It's futile to deny Maui's Hana coast as one of Hawaii's most sensational island edges. With its rich black-sand beaches, plummeting waterfalls, and lush tropical greenery, this coastal stretch offers a wealth of natural beauty and adventure — one that calls for a road trip. In particular, the region offers a delightful drive — a 64-mile-long trip known as one of the best road trips in Hawaii, extending between Routes 36 and 360 and taking travelers on a magnificent journey from Kahului to the town of Hana in Maui. Indeed, this region is so stunning (and accessible) that it finds itself among the top US vacation destinations to book in fall and winter for those escaping the post-summer chills.
Also known as the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail, as designated by former United States President Bill Clinton, the heavenly Hana Highway on the island of Maui is famed worldwide and features 640 turns and curves, 59 single-lane bridges made from concrete and steel dating back to the early 1900s, and a ton of natural splendor. Thanks to its perfect location, it's the ultimate way to sample the sights, scenery, and a number of the top Maui attractions in one spectacular journey. The road to Hana, with its winding roads, offers stunning views of the coastline, ocean, and Maui's tropical vegetation, all beautifully situated in a region having managed to resist overdevelopment and cultural dilution.
Is The Road To Hana Worth It?
Naturally, this part of Hawaii isn't cheap, which may leave travelers pondering if it's worth their time and dollars (even though it is possible to plan a Maui vacation for under $1000). Luckily for tourists on a budget, road-tripping, this iconic route doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg (and even if it did, the experience is absolutely worth every cent). Easily one of the best things to do in Maui (and often cited as one of the best road trips in the world), the road to Hana road trip promises sublime sightseeing and a journey through the island's fascinating history.
Of course, many tourists attempt the adventure themselves via a self-guided tour, although that does require proper route planning, scoping out sites of interest beforehand, navigation, and driving, which many travelers don't want to do during a vacation. Instead, many prefer a stress-free, easier way to explore this region on wheels is to opt for a tour led by those in the know — which, handily for eager intending visitors, this guide details next. If the road to Hana tour reviews are anything to go by, the trip is bucket list worthy!
Explore The Hana Coast By Road On One Of The Top Hana Tours Of Maui
- Road to Hana Tour Name: Small Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup
- Price: From $219.99
- Duration: 10 hours approximately
- Meeting Point: 1090 Ho'okele St, Kahului, HI 96732, USA (leaving at 8 am)
Offered by one of the top Road to Hana tour companies, this guided trip comes with glowing reviews and a history of happy travelers having enjoyed what may be one of the top tourist activities on Maui island. Participants spend a full day enjoying a sightseeing tour of this world-famous byway's breathtaking landscape, comprising lush farms, picturesque overlooks, and interesting Hawaiian history.
As one of the Hana tours from Kahului incorporating the best of the jaw-dropping scenery for which this iconic north Maui route is known, travelers get the chance to savor some of the coastline's most beautiful parts, including Wai'anapanapa State Park, Ho’okipa Beach Park, and Waikani Falls. Guests also visit Ke’anae — a historic Hawaiian hamlet famous for its fisherman and photogenic scenery — and get to see the final resting place of legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh, among many more of the best stops along the road to Hana.
Why Take This Guided Road To Hana Tour In Maui?
- Guests can take the unbeaten path while undertaking a scenic exploration of the globally famed Road to Hana.
- See the famous and lesser-known sights along the route
- Soak up some of the most stunning views in Maui
- Visit the historical Hawaiian hamlet of Ke’anae, where fishermen go about their daily business.
- Enjoy the utmost convenience with hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and bottled water.
- Travel the road to Hana in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle
- Enjoy a more personal experience with a small tour group
This memorable trip along the Hana coastline involves stopping off for a swim at scenic waterfalls. Guests are advised to bring swimsuits, towels, and a spare change of clothes — just in case!
What To Expect On This Road To Hana Road Trip Tour
Hana Highway
After grabbing a morning coffee and stocking up on supplies for the day's ten-hour adventure, tour participants set off from the meeting point toward the Road to Hana — 64 miles of one of the most beautiful road trips in the world, passing by verdant tropical scenery, such as the Bamboo forest, which runs along the highway through Ho'okipa Beach Park.
Hookipa Beach
Along the way, visitors can soak up the scenery in the windsurfing capital of the world — Ho'okipa Beach - Maui's ocean sports and recreational hotspot, where windsurfers, kiteboarders, and surfers can be seen riding the waves and challenging the shoreline's gusty winds. The sublime white sands of this spot are home to some of the best waves in Maui and have been a magnet for surfers since the 1930s, even attracting major events such as The Aloha Classic and Red Bull surfing competitions.
Moreover, this spot on the Maui map is also one of the best places to spot the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle on the island; it's not uncommon to see sizable 200 lbs turtles in this gorgeous area swimming in the sea and basking upon the soft sand.
Waikani Falls (Pass By)
Next, the route takes visitors on a drive-by tour of Waikani Falls — also known as "Three Bears Waterfalls" and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.
Pua'a Ka'a State Park
At the next stop, tour participants can don their swims suits and prepare for a refreshing dip. There are two waterfalls on the Mauka side of the state park, where local residents often swim. If swimming on this 40-minute stop sounds appealing, don't forget to wear a swimsuit underneath clothing beforehand — and remember to bring a towel and a spare change of clothes.
Wai'anapanapa State Park Black Sand Beach
Wainapanapa is recognizable as the island's famous black sand beach bathed by cobalt blue waters — a shoreline that's often claimed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui. Interestingly, the dark sand and black lava rocks result from a recent volcanic flow d rating back just 10,000 years ago (which sounds like a long time, but geologically speaking, it's rather short!)
On this stop on the route, tour participants can take a stroll in the bay and witness the brilliant blue water or simply sit in a shaded area to soak up the stunning scenery for an hour in one of the island's most breathtakingly beautiful locales.
Fresh Water Caves and Lava Tubes
The tour guide also takes visitors to view the area's amazing volcanic caves. If they're visiting at the right time of year, participants might get to experience an incredible natural phenomenon in which the waters in the caves turn bright crimson due to the presence of red shrimp.
What's more, the guide tells the tale of the legendary Princess Popoalaea Blowhole, which may turn into a reality when a lava tube meets the ocean. If the day is right, water spouts 20 feet into the air, creating a mist that blows for around 200 feet.
Wailua Falls (Pass By)
Another pass-by feature, guests can view the tallest waterfall on the Hana Highway, which stands at around 100 feet in height. The falls' location right by the highway makes it a popular attraction on the road to Hana and is one of the best stops along the way. Although this point of interest is a drive-by landmark, guests can request a five-minute stop to get a better look and take photos.
Ke‘anae Point
Located just past the Keanae Arboretum on the Hana Highway is the village of Ke'anae, where guests enjoy a 30-minute stop to scope out the beautiful sights and scenery. This traditional Hawaiian village is known for its fishermen and taro fields, the latter of which dates back generations when villagers' ancestors first worked them.
In addition, this place is immensely photogenic, with Maui's north shore waves batting against the scenic Keanae peninsula and its jagged, dark black lava rocks. No swimming is allowed here due to the dangerous, rocky shoreline — but viewing the scenery and snapping pictures is the next best thing.
Charles Lindbergh's Grave (Pass By)
The historic Palapala Ho'omau Church was constructed in 1857 and still stands today on Maui's luscious tropical coastline. Though the church itself is famous, it's best known as the burial ground of prominent inventor, aviator, explorer, activist, and author, Charles Lindbergh.
He was the very first solo aviator to fly across the Atlantic from New York to Paris. While the tour passes by this site, guests can request a stop to take a closer look and snap some photographs.
Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary
Another pass-by feature available for stops on request, the Honey Bee Sanctuary in Ulupalakua, is stated just two miles after the winery in Kula. It offers excellent coffee and tea and even better honey! The site also boasts a lovely gift shop full of locally made gifts, souvenirs, and artistic goodies.
Kaupo
Next, tour participants pass by the unearthly landscapes of Maui’s backside in Kaupo, taking memorable photos of the breathtaking vistas along the way.
Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread
This short stop is where guests will enjoy the best banana bread they've ever tasted. What's more, world-famous chef Gordon Ramsey filmed the show Uncharted at this place; even he commented on how incredible the banana bread is (and everyone knows just how hard he is to please!)
Laulima Farm
Laulima Farm is an organic family farm located in the Kipahulu Valley. Set across 13 acres, the farm grows tons of delicious tropical fruits, which guests can sample at the property's fruit stand. Organic coffee is also grown farm fresh!
Ohe'o Gulch
Also known as 'the sacred seven pools', this spot on the road to Hana is extremely popular, thanks to its superb location and majestic natural scenery around the natural pools. This feature along the route is a drive-by attraction, allowing guests to take pictures over the bridge as they pass.
The Final Question: A Road To Hana Tour Or Drive Yourself?
The road to Hana tour vs. drive question is one that is not easy to answer; it depends on travelers' personal preferences. The route is always one of Maui's epic summer adventures (or any time of the year, really), but how visitors explore it can affect their experience.
Tourists who enjoy spontaneity, the adventure of navigation and driving, and not having time constraints might better enjoy the road to Hana road trip by themselves. However, going it alone without a knowledgeable guide does require plenty of prep, planning, and work in terms of actual driving and finding each stop.
In contrast, taking the guided option is a better fit for visitors who like to relax and not have to worry about planning and navigation — or driving long distances. The experienced tour guides take care of the route, finding each stop, and the driving, which takes much of the hassle and effort off tourists' shoulders — which can instead focus on enjoying the ride and the scenery while taking photos.
Still, although the tour option is less stressful and way more convenient for travelers who prefer having all the planning, preparation, and driving done for them, there are time limits at each point of interest. In any case, so long as self-guided road trippers plan the route ahead (and drive safely) and guided drive-choosing travelers select one of the best Road to Hana tours Maui has to offer its welcomed visitors, they're sure to have a blast, no matter which option they pick!
Lastly, if island-bound travelers brush up on the most important things to know before planning a trip to Maui, their bucket list vacation exploring the Hana coast will go even more swimmingly.