Weekend Warrior: Road to Hana
It’s commonly said the Road to Hana is about the journey and not the destination. The 52-mile Hana Highway, which runs along the eastern side of Maui from Pa’ia to Hana, has a whopping 617 turns and 59 bridge crossings. With all the stops along the way, the Road to Hana can easily become a 12+ hour adventure. We’re here to help you identify the highlights so you can make the most of your day-long trip.
*We recommend driving the Hana Highway from west to east; the road after Hana is extremely rough and unpaved. It is not recommended to continue driving the highway but instead, to turn back and drive back the way you came.
Day-Trip: Pa’ia to Hana, HI
5:45am Start your day before the sun rises and be sure to fill up on gas in or before the town of Pa’ia.
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
7:30am - Mile Marker 12: [Rest Stop, Duration: 5 min]
Stop by Kaumahina State Wayside Park for a restroom break & a scenic look before you carry on.
Drive ~10 min to your next stop.
[Hike, Duration: 40 min]
Start your Road to Hana day with a wet, secret waterfall hike!
7:45am - Secret Waterfall
Mile Marker 13: Wade through the Punalau stream to a 100 ft waterfall. Watch out for flash floods but get ready to have this gem all to yourself!
Drive ~20 minutes to your next stop.
[Point of Interest, Duration: 30 min]
The Ke'anae Arboretum has rainbow eucalyptus, taro, ginger, hibiscus trees and more.
8:45am - Ke'anae Arboretum
Park on the left side of the highway and see your first ‘official’ attraction of the day! Stroll on the paved path in this botanical garden for ~30 min.
Drive ~3 min to your next stop.
[Point of Interest, Duration: 15 min]
Just across the street, arrive at Ke'anae Peninsula for a quick photo-op.
9:15am - Ke’anae Peninsula
The jagged, black, lava rocks and strong waves make this area especially beautiful. There are public restrooms here as well. If you’re ready for a snack, grab a loaf of Aunty Sandy’s delicious banana bread!
Drive ~10 min to your next stop.
[Point of Interest, Duration: 3 min]
While crossing the bridge, roll down your window to snap Upper Waikani Falls, also known as the Three Bears.
9:45am - Upper Waikani Falls
Mile Marker 19: No need to get out of the car here…just drive a bit slower across ;)
Drive ~15 min to your next stop.
[Point of Interest, Duration: 3 min]
Same deal here! While crossing the bridge, slow down and grab a photo of Hanawi Falls.
10am - Hanawi Falls
Mile Marker 24: Drive ~15 min to your next stop.
Nahiku Marketplace
10:15am: - Mile Marker 29: [Rest Stop, Duration: 15 min]
Stop by the Nahiku Marketplace for a coffee, coconut water or quick bite! There are several new and old vendors here from the town of Nahiku. If it’s already later in the day, drop by Hana Farms for lunch (5 min away).
Drive ~10 min to your next stop.
[Optional Hike, Duration: 45 min]
Explore the black sands of Pa’iloa Beach in Wai’anapanapa State Park.
10:45am - Black Sand Beach
Mile Marker 32: If you can spare some time, we highly recommend the Wai'anapanapa Coast Trail North hike which brings you along the low-cliffed volcanic coastline from Pa’iloa Bay to Pakaulua Point.
Drive ~10 min to your next stop.
[Hike, Duration: 15 min]
You are now on Highway 31 and the mile markers start at 51 and descend.
11:45am - Red Sand Beach
Mile Marker 51: Just south of Hana Bay is a short trek to the Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach. The trail is steep and I don’t recommend hiking all the way down; head far enough to check out the beach from a distance and make your way back.
Drive ~2 min to your next stop.
Lunch
12:00pm - Mile Marker 51: [Rest Stop, Duration: 1 hr]
Finally take your well-deserved lunch break at Thai Food by Pranee or several of the other food stops in the town of Hana. You’ll definitely want to eat some food before our biggest hike of the day in a couple hours!
Drive ~20 min to your next stop.
[Point of Interest, Duration: 15 min]
Pop out of your car for this 80 ft waterfall and plunge pool.
1:30pm - Wailua Falls
Mile Marker 45: There is a very short ~2 min walk for those looking to get even closer to the falls. You’ll have your final taste of waterfalls at our final destination so don’t spend too much time here!
Drive ~10 min to your next stop.
[Hike, Duration: 3 hr]
This is your final stop!
2:00pm - Pipiwai Trail
Mile Marker 42: Hike 4 mi round-trip through a bamboo forest to the impressive 400 ft Waimoku Falls.
Be sure to finish the trail by 5pm so your car does not get locked in the Haleakala National Park gate.
Drive Home
5:00pm - By now, you must be exhausted! Begin your 2 hr drive back home carefully, coming back the way you came.