Road to Hana: Rainforest, Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach Day Trip

Summary

Lush rainforests waterfalls and winding roads to hana with local stops

You’ll ride Maui’s legendary Road to Hana with a local guide who knows every curve and story along the way. Swim beneath rainforest waterfalls at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Park, taste fresh banana bread at roadside stands, and picnic by black sands at Waiʻanapanapa Beach. Expect laughter, ocean spray, and glimpses into real island life you might not find on your own.

What’s the experience like?

We started winding along the Road to Hana before my coffee had even kicked in, windows down just enough to let that thick, green smell of rain and earth sneak in. Our guide, Kaleo, kept up this easy banter — pointing out where the ocean crashed against Hoʻokipa Beach Park and how the surfers somehow made it look simple. I tried to snap a photo but honestly, the light kept changing every time a cloud passed. Someone behind me laughed about “Hawaiian time” and I got it — nothing here moves in a straight line or on schedule.

The van dipped and climbed through switchbacks so tight I lost count. At Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park, we stopped long enough for a swim under one of those waterfalls you always see on postcards. The water was colder than I expected (Kaleo grinned when he saw me hesitate at the edge), but after a second my skin felt electric. Back on the road, we pulled off for banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s — still warm, soft in the middle, with that caramelized edge that sticks to your fingers. I bought two more for later. No regrets.

Somewhere near Ke'anae Village, there was this grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees — trunks streaked wild with orange and blue-green stripes. The colors didn’t look real but they were right there if you touched them (I did). Lunch came later at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, picnic-style by the black sand beach. Sandwiches were simple but after all that driving and salt air? Perfect. We watched waves foam white against volcanic stones while Kaleo told us about his grandmother’s stories from Hana town — his voice almost lost in the wind sometimes. It felt like being let in on something private.

I still think about that last stretch into Hana itself — everything slower, quieter somehow. A few kids waved from a porch as we rolled by; someone was selling mangoes out of their truck bed. On the way back I dozed off for a bit (sorry Kaleo), lulled by engine hum and that endless green outside my window. So yeah, if you’re wondering if this day trip from Maui is worth it… well, I’m still carrying pieces of it with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Road to Hana waterfall and cultural tour

• See waves and surf at Hoʻokipa Beach Park
• Visit Puaʻa Kaʻa State Park waterfalls
• Explore Ke'anae Village and buy banana bread
• View Rainbow Eucalyptus trees
• Tour Waiʻanapanapa State Park
• Shop at Hana Farms Roadside Stand
• Rest at Kaumahina State Wayside Park
• Pass through Hana Town

Top questions

How long does the Road to Hana day trip take?

The tour lasts most of the day due to frequent stops; expect around 10-12 hours including travel time between each destination.

Is lunch included on this Road to Hana tour?

Yes, a deli-style sandwich lunch is included with options like ham, turkey, roast beef or veggie sandwiches served picnic-style at Waiʻanapanapa State Park.

Can you swim during this Road to Hana experience?

You can swim at Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park under one of its waterfalls if conditions allow.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided from any hotel or resort on Maui as part of your booking.

What should I bring for the Road to Hana day trip?

Bring cash for roadside stands or tipping your guide; swimsuits if you want to swim; maybe extra snacks though some are provided.

Are entrance fees included in this tour?

All park admission fees are covered in your package including Waiʻanapanapa and Puaʻa Kaʻa State Parks.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is family-friendly; infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap with specialized seats available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup anywhere on Maui, all entry fees for parks along the Road to Hana like Waiʻanapanapa and Puaʻa Kaʻa State Parks, bottled water throughout the journey plus Hawaiian chips and a deli sandwich lunch enjoyed picnic-style by the black sand beach before heading back in an air-conditioned vehicle.