Maui: Private Road to Hana Tour & Waterfalls in Luxury SUV

Summary

Private Road to Hana journey with waterfalls beaches local food

You’ll ride Maui’s Road to Hana in a private luxury SUV with a local guide—stopping for waterfall swims, black sand beaches, fresh banana bread, and smoky Huli Huli chicken lunch. Expect laughter with locals, time to wander barefoot, and space for small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sunlight flickering through the trees as our Ford Expedition rumbled onto the Hana Highway. The glass sunroof was wide open, so the air smelled like wet earth and plumeria. Our guide, Kaleo, had this easy way of telling stories—he pointed out a tiny roadside stand where his auntie still sells banana bread (we stopped, obviously). The bread was warm and crumbly, not too sweet. I’m not usually a morning person but something about that first bite just woke me up.

We’d barely been on the road half an hour before someone spotted sea turtles at Hoʻokipa Beach Park. Kaleo pulled over without missing a beat—he seems to know everyone here, waving at surfers and aunties alike. The sound of waves crashing against black rocks made conversation kind of impossible for a minute. Later, when we reached Waiʻanapanapa State Park, I kicked off my shoes and let the black sand run through my fingers. It’s gritty but soft somehow. There’s this cave by the water that smells faintly of salt and moss—I almost slipped going in but Kaleo just laughed and said it happens to everyone their first time.

Lunch was Huli Huli chicken from Uncle Russell’s spot near Hamoa Beach (Gordon Ramsay apparently learned from him? Not sure if that’s true but it tasted smoky and perfect). We ate sitting on driftwood, sticky fingers and all. The Road to Hana day trip is long but never boring—one minute you’re dodging chickens on the road, next you’re swimming under Wailua Falls with cold water pounding your shoulders. There’s no rush; Kaleo kept saying “take your time,” which felt rare for a tour.

On the way back I watched rain clouds roll over green cliffs while someone dozed off beside me. My hair still smelled like saltwater hours later. I keep thinking about that quiet moment at Ke‘anae Point—the old church standing alone against all those wild waves. You don’t really get used to Maui; it just keeps surprising you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury Road to Hana Adventure

• Stop at Safeway for supplies
• Drive scenic Road to Hana highway
• Optional stop at Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary
• Photo stops at backside preserve lands
• Enjoy local tropical fruits and coffee
• Optional stop, inform driver
• Pass by 7 Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch
• Visit Wailua Falls, swim optional
• Pass by Hamoa Beach
• Enjoy Huli Huli Chicken meal
• Optional stop at Hana Town
• Spend an hour at Waianapanapa State Park
• Relax at Honokalani Black Sand Beach
• Optional stop, inform driver
• Swim at waterfalls at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park
• Pass by 3 Bears Waterfall
• Stop for fresh baked banana bread
• Visit Ke'anae Point and Lanakila Church
• See green sea turtles at Hookipa Beach Park

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this private Road to Hana tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your day trip booking.

How long does the Road to Hana tour take?

The full-day experience typically lasts around 10-12 hours depending on stops and pace.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

Soda/pop and bottled water are included; you’ll stop at local spots for food like banana bread or Huli Huli chicken (at your own expense).

Can we swim at waterfalls during this Maui day trip?

Yes, there are flexible opportunities to swim at places like Wailua Falls if conditions allow.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What vehicle is used for this private tour?

You’ll travel in a customized lifted Ford Expedition with leather seats and climate control.

Are entry fees for parks included?

Yes—all landing and facility fees are covered as part of your booking.

Can we request extra stops along the way?

Certain stops like the Honey Bee Sanctuary or extra photo ops can be added if you ask your driver.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup in a luxury SUV with panoramic sunroof, entry fees for parks like Waiʻanapanapa State Park, bottled water and soda onboard, plus flexible timing for waterfall swims or extra stops—just let your guide know what you’re curious about along Maui’s winding roads.