Maui Must See and Do

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. ... Oheo Gulch Kipahulu details continued

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. ... Wailua Falls details continued

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

Hana Highway Closures: Detailed Road to Hana Closure Information (Map Included) ... Road to Hana details continued

The Pipiwai Trail, above the Oheo 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.
... Pipiwai Trail details continued

Have you ever wanted to stand at the top of a mountain in utter silence and commune with the clouds? That is exactly what you’ll be able to do on the Waihee Ridge Trail. The 5-mile round trip trail ascends 1,500 feet through a lush forest of kukui, guava, ohi’a, and ferns. The earlier you start the trail the better chance you have of viewing the Waihee Valley without clouds. When you arrive at the trailhead it may not seem like much of a trail. You have to pass through a cattle-proof gate and up a 200-ft cement road that is far steeper than it looks.
... Waihee Ridge Trail details continued

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 details continued

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. ... Waianapanapa State Wayside Park details continued

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 Eden Botanical Arboretum details continued

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. ... Kuloa Point Trail details continued

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.

... Makahiku Falls details continued

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. ... Waikamoi Forest Ridge Trail details continued

The Haleakala National Park ranges through five distinctly different climates zones. The road to the Haleakala summit, known as the Haleakala Highway, holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance of 38 miles. The dormant volcano's vast moon-like crater floor with its towering cinder cones is an incredible wonder of Maui.

From the 10,023 foot summit, the Big Island of Hawaii can be seen off in the distance, usually with a peak or two poking above the clouds. One mile inside the park is the Visitors Center. In front of the Center, the rare Silversword can be viewed. This is a threatened species of plant that only grows above 6,000 feet. The plant can live for up to 50 years and blooming ends its lifecycle. Read more on our Silverswords of Hawaii article.

So what does Haleakala National Park have to offer as you head up Highway 378 towards the summit? Let's take a Mile by Mile look up the highway. ... Haleakala National Park details continued

On Highway 31, 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. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele). Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top. You'll pass by Koki Beach on your left, and it's worth a stop if you have the time. Heading farther down the road beyond Koki Beach you’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawai‘i - the world famous Hamoa Beach.

After parking in the lot at the beach, proceed down the stairs to the shoreline. The surrounding grounds are nearly as captivating as the beach itself. Hamoa is about 1,000 feet long and about 100 feet wide with sea cliffs surrounding it. Lush vegetation cradles the beach in stunning beauty.

Off shore there is decent snorkeling and scuba diving, good swimming, and just as in ancient times, excellent body surfing too (mostly in the winter). If you can wrestle a kayak down to the beach, launching is relatively easy when the surf is down. Hamoa is unprotected by fringing reefs, so big surf hits the beach unimpeded in the winter months. The beach is surrounded by private property owned by the Hotel Hana Maui. Most of the facilities are for the guests of the resort, but the Hotel Hana Maui is gracious enough to allow the use of some of the facilities. There are rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables available.
... Hamoa Beach details continued

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.

... Upper Waikani (Three Bears) Falls details continued

Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,500 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor The traditional name is Kuka`emoku and it's known as the phallic stone of kanaloa (Hawaiian god of the ocean); thus the 'Iao Needle was once used as a natural altar. The name 'Iao is pronounced "EE-ow." The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants.

Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. It is said that when the battle was over, the stream was so damed with all the bodies that the water ran red with blood. The site was named Kepaniwai "damming of the waters." Nearby in the valley you'll find the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens.

Take Highway 32 (Kaahumanu Road) west out of Wailuku. This road turns into Highway 320 which lead directly to the 'Iao Valley State Park. ... Iao Valley and Iao Needle (Kukaemoku) details continued

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.
... Nahiku Road & Landing details continued

Between mile markers 14 and 16 on the Hana Highway there are several dirt and/or broken pavement pullouts on the makai side of the road that will provide really beautiful lookouts. Most are as good as any other, but the two we’ve noted next are our favorites and are worth a quick stop.

Makai, around mile marker 14, there is a pullout that overlooks the Hana Highway and Honomanu Bay back to your left. This is a perfect location to take a picture of the winding highway along with Honomanu Bay.

Down the road a bit further is another pullout, this time on a steep embankment with trees on top. This is the last place you can see such an expansive view of the highway as it twists and turns around the shore heading for Hana Town.
... Various Hana Highway Lookouts details continued