The black-sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Maui, HI 1 day

The Road to Hāna

Waterfalls, black sand and a bamboo forest, stop by stop

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Photo: Kirt Edblom, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Road to Hāna isn't a drive you rush. It's a narrow, winding highway along Maui's wet northeast coast, from Pāʻia to Hāna, with waterfalls, one-lane bridges and taro valleys around nearly every bend. Make the stops the point of the day, treat Hāna as the turnaround, and plan on 10 to 12 hours.

The plan

6:30 AM

Pāʻia Town · North Shore

Leave with a full tank (the last gas before Hāna), breakfast and water.
7:00 AM

Twin Falls (Hoʻolawa) Waterfall walk

A short waterfall walk near mile marker 2. It's a private farm, not a park: follow the posted rules; swimming is at your own risk.
8:00 AM

Kaumahina and Keʻanae viewpoints Viewpoints

Pull fully off the road to stop, yield at one-lane bridges, and stay out of anything posted private or kapu. Stay out of streams during or after rain.
Official info
11:00 AM

Waiʻānapanapa State Park Black-sand beach

Change this to your timed entry time. Black sand, sea caves, a stone arch and the ancient coastal trail. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the ocean is often rough, so only swim when it's calm.
Official info
1:30 PM

Pīpīwai Trail Hike · Moderately strenuous

12 miles past Hāna in Haleakalā National Park's Kīpahulu District: through a bamboo forest to the Waimoku Falls viewing area, 4 miles round trip with about 800 feet of climbing. The park fee is card only. Expect rain and mosquitoes.
Official info
3:45 PM

Kūloa Point Trail Hike · Easy

A short loop above the Pools of ʻOheʻo. The pools are closed to swimming and entry, so enjoy them from the trail.
Official info
4:30 PM

Drive back to Kahului Drive

About 4 hours without stops, the way you came. Plan to be off the narrow sections around dark.