15 Best Road to Hana Stops
in Maui (2025 Guide)

Without a doubt, Ho‘okipa is one of the most amazing beaches in all of Hawaii. It is known worldwide as one of the most popular beaches on the planet for watersports, including surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand-up paddling, and more.

The beach park offers more than just beauty and cool aloha vibes. Here, you’ll find a beach cove with so many surf breaks and spots to chill out under Maui’s glorious sunshine. It’s also outfitted with BBQs, three pavilions, some public restrooms and showers, and two lifeguard towers.

Ho‘okipa is like a backyard for many local Maui families. There are a few great tips that would benefit visitors to Ho‘okipa. Drive slowly through the parking lot, make sure to greet the locals with respect and smiles, and pay particular care to your carbon footprint. These tips go for any beach in Hawaii!

As of late, Ho‘okipa has caught on in popularity due to the migration of the Hawaiian green sea turtles. If you go to Ho‘okipa Beach to see Maui’s turtles, please keep a distance of at least 10 feet and absolutely do not try to touch or bother these amazing creatures. If you arrive in a rental car, remember your rental agreement prohibits venturing off paved roads, and stick to marked areas.

Ho‘okipa Beach has such a beautiful community of families, water sports athletes, and much more. It is worth a trip at any time of the day. As you make your way back toward Central Maui, don’t miss the chance to stop at Ho‘okipa or Baldwin Beach, two of the best places to watch the sunset on Maui.

Family-friendly: Gentle surf zones in “Little Ho‘okipa” make this an accessible beach cove for families in rental cars (remember your waiver!).
Must-do: From March to October, stay 10 feet back from nesting turtles to avoid fines up to $5,000.
Travel tip: Arrive by 7 AM on weekends to snag a paved stall and beat the crowds.

Family-friendly: Snack platters, fruit cups, and a shaded picnic spot are perfect for little travelers.
Must-do: Try the Jaws Sunrise Burrito with local eggs, avocado, and lilikoi salsa for the ultimate pre-Hana meal. This is A. Makai Smith‘s favorite.
Travel tip: Fill your tank, check your tire pressure, and grab an audio tour at Jaws Country Store. It’s your last gas and guide stop until Hana Town.

The trail is well-graded and mostly flat, winding gently between trunks that glint in dappled sunlight. Along the way, you’ll pass benches carved from fallen logs, perfect for a quick rest before continuing your Hana tour. The understory blooms with tropical ferns, wild ginger, and lush greenery, and you may even catch the scent of guava and citrus drifting on the breeze.

Family-friendly: Ideal for toddlers and elders. Stroller and wheelchair friendly.
Travel tip: Visit between 9–11 AM when the morning sun enhances each hue. After rain, watch for slippery spots.
Photography: Use a wide-angle lens, low, to include the full trunk height and the sky.

The grounds here are impeccably maintained. They have even been recognized by the State of Hawaii for proper land use management and conservation practices.

The grounds feature over 700 labeled species of herbs, some of which were donated by George Harrison of the Beatles! 2.5 miles of lush walking trails wind through towering trees and lush greenery, decorated by rich tropical varieties of flowers, plants, and fruit trees.

The property of the Maui Garden of Eden also offers a rare view of Puohokamoa Falls from a dedicated viewpoint, and a superb art gallery full of locally made gifts and Maui souvenirs. You may also find peacocks who love parading in front of the shop! There is a $20 parking fee to enter the Maui Garden of Eden.

If you’re the adventurous type, book a tour with Rappel Maui on the Garden of Eden property. This unique tour takes you on an unforgettable rainforest adventure as you rope down jungle cliffs and Puohokamoa Falls. Rappel Maui is open to those of all skill levels and is the only tour of its kind on Maui.

Family-friendly: Kids love spotting peacocks, reading plant labels, and exploring short shaded trails.
Must-do: Book the Rappel Maui rappelling tour for an adrenaline boost.
Travel tip: Arrive early to stroll the trails in cool morning light before tour buses roll in.

There is a paved parking lot with clear parking signs marking the arboretum entrance. Wander the easy half-mile loop through over 150 varieties of tropical plants, hibiscus, papaya, taro fields, ginger varieties, native and non-native Hawaiian trees, and more.

There is a road on the makai (left/ocean) side of the highway just past MM 16 that will let you access the Ke‘anae Peninsula. Ke‘anae is a traditional Hawaiian village known for its taro fields. While driving down the road, you will pass Aunty Sandy’s stand. Aunty Sandy’s banana bread is arguably the best that you’ll find. The stand also serves smoothies, Maui snacks, and lunch plates such as chili and rice or pulled pork BBQ sandwiches.

Further down the road, you will reach the Ke‘anae Congregational Church. It’s a historic church made of lava rock and coral, built in 1856. Park only in the designated gravel area and marvel at the rugged coastline and the huge waves crashing against the black-lava rocks. Please note that there is no swimming at this location, and respect private property and posted signs.

Family-friendly: Easy half-mile stroll through lush taro fields is stroller-friendly; supervise kids on rocky outcrops.
Must-do: Sample Aunty Sandy’s fresh banana bread before it sells out each day.
Travel tip: Pull fully off the paved shoulder into marked parking areas. Private property begins immediately beyond.

Climb the short set of stairs on your right for an unforgettable photo opportunity over Haleakala’s wind-sculpted ridges and the Pacific horizon. There are no restrooms or picnic tables here, so pack water, snacks, and sunscreen before you arrive.

Family-friendly: The stairway has sturdy handrails and only a handful of steps, perfect for school-age kids and grandparents.
Must-do: Stop at the small pull-off parking lot and spend 10 minutes on the overlook. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Travel tip: Watch for faded parking signs and slow down. This mile-marker pull-off is easy to miss at highway speed.
Photography: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture both valley and ocean in one frame, and shoot around midday when clouds cast dramatic shadows over the taro fields.

Pua‘a Ka‘a Falls is a 15–20-foot waterfall. These easily accessible falls are a nice option for those who are traveling in a large group or with kids. The walk is short but offers great rewards and is the perfect picnic area. Picnic tables sit under the shade of towering bamboo and ʻōlapa vines. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by lush greenery that exemplifies the tranquility of Hawaii.

Besides being popular with both locals and visitors, you can look forward to seeing many feral cats here! As with any other waterfall, avoid swimming if the pool looks murky or muddy. You also might want to bring some non-toxic mosquito spray if you’re prone to bites from the little buggahs.

Family-friendly: Kiddie-friendly trail and shallow pool make it perfect for families and beginners.
Must-do: Pack a picnic and use the riverside picnic tables for a memorable Road to Hana day trip lunch.
Travel tip: Wear water shoes for the rocky pool floor, bring mosquito spray, and remember the small parking lot fills early, arrive mid-morning.

Cash preferred. No ATM on site, and look for the small shaded parking stalls behind the stand.

Just a two-minute drive east, the Nahiku Marketplace roadside stand features food vendors offering banana lumpia, fresh fruit cups overflowing with tropical fruit, and jars of lilikoi jam. Local artisans sell lauhala baskets, bottled hot sauces, and island-made snacks. A row of portable restrooms and picnic tables sits beneath a rainforest canopy, with a shaded stream alongside for ambiance.

Family-friendly: High chairs and snack-sized portions keep little ones happy; the short, paved path from the parking area is stroller-friendly.
Must-do: Grab your lilikoi jam before noon. It often sells out by early afternoon, and pair it with your Coconut Glen’s scoop for a sweet-tart flavor combo.
Travel tip: Pull fully off the narrow Hana Highway shoulder into marked parking areas; blind corners and tour buses speed through here, so signal early and check for posted parking signs.

This charming market will bring a smile to your face. If you haven’t devoured several loaves already, grab their famous banana bread. It’s perfect for a picnic area snack or post-hike fuel.

When you’re ready for something savory, walk up the steps behind the stand to Bamboo Hale, a tropical open-air restaurant built entirely from bamboo sourced at Whispering Winds Bamboo Farm in Kipahulu. Savor wood-fired pizza, Hawaiian-style plate lunches, and daily food truck specials under a shaded lanai. Live island music every Friday night adds sweet aloha vibes, but note that Bamboo Hale is closed on Mondays.

Family-friendly: Kids love sampling fresh banana bread and pizza, high chairs and picnic tables make it easy for families.
More to do nearby: One block into Hana Town, try Thai Food by Pranee’s curries or browse the century-old Hasegawa Store for vintage snacks and supplies.
Travel tip: Parking fills up quickly around midday. Arrive early or plan a return swing after exploring Hana Town.

The turquoise water pops against the black sand and vibrant green plant life. While most visitors snap a few photos and move on, we highly recommend taking time to hike the short cliff-top trails, dip your toes in the pebbly sand, and, if conditions allow, venture inside the lava tube. Be mindful of strong currents, sometimes dangerous shore breaks, and slippery rocks.

A same-day reservation system is now in place. Out-of-state visitors must book a time slot reservation. Entrance and parking fees ($10 per vehicle, $5 per person) are mandatory. No reservation, no entry. Campsites and cabins are available with advance notice for guests wanting to stay longer.

Wai‘ānapanapa State Park sits right at MM 32 on the Road to Hana. Watch for the small parking lot and self-service fruit or flower stands on the approach. Turn left onto Waianapanapa Road and follow signs down to the entrance, where an attendant will verify your reservation.

Family-friendly: Smooth pebbly black sand is perfect for little explorers, and water shoes protect tiny toes.
Must-do: Book your same-day reservation early online to secure your time slot and avoid being turned away.
Travel tip: Arrive 20 minutes before your slot to allow for check-in and parking, then tackle the coastal hiking trails for unbeatable panoramic ocean views.

There are so many things to explore in and around the Hana area. Make sure to check out Wai‘ānapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach, the Hana Lava Tube, Kahanu Garden, and Hana Bay. There is also Hana-Maui Resort, Hana Coast Gallery, Hana Ranch, and much more.

The Hasegawa Store is a traditional Hawaii-style General Store. It’s a great place to grab snacks, souvenirs, and supplies if you are planning on camping out in Hana. Many food trucks in town offer plenty of options, but we highly suggest that you try Thai Food by Pranee and Braddah Huts BBQ.

Family-friendly: Older kids and teens love the Hana Lava Tube tour and cultural exhibits at Kahanu Garden; facilities are limited so pack snacks and water.
Must-do: Fill up on gas at the Hasegawa Store’s small gas station and stock up on fresh fruit, picnic supplies, and banana bread before you head out.
Travel tip: Consider an overnight stay at Hana-Maui Resort or a local B&B to experience “Heavenly Hana” after dark and avoid driving the winding Hana Highway back in low light.

Since this beach is exposed to the open ocean, the waves and currents can be strong. This makes it the perfect beach for bodysurfing, boogie boarding, and surfing enthusiasts. Lounge in the shade or on the sand and let your worries just melt away. While this spot can get a bit crowded, you will still have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the day.

Park in the small dirt parking lot off Haneoo Loop Rd. (watch for parking signs), then take the rocky stairway down to the shore. There are no lifeguard towers or facilities here, so plan accordingly.

Family-friendly: Safe for confident swimmers aged 10+; toddlers require vigilant supervision due to strong currents.
Must-do: Arrive before 10 AM to beat the late-morning crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Travel tip: Pack shade gear, snacks, and plenty of water. There are no picnic tables or restrooms on site.

While the falls are usually best viewed in the morning while the sun is shining, it’s always worth a stop and a quick walk to stand in the mist and marvel at nature. Keep in mind that these falls lie on Honolewa Stream, not to be confused with Wailua Valley or Wailua Stream, which are two separate attractions.

Wailua Falls is located at MM 45 just past the town of Hana. There is a parking lot right next to the bridge, where vendors are usually set up to sell souvenirs.

Family-friendly: The official viewing platform is fully fenced, perfect for children; skip the steep trail if little ones are with you.
Travel tip: Arrive by 8–9 AM to catch sunlit mists and avoid tour buses; wear sturdy shoes for the slippery path if you venture down.
Photography: Use a polarizing filter to cut glare on the plunge pool and capture the vibrant green foliage surrounding the falls.

There is a fee to get into the park. The pass is good for three days, though, and it will also get you into the Haleakala Summit, so make sure to keep your receipt! Guests will enjoy the many facilities at this park. There is a large, paved parking lot, some bathrooms, a campground with picnic tables, and a Ranger Station with displays of interesting information. It’s the perfect spot to stop on the Road to Hana and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Oheʻo Gulch stands as a must-see highlight of your Maui vacation.

Note: There is no swimming at this location.

Family-friendly: The lower pools nearest the boardwalk are safest for little ones. Observe all “No Swimming” signs and stay close on uneven trails.
More to do nearby: Camp at Kipahulu Campground ($20/night) under ironwood trees, explore the coastal lava tube hiking trails, and join free ranger talks on Hawaiian traditions.
Must-do: Purchase your same-day or advance $30/vehicle park pass (good for three days, also valid for Haleakala Summit) online at Recreation.gov/sitepass/77808 before arrival.

The Pipiwai Trail follows a historic route used by ancient Hawaiians for centuries. They journeyed through this area to gather resources and access freshwater sources, leaving behind a trail that is still admired today.

Hiking the trail is like stepping into a lush rainforest wonderland. The trail traverses through diverse microclimates, showcasing various plant and animal species adapted to the changing conditions.

At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of Waimoku Falls, plunging 400 feet into a pool below. The sheer size and beauty of this waterfall make it a highlight of the hike.

Family-friendly: Recommended for teens and active pre-teens; plan 2–3 hours, pack at least two liters of water per person, and use the easy half-mile bamboo tunnel section as a rest break.
Travel tip: Arrive before 8 AM to beat tour buses, secure parking in the small lot, and enjoy the trail in cool morning light.
Geology: The trail cuts through ash and lava flows from Haleakala’s eruptions roughly 500 years ago, offering a living glimpse into the volcano’s legacy.