If you plan to venture out on the Road to Hana, make sure to leave early in order to make the most of your day. Hana Highway is only about 64 miles long, but the road itself is very windy and narrow. You will come across about 50 bridges that are only wide enough for one car and approximately 620 curves through a tropical rainforest. There are several stops and landmarks along the way. Make sure to take a map and prioritize the stops you would like to see along the way. Also, however tempting, make sure not to spend too much time in one spot. Each stop will likely be better than the last, it's that beautiful.
Kuau Store
This store is located near Paia. We stopped here to grab breakfast and a picnic lunch. Make sure to have food and drinks with you. There are a few food stands along the way, but their hours vary and it's better to be prepared.
Inside Kuau Store
Fresh poke (one of the best I had in Maui) and yes, it was ready by 7:30am
Ho'okipa Beach Park
We stopped at Ho'okipa Beach Park to eat the breakfast we grabbed at Kuau Store. This park has plenty of picnic tables and public restrooms. We also saw our first wild mongoose here.
Breakfast sausage sandwich on a croissant
When in Hawaii, you eat poke for breakfast
Ho'okipa Beach Park
Ho'okipa Beach Park
Twin Falls
Located at mile marker 2, this will most likely be your first actual stop on the Road to Hana.
The entrance to Twin Falls has a fruit stand where you can purchase juices and snacks.
It helps to wear water shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Compared to some of the other stops, there is quite a bit to explore in Twin Falls.
Twin Falls
Bamboo in Twin Falls
Rainbow Eucalyptus
You can find rainbow eucalyptus trees speckled along the Road to Hana. They are a spectacular site to see, like something out of a Dr. Seuss book.
One-lane bridges
As mentioned earlier, be prepared to slow down for many sharp turns and one-lane bridges. Courtesy is to let a few cars pass before letting the other side go across.
An unmarked lookout spot, somewhere before Mile Marker 16
Ke'Anae Lookout
Located at Mile Marker 16, you'll get a wide variety of views to choose from. Also, if you're looking for some delicious warm banana bread, make sure to take this exit.
Aunt Sandy's can be found at the same exit for Ke'anae Lookout, well-worth the stop.
Not too bad of a line at Aunt Sandy's
Warm, delicious banana bread
Upper Waikani Falls
Also known as the "Three Bears," this is a very photogenic waterfall that also serves as a nice swimming hole. Be warned, though, the hike down can be steep and slippery. This is located near mile marker 19.
A view of Upper Waikani Falls from the bridge. There's not a lot of parking, so be prepared to park up the hill and walk back down to it.
Pua'a Ka'a Wayside Park
A small park off the highway near mile marker 22. A nice place for a swim, picnic, or just to stop and use the restroom.
Hana Lava Tube
This was said to have formed almost 1,000 years ago. It is a self-guided tour that is located near mile marker 31. When we went, the entrance fee was $25/couple. They will give you a flashlight, which is necessary since there were no lights in the Lava Tube.
Red Ti Garden Maze
The entrance to the Lava Tube
Waianapanapa State Park
This is located near mile marker 32 and entrance is free. Waianapanapa State Park is made up of beaches, freshwater caves, burial sites, and camping sites. It was one of our favorite stops on the Road to Hana, so be sure not to miss it.
Papilla Beach- black sand beach
Papilla Beach- rated one of the top beaches in America. The black sand provides a sharp contrast against the luscious greenery and aquamarine waters. Be careful, though. The tide can rise fairly quickly. So, it's not one where you want to lounge around and sunbathe.
Wailua Falls
This is located near mile marker 45 and you will be able to see the waterfall from the bridge. There are parking spots located right past the Falls, so make sure to stop and capture the view.
Pools of Ohe'o (Seven Sacred Pools)
The Pools of Ohe'o are located in Haleakala National Park. Entrance to the National Park is $25 and valid for 3 days. So, if you plan on watching the sunrise or sunset from Haleakala Crater, make sure to save your receipt!
The Seven Sacred Pools
Another one of our favorite stops on the Road to Hana. Makes sure to save plenty of time to explore this park, there's a lot to see!
A large Banyan tree on the trail. There are several other self-guided hiking trails that weave through forests of bamboo and lead you to majestic waterfalls.. The Pipiwai Trail is one of those trails, which we did not have time for on this trip.
Mama's Fish House
Rated as one of the most popular restaurants in Maui, it's a classic favorite. Located on the North Shore, we chose to visit this restaurant after the Road to Hana because it was on the way back to town. It is guaranteed to be crowded, but there's usually no wait if you sit at the bar.
Traditional Hawaiian Plate
Mama's Stuffed Fish
Guava Cheesecake
The perfect end to a busy day of exploring the hidden wonders of the Hawaiian rainforest. You will likely be exhausted, but it will be a day well-worth your time. The sights, sounds, and memories from the Road to Hana are nothing like you have ever experienced before. Even if you don't quite make it to all of the stops on your list, you are bound to see something magical. Be ready for it.