Maui's legendary scenic highway winds through 64 miles of lush rainforest, sea cliffs, bamboo groves, and waterfall-fed valleys to the remote town of Hana. Over 600 curves and 59 bridges make this a memorable driving experience.
The Road to Hana follows Hawaii State Route 360 along Maui's northeastern coastline for approximately 105 kilometres from Kahului to the remote town of Hana, widely considered one of the world's most dramatic scenic drives. The route takes a full day — 10 to 12 hours is standard — due to 64 miles of narrow two-lane road, 59 mostly one-lane bridges, and over 600 curves. A rental car is mandatory; no scheduled public transportation serves the route.
The journey begins in Paia, a bohemian surf town 10 kilometres east of Kahului that provides the last full-service grocery store and gas station before Hana. Twin Falls at mile marker 2 from Paia is the first accessible waterfall stop, a short walk through roadside fruit stands to swimming pools beneath a two-tier falls. The road continues east through dense rainforest of philodendron and hala trees, opening periodically to panoramic Pacific views.
The Ke'anae Peninsula at roughly mile 17 is a flat lava shelf jutting into the ocean, home to a historic Hawaiian fishing village and a roadside banana bread stand. Wailua Falls viewpoint appears shortly after — an 80-foot waterfall visible directly from the road without hiking. Wai'anapanapa State Park at mile 32 hosts the most photographed stop on the route: a black sand beach formed by volcanic lava, flanked by sea caves and coastal blowhole formations. State park parking requires advance online reservation through hawaiistateparks.org and is strictly enforced during peak periods.
Hana town is a quiet community of roughly 1,200 residents with a few restaurants, a small general store, and the Hana Cultural Center and Museum. Most visitors continue 16 kilometres south to Oheo Gulch within the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, where cascading pools offer fresh-water swimming when water levels are safe. The Pipiwai Trail winds 3.5 kilometres through a towering bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
The return route can backtrack the same road or, for those with appropriate vehicles and verified rental agreements, continue around South Maui via the Piilani Highway — a partially unpaved coastal road through Kaupo. Food options along the highway are sparse; packing lunch and snacks from Paia is strongly recommended.
Suggested itinerary
- Depart Kahului by 7 AM. Stop at Twin Falls (mile 2), grab breakfast in Paia, continue past Ke'anae Peninsula, stop at Wai'anapanapa State Park for the black sand beach, explore Hana town, hike Pipiwai Trail, swim at Oheo Gulch pools, and return same way or continue around the island.
Highlights
- Twin Falls waterfall
- Wailua Falls roadside viewpoint
- Ke'anae Peninsula lava rock coastline
- Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach
- Bamboo Forest (near Oheo Gulch)
- Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
- Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
Tips for visiting
- Reserve Wai'anapanapa parking in advance at hawaiistateparks.org
- One-way car rental restrictions may apply — check with rental company
- Fill gas in Paia — one small station in Hana (expensive)
- Return via same road or continue around the bottom of Maui (Piilani Hwy — check if road is open)
- Bring snacks and lunch — food options are limited along the route
When to visit
April through October has the lowest rainfall along the Hana Highway, reducing flash flood closures at waterfall pools and stream crossings. Departing Kahului by 7 AM is recommended year-round to reach popular stops before peak midday crowds and to secure limited roadside parking.
Accessibility
The highway and roadside pullouts are navigable by standard vehicle. Most waterfall viewpoints require short walks on uneven terrain. Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach has a paved path to the beach area. Wheelchair access to waterfall pools is generally not available due to rough trail conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book parking at Wai'anapanapa State Park in advance?
Yes. Parking at Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach requires a timed entry reservation through hawaiistateparks.org. Walk-in access is not available during peak periods, and visitors arriving without a reservation will be turned away.
Is the Road to Hana driveable in a standard rental car?
Yes. The majority of the route is paved two-lane road manageable by any standard rental car. The Piilani Highway return route around South Maui is partially unpaved and typically prohibited by rental car agreements.
How early should the drive start?
Departing Kahului by 7 AM is advisable. Traffic builds quickly through Paia and along the early stretch toward Hana, and arriving at the most popular stops before 10 AM dramatically reduces crowds and competition for limited roadside parking.
Where can visitors eat along the route?
Food trucks and roadside stands operate at several mile markers, selling banana bread, fresh fruit, and coconut water. Hana town has a few restaurants. Pack snacks and water for the stretch between Paia and Hana where options are scarce.
Are the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch always open for swimming?
No. The pools close when water levels rise after upstream rainfall due to flash flood risk. Current pool status is available at the Kipahulu Visitor Center or at nps.gov/hale before planning a swim stop.