Maui Road to Hana Private Tour: Waterfalls, Black Sand & Pickup

Summary

Rainbow eucalyptus, waterfalls and wild beaches on Maui’s legendary road

You’ll ride Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide who knows every curve and story along the way. Expect fresh-baked banana bread in Paia, swims under rainforest waterfalls, black and red sand between your toes, and quiet moments watching sea turtles at sunset. This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s sharing Maui’s wild edges with someone who lives here.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is our guide, Kaleo, waving from the SUV outside our hotel — he had that easy Maui smile. He handed us cold water and asked if we’d eaten breakfast yet (we hadn’t, so he pulled over in Paia for banana bread that was still warm). Even before we hit the real curves of the Road to Hana, he was already pointing out things I would’ve missed: surfers at Hoʻokipa Beach Park, a flash of green sea turtle shells in the foam. I tried to pronounce “honu” right but Kaleo just grinned — said it was close enough.

The drive itself felt like a slow-motion movie. We stopped at Ke‘anae Arboretum where the air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet — maybe guava? The rainbow eucalyptus trees were almost too bright to look real. At Ke‘anae Peninsula, there were aunties selling taro chips by the roadside. I bought some and they tasted earthy and salty, perfect after all those hairpin turns. It rained for five minutes then cleared up so fast you could see steam rising off the rocks.

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park was louder than I expected — not people, but birds and waterfall noise echoing through bamboo groves. I got my shoes soaked trying to get closer to the pool (worth it). Lunch was picnic-style near Waiʻanapanapa’s black sand beach; sand stuck everywhere but nobody cared. The color of that sand against the blue water is something I still think about when I’m bored at work. Later we watched some local kids cliff-jumping at Venus Pools — made me feel both old and kind of alive again.

We finished with chocolate samples at Hāna Gold Cacao Plantation (I didn’t expect that part), then stopped at Koki Beach where the sand is this rusty red mixed with black. On the way back, Kaleo detoured so we could catch sea turtles hauling themselves onto Hoʻokipa at sunset — everyone just stood quietly for a minute watching them rest on shore. There’s no way you could do all this on your own without missing half of it or stressing about parking. Honestly, it felt more like hanging out with someone who knew every twist of this island than a typical tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Road to Hana highlights

• Pick up from accommodation
• Visit Paia town
• Walk Ke'anae Arboretum
• View Ke'anae Peninsula
• Stop at Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside
• Explore Waiʻanapanapa State Park
• See Upper Waikani Falls
• Tour Hāna Gold Cacao Plantation
• Shop and explore Hana town
• Relax at Koki Beach
• Visit Venus Pools for cliff diving
• Admire Wailua Falls
• End day at Hoʻokipa Beach Park
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

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

Yes, door-to-door hotel pickup is included anywhere on Maui.

How long does the Road to Hana day trip from Maui take?

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

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

Snacks, bottled water, soda/pop are included; lunch stops are arranged en route but not always included in price.

Can children or infants join this private tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Is this Road to Hana tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vehicles and most stops are wheelchair accessible; service animals allowed too.

What are some main stops along the Road to Hana?

Main highlights include Paia town, Ke‘anae Arboretum & Peninsula, Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park (waterfalls), Waiʻanapanapa State Park (black sand beach), Venus Pools, Wailua Falls, Hāna Gold Cacao Plantation, Koki Beach & Hoʻokipa Beach Park for turtles.

Do we swim during this private tour?

You can swim at several spots like Puaʻa Kaʻa waterfall pool or Venus Pools if conditions allow—bring swimwear!

Is there a guide throughout the whole trip?

Yes—a knowledgeable local guide drives you all day and shares stories along each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned SUV with door-to-door pickup anywhere on Maui plus snacks like bottled water and soda/pop along the way. A friendly local guide handles all driving so you can relax between waterfall swims or chocolate tastings before returning comfortably in the evening.