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

Summary

Twisting roads black sand beaches farm lunch and waterfall swims on maui’s hana coast

You’ll wind along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide, stopping for black sand beaches, waterfall swims (weather permitting), and a fresh lunch at an organic farm. Feel tropical air on your skin as you explore lush coastlines and hidden pools—this day trip leaves you with more than photos.

What’s the experience like?

We started winding out of Pa’ia just as the sky was waking up—windows down, that thick green smell everywhere, even before coffee. Our guide, Kaleo, had this way of pointing things out without sounding like a guidebook—he just knew every curve and tree. I tried to count the turns on the Hana Highway but gave up after maybe twenty; it’s more about letting go than keeping track. At one stop, we watched windsurfers at Hoʻokipa Beach—so close you could hear their boards slap the water—and I remember thinking how wild the ocean looked from here compared to back home.

The road kept folding in on itself, green cliffs on one side and drops straight down to blue on the other. We stopped at Waiʻanapanapa State Park for the black sand beach—I’d seen photos but they don’t really get across how soft that sand feels or how sharp the lava rocks are under your feet. There was this salty mist hanging in the air, mixing with something sweet from all those flowers (plumeria? I never know). Lunch was at Hana Farms—a wooden table under banana trees, plates full of stuff they’d picked that morning. I still think about that ginger lemonade. And there was this moment where everyone just got quiet for a second, eating and listening to rain tapping on leaves overhead.

After lunch we rolled back along the same road but somehow it felt different—maybe it was the light shifting or maybe just being tired in that good way. We stopped for a swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa if you wanted (I did), cold water and slippery rocks, laughing when someone slipped getting in (nobody hurt). The drive back felt slower; I think we were all kind of sunk into our seats watching jungle blur by. There’s something about seeing Maui from this angle—like you’re in on a secret even though everyone else is here too. Anyway, I keep thinking about that view over the cliffs near Hana—still not sure if it was real or just my memory making it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Road to Hana scenic day trip

• Enjoy light to-go breakfast
• Drive through Pa'ia town
• Travel Road to Hana highway
• Stop at lava formations and ocean
• Visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park
• Lunch at Hana Farms
• Swim in waterfall fed pool
• Drive by black sand beach
• Pass Hoʻokipa Beach Park
• Return along coastal drive

Top questions

How long does the Road to Hana tour take?

This is a full-day trip from Maui hotels along the Hana Highway with several stops; expect around 10-12 hours total including return.

Is lunch included on the Road to Hana tour?

Yes, lunch is included at Hana Farms with pre-set options using fresh local ingredients.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes, swimming in a waterfall-fed pool at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park is possible if weather allows.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup and drop-off are included from specific Maui hotels; check with your provider for details.

Are there restroom stops along the way?

Yes, there are restroom stops at parks and designated areas during the day trip.

What should I bring for the Road to Hana tour?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit/towel if you want to swim, sun protection, and a camera or phone for photos.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; uneven terrain may be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates rain or shine as weather changes quickly in Hana; refunds only if canceled for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from select Maui hotels, all park entry fees covered, light “to-go” breakfast as you leave Pa’ia town, guided narration throughout by a local driver-guide who knows every turn of the Road to Hana, plus an organic farm lunch before heading back along those wild coastal roads.