Road to hana
Along Maui’s rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hana, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului; however, the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it’s fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views.
It´s considered one of the absolute must-see places in Maui. This winding raod takes you to some of the most spectacular spots on the island.
Road to hana
Along Maui’s rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hana, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului; however, the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it’s fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views.
It´s considered one of the absolute must-see places in Maui. This winding raod takes you to some of the most spectacular spots on the island.
The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. The road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. Please keep in mind that you’ll encounter challenging turns and narrow bridges along the way, so it’s important to exercise caution and take your time. Joining a tour will eliminate stress for the driver and passengers, allowing for a more enjoyable experience and guides provide valuable insights about the surrounding area and its cultural history. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the lovely views. While it’s all about the journey, once you reach the beautiful and quiet town of Hana, you’ll see why it’s worth the trip.
The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. The road leads you through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. Please keep in mind that you’ll encounter challenging turns and narrow bridges along the way, so it’s important to exercise caution and take your time. Joining a tour will eliminate stress for the driver and passengers, allowing for a more enjoyable experience and guides provide valuable insights about the surrounding area and its cultural history. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the lovely views. While it’s all about the journey, once you reach the beautiful and quiet town of Hana, you’ll see why it’s worth the trip.
The road to Hana is about the journey and the destination. As you meander on winding narrow roads, you come upon many breathtaking stops along the way. From waterfalls cascading into pools to overlooks of the rugged coast, black rock beaches and Hana town.
Be sure and stop at the roadside stands along the way. You can also enjoy the delicious home made banana bread from our Cafe for your drive.
Before we hit our first destination, the Twin Falls, make a quick stop at Island Fresh Café for some local Maui food. We have tropical fruit, healthy smoothies, home made banana bread and Hawaiian food inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch. So you load energy for the trip! Check our new menu.
Before we hit our first destination, the Twin Falls, make a quick stop at Island Fresh Café for some local Maui food. We have tropical fruit, healthy smoothies, home made banana bread and Hawaiian food inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch. So you load energy for the trip! Check our new menu.
First stop: twin falls
Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. The first thing you should know is that when you drive by, chances are the parking lot will be packed with cars. Don’t let that point alone mislead you, because Twin Falls is a pretty big place, and is often uncrowded even when the parking lot is packed.
Twin Falls has an access road for residents that travels the better part of a mile alongside Ho’olawa Stream. A jungle largely restored by the residents over years of loving care accompanies you as you hike uphill on the well maintained graded and graveled path/road. After about a half mile or so, the wide path splits off into two foot-paths that fork in the general direction of Ho’olawa’s two main tributary streams. To the left lies Ho’olawa li’ili’i (Little Ho’olawa) Stream, and to the right Ho’olawa nui (Big Ho’olawa) Stream.
Hang a left at the fork, and the foot-path will take you to one of the more popular falls, commonly called “Caveman” by local residents.
As you make your way you’ll first come to an irrigation ditch, then cross a funky old rock masonry weir (kids love to try and release the water with the now nonfunctional levers and gears.) Now you’ll either need to wade across the stream, or walk along the ditch wall.
Not only are these falls a great swimming break – you can get a postcard perfect photo in front of the falls (either standing, or swinging Tarzan style) for you Facebook profile (or your desk, for old-school paper-print-photo types!)
After you’re tired of playing here, you can continue on by climbing up a path to the right (as you face the falls) – and through the jungle. This path continues in a loop, passing more waterfalls as it loops back down via Ho’olawa nui Stream. (More on that below.)
If you follow the right fork you will soon cross over the main ditch and follow another ditch for a pretty cool mini example of a hand-dug ditch tunnel through the rock. After you admire the handiwork (and hard labor) of old Hawaii, you continue on to another set of falls that are nice for photos and swimming. If you climb up the rock wall to the right and follow the path, you will end up at a rarely populated set of falls that have relatively safe opportunities for different heights of rock-jumping (do your homework in any pool you decide to jump in first, and definitelylook before you leap!)
First stop: twin falls
Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. The first thing you should know is that when you drive by, chances are the parking lot will be packed with cars. Don’t let that point alone mislead you, because Twin Falls is a pretty big place, and is often uncrowded even when the parking lot is packed.
Twin Falls has an access road for residents that travels the better part of a mile alongside Ho’olawa Stream. A jungle largely restored by the residents over years of loving care accompanies you as you hike uphill on the well maintained graded and graveled path/road. After about a half mile or so, the wide path splits off into two foot-paths that fork in the general direction of Ho’olawa’s two main tributary streams. To the left lies Ho’olawa li’ili’i (Little Ho’olawa) Stream, and to the right Ho’olawa nui (Big Ho’olawa) Stream.
Ho’olawa li’ili’i (the left fork)
If you follow the right fork you will soon cross over the main ditch and follow another ditch for a pretty cool mini example of a hand-dug ditch tunnel through the rock. After you admire the handiwork (and hard labor) of old Hawaii, you continue on to another set of falls that are nice for photos and swimming. If you climb up the rock wall to the right and follow the path, you will end up at a rarely populated set of falls that have relatively safe opportunities for different heights of rock-jumping (do your homework in any pool you decide to jump in first, and definitelylook before you leap!)
Keys to Having Fun at Twin Falls:
Keys to Having Fun at Twin Falls:
- Wear clothes and shoes that you won’t care if they get wet or dirty.
- Bring a towel.
- Wear swim gear. (Don’t be shocked if you stumble upon a nude bather along the way!)
- There are several falls accessible along the trail. Listen for waterfalls as you walk and explore!(the stream flows to the left of the main path.)
- Once you have stumbled on “the” falls (and when most people turn back to head to the car) realize that there are many sets of falls here, that you have only just begun!
- It is easy to end up wondering where “it” is if you stay on the main trail without following the small foot paths down to the stream. “It”, is everywhere, and if you haven’t seen many different pools, multiple waterfalls of all different sizes, caves, water diversion ditches with amazing history (more on this coming soon), and stunning jungle wonders on your hike, then you haven’t been off the trail! There really is so much to do here that you can literally spend an entire day here if you want.
- Wear clothes and shoes that you won’t care if they get wet or dirty.
- Bring a towel.
- Wear swim gear. (Don’t be shocked if you stumble upon a nude bather along the way!)
- There are several falls accessible along the trail. Listen for waterfalls as you walk and explore!(the stream flows to the left of the main path.)
- Once you have stumbled on “the” falls (and when most people turn back to head to the car) realize that there are many sets of falls here, that you have only just begun!
- It is easy to end up wondering where “it” is if you stay on the main trail without following the small foot paths down to the stream. “It”, is everywhere, and if you haven’t seen many different pools, multiple waterfalls of all different sizes, caves, water diversion ditches with amazing history (more on this coming soon), and stunning jungle wonders on your hike, then you haven’t been off the trail! There really is so much to do here that you can literally spend an entire day here if you want.
If you like waterfalls you must add these to your list:
Honokohau Falls is thought to be the tallest waterfall on Maui, with its water falling about 1,100 feet. This stunning waterfall is tucked deep within the West Maui mountains, and it can be tricky to access by land. The best way to see this waterfall is on a helicopter tour. Honokohau Falls is largely known for its appearance in the “Jurassic Park” movie. The two-tiered waterfall sits along the edge of rainforest mountainside in Haleakala National Park.
Makamaka’ole Falls is one of the best Maui waterfall hikes and it is pretty accessible. A 1/2-mile hike leads you to the waterfall and offers beautiful views of the ocean and the tropical rainforest along the way. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you’ll find a few swimming holes to take a dip. While the hike is not overly challenging, the trail is known to be overgrown with grasses.
The Twin Falls Maui waterfall is one of the first stops along the Road to Hana. An easy one-mile roundtrip hike affords you the opportunity to visit this popular spot. You’ll find a pull-off right along Hana Highway and a small gravel road that leads you right to Twin Falls.
Also located along the Road to Hana, the Upper Waikani Falls is also known as the Three Bears falls and is a must-visit spot for photos and swimming. The trio of waterfalls is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and doesn’t require much hiking to reach. There is a slight drop off to consider to reach the pools, but if you’re not up for it, you can snap a photo right from the road.
Waimoku Falls is accessed via the Pipiwai Trail 1.8-mile trail that winds alongside freshwater pools and the lush rainforest. The 400-foot Waimoku Falls is in the Haleakala National Park.
If you like waterfalls you must add these to your list:
Honokohau Falls is thought to be the tallest waterfall on Maui, with its water falling about 1,100 feet. This stunning waterfall is tucked deep within the West Maui mountains, and it can be tricky to access by land. The best way to see this waterfall is on a helicopter tour. Honokohau Falls is largely known for its appearance in the “Jurassic Park” movie. The two-tiered waterfall sits along the edge of rainforest mountainside in Haleakala National Park.
Makamaka’ole Falls is one of the best Maui waterfall hikes and it is pretty accessible. A 1/2-mile hike leads you to the waterfall and offers beautiful views of the ocean and the tropical rainforest along the way. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you’ll find a few swimming holes to take a dip. While the hike is not overly challenging, the trail is known to be overgrown with grasses.
The Twin Falls Maui waterfall is one of the first stops along the Road to Hana. An easy one-mile roundtrip hike affords you the opportunity to visit this popular spot. You’ll find a pull-off right along Hana Highway and a small gravel road that leads you right to Twin Falls.
Also located along the Road to Hana, the Upper Waikani Falls is also known as the Three Bears falls and is a must-visit spot for photos and swimming. The trio of waterfalls is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and doesn’t require much hiking to reach. There is a slight drop off to consider to reach the pools, but if you’re not up for it, you can snap a photo right from the road.
Waimoku Falls is accessed via the Pipiwai Trail 1.8-mile trail that winds alongside freshwater pools and the lush rainforest. The 400-foot Waimoku Falls is in the Haleakala National Park.
other stops you may like:
other stops you may like:
Historic St. Sophia’s Church marks your arrival into Hana, where the pastures roll right up to the main street. Swim and sunbathe at Hana Beach Park or Hamoa Beach, sunbathe at Waianapanapa State Park, a beautiful black sand beach. Or visit Hale Piilani, the state’s largest heiau (Hawaiian temple), in Kahanu Garden, one of five National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Hawaii.
Beyond Hana, venture 10 miles south to the outskirts of Haleakala National Park in Kipahulu. There you’ll find the Pipiwai Trail where you can hike to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Historic St. Sophia’s Church marks your arrival into Hana, where the pastures roll right up to the main street. Swim and sunbathe at Hana Beach Park or Hamoa Beach, sunbathe at Waianapanapa State Park, a beautiful black sand beach. Or visit Hale Piilani, the state’s largest heiau (Hawaiian temple), in Kahanu Garden, one of five National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Hawaii.
Beyond Hana, venture 10 miles south to the outskirts of Haleakala National Park in Kipahulu. There you’ll find the Pipiwai Trail where you can hike to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Sophia´s Church
Hamoa Beach
Waianapanapa State Park
Hale Piilani
Kahanu Garden
Pipiway trail
For a drink made with our tropical fruit or delicious meal inspired by traditional Hawaiian food, stop by The Island Fresh Café on your way to Hana:
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Thank you for interest in joining our community!
Suscribe with your email and recieve updates for the Island Fresh Café. We will get you know about our island Maui and what’s new at the Café! Discounts, specials and much more!