The Hawaiian island of Maui is a destination for true nature-lovers. You can stretch out on warm, golden sands, or hit the surf for an unforgettable windsurfing or snorkeling session. Driving the scenic road to Hana along the island’s northeastern shore will be among the most spectacular journeys of your life. This island is amazing and definitely worth the visit!
HO’OKIPA BEACH
The name Ho‘okipa means “hospitality” in Hawaiian. Ho’okipa Beach Park is located on Maui’s North Shore alongside the Hana Highway. There are picnic facilities and observation decks for visitors. This beach is the go-to spot if you want to see sea turtles!
Please be respectful of the turtles! Feeding or touching turtles in any way is considered a disturbance and is therefore considered illegal in Hawaii. DLNR advises the public to keep a 6 to 10-foot buffer as a best practice for sea turtle viewing.
ROAD TO HANA
If you’re going to do ONE thing in Maui, this is it. The Journey Begins in Paia. Before you even start out, fill up your gas tank. Gas in Paia is expensive (even by Maui standards), and it’s the last place for gas until you get to Hana, some 42 miles, 54 bridges, and 600 hairpin turns down the road.
Warning: Mile Markers are screwy. They start over after #16. Also, after Hana Town, they jump to #51 then go backwards. It can be a little confusing, so it’s best to plan what stops you want to do before you start your journey. I’m going to highlight the stops we chose to do. They are all amazing, so you really can’t go wrong!
My favorite Road to Hana stops are highlighted below!
TWIN FALLS: MILE MARKER #2
Twin Falls is the first easily-accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. There’s also a snack stand! You’ll be surrounded by the lush, green jungle and wild flowers along the trails.
GARDEN OF EDEN: MILE MARKER #10
This was my favorite stop!! This little bit of paradise is a must-see! Note: there is an admission fee of $15/person over 16 years of age, and $5 for under 16. If you think that’s steep, you probably shouldn’t go to Hawaii. Everything is expensive……but worth it!
Twenty-six acres of trails alive with brilliant colors, unique flowers, rare trees, and the sweet aroma of tropical blossoms in a uniquely natural island setting. You’ll see some of Maui’s most breathtaking ocean views and photo opportunities. The opening sequence of the film “Jurassic Park”, was filmed here! Come walk and explore over 26 acres of Maui’s finest nature trails. You have to see it in person!
WAILUA FALLS: MILE MARKER #45
Wailua Falls is a stunning site to see. It’s a side-of-the road, 80′ waterfall and plunge pool. You literally park, run across the street, see it, photograph it, and leave. You’ll do it fast too, if it’s pouring rain – like it usually is!
HAMOA & KOKI BEACH: NEAR MILE MARKER #51
Over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. Koki beach will be on your left. Heading farther down the road beyond Koki Beach, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii – the world famous Hamoa Beach.
PUA’A KAA STATE WAYSIDE PARK: MILE MARKER #22
Around a half-mile past mile marker 22, you’ll find Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park (good luck saying that, or any of these names, for that matter). You’ll find a paved trail to several small falls and a picnic area. A larger fall can also be accessed upstream via a dirt trail. Talk about beautiful. It’s like something out of a magazine!
THE SURFING GOAT DAIRY
Surfing Goat Dairy is located in Kula. So much goodness in this place! Of course, they have goats, which is awesome. But they also do tours and sell award-winning cheese made right there on the farm! You need to see this adorable place in person!
ALI’I KULA LAVENDER
Also located in Kula, with breathtaking views and beautiful walking paths, Ali’i Kula Lavender is the perfect place to wander! They offer 5 guided walking tours to share their history, inspiration and plans for the future. Unless you’re us. We showed up in the pouring rain, so they let us in for free but none of those options were available. So, we just wandered and enjoyed the experience on our own!
I’AO VALLEY STATE PARK
If you’re into seeing the tropical forest side of things, this is your jam. Forget what I said about doing ONE thing in Maui, make it two, and add this to your itinerary.
THE BANYAN TREE
Planted in 1873, this tree dominates the courthouse square in downtown Lahaina. Spanning 1.94 acres and rising more than 60 feet, Lahaina’s banyan tree is the largest banyan tree in the USA. It’s quite the sight to be seen!
No matter what you decide to do in Maui, you really can’t go wrong!
