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

Summary

Waterfalls, sea turtles and black sand on Maui’s winding highway

You’ll wind through Maui’s legendary Road to Hana in a small group van with hotel pickup, stopping to swim beneath waterfalls and walk barefoot on black sand at Wainapanapa State Park. Taste warm banana bread from Ke’anae village and share local stories with your guide over lunch by the ocean. Expect moments that linger long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of Kahului when our driver, Kaleo, started in with stories — something about sugar cane ghosts and the old plantation days in Paia. The van was quiet except for the soft hum of AC and that first whiff of rain-soaked eucalyptus through the open window. I kept trying to count the curves (617? I lost track after twenty), but honestly, it was impossible not to get distracted by everything flying past: rainbow bark trees flashing neon colors, a flash of surfers at Ho’okipa Beach Park dodging each other like it was nothing. Kaleo pointed out a green sea turtle sunning itself on the rocks — I almost missed it.

The first waterfall stop came up quick. Twin Falls looked smaller than I’d imagined but the water was cold enough to jolt you awake (I dipped my toes — braver souls went all in). There was this earthy smell, wet leaves and something sweet from a nearby fruit stand. We picked up banana bread at Ke’anae — still warm, wrapped in paper. Aunty Sandy herself handed it over with a nod; I tried to thank her in Hawaiian and she just grinned. It’s funny how something simple like that can stick with you longer than any photo.

Lunch happened somewhere near Wainapanapa State Park — picnic style sandwiches (I had turkey), local fruit, juice that tasted like pure cane. The black sand beach there is just wild: sharp pebbles underfoot, cobalt water smacking against lava rocks so hard you feel it in your chest. Some folks wandered off under the ironwood trees or just stared out at the waves for ages. It’s not quiet exactly — more like a hush that settles over everyone for a minute or two.

I thought I’d be exhausted by the time we hit the last waterfall at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park but instead there was this weird energy left over — maybe from all those stories or just watching light flicker through jungle leaves all day. The ride back felt shorter somehow. I still think about that stretch where taro fields glimmered below us and someone started singing softly along with Kaleo’s playlist. Not everything made sense but maybe that’s why it felt real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic Road to Hana and Waterfalls

• Depart from hotel in Mercedes van
• Drive along Hana Highway with narration
• Pass historic town of Pāʻia
• Stop at Hoʻokipa Beach Park
• Pass Twin Falls
• Pass Haipua'ena Falls
• Visit Keanae Peninsula and overlook
• Stop at Aunty Sandy's banana bread stand
• View Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears)
• View Wailua Falls from car
• Pass Kaumahina State Wayside Park
• Stop at Wainapanapa State Park black sand beach
• Swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park waterfall
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Road to Hana tour from Kahului?

The tour covers about 64 miles each way along Hana Highway, typically taking a full day including stops.

Is swimming allowed at waterfalls on this tour?

Yes, swimming is possible at some stops like Twin Falls or Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park if conditions allow.

What kind of lunch is included on the Road to Hana van tour?

A picnic-style sandwich (ham, turkey or veggie) from a local deli is provided along with fruit, snacks, pastries and drinks.

Are hotel pickups included for this Maui day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if selected during booking; provide your hotel details when reserving.

Can special dietary needs be accommodated for lunch?

No alternatives are offered beyond ham, turkey or veggie sandwiches; travelers with special diets must bring their own food.

How many people are on each Mercedes Sprinter van tour?

The group size is capped at 14 people per luxury Mercedes Benz Sprinter van.

Are there restroom stops along the Road to Hana tour?

Yes, restroom facilities are available at several major stops such as parks and scenic lookouts along the route.

Is this Road to Hana tour wheelchair accessible?

No, due to vehicle design and regulations this tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walkers; canes are permitted.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), live narration from an experienced local guide throughout Maui’s Road to Hana drive, time for swimming at select waterfalls like Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park (conditions permitting), entry into Wainapanapa State Park’s black sand beach area, plus a picnic-style homemade sandwich lunch with fresh fruit, snacks, pastries and Hawaiian cane juice before heading back in comfort aboard an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van.