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Northeast Maui Region
Location: Northeast Maui
The Highway to Heaven...
When it comes to driving the Road to Hana on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline. Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you’ve discovered the highway to heaven itself.
Hopefully you've already perused our articles about "Is the Hana Highway worth it?" and, if applicable, "Can I make the drive to the 'Ohe'o Gulch and back in a single day?" If not, you might want to check those articles. If the Hana Highway sounds like the drive for you, great, we're here to help you plan that perfect road trip down this beautiful stretch of highway.
We've actually split all the Hana Highway sights and stops off into their own area here on our website. It helps separate the Hana Highway sights from the rest of the spots on Maui. To get started planning your own trip along the Hana Highway, just click the link below to visit our 'Hana Highway Sights' page.
Points of Interest: Hana Highway Sights
Highway News: Road to Hana Closures & Updates
The Highway to Heaven...
When it comes to driving the Road to Hana on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline. Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you’ve discovered the highway to heaven itself.
Hopefully you've already perused our articles about "Is the Hana Highway worth it?" and, if applicable, "Can I make the drive to the 'Ohe'o Gulch and back in a single day?" If not, you might want to check those articles. If the Hana Highway sounds like the drive for you, great, we're here to help you plan that perfect road trip down this beautiful stretch of highway.
We've actually split all the Hana Highway sights and stops off into their own area here on our website. It helps separate the Hana Highway sights from the rest of the spots on Maui. To get started planning your own trip along the Hana Highway, just click the link below to visit our 'Hana Highway Sights' page.
Points of Interest: Hana Highway Sights
Highway News: Road to Hana Closures & Updates
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: 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: Northeast Maui
Locally known as Helele‘ike‘oha Falls, many visitors refer to this location as 'Blue Pool' or 'Blue Angel Falls.' Before reaching Hana, ¼ mile beyond mile marker 31 on the Hana Highway, is 'Ula'ino Road on your left. At the end of the road, where parking is located for the falls, you’ll be bombarded with “Parking” signs followed by “No Trespassing” signs. What gives?
There's a lot of controversy around this spot because of Public Access Shoreline Hawaii, otherwise known as PASH. The beach is deemed by many to be public access, but getting to it is another story! The same is true of the falls themselves, located off the beach. This spot and the surrounding residents are the victims of too much publicity. A few thousand visitors a day now head down muddy Ula‘ino Road to view the falls and pool, and to do so, they must ALL cross private property. This has caused quite a few problems in the area. But who can blame the landowners for being upset? If you had a thousand people a day tromping through your backyard, it’d probably upset you too. In Hawaii we say places like this are "Kapu" or off-limits. Our opinion is that visitors should show some Aloha and skip this spot, better things are ahead.
Also, we should note that while many residents further up the road are charging for parking, they do NOT have permission from the landowners at the end of the road allowing visitors (including those that pay for parking) to access the falls. So save yourself the parking cost, the falls are still off-limits.
If you're wondering why you'd even come down Ula‘ino Road in the first place; well it might be to visit one of Hawaii's largest (and publicly accessible) Heiau's inside Kahanu Garden
Locally known as Helele‘ike‘oha Falls, many visitors refer to this location as 'Blue Pool' or 'Blue Angel Falls.' Before reaching Hana, ¼ mile beyond mile marker 31 on the Hana Highway, is 'Ula'ino Road on your left. At the end of the road, where parking is located for the falls, you’ll be bombarded with “Parking” signs followed by “No Trespassing” signs. What gives?
There's a lot of controversy around this spot because of Public Access Shoreline Hawaii, otherwise known as PASH. The beach is deemed by many to be public access, but getting to it is another story! The same is true of the falls themselves, located off the beach. This spot and the surrounding residents are the victims of too much publicity. A few thousand visitors a day now head down muddy Ula‘ino Road to view the falls and pool, and to do so, they must ALL cross private property. This has caused quite a few problems in the area. But who can blame the landowners for being upset? If you had a thousand people a day tromping through your backyard, it’d probably upset you too. In Hawaii we say places like this are "Kapu" or off-limits. Our opinion is that visitors should show some Aloha and skip this spot, better things are ahead.
Also, we should note that while many residents further up the road are charging for parking, they do NOT have permission from the landowners at the end of the road allowing visitors (including those that pay for parking) to access the falls. So save yourself the parking cost, the falls are still off-limits.
If you're wondering why you'd even come down Ula‘ino Road in the first place; well it might be to visit one of Hawaii's largest (and publicly accessible) Heiau's inside Kahanu Garden
Location: Northeast Maui
Mauka a half-mile beyond mile marker 19 on the Hana Highway you’ll find beautiful Upper Waikani (Three-Bears Falls). This is one of the most visited waterfalls in the area. At first glance it appears as though your only view will be from the roadside, but further investigation yields a short trail to the falls. At the Hana end of the bridge you will see a way to climb under the structure; some folks say to climb under on the mauka side, but we found it easier on the makai side. After climbing under the bridge, follow the short jungle-like path towards the falls and then rock-skip a few feet up to the best vantage point. This is a really great way to view the falls up close and personal.
Mauka a half-mile beyond mile marker 19 on the Hana Highway you’ll find beautiful Upper Waikani (Three-Bears Falls). This is one of the most visited waterfalls in the area. At first glance it appears as though your only view will be from the roadside, but further investigation yields a short trail to the falls. At the Hana end of the bridge you will see a way to climb under the structure; some folks say to climb under on the mauka side, but we found it easier on the makai side. After climbing under the bridge, follow the short jungle-like path towards the falls and then rock-skip a few feet up to the best vantage point. This is a really great way to view the falls up close and personal.
Location: Northeast Maui
After 52 miles of winding traverse through the Hana Highway, you’ve made it to Hana Town!
Hana is a 4,500 acre area previously owned by the Unna Brothers who, in the 1800’s, raised sugar cane. In 1935, the area was bought by Paul Fagan who began raising cattle in the area. Today the Hana area is owned by a group of local and mainland investors.
Hana is a quaint little town that offers Maui visitors a place to relax away from the mainstream lives they’ve almost all come to escape. Hana is certainly the place to go to get away from it all. In Hana you can grab a bite to eat at one of the three restaurants in town, you can go shopping in one of the small stores, and you can even talk story (chat) with some of the local folks. We always like to joke with them about the cars parked on the Hana Highway and the fact that they have been there for about two decades now. “Oh they’re part of the scenery of the highway now, just too expensive to tow them out,” they say with a smile. And in Hana town, a smile is about as genuine a smile as you’ll ever find.
After 52 miles of winding traverse through the Hana Highway, you’ve made it to Hana Town!
Hana is a 4,500 acre area previously owned by the Unna Brothers who, in the 1800’s, raised sugar cane. In 1935, the area was bought by Paul Fagan who began raising cattle in the area. Today the Hana area is owned by a group of local and mainland investors.
Hana is a quaint little town that offers Maui visitors a place to relax away from the mainstream lives they’ve almost all come to escape. Hana is certainly the place to go to get away from it all. In Hana you can grab a bite to eat at one of the three restaurants in town, you can go shopping in one of the small stores, and you can even talk story (chat) with some of the local folks. We always like to joke with them about the cars parked on the Hana Highway and the fact that they have been there for about two decades now. “Oh they’re part of the scenery of the highway now, just too expensive to tow them out,” they say with a smile. And in Hana town, a smile is about as genuine a smile as you’ll ever find.
Location: Northeast Maui
This 3 mile trail follows the coastline from just north of Hana Bay to beyond Waianapanapa State Park. The trail begins in Kainalimu Bay and follows the jagged lava coastline along the Hawaiian "King's Highway." This trail is still visible in places where smooth stepping stones were set into the rough lava and cinders.
The coastline is ruggedly scenic with black lava jutting into the deep blue ocean. Looking inland one will get a sweeping view of Hana Forest Reserve with its densely vegetated cinder cones. About 2.0 miles down the coast lies Wai'anapanapa State Park. Here there are 12 cabins for rental, picnic tables, showers, and restroom facilities.
This 3 mile trail follows the coastline from just north of Hana Bay to beyond Waianapanapa State Park. The trail begins in Kainalimu Bay and follows the jagged lava coastline along the Hawaiian "King's Highway." This trail is still visible in places where smooth stepping stones were set into the rough lava and cinders.
The coastline is ruggedly scenic with black lava jutting into the deep blue ocean. Looking inland one will get a sweeping view of Hana Forest Reserve with its densely vegetated cinder cones. About 2.0 miles down the coast lies Wai'anapanapa State Park. Here there are 12 cabins for rental, picnic tables, showers, and restroom facilities.
Location: Northeast Maui
Just a few yards past mile marker 25 on the Hana Highway, around the bend from the previous stop, you should see a steep downhill turn off for Nahiku Road makai. The road is lush and surrounded by a jungle setting - even the trees have plants growing on them. With 300 inches of rain a year, no wonder Nahiku is a paradise for all things green. The road is lined with rubber trees, remnants from a plantation that went defunct nearly a hundred years ago. You’ll barely noticed passing Nahiku village except for the occasional house and a variety of abandoned vehicles, now property of the jungle around them.
At the end of the road (about 2.5 miles down) you’ll come to the gorgeous scenic bay at Opuhano Point. Looking to your left over Honolulunui Bay, the coastal views are some of the very best on the entire road to Hana, you can see all the way back to Wailua.
As you visually try to absorb all of the scenery, take a moment to listen too. Off to the right, near the small ledge where the waves pound the shore you’ll find thousands of pebbles being rolled back and forth in the surf. The harmonic sound of the rolling rocks is quite unique, mother nature’s own rock tumbler in action.
Update: Starting in late 2008, we have been hearing numerous reports about access being restricted to the Bay at the end of the road. You may encounter "Closed - Kapu" signs before the bridge or even further up the road. It is our suggestion that visitors now skip Nahiku Road as a stop along the Hana Highway. Nahiku Road isn't meant to cater to the masses, and its popularity amongst visitors has exploded in recent years. Like Helele‘ike‘oha Falls (Blue Pool) on 'Ula'ino Road, this spot has become a victim of too much publicity. We will be updating our 'Hana Highway - Mile by Mile' book to reflect this change.
Just a few yards past mile marker 25 on the Hana Highway, around the bend from the previous stop, you should see a steep downhill turn off for Nahiku Road makai. The road is lush and surrounded by a jungle setting - even the trees have plants growing on them. With 300 inches of rain a year, no wonder Nahiku is a paradise for all things green. The road is lined with rubber trees, remnants from a plantation that went defunct nearly a hundred years ago. You’ll barely noticed passing Nahiku village except for the occasional house and a variety of abandoned vehicles, now property of the jungle around them.
At the end of the road (about 2.5 miles down) you’ll come to the gorgeous scenic bay at Opuhano Point. Looking to your left over Honolulunui Bay, the coastal views are some of the very best on the entire road to Hana, you can see all the way back to Wailua.
As you visually try to absorb all of the scenery, take a moment to listen too. Off to the right, near the small ledge where the waves pound the shore you’ll find thousands of pebbles being rolled back and forth in the surf. The harmonic sound of the rolling rocks is quite unique, mother nature’s own rock tumbler in action.
Update: Starting in late 2008, we have been hearing numerous reports about access being restricted to the Bay at the end of the road. You may encounter "Closed - Kapu" signs before the bridge or even further up the road. It is our suggestion that visitors now skip Nahiku Road as a stop along the Hana Highway. Nahiku Road isn't meant to cater to the masses, and its popularity amongst visitors has exploded in recent years. Like Helele‘ike‘oha Falls (Blue Pool) on 'Ula'ino Road, this spot has become a victim of too much publicity. We will be updating our 'Hana Highway - Mile by Mile' book to reflect this change.
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