Road to Hana — Attraction in Maui

We took the Road to Hana in early March 2025. It was beautiful and fun! We purchased an app with an audio guide called Shaka Guide to play along while we drove. It was so helpful because it allowed us to know what to expect before we got there, it told us what to look for, and it told us some stories about the area or Maui/Hawaiian history. It also told us some important cultural aspects, like the local Hawaiians wanting certain areas to be off limits to tourists and why. I recommend!

We really loved the Twin Falls stop and swimming in the waterfalls, and jumping off the lower falls ($10 per vehicle to park here). We forgot bug spray, but we bought their natural bug spray and it worked beautifully (and didn’t put bad chemicals into the water!). The Kaenae peninsula was gorgeous and worth pulling off for. We also enjoyed the chili dogs and banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s on that stop. Walking through the lava tube was a real highlight— don’t miss that!

You never know what will be open and what won’t because of their laid back nature of the locals. But in general, they are so friendly and accommodating. Some of them also don’t have time for waiting for tourists as they try to get their jobs done, and they don’t want to drive slow. So pay attention and give way to them when you can while on the road. It’s what you would appreciate if you were the one being slowed down in your daily life!

We read reviews about this being a very scary drive because of the tight turns and narrow lanes. We expected it to be nerve wracking! But the road really wasn’t different than the canyon road of Hwy 49 up between Auburn and Cool, CA, where we are from, so it wasn’t at all bad. Yes, it’s tight, and yes, you can’t always see around the corner. So go slow so that you have time to react, and keep to your side. You will be driving close to the cliff walls and the cliff edge a lot. To us, that wasn’t scary, it just...

Our Road to Hana experience was absolutely breathtaking and easily one of the highlights of our trip to Maui. We booked a private luxury road tour, and it was worth every bit. Our driver was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable—he shared fascinating stories about Hawaii's history, culture, and native traditions, which really enriched the journey.

The road itself is a stunning adventure, winding through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and mountains. We stopped at several picturesque spots, including one beautiful waterfall where we took a dip—so relaxing and refreshing!

Along the way, we also enjoyed fresh banana bread from a couple of local stops—apparently a specialty in the area—and it was absolutely delicious. As vegans, we were thrilled to find a Thai food truck for lunch, which had great vegan options and tasty food.

One pleasant surprise was how clean and well-maintained the public restrooms were throughout the route—definitely better than expected for such remote spots.

What stood out even more was our driver’s respect for the local Maui community. He drove patiently, always giving way to local traffic, especially on the narrow roads. This slower pace actually gave us more time to fully absorb the natural beauty all around us.

We also stopped at a lookout where we watched giant sea turtles lazing on the shore—such a peaceful and unforgettable sight. We visited a few beaches as well: the Red Sand Beach, which appeared more white on the day we visited, and the stunning Black Sand Beach, where we enjoyed a swim in the ocean.

Overall, the Road to Hana is a must-do experience when in Maui. It’s not just a drive—it’s a journey through nature, culture, and...

Driving the Road to Hana was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip to Maui. Winding through lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, dramatic sea cliffs, and jaw-dropping ocean views, every mile offered something extraordinary. It’s not just a drive—it’s an adventure through one of the most stunning natural landscapes on Earth.

We left early to beat the crowds and are so glad we did. The stops along the way—Twin Falls, Garden of Eden Arboretum, Wailua Overlook, and the black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park—were absolutely breathtaking. Each stop felt like stepping into a different postcard. Even the small fruit stands and roadside cafes offered fresh, local treats that made the journey even more memorable.

The drive itself requires patience and focus (over 600 curves and dozens of one-lane bridges!), but it's completely worth it. We used the GyPSy Guide audio app, and it was fantastic—funny, informative, and helped us time our stops perfectly.

A few tips: start early, bring snacks, wear swimwear under your clothes, and don’t rush. The magic is in the journey. And if you can, take the full loop—coming back via the backside past Haleakalā is a surreal contrast to the lush jungle roads.

If you're in Maui and considering whether it's worth the time—YES. This is a bucket list experience. The Road to Hana isn't just a road—it's a story, a treasure hunt, and a window into the raw, untouched...