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Maui Sands Unit 4B in West Maui

19 stops in driving order

The complete Road to Hāna guide

Plan the Road to Hāna from Maui Sands with approximate mile markers, realistic timing, reservations, parking guidance, safety advice and suggested itineraries.

The Road to Hāna is not a quick drive to a single destination. It is a slow journey through East Maui communities, rainforest, waterfalls and lava coastline, with narrow bridges and few safe places to stop.

This guide starts at Maui Sands, explains the highway’s confusing mile markers and covers nineteen worthwhile stops in driving order. Choose a limited number that fit your priorities, daylight and confirmed reservations.

From Maui Sands Unit 4B

Plan for a very long day—or stay overnight

Reaching Pāʻia from West Maui commonly takes about 75–95 minutes before the Road to Hāna’s slowest section even begins. A same-day trip to Hāna and back can easily take 11–14 hours with stops; adding Kīpahulu makes the day longer.

Leave very earlyAround sunrise is sensible from Maui SandsUse one main driver planSwitch drivers only at safe, legal stopsStart with a full tankFuel and services become limited

Reserve Waiʻānapanapa first

Nonresidents without advance parking and entry reservations are turned away. Book through Hawaii State Parks up to 30 days ahead and design the day around the assigned timeslot.

Official reservations

Check Kīpahulu conditions

The remote national-park district has an entrance fee, limited services and weather-sensitive trails. Bring food, water, sturdy footwear and a credit card.

Official park information

Driving order from West Maui

19 worthwhile stops along the Road to Hāna

Approximate markers and travel times are planning aids, not navigation instructions. Pick a manageable subset; trying to visit everything creates a rushed and unsafe day.

1

Before Route 360

Pāʻia

About 75–95 min from Maui Sands20–40 minFood, fuel & supplies

Why stop

The practical gateway to East Maui and the best place to top up fuel, buy water and food, and make a final restroom stop before the narrow highway.

Plan it well

Eat or collect breakfast, confirm everyone has water and download offline maps. Do not assume every business is open early.

Parking and accessUse legal town parking; never begin the winding section with a low fuel tank.
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2

Route 36 · near MM 9

Hoʻokipa Lookout

10 min beyond Pāʻia10–20 minOcean overlook

Why stop

A broad view over one of Maui’s famous windsurfing and surfing beaches. Turtles may rest on the sand below, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Plan it well

Use the designated overlook and keep well back from wildlife. This is a viewpoint, not a promise of safe swimming.

Parking and accessUse the signed lookout lot; check current surf and posted restrictions.
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3

Route 360 · near MM 2

Twin Falls

15–20 min beyond Hoʻokipa45–90 minWaterfalls & short walks

Why stop

One of the first accessible waterfall areas on the route, with privately managed parking and trails leading through a working farm landscape.

Plan it well

Expect mud and changing water levels. Follow the operator’s signs and never enter water during flooding or when access is closed.

Parking and accessPark only in the designated lot; capacity and admission policies can change.
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4

Near MM 9.5

Waikamoi Ridge Trail

About 25 min beyond Twin Falls30–60 minForest walk

Why stop

A short forest trail that offers a change from waterfall viewpoints and a chance to stretch your legs among eucalyptus and tropical vegetation.

Plan it well

The trail can be muddy, root-covered and slippery. Skip it after heavy rain or if parking is unavailable.

Parking and accessVery limited roadside pull-off; never stop in the traffic lane.
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5

Near MM 10.5

Garden of Eden Arboretum

A few minutes beyond Waikamoi60–90 minPaid botanical stop

Why stop

Landscaped gardens, tropical plants, overlooks and maintained walking paths make this an easier way to experience rainforest scenery.

Plan it well

This is a private, paid attraction. Check current hours and admission before relying on it.

Parking and accessOn-site parking; a useful longer stop when open.
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6

Near MM 12

Kaumahina State Wayside

5–10 min beyond Garden of Eden10–20 minLookout & rest stop

Why stop

A state wayside with coastal and Keʻanae Peninsula views when vegetation and weather cooperate.

Plan it well

Treat this as a brief viewpoint and possible restroom stop, not a major hike.

Parking and accessUse the official lot; facilities can close without notice.
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7

Around MM 13–14

Honomanu Bay overlook

5–10 min beyond Kaumahina5–10 minScenic viewpoint

Why stop

The highway offers glimpses over a rugged, dark-rock bay backed by a steep green valley.

Plan it well

The safest experience is often the legal overlook. The road down can be rough and the bay is not a dependable swimming stop.

Parking and accessStop only where fully off the highway and legally permitted.
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8

Near MM 16.7

Keʻanae Arboretum

10–15 min beyond Honomanu25–45 minFree botanical walk

Why stop

A short, generally level walk with tropical plants, including colorful eucalyptus, away from the traffic flow.

Plan it well

Bring insect protection and expect wet ground. Do not remove fruit, flowers or plants.

Parking and accessSmall designated pull-off; continue if full.
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9

Turn near MM 16.8

Keʻanae Peninsula

5–10 min from the arboretum turn30–60 minCoast, history & food

Why stop

A worthwhile detour through a historic taro-growing community to a dramatic lava shoreline and ocean views.

Plan it well

Drive slowly, respect residents and private property, and remain far back from breaking waves. Check local food-stand hours separately.

Parking and accessUse designated areas near the coast; never block homes, farm access or the roadway.
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10

Near MM 18.9

Wailua Valley State Wayside

10–15 min beyond Keʻanae10–20 minValley viewpoint

Why stop

A short stair climb can reveal layered views of Wailua, taro fields, the coast and—when clouds permit—waterfalls on the mountain slopes.

Plan it well

The stairs and viewpoint are compact. Skip the stop if the tiny lot is full.

Parking and accessOnly a few spaces; do not create a roadside hazard.
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11

Near MM 19.5

Upper Waikani Falls

A few minutes beyond Wailua ValleyView only if legalRoadside waterfall

Why stop

Often called Three Bears, this photogenic cascade is visible from the highway bridge when water is flowing.

Plan it well

There is no reason to risk a citation or collision for a photograph. If no legal space is available well beyond the bridge, continue driving.

Parking and accessNo stopping on the bridge or in signed no-parking zones.
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12

Near MM 22.5

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside

10–15 min beyond Waikani25–45 minWaterfall & rest stop

Why stop

A developed wayside with rainforest scenery, picnic space and a small waterfall near the road.

Plan it well

Wet rock is extremely slippery and flash flooding is possible. Never enter closed areas or water that looks fast, muddy or high.

Parking and accessOfficial lot with limited spaces and facilities.
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13

Turn near MM 25–29

Nahiku area

15–25 min beyond Puaʻa Kaʻa20–45 minFood stop when open

Why stop

The area can provide a useful break for food and local products, depending on which vendors are operating.

Plan it well

Business hours are variable. Treat Nahiku Road as a residential area, obey all signs and do not trespass in search of shoreline access.

Parking and accessUse vendor parking only while patronizing the business.
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14

Near MM 31

Hana Lava Tube

10 min beyond Nahiku45–75 minPaid cave experience

Why stop

A self-guided walk through a lava tube provides geology and a completely different experience from the highway’s waterfalls and coastlines.

Plan it well

Private attraction; verify hours, prices, footwear requirements and last entry before visiting.

Parking and accessOn-site parking when open.
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15

Turn near MM 32

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

10 min beyond the lava tubeReservation timeslotBlack-sand coast · reservation required

Why stop

Sea cliffs, lava formations, coastal trails and the famous dark-sand cove make this one of the route’s signature stops.

Plan it well

Nonresidents need advance parking and entry reservations. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of the reserved period and leave by the timeslot’s end.

Parking and accessNo reservation means no entry. Reservations are released up to 30 days ahead and can sell out.
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16

Around MM 34

Hāna town

10–15 min beyond Waiʻānapanapa45–90 minFood, culture & reset

Why stop

Hāna is a living East Maui community, not merely a turnaround point. Pause for food, restrooms and a quieter sense of place.

Plan it well

Support local businesses, keep noise low, obey every parking sign and remember that services may close earlier than expected.

Parking and accessUse business or public parking appropriate to your stop; never block local access.
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17

Route 31 · around MM 50

Koki and Hamoa beaches

10–20 min beyond Hāna30–75 minScenic beaches

Why stop

Koki offers dramatic coastal scenery; Hamoa is a beautiful crescent beach. Both show a different, more open side of East Maui.

Plan it well

These are not guaranteed swimming stops. Shore break, currents and weather can make the water hazardous; check conditions from shore.

Parking and accessUse legal public-access areas and respect nearby homes and cultural sites.
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18

Route 31 · near MM 45

Wailua Falls

20–25 min beyond Hamoa10–20 minRoadside waterfall

Why stop

A tall, easily seen waterfall close to the road, often used as a brief stop on the way to or from Kīpahulu.

Plan it well

Enjoy the signed viewpoint. Do not stop on the bridge, climb barriers or enter unsafe water.

Parking and accessUse only the designated pull-off when space is available.
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19

Route 31 · near MM 42

Kīpahulu District & Pīpīwai Trail

15–20 min beyond Wailua Falls2–4 hoursNational park hiking

Why stop

The Pīpīwai Trail climbs through changing forest—including a bamboo section—to Waimoku Falls. The coastal area overlooks ʻOheʻo Gulch.

Plan it well

Pay the Haleakalā National Park entrance fee by card, bring water and food, and check current trail conditions. The park advises against swimming in ʻOheʻo Gulch because of flash floods and rock slides.

Parking and accessOfficial national-park lot; emergency medical help is at least an hour away.
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Three realistic ways to structure the day

Classic Hāna day

Choose two or three early stops, Keʻanae Peninsula, one wayside, reserved Waiʻānapanapa and Hāna town. Turn back with enough daylight.

Kīpahulu-focused day

Minimize early stops, reserve Waiʻānapanapa only if its timeslot fits, continue to Kīpahulu for hiking, then return the same way unless current authorities and your rental agreement confirm another route.

One night in East Maui

Split the drive, spend more time in Hāna and visit Kīpahulu the next morning. This is the least rushed option and reduces pressure to chase every stop.

Drive with aloha and come back safely

Let local traffic passUse a legal pullout when several vehicles collect behind you. Never stop suddenly for a waterfall.

Never park in the roadwaySigned no-parking zones on Route 360 carry enhanced penalties because stopped cars can block residents and emergency vehicles.

Flash floods can be deadlyDo not enter streams, pools or waterfalls during rain, when water is rising, or when conditions are unclear.

Carry your essentialsBring water, food, rain protection, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, medication and offline directions.

Planning information reviewed September 2026. Conditions, hours, prices and access can change.

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