Road to Hana Highway

Your journey begins in Paia, the quaint village on Maui’s North Shore and the last place to fill up your gas tank until Hana. For a leisurely lunch, Mama’s Fish House is a classic beachfront mainstay. Otherwise, grab some picnic provisions at either Paia Fish Market or Tina’s Garden Gourmet Café (note, the only food choices along the road are various fruit stands).

Twin Falls at mile marker 2 reveals waterfalls and excellent swimming. The small community of Huelo is a tranquil rural spot that showcases two churches. Stop here to hike along the Waikamoi Nature Trail (markers 9 and 10), which is a nice place to stretch your legs and soak in the expanse of the bamboo forest and sweet scent of ginger.

The rest of the drive offers plenty of scenic stops. The brilliantly colored botanical flowers at Garden of Eden Arboretum are sure to awe. Further along the road, The Keanae Arboretum allows the active individual to take a challenging forest hike while the dramatic Waikani Falls afford a breathtaking backdrop for photos. Head further down the road to explore the Hana Lava Tube, a massive cave formed by lava flows. If you want to keep your experience above ground, the stunning black sand of Pailoa Beach is a great choice.

Waianapanapa State Park is a 49-hectare park featuring a spectacular black sand beach and spring-fed freshwater caves. At the highway’s end, you will come across a stunning expanse of waterfalls and pools called OheO Gulch, or the “Seven Sacred Pools.” This is one of the most popular sites in East Maui because of its suitability for swimming and cliff jumping.

Drive just beyond OheO Gulch, and you arrive in Hana, the sweet and sleepy town nestled in an emerald rain forest. Keep the windows down to savor the fresh sea air mixed with a sultry essence of white ginger and sweet guava. You’re at the end of the road, ready to turn around and repeat the same stunning trip. Or extend your tranquil trip by spending the night at the romantic Travaasa Hana Resort, where you can surf or horseback ride before you head back. After this sojourn, one can deservedly place the iconic bumper sticker on their car, “I Survived the Road to Hana."