It’s all about the journey on the Road to Hana that runs along Maui’s eastern coast. Experience cascading waterfalls, breathtaking vistas and 59 single-lane bridges around 620 adventurous curves. Leave the driving to us as you relax on your air-conditioned luxury Sprinter van, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and stunning coastal oases. Plus, you'll enjoy the very best stops along the way.
The morning starts bright and early with a continental breakfast at local favourite Cafe O Lei at the Dunes, which offers views of the West Maui mountains. Fuel up on fresh fruit and pastries here, and get ready for the exciting adventure ahead.
We'll drive through Pa’ia Town, the laid back “windsurfing capital of the world”, with its boutiques and restaurants as we travel eastward toward Hana. Then enjoy a relaxing stop at Kaumahina State Park, engulfed by a dense forest with awe-inspiring coastline views and refreshing, cool ocean breezes.
Next is Ke’anae Peninsula. Created by flowing lava it juts into the ocean and waves crash against jagged volcanic rocks. Taro farmers on the peninsula practice sustainable farming, as did the ancient Hawaiians. The old stone church was the village’s only surviving structure after a 1946 tsunami hit.
A little further along is the first waterfall of the day. Upper Waikani Falls, also known and “Three Bears Falls”, are three parallel waterfalls 70 feet in height and one of the most photogenic sites on the trip.
Stop for a refreshing swim (conditions permitting) at Pua’a Ka’a State Park. Swim in tranquil waterfall pools, where the turquoise water is stunning and equally enjoyed by bathers and spectators. Photo time, again!
One of the finest stops on tour is Wai’anapanapa State Park, and Black Sand Beach is a magnificent site of a lava tube, sea arches, blowhole, and that incredible beach. Wai’anapanapa means “glistening water” in Hawaii and refers to nearby streams but can also apply to the striking ocean views.
Having worked up quite the appetite, it's time for lunch at Hana Farms, a tropical farm and marketplace located in the rainforest along Hana Highway. Tropical fruits and spices are grown on the farm, and a local network of small suppliers growing, and harvesting crops contribute to menus and marketplace goods.
Hana Bay will be viewed while driving through Hana Town and some of the best views of the bay are from the road. Then, South Wailua Falls are just past Hana and one of the tallest waterfalls offering convenient access from the roadway. These highly photographed falls are a picture you need in your camera!
Kipahulu Valley and ‘Ohe’o Gulch can be seen while driving across the bridge directly above the head of the Falls of ‘Ohe’o waterfall, as the road heads in a southwesterly direction. Then, Kaupo is where you’ll notice the distinct change in topography and views while driving around the “backside” from Hana. Volcanic rock and dry grasslands with grazing cows prevail, making Kaupo a sparsely populated sustainable ranching region.
Upcountry Maui in the higher elevations surrounding Haleakala is reached as your remarkable day concludes. Its fertile volcanic soil is conducive to farming, dairy, and even the production of local wines and spirits.
