“Hana is not a place. It’s a feeling.”
— Hawaiian saying
There’s a reason no one just “drives” the Road to Hana. You don’t just pass through 600 curves and 50+ bridges– you surrender to them. This winding road on Maui’s eastern edge feels less like a road and more like a story, one full of waterfalls, legends, roadside banana bread, and places so beautiful they don’t seem real.
The deeper you go, the more the island reveals, lush rainforests thick with mist, rainbow eucalyptus that shimmer like hand-painted trunks, and ancient stone temples half-hidden by vines. Some say the spirits of old Hawai‘i still watch over these cliffs. Spend enough time here, and you might start to believe it too.
Why go? Because this is Maui unplugged. Raw cliffs. Quiet pools. Thunderous waterfalls. Sea caves and sacred black sand. It’s the kind of beauty that humbles you. And with this self-guided audio tour, you’ll experience it all without missing a beat or a detour.
You’ll drift past Twin Falls, climb the misty Waikamoi Ridge, and feel the pull of Waianapanapa’s black sand beach (reservation required!). Wailua Falls roars from the cliffside, while the Pipiwai Trail leads you through a bamboo forest that sounds like wind chimes when it breathes.
Just a heads-up: You will stop for banana bread. You might cry at the view. And yes, your phone signal won’t make it, but your soul might.
We are proud to be an official Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau member.
Black Sand Beach Reservation
You require a reservation to visit the famous black sand beach of Maui and the rest of the Wai’anapanapa State Park. This rule was implemented to combat how growing numbers of visitors made the park less enjoyable for tourists and residents. Reservations for Wai’anapanapa can be made here. To visit Wai’anapanapa by car, you must make parking and separate entrance reservations for all party members. Parking for a standard car is $10, but larger vehicles pay an increased fee. Walk-in entry is $5.
Note that the Wai’anapanapa State Park is located at mile marker #32, which is roughly 53 miles from Kahului, so a good way through the journey. A reservation doesn’t just grant you access to the black sand beach and the park’s other features, such as the native hala forest, heiau (religious temple), sea stacks, blow holes, and so much more.
NOTE: Roads in Maui are predominantly single-lane. Please drive cautiously as you navigate this beautiful island.
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Road To Hana Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point Address
Maui – Road to Hana (Haleakala): 41145 Hana Hwy, Kula, HI 96790, USA
Maui – Road to Hana (Kahului Airport): State Hwy 36, Hawaii, USA
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome to Road to Hana
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Pa'ia Town
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Ho'okipa Beach Park
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Jaws Beach
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Mile Marker Zero of the Road to Hana
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Twin Falls Maui Waterfall
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Rainbow Eucalyptus
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Waikamoi Ridge Trail
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Garden of Eden Arboretum
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Kaumahina State Park
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Honomanū Bay & Access/Parking
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Nua'ailua View Point/Bay
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Ke'anae Arboretum
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Detour: Ke’Anae Peninsula
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Ching's Pond
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Wailua Valley Lookout/Park
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Upper Waikani Falls
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Pua'a Ka'a State Park
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Nahiku Viewpoint
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Nahiku Marketplace
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Hana Lava Tube
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Kahanu Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden
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Waiianapanapa State Park
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Hana Tropicals
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Hana Bay Beach Park
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Koki Beach Park (Red Beach) & ‘Ālau Island
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Hamoa Beach
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Waioka Pond (Venus Pool)
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Wailua Falls
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Haleakala National Park
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Pipiwai Trail
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Kipahulu Visitor Center
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Since this is a driving tour, you only need to buy one tour per car.
To say that the road to Hana is a long and winding road would be an understatement. This iconic stretch of highway entails six-hundred and twenty turns and 59 Bridges.
The Road to Hana is a two-direction road. You can go from Kahului to Hana, or reverse directions, starting in Hana and working your way southwest.
While driving the Road to Hana is a destination in and of itself, there are many attractions that can be found along the highway. Among these are Ho’okipa Beach Park, the stunning Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove, Kaumahina State Park, and Haleakala National Park. All of these spots are easily accessed from the Road to Hana.
If you’re nervous about traveling alone, a driving tour from Action Tour Guide will help you get the most out of your solo adventure. Ensure that your car is in good condition for a long drive and is fully fueled up. Don’t forget to pack some snacks, water, and toiletries, and you can hit the road!
Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island, but it is still relatively small with a land area of about 730 miles. A drive around the full perimeter of Maui will take about 10 to 12 hours.
Leaving around 7am will leave you with plenty of time for driving and for a couple of interesting stops. It’s important to be clear about where you want to stop and how much time you will be spending at each one.
The Road to Hana requires careful driving, however, a Road to Hana tour is not inherently dangerous for well-prepared travelers.
Most people drive the Road to Hana starting in Kahului and finishing up in the town of Hana. However, the Road to Hana can also be driven in reverse, going from Hana backwards to Kahulu.
First, you’ll want to avoid being careless about your timeframe. The Road to Hana takes a long time. Secondly, you will want to make sure that your car is in excellent driving condition and it has been filled with gasoline.You’ll want to bring along plenty of snacks and water to sustain you in between your stops. It’s a good idea during any roadtrip to stock up on things to eat and drink as you drive.