The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii

I Left Part of My Heart in Hawaii

There’s a reason Hawaii captures the hearts of travelers—it certainly stole a piece of mine. As someone who has explored much of the Caribbean, I expected beauty, but Hawaii absolutely blew me away. From the moment we landed on Maui’s volcanic soil, I was surrounded by a natural wonder that felt almost spiritual.

Hawaii is nature’s masterpiece—volcanic peaks like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa pierce the clouds, while the dramatic cliffs of Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast and the alien landscapes of Maui’s Haleakalā crater redefine rugged beauty. Everywhere you look, there are lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches with waters so turquoise they don’t look real.

But the real magic of Hawaii isn’t just what you see—it’s what you feel. It’s a deep, lasting connection to the land and its energy. I’ll be sharing more stories from each island soon, but for now, let me take you on one of the most iconic drives in all of Hawaii—the Road to Hana.

The Road to Hana: A Scenic Adventure, Not Just a Drive

Driving the legendary Road to Hana is a Maui bucket list experience. Winding through lush rainforest, past ocean cliffs and hidden waterfalls, this 52-mile journey from Kahului to Hana is all about the stops, the sights, and the story of the land.

Before we went, some folks warned us: “It’s too long… too slow… kind of boring.” They couldn’t have been more wrong. If you’re a fan of scenic drives, photography, and immersive travel, this road is anything but dull.

Road to Hana Travel Tips:

Start Early: Beat the crowds and have time to stop at your favorite spots. We passed people starting their drive at 3 PM—way too late for the full experience.
Bring Water: It’s hot and humid. Stay hydrated, especially if you’re hiking to waterfalls or walking coastal trails.
Pack Snacks or Lunch: Dining options are limited. We brought snacks and were glad we did.
Plan Your Stops: From waterfalls to state parks, plan what you want to see ahead of time so you’re not overwhelmed on the road.
Fuel Up First: Gas stations are scarce—top off before you start the drive.
Swimsuit Ready: There are irresistible swimming spots you’ll want to jump into!
Drive Cautiously: The road is narrow, with hairpin turns and single-lane bridges. Take your time and enjoy the ride.

Painted Eucalyptus Trees: Maui’s Rainbow Forest

One of the most unexpected highlights was spotting the Painted Eucalyptus Trees around mile marker 7. At first glance, they seem like regular tall trees, but look closer and you’ll see streaks of red, orange, purple, and green peeling down their trunks—like a natural watercolor painting.

These trees grow fast (up to 6 feet per year) and can tower over 200 feet tall. They’re not native to Hawaii and were likely planted to combat soil erosion or support sugarcane farming. However they got here, they’re a must-see stop for photographers and nature lovers alike.

A vibrant Painted Eucalyptus tree with colorful bark in shades of green, red, orange, and purple, located along the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii. — A Painted Eucalyptus tree near mile marker 7 on Maui’s Road to Hana — nature’s rainbow masterpiece captured on Back Roads Lens.

Wai’anapanapa State Park: Black Sand & Lava Wonders

Wai’anapanapa State Park is otherworldly. This is where you’ll find black sand beaches, lava tubes, sea arches, and towering sea stacks. It’s one of the most iconic stops along the Road to Hana—and for good reason.

A powerful ocean blowhole shoots water high into the air through black lava rocks along the Hawaiian coastline, surrounded by crashing waves. — Nature’s spectacle — a blowhole sends ocean spray skyward through rugged lava rocks on Hawaii’s coastline. Captured by Back Roads Lens.

A solitary tree silhouetted against a golden sunset on the Hawaiian coast, surrounded by black lava rocks and gentle ocean waves. — Golden hour magic on the Hawaiian coast — a lone tree stands among lava rocks as the sun sets over the Pacific. Captured by Back Roads Lens.

Black lava rocks along the coastline at sunset, with the cliff in the distance where Steve McQueen's character jumps in the movie Papillon, glowing under golden skies. — A cinematic view at sunset — black lava rocks and the legendary cliff from Papillon, where Steve McQueen made his daring jump. Captured by Back Roads Lens.

Inside a lava tube in Hawaii with a view looking out toward the ocean framed by volcanic rock. — From deep within a lava tube, the Pacific Ocean glimmers beyond the rugged volcanic walls—a hidden Hawaiian perspective captured by Back Roads Lens.

Black volcanic rocks emerging from the ocean along the coastline, with waves gently crashing around them under a soft sky. — Timeless and raw — black volcanic rocks stand firm in the ocean surf, captured along a rugged coastline by Back Roads Lens.

Highlights at Wai’anapanapa:

Black Sand Beach: Formed by lava rock, it’s unlike any beach you’ve seen.
Lava Tube: A short trail leads to this eerie, natural cave. It’s a great photo op and a glimpse into Hawaii’s volcanic past.
Sea Arches & Blowholes: Nature’s sculptures, carved by time and waves.
Picnic Spot: A great place to stop for lunch if you brought your own.

Waterfalls Along the Way: Nature’s Grand Finale

If you love waterfalls, the Road to Hana delivers in spades. Dozens of them appear around bends or down short trails—from gentle trickles to roaring cascades surrounded by jungle.

Some are roadside (perfect for a photo stop), while others require short hikes. Be ready with your camera—you’ll find some of Maui’s best waterfall photo ops here.

Two waterfalls flowing side by side through dense, tropical greenery, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and vibrant jungle foliage. — Twin waterfalls tumble through the heart of the jungle, framed by lush Hawaiian greenery. A serene moment captured by Back Roads Lens.

A scenic Hawaiian waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, with vibrant tropical flowers in the foreground and a clear pool below used as a local swimming hole. — A hidden gem in paradise — a Hawaiian waterfall framed by tropical flowers, cascading into a serene pool where locals come to swim. Captured by Back Roads Lens.

A single waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff, surrounded by dense green vegetation and tropical foliage in a remote Hawaiian landscape. — A solitary waterfall cuts through the lush Hawaiian jungle — a peaceful, hidden escape captured by Back Roads Lens.

Arriving in Hana: The Journey’s Quiet Reward

A green roadside sign that reads “Welcome to Hana,” marking the entrance to the town at the end of Maui’s iconic Road to Hana scenic drive. — The journey is the destination — the “Welcome to Hana” sign marks the end of Maui’s legendary road trip and the beginning of small-town charm. Captured by Back Roads Lens.

Reaching Hana feels like arriving at a secret, sleepy paradise. It’s small and peaceful, with a few charming stands selling banana bread and tropical treats. We stopped to wander a little garden and admired a curious pineapple plant—tiny but full of character.

A close-up of a pineapple plant with spiky green leaves and a small pineapple growing at its center, set in a tropical Hawaiian garden. — A pineapple in its natural element — vibrant, spiky, and full of tropical charm in a Hawaiian garden. Captured by Back Roads Lens.

But here’s the thing: the Road to Hana isn’t really about Hana. It’s about the journey, the immersion in nature, and the moments that take your breath away.

Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is more than a drive—it’s a soulful exploration of Maui’s wild side. With every curve and climb, you uncover a new gem—whether it’s a waterfall, a lookout, or a rainbow eucalyptus tree.

Yes, it’s long. Yes, it’s winding. But it’s also one of the most unforgettable drives in the world. Take your time, stop often, and soak in the journey.

Want More Hawaii Travel Inspo?

Check out more posts on Back Roads Lens for photo-filled travel guides, hidden gems, and stories from Hawaii and beyond.

I Left Part of My Heart in Hawaii