Maui Road to Hana: Rainforest, Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls

Winding roads, waterfalls and a black sand beach on Maui’s wild coast

You’ll wind through Maui’s rainforest along the Road to Hana with a local guide who knows every curve and story. Expect waterfalls you can actually swim in (if you’re brave), fresh banana bread warm from the oven, black sand between your toes at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, plus a picnic lunch under shady trees. It’s less about checking off sights and more about feeling Maui slow down around you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Hoʻokipa Beach Park15m
2. Waiʻanapanapa State Park1h · entry included
3. Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park40m
4. Kaumahina State Wayside Parkpass by

Scenic Road to Hana and Key Stops

• Drive Road to Hana highway
• Pass historic town of Pāʻia
• Stop at Hoʻokipa Beach Park for breakfast
• Pass Twin Falls waterfalls
• Pass Haipua'ena Falls
• Visit Keanae village and overlook
• Stop at Aunty Sandy's banana bread stand
• View Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears)
• View Wailua Falls from car
• Pass Ka’eleku lava tubes
• Stop at Waiʻanapanapa State Park black sand beach
• Visit Pua'a Ka'a Falls and swim
• Stop at Kaumahina State Wayside Park
• View rainbow eucalyptus tree

The experience

I’ll be honest: I thought I’d just nap through half of the Road to Hana, but you can’t really sleep with all those curves and that green pressing in from every side. The air felt thick with rain even before we hit the first waterfall. Our guide (Kaleo, born and raised here) kept pointing out things I’d never notice, like how the rainbow eucalyptus bark peels in stripes, or why taro patches matter so much in Wailua Valley. He had this way of making even a roadside fruit stand sound like an important stop (and after tasting that banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s… yeah, I get it now).

We stopped at Hoʻokipa Beach Park early on: surfers already out there doing their thing while some turtles just lazed on the sand. The smell of salt and wet earth stuck with me as we wound deeper into the rainforest. At Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park, I dipped my feet in a pool colder than expected (I yelped, Kaleo just grinned). There was this moment at Waiʻanapanapa State Park where the black sand felt almost soft underfoot, not rough like I imagined. Lunch was simple (sandwiches and fruit under a tree), but honestly, after all those hairpin turns and waterfall stops, it tasted perfect.

The drive itself is kind of hypnotic: 600-something turns, old single-lane bridges where you have to wait your turn (locals are patient but don’t push it). At one point we pulled over near Kaumahina State Wayside Park just for the view: clouds hanging low over green cliffs dropping straight into blue water. I tried taking photos but nothing looked right compared to what my eyes were seeing. Maybe that’s why people keep coming back? Or maybe it’s just because you feel small in a good way out there.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), narrated sightseeing by a local guide in an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks like chips and granola bars along the way, plus a picnic-style lunch with homemade sandwiches from a local deli and fresh fruit. You’ll also get plenty of chances to stop for photos or quick swims before heading back in comfort.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:45

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 47 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Stardust Hawaii, LLC

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Road to Hana tour?

This is a full-day tour covering roughly 64 miles each way along Maui’s east coast.

Is hotel pickup included for the Road to Hana day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if selected during booking.

What do you eat for lunch on this tour?

You get picnic-style sandwiches (ham, turkey or veggie) with fresh local fruit. No other food options provided.

Can you swim during the tour?

You can swim at certain waterfall pools and beaches if conditions allow. Always at your own risk.

Are there restrooms along the Road to Hana route?

Yes, lavatories are available at main stops like Hoʻokipa Beach Park and Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park.

Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not wheelchair accessible. Children need their own car seats.

Do you visit Waiʻanapanapa Black Sand Beach?

The itinerary includes Waiʻanapanapa State Park whenever possible. Sometimes substitutions are made due to access issues.

What should I bring for the Road to Hana day trip?

Bring water, sunscreen, swimsuit/towel if planning to swim, and any special snacks if you have dietary needs.