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

Summary

Waterfalls, black sand, and laughter on Maui’s wildest road

You’ll wind through Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide at the wheel—waterfall swims if you’re brave, hot banana bread straight from Aunty Sandy’s oven, time on black sand beaches at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, plus picnic lunch with fresh fruit. It’s not just scenery—it’s stories, laughter, and maybe a little bit of rain on your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous when our Mercedes van swung onto the first hairpin curve of the Road to Hana. Our guide—Kaleo—just grinned in the rearview mirror and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” He wasn’t wrong. The windows were cracked open just enough that you could catch whiffs of wet earth and sweet guava as we zipped past bamboo thickets. At Hoʻokipa Beach Park, we watched surfers bobbing in the morning haze while someone pointed out turtles sunning themselves like they owned the place. I tried to take a photo but mostly got my own thumb.

Somewhere near Keʻanae Peninsula (I think?), Kaleo stopped for banana bread at this tiny stand—Aunty Sandy’s. Still warm from the oven. I didn’t expect much but wow… it was gone in about two bites. We talked story with a local uncle who told us about hauling soil down from Haleakala generations ago. His hands moved slow and wide as he spoke—like he was still carrying something heavy. There were waterfalls everywhere; honestly lost count after three or four. At Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park, a few folks braved the chilly water for a swim. I just dipped my toes and laughed at how cold it was (should’ve jumped in). The main keyword here is definitely “Road to Hana”—it’s more than just a drive; it’s kind of a moving feast for your senses.

Lunch happened at Waiʻanapanapa State Park right by the famous black sand beach—sand so dark it looked almost blue against the water. My sandwich was basic but fresh (turkey, if you’re curious), plus slices of pineapple that tasted like sunshine. Some people wandered off along the lava rocks while others just sat under a tree and stared at the waves for a while. The van itself felt fancy—cool air, plenty of space—and yeah, I appreciated not having to drive those wild curves myself.

The light started shifting as we headed back; everything got softer and quieter except for our group swapping stories about which waterfall was best (no one agreed). Kaleo played old Hawaiian songs on low volume and told us about taro patches tucked away in Wailua Valley—said taro is like an older brother in Hawaiian culture. That stuck with me for some reason. I still think about that stretch of road where all you hear is wind through eucalyptus leaves and someone laughing up front because they mispronounced “Waianapanapa.” Happens to everyone, apparently.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Road to Hana full-day adventure

• Pickup from major Maui hotels
• Drive to historic town of Pāʻia
• Stop at Hoʻokipa Beach Park for photos
• Pass by first accessible waterfalls and pools
• Pass by small waterfall and pool with short hike
• Visit Ke’anae Peninsula and learn history
• Stop at Aunty Sandy's for banana bread
• View scenic lookout points and lava formations
• Pass by Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears)
• Stop at Wailua Falls for photos
• Pass by Ka’eleku Cave lava tube
• Pass by Hana Beach Park black sand beach
• Relax at Waianapanapa State Park black sand beach
• Swim at Pua'a Ka'a Falls pools
• Visit Wailua Valley cultural site
• Pass by Kaumahina State Wayside Park and Honomanu Bay view
• See rainbow eucalyptus tree
• Enjoy lunch with Hawaiian juices and local fruit
• Optional stops at fruit stands if time allows

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Road to Hana tour?

Yes, pickup is included from most major resorts in Lahaina or at Kahului/Kihei Park’n Ride.

Can I swim during this day trip to Hana?

Yes, swimming is possible at select waterfalls and at Black Sand Beach if weather allows—but it’s optional.

What kind of lunch is served on this tour?

You’ll get picnic-style sandwiches (ham, turkey or veggie), fresh fruit, pastries, snacks and Hawaiian cane juice.

How many people are in each van?

The Mercedes vans seat up to 14 guests per tour for a small group feel.

Are there restroom stops along the Road to Hana?

Yes, there are lavatories available at several stops including Hoʻokipa Beach Park and Kaumahina State Wayside Park.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No; vans are not wheelchair accessible and all guests must board independently without assistance from drivers.

What should I bring on this private Road to Hana tour?

A swimsuit if you want to swim, towel, sunscreen, camera (and maybe an appetite for banana bread).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from most Maui resorts or designated park-and-ride locations; guided commentary throughout; entry fees; picnic-style lunch with sandwiches (choose ham, turkey or veggie), fresh locally grown fruit and snacks; plus water and Hawaiian cane juice served onboard before returning comfortably in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van.