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Hana Highway Sights
This page is dedicated to introducing visitors to all the stops and sights along the Hana Highway (Road to Hana). We've actually split all of these stops off from our 'Maui Sights' area because you can ONLY visit them if you're actually driving the Hana Highway. Only a select few major stops have made it onto both lists ('Ohe'o Gulch and Wai'anapanapa to name two).
We highly encourage you to consider a guidebook when driving the Highway. It's the best way to determine which stops are for you and which aren't. A lot of folks simply let the clumps of cars along the road be their guide. Big mistake. There are a lot of great places along the Hana Highway, but there are also several stops you'd be wasting your time stopping at. That said, we invite you to let us be your guide. We've driven the Hana Highway a few hundred times over the last few years and eventually we said, "Why not put what we know in a book?" And, we can now better educate visitors on what spots are off-limits (or kapu) as well. Our color guidebook, "Hana Highway Mile by Mile: The Road to Hana and Beyond" will navigate you along the 52 miles of undeveloped road, 56 one-lane bridges and 617 curves. You will pass by the most breath-taking scenery on the face of the earth. It was literally a million years in the making. And the journey doesn’t end in Hana, it continues well beyond the sleepy coastal town at the bay. When it comes to driving the road to paradise Mile by Mile is the only way to go. Aloha to the Hana Highway and beyond.
Location: Southeast Maui
About 15 minutes past Hana, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Highway 31, is the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch at the east end of Haleakala National Park. In 1969, the land where the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.
The ‘Ohe‘o Gulch today is known by many names. Some call it the Kipahulu Area, while others call it the location of the Seven Sacred Pools. However, there are far more than just seven pools, so the name is quite inaccurate. It originates from a 1940’s publicity campaign. There are actually dozens of pools and a multitude of waterfalls which flow through the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch into the ocean nearby. This is one of the best spots to visit on Maui and is well worth a few hours of your time.
About 15 minutes past Hana, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Highway 31, is the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch at the east end of Haleakala National Park. In 1969, the land where the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.
The ‘Ohe‘o Gulch today is known by many names. Some call it the Kipahulu Area, while others call it the location of the Seven Sacred Pools. However, there are far more than just seven pools, so the name is quite inaccurate. It originates from a 1940’s publicity campaign. There are actually dozens of pools and a multitude of waterfalls which flow through the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch into the ocean nearby. This is one of the best spots to visit on Maui and is well worth a few hours of your time.
Location: Southeast Maui
Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you’ll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai‘i, Wailua Falls. You will cross a bridge where its stream waters pass under the road. As noted, this falls in on Honolewa Stream and not Wailua stream. There is a parking lot immediately off to the makai side after you pass the falls. Wailua Falls gracefully cascades 80 feet through a lush setting in the surrounding vegetation just feet from the road.
There is a short path to the base of the falls, but it can be tricky so use caution. The water flow varies but is usually pretty at any rate throughout the year. Upstream exists Kekuapo‘owai Falls, but unfortunately it is only visible by helicopter.
Pua'a Lu'u Falls and another small waterfall (Hahalawe Falls) are both located a little farther down the road from Wailua Falls. There's a pullout on the side of the road past the bridge at Pua'a Lu'u Falls, and the short path (look for the giant tree) downstream to the falls is also worth a brief stop. The falls seen here to the right is Wailua Falls after a heavy rain.
Just beyond mile marker 45 on the Hana Highway after it turns into Highway 31 you’ll reach one of the most gorgeous falls in all of Hawai‘i, Wailua Falls. You will cross a bridge where its stream waters pass under the road. As noted, this falls in on Honolewa Stream and not Wailua stream. There is a parking lot immediately off to the makai side after you pass the falls. Wailua Falls gracefully cascades 80 feet through a lush setting in the surrounding vegetation just feet from the road.
There is a short path to the base of the falls, but it can be tricky so use caution. The water flow varies but is usually pretty at any rate throughout the year. Upstream exists Kekuapo‘owai Falls, but unfortunately it is only visible by helicopter.
Pua'a Lu'u Falls and another small waterfall (Hahalawe Falls) are both located a little farther down the road from Wailua Falls. There's a pullout on the side of the road past the bridge at Pua'a Lu'u Falls, and the short path (look for the giant tree) downstream to the falls is also worth a brief stop. The falls seen here to the right is Wailua Falls after a heavy rain.
Location: Southeast Maui
The Pipiwai Trail, above the `Ohe`o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), is one of the best hikes on Maui. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. There are several great waterfalls along the route with the final destination fall being Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall shaped like a horse shoe. If it's been wet in the area recently, you can additionally find yourself surrounded by numerous small waterfalls on the surrounding cliff face. This is an absolutely beautiful falls and well worth the hike to get to it.
The Waimoku Falls hike passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful). Basically, the hike to Waimoku is the Makahiku hike extended about 1 1/2 miles. At one mile you will enter the first of three bamboo forests. Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier.
The Pipiwai Trail, above the `Ohe`o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), is one of the best hikes on Maui. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. There are several great waterfalls along the route with the final destination fall being Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall shaped like a horse shoe. If it's been wet in the area recently, you can additionally find yourself surrounded by numerous small waterfalls on the surrounding cliff face. This is an absolutely beautiful falls and well worth the hike to get to it.
The Waimoku Falls hike passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful). Basically, the hike to Waimoku is the Makahiku hike extended about 1 1/2 miles. At one mile you will enter the first of three bamboo forests. Because of the marshy ground, wooden boardwalks have been built to make hiking easier.
Location: Southeast Maui
Waimoku Falls is at the head of the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools. The hike to Waimoku Falls passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful) at about half a mile into the trail.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is 4 miles round-trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is the fantastic Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool; this is the tallest falls on Maui. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Muddy conditions are also probable. Use extreme caution when crossing the stream(s) as well.
This spot is absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
Waimoku Falls is at the head of the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools. The hike to Waimoku Falls passes the 185 foot Makahiku Falls (which is also beautiful) at about half a mile into the trail.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is one of the best hikes on Maui. It is 4 miles round-trip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is the fantastic Waimoku Falls. This gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool; this is the tallest falls on Maui. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Muddy conditions are also probable. Use extreme caution when crossing the stream(s) as well.
This spot is absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
Location: Northeast Maui
Getting ever so closer to Hana Town we have one last major stop at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. On the makai side of the highway you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai‘anapanapa State Wayside Park. There should also be a road sign informing you of the location. Head down the road and look for the main parking area (to the left), near the cabins. From here a trail will lead you down to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa‘iloa Bay. Swimming is dangerous and should be avoided here. The beach is open to the ocean with no outside reef to break the force of the waves and current. You will see many warning signs in place because of this. Once you’re on the beach, you might be interested in exploring the cave opening off to your right. Though narrow at the entrance, it widens inside and takes you an open view of the ocean at the other end.
Getting ever so closer to Hana Town we have one last major stop at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. On the makai side of the highway you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai‘anapanapa State Wayside Park. There should also be a road sign informing you of the location. Head down the road and look for the main parking area (to the left), near the cabins. From here a trail will lead you down to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa‘iloa Bay. Swimming is dangerous and should be avoided here. The beach is open to the ocean with no outside reef to break the force of the waves and current. You will see many warning signs in place because of this. Once you’re on the beach, you might be interested in exploring the cave opening off to your right. Though narrow at the entrance, it widens inside and takes you an open view of the ocean at the other end.
Location: Northeast Maui
A more popular beach in Hana town is just on the other side of Ka‘uiki hill at Hana Bay. This beach is known as Kaihalulu (Red Sand) beach. The beach gets its red sand from lava cinders off Ka‘uiki. The quickest way to access this beach is to take Ua‘kea road past Hana Bay to where it dead ends at Hauoli Road. Make sure you park your car in the right direction (depending on which side of the road you’re on - Hana police will ticket you otherwise).
A more popular beach in Hana town is just on the other side of Ka‘uiki hill at Hana Bay. This beach is known as Kaihalulu (Red Sand) beach. The beach gets its red sand from lava cinders off Ka‘uiki. The quickest way to access this beach is to take Ua‘kea road past Hana Bay to where it dead ends at Hauoli Road. Make sure you park your car in the right direction (depending on which side of the road you’re on - Hana police will ticket you otherwise).
Location: Northeast Maui
Garden of EdenOn the mauka side of the Hana Highway, half-mile past mile marker 10, you’ll find The Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden. We usually don’t go into details about private gardens or businesses. But this garden is the exception to the rule. It’s one of our favorite stops on the entire drive.
The garden is most popular for its debut in “Jurassic Park,” where the opening sequence of the movie was filmed, specifically the Keopuka “Jurassic Park” Rock which can be seen from one absolutely gorgeous lookout inside the garden. View a map of the Garden of Eden.
Garden of EdenOn the mauka side of the Hana Highway, half-mile past mile marker 10, you’ll find The Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden. We usually don’t go into details about private gardens or businesses. But this garden is the exception to the rule. It’s one of our favorite stops on the entire drive.
The garden is most popular for its debut in “Jurassic Park,” where the opening sequence of the movie was filmed, specifically the Keopuka “Jurassic Park” Rock which can be seen from one absolutely gorgeous lookout inside the garden. View a map of the Garden of Eden.
Location: Southeast Maui
A half-mile easy loop trail leads from the Kipahulu Visitor Center down to the ocean at Kuloa Point past historic walls and pre-contact Hawaiian habitation sites. The trail passes a grove of hala trees on the way to beautiful views of the ocean and several large pools.
Swimming is permitted when conditions allow it. Never jump into the water from the cliffs above. Also, the ocean currents at Kuloa Point are very strong and sharks and high surf are constant dangers. Do not go into the ocean here, stay in the pools above if you swim.
A half-mile easy loop trail leads from the Kipahulu Visitor Center down to the ocean at Kuloa Point past historic walls and pre-contact Hawaiian habitation sites. The trail passes a grove of hala trees on the way to beautiful views of the ocean and several large pools.
Swimming is permitted when conditions allow it. Never jump into the water from the cliffs above. Also, the ocean currents at Kuloa Point are very strong and sharks and high surf are constant dangers. Do not go into the ocean here, stay in the pools above if you swim.
Location: Northeast Maui
A little over half-mile past mile marker 9 on the Hana Highway keep your eyes open for the parking lot (mauka) to the Waikamoi Ridge Forest Trail and Overlook. It is easy to miss due to the fact it’s around a bend in the road. After parking in the often crowded lot, head up to the open area to your left to a small overlook with picnic shelters and the Waikamoi trail head.
The Waikamoi Trail is a beautiful, short nature walk through trees, bamboo and ferns with scenic overlooks at various points along the way. There are actually two sections to the trail: one being a short loop that takes about half an hour and ends where it starts (at the picnic area) and the other a one-way extension from the loop trail. Both trails start at the picnic shelter located near the parking area.
A little over half-mile past mile marker 9 on the Hana Highway keep your eyes open for the parking lot (mauka) to the Waikamoi Ridge Forest Trail and Overlook. It is easy to miss due to the fact it’s around a bend in the road. After parking in the often crowded lot, head up to the open area to your left to a small overlook with picnic shelters and the Waikamoi trail head.
The Waikamoi Trail is a beautiful, short nature walk through trees, bamboo and ferns with scenic overlooks at various points along the way. There are actually two sections to the trail: one being a short loop that takes about half an hour and ends where it starts (at the picnic area) and the other a one-way extension from the loop trail. Both trails start at the picnic shelter located near the parking area.
Location: Southeast Maui
Mahahiku Falls is along the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools as it heads towards the majestic Waimoku Falls. Makahiku Falls is at 185 foot falls, which is one of the most beautiful on Maui. It is approximately a half-mile from the trailhead.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is a fantastic hike on Maui. It is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is Waimoku Falls, which is ever larger than Makahiku Falls.
Both falls are absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
Mahahiku Falls is along the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools as it heads towards the majestic Waimoku Falls. Makahiku Falls is at 185 foot falls, which is one of the most beautiful on Maui. It is approximately a half-mile from the trailhead.
The trail follows the Pipiwai Stream and is a fantastic hike on Maui. It is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike, depending on how much nature loving you do. The final destination is Waimoku Falls, which is ever larger than Makahiku Falls.
Both falls are absolutely beautiful and more than well worth the hike to get to it. The bamboo forest is about the mid way point, and believe me, you'll know when you're there. It's like you've left the island for Thailand because of all the bamboo.
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