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

Summary

Black sand beaches, waterfall swims and flower farm lunch along Maui’s winding Road to Hana

You’ll wind along Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide, stopping for breakfast at a lush plantation before exploring black sand beaches and swimming beneath waterfalls if weather allows. Share a picnic lunch at a flower farm and soak up stories from your guide—and maybe make a few new friends along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Our van door slid open just as I was fumbling with my coffee lid—classic me—and the air at Maui Tropical Plantation hit different than I expected. You know that earthy green smell after rain? That. Our guide, Kaleo, grinned like he’d seen this a hundred times. “Breakfast first,” he said, handing out pineapple chunks that tasted like sunshine. I barely finished my muffin before we were twisting along the Road to Hana—windows down, hair doing its own thing, everyone a little quiet at first except for one guy in back who kept humming.

There’s something about those curves—maybe it’s the way light flickers through the trees or how every corner feels like you’re about to see something new. Kaleo pointed out where old lava met the ocean, all black rock and wild spray. At Waiʻanapanapa State Park, I kicked off my shoes and let the black sand get everywhere (seriously—everywhere). The beach looked unreal; even now I can picture that weird blue-green of the waves against the dark shore. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Waianapanapa”—I probably butchered it but she just shrugged and said it better.

I didn’t think I’d actually swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa waterfall but somehow ended up wading in anyway—the water was colder than I thought but worth it for that rush. Lunch was at this flower farm outside Hana; picnic tables under palms, Huli Huli chicken smoky on my fingers, someone’s kid chasing a chicken around (the irony wasn’t lost on us). The whole group loosened up after that—people swapping stories about where they were from while Kaleo told us about his grandma’s taro patch nearby. We stopped here and there on the way back but honestly by then my head was full of salt air and sun.

It’s funny—I went for the views but what sticks is how it felt being part of this odd little van family for a day. Sometimes you don’t realize what you’ll remember most until later, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Road to Hana with key stops

• Breakfast stop at Maui Tropical Plantation
• Drive Road to Hana
• Visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park
• Explore the peninsula
• Drive past the bay
• Swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa waterfall

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Road to Hana tour?

Yes, pickup is included for your convenience.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, a buffet-style lunch is served at a classic Hana flower farm.

Can I swim during the tour?

You can swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa waterfall if weather and safety conditions allow.

What is served for breakfast?

A continental breakfast is served at Maui Tropical Plantation.

Are vegan options available for lunch?

Yes, Thai Coconut Veggie Tofu Curry is available as a vegan option.

How long does it take to drive the Road to Hana?

The drive itself takes several hours with stops along key sights like Waiʻanapanapa State Park and Puaʻa Kaʻa waterfall.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, all fitness levels are welcome and infants can sit on an adult’s lap.

Do we visit Waiʻanapanapa State Park on this day trip?

Yes, there is a long stop at Waiʻanapanapa State Park to explore its black sand beach.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup, bottled water throughout the journey, continental breakfast at Maui Tropical Plantation, an air-conditioned vehicle designed for winding roads, entry into Waiʻanapanapa State Park’s black sand beach and Puaʻa Kaʻa waterfall (with swimming if safe), plus a buffet-style lunch featuring Huli Huli Chicken or vegan curry—all with your local guide before heading back in comfort.