Quick Links

Very few things in this world are as breathtaking as the beautiful beaches of Maui, the stunning views on epic Maui hikes, and of course, the island's famed Road to Hana. Filled with gorgeous flora, fauna, and out-of-this-world water features, this 64-mile highway runs from the Northeast of Maui down past Hana on the island's west coast. Designated by President Bill Clinton in 2000 as the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail, the road and its series of historic bridges were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, and for very good reason.

Visitors who brave Hana Highway will be treated to lush tropical rainforest sights and stunning ocean views, but that's not all. With some patience and pre-planning, travelers can take a deep dive into Hana Highway's unique geological and ecological wonders while experiencing those historic structures for themselves.

Related: 10 Reasons You Should Visit Maui As Soon As Possible

What Travelers Need To Know Before Traveling The Hana Highway In Maui

Be warned, travelers: much like Maui's beautiful but dangerous Kahekili Highway, the Hana Highway is not for the faint of heart, so it's best to be prepared before hitting the road! The highway has over 600 curves, some of which are very tight turns against drop-off cliffs. There are also several one-lane yet multi-directional spots on the highway, so drivers need to be extremely attentive and careful when getting behind the wheel. If renting a car and making the drive oneself, it's a good idea to add on extra car rental insurance just in case any unfortunate snafus happen. Also, don't be afraid to go slow or take time on the highway - safety first!

Road to Hana Sightseeing
Sharon Kong-Perring
Remember the cardinal rule of Hana Highway, stay safe!

If not planning on making any significant stops - but of course, travelers want to make stops here! - then the drive takes a little over 2.5 hours each way. Bearing that in mind, visitors may want to consider hiring a driver or taking a guided Road to Hana tour since this adventure can take an entire day. Having someone else who is very familiar with the route may be the best way to enjoy one's time in a relaxing way while headed to Hana. So, now that safety's been covered, what is there to see on the Road to Hana? Read on to find out!

The Road to Hana on Maui in Hawaii can be dangerous to visitors should take caution. 
kdvandeventer from Pixabay
The Road to Hana on Maui in Hawaii can be dangerous to visitors should take caution. 

Go Chasing Waterfalls On The Hana Highway

One of the most striking natural elements travelers will encounter when taking the Road to Hana is the waterfalls! Starting as early as Mile Marker 2 from the west, the highway is dotted by so many different kinds of waterfalls, from jungle-covered trickles to mighty raging swells.

Visitors will find that many people pull over on the side of the narrow roads to take the trek toward the waterfalls; however, please be mindful of the roadsides that indicate whether stopping is permitted on that section of the road or not. Many, many waterfalls are also visible from the road, so stopping may not be necessary; however, whoever is driving may not be able to fully enjoy the ride’s views (another reason why a guided Hana Highway tour might be optimal!).

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Hawaii Worth Visiting

One of the more opportune waterfalls to pull over and admire is Wailua Falls, nicknamed “the most photographed waterfall of Maui”, and a perfect specimen of Maui's ecological beauty. Located on Mile Marker 45 (closer to Hana Town), Wailua Falls has a larger-than-average parking area off the highway that accommodates more cars than some of the smaller waterfalls earlier on the road.

There is also a more established trail that allows visitors to climb down and get up close and personal with the falls or the plunge pool underneath - other waterfalls along the Hana Highway do have trails, albeit not well-taken care of and/or extremely rocky. This spot is truly dreamy and, most importantly, safe!

Interested in stopping at some other water features closer to the beginning of the highway? Read about the best stops on the Road to Hana before heading for this top US road trip!

Road to Hana waterfalls with accessible trails and ample parking are popular stops on the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii
Rusty Gage from Pixabay
Road to Hana waterfalls with accessible trails and ample parking are popular stops on the Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii

Explore The Hana Lava Tubes In Maui

Ever wondered what happens when lava flows underground? It creates a cool, cylindrical cave that travelers can hike into! Of course, Mother Nature's intention wasn't just to make for a fun side mission on the Road to Hana, but it really is a unique and stunning experience that can be enjoyed by every age and most activity levels. The Hana Lava Tubes is a family-friendly attraction that's open for self-guided tours throughout the year, and while the descent into the cave looks slightly daunting, it really is a low-stress activity.

Related: This Is How You Can See The Best Volcanoes National Park In Hawaii

Formed by underground lava rivers, the Lava Tubes are essentially a long cave that has been outfitted with a marked trail, rails to follow along, and interpretive panels that visitors can read to learn more about the cave and its geology and biodiversity. Overall, the walk down the cave and back is about a half mile and usually takes about 40 minutes, but visitors are encouraged to move at their own pace. The facilities' grounds are also beautiful, and the operators of the cave tours encourage picnics on the grounds!

  • Admission Cost: $15 per person; Children under 5 are free!
  • Hours of Operation: 10:30 am-4:00 pm, every day of the year!
  • Pro Tips: Wear closed-toe shoes for optimal comfort. Also, bring cash; admissions are cash only.
Hana Lava Tubes in Maui, Hawaii
Sharon Kong-Perring
Hana Lava Tubes is a cave adventure that explores the geological wonders of Maui.

Lounge On Unique Beaches Along The Road To Hana

Travelers really can't drive the Road to Hana without enjoying the beaches that surround Hana! While many of Maui's best beaches are stunning white sand wonders, some of the beaches along the Road to Hana also feature bits and pieces of the island's volcanic and geological activity in addition to lush sand. Maui is actually home to one of the most sacred volcanoes in the Polynesian culture, namely Haleakala, which offers beautiful sunrise views, so it's no wonder that its beaches show off some volcanic features.

One of the most tranquil beaches that has the best of both worlds is Koki Beach, located right by Hana Town. It's a great beach to set up a picnic and admire the volcanic rock formations nearby. Visitors will even see pieces of small red volcanic rock rolling in with the waves. Hana Bay Beach Park also features some beautiful volcanic activity in the form of black sand!

Koki Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Sharon Kong-Perring
Visit Koki Beach in Maui, Hawaii, for a glimpse at a red sand beach