road. Aunty Sandy’s serveds up warm loaves of banana bread that are made fresh, daily. We highly recommend you stop for a bite. 

Plus, at this point, if you haven’t had anything to eat since Hana Town, you’re probably starting to feel a bit hungry and we still have a ways to go before we make it to the next major food stop in Paia Town.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the rainbow eucalyptus trees on the Road to Hana? If you’re looking to see these colorful trees up close, here’s the spot! The Ke’anae Arboretum is free and open to the public. 

Note: there is a bit of a hike on a paved path to get there.

Pullover to view beautiful sheer cliffs and crashing surf at Nua’ailua Bay!

Here is the pullout for Honomanu Bay, where you can park your car and cross the street for a good view of the bay.

This well-maintained park is a great place to stretch your legs and use the restroom. However, if we’re being honest, this isn’t always the cleanest rest stop. If you can, wait until you get to the Ke’anae Peninsula. If you do hop out of the car, snap some photos of the peninsula which we will be visiting in a bit.

The park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Check their website for updates.

The Garden of Eden is a family-friendly spot with a variety of exotic plants from tropical rain forests throughout the world. While you’re there, you’ll see stunning coastal views and catch a glimpse of the Keopuka rock, which was featured in the opening scene of Jurassic Park.

Note: there is an admission fee to enter the Arboretum

This family-friendly trail is a short, three-quarter-mile loop that takes you through a forest of giant eucalyptus and mahogany trees. Stop here if you need to stretch your legs and want to get in a quick walk.

You’ve reached the last waterfall of the day! Unbeknownst to most, there are actually three different falls in the area -- Twin Falls, the most easily accessible, rope swing, and caves. Each requires a hike and most people just quickly stop at Twin Falls for a picture or a quick dip in the swimming hole. It’s a beautiful falls and a great place to end your day if you’re looking to get one more swim in.

During the months between December and March, when the wind and ocean conditions are just right, Jaws can produce waves as high as 70 feet! There are many big wave competitions held here every year that attract the best surfers from around the world. However, most of the time this beach has little to no waves. Unless it’s winter and you are sure that Jaws is “breaking” we suggest you skip this beach and keep driving.

Note: To access Jaws you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle for a muddy dirt road.

The consistent strong winds and good waves here, make Ho’okipa a world-famous beach for windsurfing and kite surfing. You can stop here briefly to check out the surfers! There is a great view from the parking lot above that overlooks the beach.

You made it! You conquered the Road to Hana. Now that you’re in Paia, may we suggest you unwind with a dinner at one of this seaside town’s quaint restaurants. Check out the tour highlights in the app if you need some restaurant recommendations. From here, you can head back to your hotel in West Maui (Kaanapali or Lahaina) which will take about 45 minutes.