Maui Road to Hana: Scenic Drive, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach

Summary

Roadside waterfalls, black sand beaches & snack stops on Maui’s wildest drive

You’ll wind along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide—watching surfers at Ho’okipa Beach, tasting warm banana bread at roadside stands, exploring black sand beaches and waterfalls you can dip your toes in. Expect laughter, local snacks, and a real sense of what makes this coast so unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, that’s the banana bread place?” I asked our guide (I think his name was Kimo), halfway through another hairpin turn on the Road to Hana. He laughed and pulled over anyway. The smell was unreal—warm sugar and something nutty in the air. We’d already stopped for windsurfers at Ho’okipa Beach, where turtles just sort of owned the sand like it was their living room. The highway itself is this wild ribbon—620 curves or something crazy—and every few minutes you catch a glimpse of ocean or jungle so green it almost looks fake.

I kept thinking I’d get tired of waterfalls but nope—each one is different. Wailua Falls felt like it dropped straight out of the clouds; Puaʻa Kaʻa was more hidden, with chilly water that woke me right up when I dipped my feet (should’ve packed a towel). There was this moment near Waiʻanapanapa State Park where we wandered onto the black sand—lava rocks sharp underfoot, waves loud enough to drown out everything else. Kimo told us about Princess Popoalaea and some legend about red shrimp in the caves. Honestly, I probably missed half the story because I was distracted by how blue the water looked against all that black.

The snack stops are half the fun—a spam musubi here, fresh coconut there (I still can’t open one gracefully). Locals wave from their porches or sell cookies from roadside stands; it feels like everyone knows each other out here. Lunch was simple but hit the spot after all those turns—a turkey sandwich for me, veggie wrap for my friend. Chips and cold water kept showing up whenever someone looked queasy (which happened more than once). It’s not a quick day trip from Kahului to Hana—more like a slow-motion ride through every shade of green Maui has. And yeah, I still think about that view from Keanae Peninsula…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic drive and Hana highlights

• Drive Hana Highway through rainforest
• View single lane bridges and curves
• Stop at Hoʻokipa Beach for turtles
• Pass Bamboo Forest for photos
• Visit small Hawaiian villages and Keanae overlook
• See drive-thru waterfalls and Three Bears Falls
• View roadside waterfalls for photos
• Explore Waiʻanapanapa Black Sand Beach
• Visit volcanic caves and lava tubes
• Shop Hana made local products
• Swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park waterfall
• Try Auntie Sandy’s famous Banana Bread
• Stop at Wailua Falls if safe
• Take photos at Wailua Valley lookout
• Stop for Rainbow Eucalyptus photos
• Buy Hana cookies and banana bread

Top questions

How long does the Road to Hana tour take?

This full-day tour usually takes 8-10 hours including stops.

Are meals included on this Road to Hana scenic drive?

Yes, lunch is included—you can choose from sandwiches or a veggie wrap plus snacks and bottled water throughout the day.

Is hotel pickup provided for this day trip?

Pickup is included; check your confirmation message for details after booking.

Can you swim at any waterfalls during this tour?

You can dip your feet or swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park if conditions are safe—bring a swimsuit and towel just in case.

What should I bring for the Road to Hana tour?

Wear layered clothes and bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, camera, and cash for local snacks or souvenirs.

Will we stop at Waiʻanapanapa Black Sand Beach?

Yes—the tour includes time at Waiʻanapanapa State Park’s black sand beach for walking or relaxing.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but involves long periods in a vehicle with winding roads.

Are there restroom stops along the way?

Yes—there are regular restroom breaks at parks and snack stands along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide narrating stories as you go. Lunch is provided (choose from turkey sandwich, ham sandwich, roast beef sandwich or veggie wrap), plus complimentary chips and bottled water throughout. You’ll also get chances to try local snacks like spam musubi or fresh banana bread along Maui’s famous highway before returning in the evening.