Maui Road to Hana: Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Farm Lunch

Summary

Lush rainforests black sand beaches & the slow rhythm of hana

You’ll wind along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide—touch rainbow eucalyptus bark, spot sea turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park, walk through bamboo forests near Pipiwai Trail, then eat fresh pizza at Hana Farms before exploring historic Hana town. Expect moments that stick with you—the smell of black sand or laughter over banana bread.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping my coffee, I watched our driver (Kimo, who everyone seemed to know along the route) wave at a passing pickup as we rolled out of Paia. The van was quiet except for the soft shuffle of snack wrappers—someone passed me a bag of those taro chips, which tasted faintly earthy and sweet. I’d read about the Road to Hana day trip from Maui before, but it’s different when you’re actually winding through that first tunnel of rainbow eucalyptus. The colors look painted on, but Kimo swore they’re real. He even stopped so we could touch the bark—cool and smooth, almost waxy.

We pulled over at Ho’okipa Beach Park and there were turtles just lounging in the sun like regulars at a café. A couple from Oahu pointed them out to me (“honu,” they said), and I tried not to get too close. The wind smelled salty here, sharp with seaweed. Back in the van, Kimo told us stories about old sugar plantations and how surfers used to ride these waves before breakfast. Sometimes he’d pause mid-sentence if a waterfall came into view—like at Waikane Falls—and just let us listen to water hitting rocks for a minute or two. No rush; nobody minded.

The bamboo forest near Pipiwai Trail was almost silent except for birds and the weird creaking sound bamboo makes when it sways. Walking there felt like being inside some green cathedral—light filtered down in stripes and everything smelled damp and alive. At Waianapanapa State Park, black sand stuck between my toes while I watched someone’s kid dig tunnels near the shore. Lunch at Hana Farms was this stone-oven pizza with basil so fresh it still smelled like earth; salad was piled high, all crunchy greens from their garden out back.

I wandered around Hana town after lunch—a sleepy place where time moves differently (or maybe that’s just digestion). There’s an old church tucked behind taro fields, chickens pecking around under mango trees. I tried Aunty Sandy’s banana bread because everyone said you have to; honestly? Still thinking about that warm cinnamon smell days later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Road to Hana scenic and cultural tour

• Pick up from hotel
• Pass through historic Paia town
• Stop at Ho'okipa Beach Park
• View Rainbow Eucalyptus forest
• Pass Na'ili'ili-Haele Bamboo forest
• Stop at Keanae Peninsula and buy banana bread
• See Waikane Falls and Pua'a Ka'a Falls
• Lunch at Hana Farms with farm-to-table meal
• Explore Waianapanapa State Park black sand beach
• Pass through Historical Hana Town
• Return to hotel drop off

Top questions

How long is the Road to Hana day trip from Maui?

The drive covers about 52 miles one way from Paia to Hana and typically takes a full day including stops.

Is hotel pickup included on this Road to Hana tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you book from West, South or Central Maui locations.

What do you eat for lunch during the tour?

The tour includes a farm-to-table lunch at Hana Farms with stone-oven pizza, unlimited salad, and drinks.

Can you swim at any waterfalls on the Road to Hana tour?

You can swim at certain spots like Pua’a Ka’a Falls or Waianapanapa State Park at your own discretion.

Are entry fees included for Waiʻanapanapa State Park?

Yes, park admission is included as part of your Road to Hana day trip package.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?

The tour uses new Mercedes Sprinter vans for comfort along the winding road.

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available upon request.

Do you see turtles on every trip?

Turtles are commonly seen at Ho’okipa Beach Park but sightings aren’t guaranteed every time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (just double-check your side of Maui), snacks and drinks throughout the drive, entry fees for Waiʻanapanapa State Park, parking costs handled for you, and a fresh farm-to-table lunch with stone-oven pizza and salads at Hana Farms—plus time to explore gardens or shop local goods before heading back in comfort.