Maui Road to Hana: Small Group Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Winding past waterfalls, black sand beaches and Maui’s wild coast

You’ll wind along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana in a small group van, stopping for fresh banana bread, swimming at black sand beaches, and hearing stories from local guides. With hotel pickup, lunch included, and plenty of time for photos or just listening to the ocean — this tour leaves you feeling like you’ve really seen another side of Maui.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet it got after we left Paia — just the hum of our little bus and the sound of rain tapping on the window. Our guide, Kaleo, pointed out a faded church tucked between palms and old lava rock walls. He told us his grandmother used to sell fruit by that road. I didn’t expect to feel so far from everything so quickly. The air smelled sweet, kind of like guava and wet earth, and someone behind me laughed when we hit curve number... honestly I lost count after fifty.

We stopped for banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s — it was still warm, almost too soft to hold. I tried to say “mahalo” properly but probably butchered it; Aunty just grinned and handed me an extra slice. There was this moment at Waiʻanapanapa State Park where the black sand felt cool under my feet and the water looked impossibly blue against those cliffs. Some folks swam (I chickened out, water was colder than I thought), but I just sat there listening to the waves crash and thinking about how old these rocks must be.

The day trip along the Road to Hana from Kahului is long — you really do need a guide who knows every turn. Kaleo told us stories about Pele and pointed out sea turtles sunning on Keanae Peninsula (I saw one! Or maybe just a big rock… jury’s still out). Lunch was hot Hawaiian BBQ with sweet drinks made from local fruit, eaten picnic-style while everyone compared photos of waterfalls. The drive back felt quieter; maybe everyone was full or just tired in that good way you get after seeing too much beauty in one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Road to Hāna scenic tour and stops

• Pick up from accommodations
• Arrive in Kahului city
• Drive through Paia town
• Photo stop at Ho`okipa Beach Park
• Visit Keanae community and church
• Stop at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread Stand
• Swim at two small waterfalls and pools
• Pass by Hanawi Falls
• Swim at Honokalani black sand beach
• Pass Hana Bay black sand beach
• Photo stop at Koki Beach overlook
• Rest and shop at tropical flowers of Maui
• Visit Wailua Falls waterfall
• Photo stop at Kipahulu rainforest and ocean views
• Visit Charles A. Lindbergh’s grave and church
• Drive through Kaupo district with photo stops
• Bathroom stop and views at Kula district
• Pass through Makawao Paniolo town
• Return to hotel or meeting location

Top questions

How many people are on the Road to Hana tour?

The small group tour has a maximum of 6-8 passengers per vehicle.

Is lunch included on this Maui Road to Hana day trip?

Yes, a hot made-to-order Hawaiian BBQ plate lunch is included.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included in your booking.

Can you swim during the Road to Hana tour?

Yes, there are swimming opportunities at select beaches and waterfalls if weather allows.

What kind of vehicle is used for the tour?

The tour uses air-conditioned 14-seat buses but limits groups to 6-8 guests for comfort.

Is there a vegetarian option for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available with at least 48 hours’ notice before your tour date.

Do you go all the way around Haleakala on this tour?

No, currently commercial vehicles return by the same route due to road closure at Alelele Point.

Are there restroom stops during the trip?

Yes, there are planned bathroom breaks throughout the day at various stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop off anywhere on Maui, all entry fees covered, a continental breakfast with fresh pastries and local fruit, unlimited water service plus tropical fruit drinks at lunch. You’ll enjoy a hot Hawaiian BBQ plate lunch (with vegetarian options if requested ahead), snacks like Maui potato chips along the way, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with only 6-8 guests per group — all led by a knowledgeable local guide before heading back in the evening.