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. 

Get one more beach in before you end your day! There’s a short walk to the 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.

We’re not done with waterfalls just yet! This will be the ninth and final waterfall of your adventure today. 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 back before dark, skip this spot and keep driving.

Note: The falls can be seasonally dry in the summer months.

Just past 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. Behind the church is a small park, feel free to walk around and enjoy the serenity here. 

This is by far one of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana. ‘Ohe’o 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 unwind with a dip after a long day of driving. Take in the natural beauty and reminisce on all you’ve seen and learned on your tour today.

Note: There’s a $30 entrance fee per car to enter Haleakala National Park. Please Note: Seven Sacred Pools can get crowded, if you’re looking for another swimming hole that’s less busy, skip this spot and head to Venus Pools (check below for more details). We recommend you do one of the two, especially if it’s getting late.

Once you get to Haleakala National Park, there’s a three-and-a-half mile rain forest 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 to Seven Sacred Pools. Note: There’s a $30 entrance fee per car to enter Haleakala National Park.

On your way back, you’ll have the option to stop at Venus Pools. 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. If you’ve had your fill of swimming at Oheo Gulch, or it’s starting to get dark, we suggest you skip this spot and continue back towards Paia.

As you continue driving towards Kipahulu (Haleakala National Park), look out for Wailua Falls along the road. Up to this point you have already seen a ton of waterfalls. But this one is the largest of them all at 80-feet tall. The best view is from the right of the bridge. Be mindful of other drivers on the road as you keep an eye out.

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. Park next to the road and access the beach by a set of stairs.

You made it to Hana! 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. You can also skip it for now and visit on the way back.

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

Congratulations! You’ve made it to Hana. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. But don’t worry, the tour isn’t over -- some of the best stops are yet to come! We recommend you grab a bite to eat here in Hana, there are loads of options to choose from. This is the last stop for food until you get back to Paia Town.

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.

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.

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 temple) in all of Polynesia.

Note: There is an admission fee to enter the garden

This is one of our favorite views on the whole tour! It’s an optional side trip, but we think it’s well worth it. You’ll drive into the sleepy town of Nahiko where you’ll visit a seaside landing with crashing waves and coastal cliffs. Take a walk to the landing and stick around to enjoy in the amazing views!

Note: The wood bridge here is in disrepair, so just park at the church and walk in.

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.

If you’re hungry, this is a great place to stop to grab a bite. At the Nahiku Marketplace, you’ll find a variety of cafes and restaurants, serving up island-style fish tacos, beer battered fish and chips, shrimp, some tasty Thai food, and even a few pastry options. The next food stop is in Hana Town, which is just two stops away, but if you visit both it will probably take about an hour to an hour and a half.

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.

The name of the hike is the Wailua Iki hike. It’s less than a mile roundtrip and is one of the best hikes on the entire road to Hana. This brief hike takes you to find a hidden waterfall, and a freshwater pond where you can do a little swimming. This waterfall is flowing year round because it is located above the aqueduct diverting water away. But be aware that if you swim here, know that it is used as water source for Maui residents. So treat it with respect.

But there’s one thing you need to know. Although all the land here is owned by the state of Hawaii, it is leased to a private company called east Maui irrigation that manages the watershed. It’s the same company that diverts water to supply water to other parts of Maui. So technically, it could be seen as trespassing on private property. Although this trail is frequently hiked without problems and not strictly enforced, i’ll let you be the judge whether to hike it or not.

The trailhead is located after the bend in the road. The trail goes up the hill to the right after the metal gate. Find a place to park by the side of the road. Then just follow the broad road and stay right at the top of the hill. From there you will a series of waterfalls open up before you. It is truly amazing!

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. This is another great opportunity to get out and swim.

Wailua valley state wayside park is not much of a park but 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.

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.

Fun Fact: Halfway to Hana is actually just before the official halfway point.

Pro-tip! If you are traveling with kids, got a late start, or crunched for time, this place is a good place to turn around for a “mini” Road to Hana tour. You’ll hear lots of great stories on the return trip.

Now, just around the bend of Ching’s Pond is an amazing overlook of the Ke’anae Peninsula that we drove down. You will see a large shoulder on the left that you can pull in for a great birds-eye view of the peninsula. Notice the many taro patches that dot the landscape.

This freshwater pond is a perfect stop to pull over, park, and take a dip below a small waterfall. Ching’s Pond is one of the most accessible swimming holes you’ll visit today so it tends to get crowded. It’s also a favorite among locals who don’t always appreciate tourists visiting their favorite spots. Have a feel and if you’re comfortable, go for a swim. If not, continue the drive, there are more swimming holes later in the tour.

The Keanae Peninsula is a short detour off of the Hana highway that leads you to the old village of keanae where you can get some awesome ocean views of the blue ocean ripping through jagged young lava rock. I highly recommend this little detour. It should only take 15 minutes round trip.

The best viewpoint is at the end of this road, next to the baseball fields. While driving out there, you will see an old-stone church to your right. This is was the only building standing after a april 1964 tsunami that devastated the community.

There is also another overlook down the road where you can get a great view of the whole peninsula with all of its many taro patches.

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 serves up warm loaves of banana bread that are made fresh, daily. We highly recommend you stop for a bite. Plus, at this point, 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 at Nahiku Marketplace.

Keanae arboretum is really a lovely botanical garden that is also free and a great place to stretch your legs a bit. A short walkway leads through a myriad of trees and plants from around the world, including giant bamboo trees, african tulip trees, taro plants, banana, papaya and breadfruit trees. Each is marked with a nameplate showing the country of origin and plant name. This is, for sure,  the best place to go if want to see the rainbow eucalyptus trees up close and take some pictures. It really looks like the color has been painted on the trees.

Plan on spending around 30 minutes strolling through the gardens here. If everyone is tired and wanting to get back, then this is something you could pass up. You decide.

It is kind of tricky to find the arboretum. The front entrance is not very obvious and comes quickly around a turn. Look for a small park sign and a green gate. You will need to park down the street and walk in. After you enter the gate, there is a nice 20 min stroll along a paved road before you come to the actual arboretum. Take as long as you want and then turn around the way you came to exit the arboretum. Admission if free.

Pullover to view sheer cliffs and crashing surf at Nua’ailua Bay. Ke’anae Arboretum Approximate time: 30 minutes 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. You can also visit this stop on the way back if there’s time. We’ll mention it again on the return trip.

Note: There is a bit of a hike on a paved path to get to the arboretum.

Here is the pullout for Honomanu Bay where you can park your car, and cross the street for a good view of the bay. If there is no room to park, you can also stop by on the way back if there’s still daylight.

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 Garden of Eden is a family-friendly spot with a variety of exotic plants from tropical rainforests 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 -- remember, you’ll be in the car for hours today!

The first of many waterfalls on our excursion today is Twin Falls. 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, but there are so many to see. We recommend taking a quick peek at the first falls as there are more waterfalls and better hiking opportunities down the road.

To access Jaws you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a muddy dirt road. 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. So unless it’s winter and you are sure that Jaws is “breaking” we suggest you skip this beach and keep driving.

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.

Your tour will end in Paia Town, close to where we began. At this point, it’s probably late in the evening and you’re looking for some grub. We recommend you have dinner in Paia, especially if you have to make the 45 minute drive back to West Maui. Check out the tour highlight for our recommendations!