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

Summary

Winding Hana Highway adventure with locals, waterfalls and black sand beach

You’ll ride Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide who knows every story and curve. Expect black sand beaches, secret waterfalls (bring your swimsuit), fresh snacks from roadside stands, and lunch under shady trees. You’ll feel part of Maui’s rhythm—and maybe find yourself smiling at nothing in particular long after.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see the rainbow eucalyptus, tell me — they’re easy to miss if you’re just staring at the ocean,” our guide Kaleo said as we pulled away from Kahului. He had this way of mixing stories about his auntie’s banana bread with warnings about the 59 single-lane bridges ahead. The air was thick and sweet — not just from the plumeria but also that faint smell of engine heat after a morning rain. I didn’t expect to feel so awake before 9am, but maybe that’s what happens when you’re not driving and someone keeps handing you chips and Spam musubi for breakfast.

The Road to Hana day trip is famous for its curves — 640, apparently, though I lost count after the third waterfall. We stopped at Hoʻokipa Beach first; windsurfers zipped by like they were late for something important, and a green sea turtle just sat there on the sand like he owned the place (maybe he did). At Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park, some locals were already swimming under the falls. Kaleo waved at them and told us how his cousin once tried to jump from a rock here — “Don’t try it unless you want your mom mad forever,” he grinned. The water was cold enough to make my teeth ache but in a good way.

I still think about Waiʻanapanapa State Park’s black sand — it gets everywhere but feels different than regular sand, somehow smoother? There’s this hush when you step into one of those lava tubes; all you hear is your own breathing and maybe someone giggling nervously behind you. Lunch was simple (I went for turkey), eaten under a crooked shade tree while Kaleo explained the legend of Princess Popoalaea. I probably butchered her name trying to repeat it — Li laughed anyway.

We made random snack stops too — coconut ice cream melting down my wrist before I could finish it, plus Auntie Sandy’s banana bread (seriously worth it). The drive back felt quieter; everyone sort of watched the light change through bamboo forests or dozed off until we hit another curve. It’s not just about seeing Maui — it’s letting someone else show you their version of it. That sticks with me more than any photo I took.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic Road to Hana coastal tour

• Drive 64 miles on Hana Highway
• Pass Bamboo forest along highway
• Stop at Hoʻokipa Beach Park
• View Three Bears Waterfalls from bus
• Swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park
• Explore Waiʻanapanapa Black Sand Beach
• Visit volcanic caves and lava tubes
• See blowhole water spout
• Pass tallest waterfall on Hana Highway
• Visit traditional village of Keanae
• Shop local market products in Hana
• Enjoy lookout over Wailua Valley
• Stop for ice cream and coconut in Hana
• Try Auntie Sandy’s famous Banana Bread
• See Rainbow Eucalyptus trees

Top questions

How long is the Road to Hana tour from Kahului?

The Road to Hana day trip covers about 64 miles each way along Hana Highway from Kahului, with many stops along the route.

Does this tour include swimming at waterfalls?

Yes, there are stops where guests can swim at local waterfalls like Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park if they bring a swimsuit and towel.

Is lunch provided during the Road to Hana tour?

Yes, lunch is included—options are turkey sandwich, ham sandwich, roast beef sandwich or veggie wrap. Bottled water is also provided.

Are hotel pickups included in this Maui day trip?

Hotel pickup is included for most bookings; cruise ship guests get an 8:30am pickup option as well.

What should I bring for the Road to Hana adventure?

Bring a swimsuit layered under your clothes if you want to swim, water shoes for rocky areas, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen and camera.

Will we visit Waiʻanapanapa Black Sand Beach?

Yes—the tour includes time at Waiʻanapanapa State Park’s famous Black Sand Beach with opportunities to explore lava tubes and caves.

Are snacks available during the tour?

The guide provides chips throughout the day and there are stops at local markets for fresh snacks like coconut ice cream or banana bread.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with an expert local guide leading every twist along Hana Highway. You’ll stop often—for waterfall swims at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park if you want them, walks on black sand beaches in Waiʻanapanapa State Park, roadside snacks like Auntie Sandy’s banana bread or coconut ice cream (bring cash), plus bottled water and a picnic-style lunch before heading back in the afternoon.