The 17 Finest Street to Hana Stops on the Hawaiian Island of Maui

Driving the Street to Hana, also referred to as the Hana Freeway,  is among the finest issues to do in Maui. This 600ish-turn, 64.4-mile route takes you thru a few of the most stunning surroundings on the island. It’s loaded with tons of of hairpin turns, cascading waterfalls, a bamboo forest and dozens of gorgeous issues to see.

Whereas it’s potential to drive the entire thing in lower than 3 hours with none stops, we’ll miss out on tons of experiences that hold vacationers coming again for extra. You recognize what they are saying, the journey is usually extra necessary than the vacation spot.

Let’s try 35 of the most effective stops on this scenic route, from the most effective photograph alternatives to mountain climbing trails to the most effective eats on the street and a lot extra that can absolutely make for a enjoyable driving tour..



Table of Contents

Mile Marker 0 — Paia City

What higher method to begin your journey to Hana than on the unofficial beginning place, the metropolis of Paia? This as soon as sugar-mill city is now a famend laid-back windsurfing vacation spot, with widespread windsurfing spots like Ho’okipa and Spreckelsville attracting folks the world over. Additionally it is typically known as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World.”

Stylish boutiques, eating places, surf outlets, and native artwork galleries, reminiscent of Nuage Bleu, Cafe Mambo, and Maui Arms, name the place their house. As that is the final city you’ll come throughout in your method to Hana, it’s additionally an awesome place to top off on fuel (which might get fairly costly right here), snacks, toiletries, and whatnot.

Paia Town


Mile Marker 2 — Hana Freeway (360) — Twin Falls

Hawaii is understood for a few of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, and Maui is not any exception. The primary of many Street to Hana stops, the Twin Falls is located within the Ho’olawa Valley. Whereas the realm across the falls is inside personal property (Wailele Farm), it’s simply accessible to the general public. There are additionally completely different meals stands the place you may get some refreshing smoothies and snacks. Since it is a widespread cease for a lot of vacationers and locals, parking house can refill rapidly, so make sure that to regulate your schedule to work round peak occasions (10AM to 2PM).

There are two waterfalls alongside the reasonably difficult 1.8-mile path resulting in Twin Falls. The primary one is comparatively near the parking zone, the place you’ll see a small waterfall and a pure pool you’ll be able to dip into. The second (the one typically seen on photos of Twin Falls) requires a little bit of mountain climbing however is certainly effectively value it. As there are various slippery (and typically harmful) spots alongside the best way, remember to deliver acceptable footwear, like water footwear.

P.S. Don’t go away any valuables in your automotive, as (sadly) theft is steadily reported within the space.

Twin Falls


Mile Marker 3.5 — Kaulanapueo Church

Kaulanapueo Church was inbuilt 1853. At 8:45 within the morning, we have been the one ones there, in addition to the spirits buried within the quaint cemetery, some relationship again to 1940. The Protestant church buildings doorways have been locked, however the cease was value a peak across the grounds.

Kaulanapueo Church Road to Hana


Mile Marker 4.5 — Huelo Lookout

Early on the Street to Hana drive we determined {that a} fruit smoothie could be so as and one of many first stands was Huelo Lookout. I ordered a banana bliss smoothie, which was made with contemporary papaya, coconut and bananas—if these substances don’t say Hawaii, I’m undecided what does.

Huelo Lookout

Huelo Lookout


Mile Marker 6.7 — Rainbow Eucalyptus Bushes

The Rainbow Eucalyptus Bushes are considered one of Maui’s most well-known sights. Whereas these huge timber are discovered in numerous elements of the island, the preferred spot is round mile marker 7, the place you’ll see the “painted forest” alongside the slopes of Haleakala in direction of the ocean. The timber get their title from the rainbow-like inside bark that kinds when the outer bark peels away (which occurs a number of occasions a 12 months).

Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees


Mile Marker 9 — Ho’okipa Seaside Park/Ho’okipa Lookout

The most effective areas in Maui for leisure ocean actions is Ho’okipa Seaside Park at Mile Marker 9, which incorporates Ho’okipa Lookout.

This breathtaking white sand seashore gives a few of the finest windsurfing experiences on Maui’s coast, and it’s not unusual to see the professionals courageous the sturdy winds and waves. And let’s not overlook the lookout, which gives sweeping views of the adjoining shoreline and an up-close take a look at the highly effective waves that crash towards the rocky shore.

Ho okipa Beach Park


Mile Marker 9.5 — Waikamoi Nature Path

The Waikamoi Nature Path is a simple loop hike crammed with ferns, tall timber and scenic overlooks. There are two mountain climbing choices; the lengthy route and the brief. With our restricted time on the Hana Freeway we took the shorter of the 2 which was slightly below a mile.

Waikamoi Nature Trail


Mile Marker 10.2 — Ka Haku Smoke Shack

Ka Haku Smoke Shack is among the funkiest meals huts alongside the best way to Hana and the ten buck hen plate comes with a free coconut. Don’t trouble with the canned corn and rice sides that include it. However the hen, that’s grilled proper in entrance of you, is tender and flavorful. The contemporary coconut juice washed all of it down properly.

Ka Haku Smoke Shack Chicken

Ka Haku Smoke Shack


Mile Marker 10.6 — Backyard of Eden

The Garden of Eden is a type of dear, touristy arboretums that I might sometimes cross up, however it’s a nice cease for figuring out all of the native crops that you will note throughout your Hawaiian travels. Plus, they’ve a few waterfall lookouts.

Garden of Eden

Garden of Eden


Mile Marker 12 — Kaumahina State Wayside Park

Coming in at round mile marker 12 is the scenic Kaumahina State Wayside Park. This 7.8-acre woodland/viewpoint is a good place to relaxation and luxuriate in some grub, with picnic tables and restrooms out there for guests. Breathtaking views of the northeast Maui shoreline and Ke’anae Peninsula are a deal with for the eyes, with tons of nice photograph alternatives from one of many spots looking out. There are additionally a number of (albeit unmaintained) loop routes going uphill, the place you’ll see quite a few native and unique timber and crops.

Kaumahina State Wayside Park


Mile Marker 14 — Honomanu Bay Lookout

Honomanu Bay is located between mile markers 13 and 14 of Hana Freeway, on Maui’s North Shore. And what higher manner to soak up the bay’s biggest views than on the Honomanu Bay Lookout? This pullout, which is located simply previous Kaumahina State Wayside Park, gives a broad panorama of the bay and can be a preferred pictures spot. So whether or not you’re wanting to soak up the pure great thing about Maui or seize some superb images, the Honomanu Bay Lookout is certainly value a go to.


Mile Marker 16.7 — Ke’anae Arboretum

Situated previous mile marker 16 on the Hana Freeway alongside the Piinaau Stream is the Ke’anae Arboretum. What actually sells this one to vacationers and locals are the attractive tropical crops, flowers, and timber that develop right here (they’ve round 150 completely different species!) These embrace hibiscus, taro varieties, and the famed Rainbow eucalyptus. Entrance is free, and guests can take pleasure in a pleasant, simple stroll alongside the paved paths whereas taking within the breathtaking great thing about the flora.

Ke’anae Arboretum

Ke’anae Arboretum


Mile Marker 16.8 — Ching’s Pond

Ching’s Pond is a well-liked swimming gap that many individuals cross by with out even realizing it’s there. The courageous locals cliff dive from the bridge, a 25 foot drop. The much less adventurous leap from the decrease parts or just watch from the sidelines. Leaping is totally, positively not advisable, however at the moment not taking the leap was additionally considered one of my Street to Hana regrets. Unsure I’d be so courageous at present!


Mile Marker 17 — Keanae Peninsula and Village

Simply previous the Ke’anae Arboretum and mile marker 16 is a street resulting in Ke’anae, a small however stunning peninsula fashioned by the lava that flowed down Haleakala Crater and the soil introduced by ancestral Hawaiians centuries in the past.

At present, it’s recognized for its historic Hawaiian city, taro farms, and gorgeous land and seascape. With completely different viewpoints/lookouts within the space, you’ll all the time discover one thing new to see. Plus, it’s additionally a good way to take loads of images! Make sure to try the rugged lava-rock-filled shorelines, the historic church, and a style of some scrumptious banana bread (Aunty Sandy’s).


Mile Marker 17 1/3 — Midway to Hana

The Halfway to Hana snack store is actually a type of locations widespread because of its title and it’ll in all probability not be the most effective banana bread alongside the best way, however definitely worth the cease simply to say you’ve been. 

Halfway To hana

Halfway To hana


Mile Marker 18.8 — Wailua Valley State Wayside

A spot to stretch your legs and get a killer view! We took the steps on the precise of Wailua Valley State Wayside to the highest and have been handled to a view of Ke‘anae Valley, Ko‘olau Hole and the village of Wailua. It is going to be a fast cease, however definitely worth the good Hawaiian view.

Wailua Valley State Wayside


Mile Marker 19.5ish — Higher Waikani Falls

The Higher Waikani Falls, also referred to as Three Bear Falls, is among the hottest waterfalls of all of the Street to Hana stops. It acquired its title from the three separate side-by-side falls of various sizes, paying homage to the unique bear trio from Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s additionally a comparatively fast hike to the falls proper on the aspect of the street.

Upper Waikani Falls


Mile Marker 22 — Pua’a Ka’a Falls/Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park

Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park is positioned farther down the Hana Freeway, round half a mile previous milepost 22, and is a good place to stretch your legs and luxuriate in the fantastic thing about Maui. Guests can take a brief hike by the forest to see a few of the birds and crops up shut. There’s additionally a waterfall on the property (Pua’a Ka’a Falls), which makes for a refreshing swim on a sizzling day.

Pua’a Ka’a Falls


Mile Marker 24 — Hanawi Falls

The Hanawi Falls is considered one of Maui’s most stunning and photographed waterfalls, positioned simply round mile marker 24. Repeatedly fed by the waters of the Hanawi Stream and surrounded by dense rainforest, the waterfalls are separated into two elements: the higher and decrease falls.

The higher waterfall is a 30-foot cascade that plunges right into a small pure pool discovered simply close to the bridge/roadside (which is a improbable spot for viewing it). The decrease waterfall is a 200-foot cascade accessible by way of a path from the Nahiku village. Sadly, some elements of the path are beneath personal property, which prohibits any mountain climbing.

Hanawi Falls


Mile Marker 27. 5 — Coconut Glens Ice Cream

It’s not simply the sights that make Street to Hana a visit value remembering, but in addition the little candy treats we get to style alongside the best way. And on the subject of consuming ice cream, you’ll need to cease on the funky bus at mile marker 27 1/2.

Comprised of domestically sourced substances, Coconut Glen’s natural vegan ice cream prides itself as the most effective there may be in Maui, and it might positively be the case when you get a style your self. With completely different flavors reminiscent of mint chocolate, lemongrass, and their signature coconut taste (and extra), your journey will certainly be a complete lot sweeter!


Mile Marker 28.8 — Nahiku Market

Nahiku Marketplace is a Hana buying heart, which consists of a tiny handful of Hawaiian product outlets. That is the place I found considered one of my absolute favourite Maui treats, coconut sweet. The coconut is hand lower, sprinkled with brown sugar and sluggish baked. And it’s scrumptious!

Nahiku Marketplace

Nahiku Marketplace Coconut


Mile Marker 31 — Hana Farms Roadside Stand

The Hana Farms Roadside Stand is a well-liked cease for vacationers alongside the street to Hana. It’s a neighborhood market the place you should buy all kinds of products made in Hana and the farm itself, reminiscent of sizzling sauces, spreads, skincare merchandise, and extra.

Make sure to try their bakery for some freshly-made breads, bagels, desserts, and their signature banana bread (is available in 4 completely different flavors.) Should you’re in search of one thing heavier, you’ll be able to take pleasure in an open-air eating whereas munching on their wood-fired pizzas, pupus (a sort of Hawaiian appetizer), harvest salads, and extra.


Mile Marker 31 — Hana Lava Tube

Situated previous mile marker 31, the Hana Lava Tube is among the many pure wonders you’ll find on the Street to Hana. This big tube is comprised of solidified lava fashioned when the molten rocks cooled and hardened and is sufficiently big to stroll by.

Guests can take the self-guided tour, which takes them contained in the underground lava tube. Completely different rock formations like stalagmites and stalactites fill the partitions and ceilings, and uncommon ones just like the Chocolate Hall and Chockstone are positively a must-see. Should you fancy one thing above floor, you’ll be able to as a substitute discover and ‘get misplaced’ of their Purple Ti Botanical Backyard Maze.

Hana Lava Tube


Mile Marker 32 — Luana Spa Retreat

After indulging in an excessive amount of coconut sweet, we made a fast cease at Luana Spa Retreat to get a tour of a yurt. Why? As a result of I had no thought what the heck a yurt was both. Seems it’s a fancy-smancy collapsible tent generally utilized in Mongolia. However, you’ll be able to sleep (or, even higher, get a spa remedy) in a single at Luana.

Luana Spa Retreat


Mile Marker 32 — Nutcharee’s Thai meals

Proper subsequent to Luana Spa Retreat is Nutcharee’s, a scrumptious and genuine outside Thai restaurant. Although it’s off the overwhelmed path of the Hana Freeway, this place typically will get so busy it has to show away company. Yep, it’s that good.


Mile Marker 32 — Pa’iloa Seaside Black Sand Seaside at Wai’anapanapa State Park

The Pa’iloa or Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Seaside in Wai’anapanapa State Park (mile marker 32) was my favourite cease alongside the Street to Hana. Due to its distinctive black sand and exquisite tropical environment, this brief stretch is a particular Instagrammable spot.

A brief, steep path led us to the seashore, which began with a big coal-colored rock, adopted by shiny black sand with descending sizes of pebbles. Circumstances-permitting (as it may well typically get harmful), you’ll be able to go swimming within the water, however even simply the sight of it’s definitely worth the journey. There are additionally neighboring lava caves with freshwater lakes for those who like exploring for a bit. Lovely!


Mile Market 33 — Hana Tropicals

Hana Tropicals is a unique tropical flower farm and orchid nursery positioned within the charming city of Hana in East Maui. The farm is an homage to considered one of nature’s most stunning and distinct signatures across the island of Maui. The grounds are nestled away in a lush ethereal jungle, teeming with natural magnificence. 

They provide a free guided tour of their farm, supplied by considered one of their passionate volunteer employees, or you could select to discover the property at your personal tempo and curiosity.

Hana Tropicals


Mile Marker 34 — Hana City

Right here at mile marker 34 lies the small city of Hana, the place the entire journey is called after. It was as soon as house to the primary sugarcane plantations on the island, which paved the best way to the creation of the roads coming to and from Hana.

Though it’s a quiet, sleepy city, Hana’s attraction lies in its wealthy historical past and the belongings you’ll uncover as soon as you understand it a bit higher. Lush rainforests, stunning seashores, and scrumptious eats are simply a few of the many issues awaiting the weary traveler, and is certainly the best place to pause and rejuvenate. Some must-see locations embrace the Hana Cultural Center and Museum and Hana Bay Beach Park.

Hana Town


Mile Marker 35 — Kaihalulu Purple Sand Seaside

The crimson sand seashore of Maui, also referred to as Kaihalulu Beach, is arguably one of the gorgeous and scenic seashores in your entire world. The seashore will get its crimson shade from the iron-rich hill discovered within the space, which fantastically contrasts the ocean’s blue waters.

One thing to remember is that the entry path crosses personal property, which is why the locals shrink back from going to the seashore and why you could choose out too. You could discover it disrespectful if one trespasses. The hike is comparatively brief, however the path is steep, slender, and harmful, particularly for those who’re not sporting correct footwear. Use your finest judgment for those who’re planning to go to right here, or for those who’ll go for different sights as a substitute.

Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach


Mile Marker 41 — Lindbergh’s Grave

Tying in with our earlier entry, the Palapala Ho’omau Church additionally serves as the ultimate resting place of flier Charles Lindbergh, who’s finest recognized for being the primary particular person to fly a monoplane nonstop and solo throughout the Atlantic Ocean. He spent his final years in Maui till he died of lymphoma on August 26, 1974 (age 72.)

His grave might be discovered beneath the shade of a plum tree and can be one of many causes folks go to the church.


Mile Marker 41 — Palapala Ho’omau Church

The Palapala Ho’omau Church is a good looking church positioned simply previous mile marker 41 (eight miles south of Hana). In 1864, Christian missionaries constructed the church out of limestone coral and lava rock. Over the following century, it served as a spot of worship and a middle of exercise for the locals. In some unspecified time in the future, nonetheless, it was deserted till it was restored in 1964 by Sam Pryor and famed aviator Charles Lindbergh.

At present, it attracts guests worldwide with its gorgeous gardens, surroundings, and seaside vistas. Add to that the peace and quiet one feels inside church grounds, making it an awesome cease after a protracted drive.

Palapala Ho omau Church


Mile Marker 42 — Ohe’o Gulch — Seven Sacred Swimming pools

Our final cease on the Street to Hana loop was the Ohe’o Gulch, also referred to as the Seven Sacred Swimming pools. There are a number of falls that movement by Ohe’o Gulch and they’re widespread. By the point we acquired there, round 2:30pm, it was loaded with vacationers.

Seven Sacred Pools

Ohe’o Gulch Maui


Mile Marker 42 — Pipiwai Path

Transferring on to Haleakala National Park at mile marker 42 is among the finest (if not the most effective) trails in Maui: Pipiwai Path. This 4-mile, reasonably difficult route takes you to a few of its highlights, such because the 200-foot tall Makahiku Falls, a large 137-year-old Banyan tree, Maui’s most picturesque bamboo forest, and ending with the magnificent 400-foot tall Waimoku Falls.

Make sure to put on acceptable footwear as some elements of the path can get muddy and slippery, deliver plenty of water, some bug repellants, and naturally, go away no hint behind.

Pipiwai Trail


Mile Marker 45 — Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls, described as Maui’s “most photographed waterfall,” is located proper after mile marker 45 alongside the Honolewa Stream. That is undoubtedly considered one of Maui’s most accessible and sumptuous waterfalls, cascading round 80 toes down the aspect of a lush jungle cliff into a powerful plunge pool. What’s extra, you don’t even must go on a hike to see it!

Wailua Falls


Mile Marker 50 — Hamoa Seaside

After passing the city of Hana, we made a fast cease at Hamoa Seaside, a good looking, crescent public seashore. This golden white sand seashore is among the finest surf breaks on the island (together with Koki Seaside), with the waters altering from mellow to fierce in a snap (remember to watch your children!)

Throughout the calmer occasions, particularly within the morning, you’ll be able to take pleasure in different water actions reminiscent of snorkeling and bodysurfing. We simply took a peek, however we’d have spent extra time sunbathing if we didn’t need to get again to Paia by dinner.

Hamoa Beach

Hamoa Beach


Mile Marker 51 — Koki Seaside

Koki Seaside is a crimson sand seashore positioned on the island of Maui in Hawaii and is among the two well-known Hana surf breaks beloved by native surfers (the opposite one being Hamoa Seaside). The neighboring Ka Iwi O Pele, or “Bones of Pele” cinder cone hill, is liable for the darkish crimson sand at Koki Seaside.

Because the waters can get fairly tough across the seashore, it isn’t an excellent spot for swimming. Nonetheless, it’s a improbable spot to calm down and have a picnic whereas taking within the views of the surfers and the ocean.

. . .

It’s simple that Street to Hana is among the hottest vacationer sights in Maui. From lush rainforests and sumptuous waterfalls to crimson and black sand seashores to scrumptious eats, there may be a lot this a part of the island has to supply. Whereas it might take a while to get by these nice stops, simply keep in mind to take pleasure in and take advantage of out of your journey!

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Important Suggestions for Visiting Maui and the Street to Hana

Getting There: Kahului Airport is a significant hub and most airways will fly into it. It’s the solely airport in Maui that accommodates direct flights from the U.S. mainland. You may simply test for the most effective fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘least expensive month’ because the departure to search out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. Though there may be an airport in Hana, there aren’t taxis, shuttle companies, or automotive leases on the Hana Airport, so fly into Kahului Airport and decide up your rental automotive, take a taxi, Uber, Lyft or a shuttle to your lodge.

The place to Keep in Maui: It’s finest to remain close to the airport in Kahului, near the beginning of the Hana Freeway.  The Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort (reasonable) is a good selection in Lahaina. For one thing a bit of nearer, the Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono will prevent some 

journey time on the best way to the Street to Hana. For one thing on the inexpensive aspect, strive the Kihei Kai Oceanfront Condos or the Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast Retreat. For a lodge with a bit of extra extravagance, ebook a room on the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. Or search some nice offers on resorts of your selection at Booking.com. Should you’re in search of extra of a house environment (or are touring with a gaggle of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each worth vary. 

Getting Round: Renting a automotive in Maui is the most effective to actually expertise the Street to Hana and RentalCars.com has some nice offers. If you’re not renting a automotive, there are many choices. Taxis, Lyft and Uber can be found throughout Maui, plus a lot of the high sights might be accessed with the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley, the Hula Hula Hopper. If you’re not renting a automotive however want to expertise the Street to Hana, try a few of the finest excursions that provide pick-up companies out of your lodge or rental under within the ‘Finest Excursions in Maui and the Street to Hana’ part.

Metropolis Transportation Passes: The Hula Hula Hopper Trolley gives a 2-Day all 

inclusive cross for $48 that permits entry to all 4 Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley strains.

Finest Excursions in Maui and the Street to Hana: You could find a few of the high excursions at Get Your Guide or Viator, and listed below are a few of the high ones:


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Excursions
Maui: Scenic Drive to Hana
Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Road to Hāna
The Road To Hana: Private Hike