Road to Hana: Day Trips and Tours in Maui

Arguably the world's most beautiful stretch of highway, the Road to Hana is a deserving bucket-list destination. While the journey is undeniably beautiful, it's also notoriously challenging.

But it's not just the 100-kilometer (64-mile) long road —and the views — itself that make a Road to Hana day tour a quintessential attraction. Along the way, as it skirts the island's northeastern shore, there are plenty of stops to make for swimming, hiking, picnicking and even a waterfall-fed pool.

Given the plethora of activities, landmarks, lookouts and photo ops, Road to Hana is an unforgettable destination for day trips in Maui.

Where is the Road to Hana Located in Maui?

Stretch from Kahului to the town of Hana, the Road to Hana is located on the northeast coast of Maui. The journey hugs the northern and eastern coastlines and weaves through dense jungle foliage.

How to reach the Road to Hana by car

The best place to start your road trip on the Road to Hana is in the northern town of Kahalui. If you're staying anywhere in West Maui you will need to drive along the coast past Maalaea before continuing north to Kahului.

How to reach the Road to Hana by bus

You can't really do the Road to Hana by public bus. Buses don't traverse much of the Road to Hana due to the tricky nature of the road itself. From Kahalui, the bus will take you as far as Ha'iku, providing a tiny snapshot of the infamous road.

Guided tour to the Road to Hana

By far the most hassle-free and comprehensive choice for Road to Hana tours, these guided options provide transportation, an expert driver/guide and often include stops for swimming, hiking and other activities.

There are many different types of Road to Hana tours available from a number of companies, both private and small group. Depending on what you're looking for — luxury, adventure, hiking, culture insights, or all of the above — there's bound to be a tour that fits the bill.

What is the typical itinerary of a Road to Hana day tour in Maui?

Road to Hana tours usually start with convenient pickup from your hotel or resort. From there, you'll be whisked along Maui's northeastern shore in an air-conditioned vehicle.

As you wind your way around the island, your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts and insights about Maui's history, culture and natural wonders. You'll make plenty of stops along the way too.

Most Road to Hana tours include stops at popular landmarks such as the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park, the quaint town of Paia and the Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden.

Of course, no Road to Hana tour would be complete without a stop at one of the many waterfalls that cascade down the jungle-covered cliffs. Since Road to Hana tours are upwards of 8 hours, lunch and snacks are typically included too.

At the end of an action-packed day, you'll be dropped back off at your hotel or resort.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Road to Hana in Maui?

Despite being one long stretch of road, you have dozens of different tour options to choose from when it comes to Road to Hana.

Guided tours to the Road to Hana

With a local knowledgeable guide joining you on the journey and usually your own driver too, all you have to do is sit back and relax as they navigate the winding road.

They'll share insights about Maui's history and culture, making sure you don't miss a beat as you make stops at popular landmarks such as Kaumahina State Park, Ke‘anae Point, Wai'anapanapa State Park, Paia town and Pua'a Ka'a State Park, where you can swim under waterfalls.

Lunch is regularly included, likewise hotel pickup and drop-off, making this one of the most hassle-free ways to do the Road to Hana.

Self-Driving Tour of the Road to Hana

A self-driving tour points out all of the quintessential landmarks and attractions that you'll want to hit up. This is the perfect option for those who want privacy and to be able to go at their own pace.

With an easy-to-follow guide, you'll be able to make stops at Wailua Falls, Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden, the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park and many more.

Certainly the most affordable option, these Road to Hana day trips are operated by downloading a phone app, with live GPS, audio narration and written text explanations included.

Private tour to the Road to Hana

Pricier but definitely more exclusive, a private tour allows you to avoid the crowds and have a more intimate experience with Maui. Your driver will be able to tailor the trip according to your interests.

You can also make requests for specific restaurants you want to eat at or activities you want to do. Private tours usually last between 10 to 12 hours for the full experience but can be shortened if you only want to do a smaller section of the Road.

Reverse driving tour of The Road to Hana

The majority of Road to Hana day tours will start in the island's capital of Kahului and head east towards Hana. However, there are a handful of companies that will do the drive in reverse, starting from Hana and making their way back to Kahului.

Usually starting from Paia Town, these tours hit up a similar lineup of attractions as the other tours but in reverse order. While this option can sometimes be a bit more expensive, it's worth it to avoid the crowds and have the road (almost) entirely to yourself.

Along the way, you'll stop at places like Ho'okipa (Turtle Beach), the Verge Flower Farm Homa Bay, Koki Beach and Wainapanapa for swimming or hiking. You will be served lunch at a local eatery before continuing north to the Puaa Kaa river and the famous Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees.

Day trip to the Road to Hana plus helicopter ride

Designed for the thrill-seekers, this combination tour will have you driving part of the Road to Hana before being whisked away by helicopter for a birds-eye view of Maui.

You'll get to see panoramic views of the mysterious Haleakala crater, the West Maui Mountains, Molokai and Lanai, as well as the dramatic cliffs and coastline of Hana.

After the helicopter ride, you'll be greeted to a picnic lunch before continue the drive along the coastline. Helicopter combination excursions can be paired with both the normal and the reverse Road to Hana.

How much does a tour to the Road to Hana cost?

The prices range dramatically for Road to Hana tours depending on several factors, including duration, exclusivity (group size) and what is included.

The most affordable option is the self-guided tours that cost as little as US$10, not including the cost of your car. For a small group tour, expect to pay between US$200 to US$400. Within this price bracket you can choose from half-day trips, various itineraries and different group sizes.

Private tours will be the most expensive option, with prices starting at US$300 up to US$2,000 for the ultra luxe options. Keep in mind, however, that these are usually per vehicle, not person, so if traveling as a group may prove more cost-effective.

What will you see and do on a Road to Hana day tour in Maui?

Despite only being 100 kilometers (64 miles) long, the Road to Hana is full to the brim with postcard-worthy sights and activities.

Most Road to Hana tours will include stops at places like the Ho'okipa Lookout for panoramic views of the coastline, Wailua Falls — one of Maui's most popular waterfalls — and Kahanu Garden to see the Piilanihale Heiau ancient temple.

Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees

Located near mile marker 7 along the Hana Highway, the trunks of the eucalyptus deglupta trees are covered in multi-colored strips of bark that have been shed over time. Unique and fascinating, the aging process reveals inner layers of bright green, orange, red and purple.

Pua'a Ka'a State Park

Spanning 2 hectares (5 acres) of lush rainforest and bordered by a black-sand beach, this state park is one of the first you'll come across after leaving Kahului.

It's also one of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana with several different hiking trails — some easy, some moderate — that lead to waterfalls like Wailua Falls. With plenty of pools, it's a great spot to cool off.

Wailua Falls

Found within Pua'a Ka'a State Park, this 52-meter (173-foot) waterfall is one of Maui's most popular. After a short hike through the rainforest, you'll be rewarded with views of the cascading falls as they empty into a large pool below.

Keanae Peninsula

A small rural community that's located about halfway between Kahului and Hana, Keanae is one of the most popular stops on the Road to Hana. It's here where you'll find the black-sand beach and tide pools as well as the iconic Keanae Arboretum.

Garden of Eden Arboretum

Located at mile marker 10.5, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is a 10-hectar (26-acre) botanical garden that's home to hundreds of varieties of tropical plants.

Some of the highlights include the bamboo forest, ginger gardens and the 100-year-old mango tree. Featured in Jurassic Park, the US$20 entry fee (a US$5 discount ticket is available for military personnel and students) is well worthwhile.

Hamoa Bay

With its gentle waves, sandy bottom and lush vegetation that extends right up to the shoreline, Hamoa Bay is often considered one of Maui's most beautiful beaches. It's also one of the few swimming and snorkeling beaches along the Road to Hana so if you're looking to take a dip, this is the place to do it.

Wai'anapanapa State Park

This 49-hectar (122-acre) coastal state park is located at mile marker 32, just before Hana town and is home to a black-sand beach (Paiola), freshwater caves, 5 hiking trails and a blowhole.

Hana Lava Tube

A must-do activity for any of the Road to Hana tours, the Hana Lava Tube is a 500-year old lava cave that's been formed from a cooled lava river.

Located just outside of Hana town, near Wai'anapanapa State Park, the 40-minute tour takes you through the darkened cave and culminates with a visit to the Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze above.

Hana Town

Charming and quaint, Hana town is where you'll find a handful of restaurants and cafes as well as a few souvenir shops. Sleepy and quiet, it's the perfect place to relax for a pit stop. Free to enter, the Hana Cultural Center showcases art and artifacts that tell the story of Hana and its people.

Twin Falls

The first waterfalls along the Road to Hana, Twin Falls are a family-friendly stop with several different pools to cool off in. To get there it's an easy and short hiking trail. However, if you're short on time, you can meander to first fall and turn around early.

Oheo Gulch

Located within Haleakala National Park on the lower slopes, 15 minutes south of Hāna, Oheo Gulch is a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that flow into the ocean. With bamboo forest, hiking trails and swimming holes, it's a popular spot to cool off on hot days.

When is the best time to visit the Road to Hana in Maui?

Hawaii is blessed with year-round sunshine and mild temperatures. That means there is no “bad” time to visit the Road to Hana. However, there are certain times of year that offer advantages.

Visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) will mean fewer crowds. If you're looking for the best weather, though, the summer months (June-August) offer the warmest temperatures.

As for time of day, it's recommended to leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time. Any time between 7 AM and 10 AM will be busy but the earlier you go, the less packed it will be.

Travel tips

• Pop into the fruit farms, coffee plantations and roadside stalls along the way to taste the local delicacies and simultaneously support local businesses.
• To avoid the crowds, consider driving to the end and then seeing the sights in reverse.
• If you want to visit Black Sand Beach (Wai’anapanapa State Beach) and you're not joining one of the Road to Hana tours, ensure you make advanced reservations for entry and parking.