Private Hana Jeep Tour on Maui: Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls

Drive the Hana Highway with someone who was raised on it

A private full-day jeep tour of Hana, Maui, with a driver born and raised in the town—the only local operator running these tours. You visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park's black sand beach and lava caves, stop at mountain waterfalls and forest lookouts, and arrive at scenic spots ahead of tour groups. The jeep holds up to four people, air-conditioned transport and bottled water are included, and your driver customizes the route based on what interests you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Hana Jeep tour highlights

• Visit Hoʻokipa Beach Park lookout
• Stop at Kaumahina State Wayside Park
• Try Aunty Sandy’s banana bread
• Relax at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park
• Explore Hana Town and lunch
• Swim at a white sand beach
• Visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park black sand beach

The Experience

Hana sits at the end of a winding coastal highway on Maui's eastern shore, and the drive itself is the journey. Your driver, Kai, was born in Hana and has driven this road his whole life—he knows which stops fill up by mid-morning, where the light hits best, and the stories behind the places. The jeep leaves with just your group, no other tourists in the vehicle, which means first-class parking at each stop and the freedom to linger or move on without waiting for anyone else.

The day moves through four main stops. Hoʻokipa Beach Park opens with views of famous surfing competitions and the ocean meeting the mountains. Kaumahina State Wayside Park sits high above the Ko'olau ridge, where you overlook tropical forest and can spot rare flowers. Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park brings you to cold freshwater streams and waterfalls—bring swimwear if you want to jump in. The route includes a stop for Aunty Sandy's banana bread, a roadside legend that visitors travel the Hana Highway specifically to taste. Then comes Waiʻanapanapa State Park, the main event: black sand beach formed from lava, sea caves you can walk into, hiking trails along the cliffs, a blowhole, and swimming if the ocean is calm. The jeep is air-conditioned, water is provided, and parking fees are covered.

The full day runs eight to nine hours, with two hours of travel time each direction built in. Hana Town itself is a stop—the heart of the island, your driver says, known for its people and aloha—where you can grab lunch and browse shops. A white sand beach sits on the route as well, a contrast to the black sand you came to see. Your driver speaks English and will adjust the pace and stops based on what catches your interest as you drive.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned jeep transportation for up to four people.
• bottled water.
• all parking fees.
• pickup and return from your Maui accommodation.
• English-speaking local guide born and raised in Hana.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Private Hana Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're a small group or family wanting to explore Hana without joining a larger tour bus—the private jeep and a driver who knows the roads intimately mean you'll beat the crowds to each stop and can adjust the day to what actually interests you.

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Top questions

What is Waiʻanapanapa State Park like, and can you swim there?

Waiʻanapanapa is Hana's main attraction: a black sand beach formed from lava rock, with sea caves, hiking trails along the coast, a blowhole, and rabbit ear rock formations. Swimming is allowed when the weather is good and the ocean is calm; rough conditions close the water.

How much time do we spend at each stop?

Your driver customizes the timing based on what interests you as you go. The day includes time to relax at the waterfall and stream at Puaʻa Kaʻa if you want to swim, and you move through the other lookouts and beaches at a pace that works for your group.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You stop in Hana Town, where you can buy food at local shops and restaurants, and there's a famous stop for Aunty Sandy's banana bread along the highway that many visitors make a point to try.

What makes this tour different from the big group tours on the Hana Highway?

Your driver is the only tour operator born and raised in Hana running these tours, and the jeep is private—just your group of up to four people. You arrive at scenic spots before the crowds, get first-class parking, and your driver can adjust the route and timing based on what you want to see and do.

How long is the drive, and what should we bring?

The full day is eight to nine hours, with two hours of travel time each direction on the winding Hana Highway. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim at the waterfall; the jeep is air-conditioned and bottled water is provided.

Do we need our own transportation to get to the starting point?

Pickup is included with the tour, so your driver will collect you from your hotel or accommodation on Maui and return you at the end of the day.