Heading to Maui with kids? Keep scrolling to find out the best Road to Hana stops that are totally worth it for your next Maui family vacation!
This list of the best Road to Hana stops for families was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
The Road to Hana is one of those drives that every Maui visitor talks about.
But after 40+ visits to Hawaii, I’ve learned exactly which stops are actually worth your time and which ones you can skip.
The first time I drove it with my oldest when he was two, he got car sick about halfway through.
We pulled over at the Garden of Eden, and watching him run around those lush gardens while munching on banana bread from Halfway to Hana basically saved our day.
That’s when I realized: this isn’t about checking off every waterfall. It’s about picking your spots so you actually enjoy the drive.
If you’re planning a trip to Maui for the first time, you’re probably buried in research trying to figure out the best things to do in Maui with kids. The Road to Hana consistently tops that list, and for good reason.
This 64-mile road is packed with waterfalls, black sand beaches, fruit stands, and views that’ll make you pull over every five minutes if you’re not careful.
But here’s the thing: you can’t do it all. You have to be strategic.
This guide covers the stops that are actually worth it for families. These are the places my family goes back to every time we drive this route.
Be sure to check out my top Road to Hana tips for even more planning help!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Check out my Maui Travel Guide for Families.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
This is a full-day thing. You’ll leave early and get back late. There’s no rushing it, and honestly, you shouldn’t try.
You can absolutely do just the first half if you’re not sure your family can handle the whole drive. I actually think the first half has the prettiest stops anyway.
Should You Book a Tour or Drive Yourself?
If those hairpin turns sound terrifying, book a Road to Hana tour. A private tour means everyone in your group can stare out the window without worrying about the road.
If you’re confident behind the wheel, renting a car gives you way more flexibility. Just rent a car that gets decent gas mileage because you won’t find many gas stations after Paia.
Do You Need a Road to Hana App?
For first-timers, yes. The Shaka Guide is basically like having a local friend narrating your drive.
It tells you when to slow down, where to turn, and what you’re looking at. It’s way cheaper than a tour and gives you all the freedom of driving yourself.
The Best Road to Hana Stops for Families
Paia Town
This is your last chance for supplies. Fill up your tank here because gas prices only go up and stations basically disappear. Plus, it’s a super cute hippie town with good coffee and snacks.
Ho’okipa Beach and Lookout
Just past Ku’au, this beach is famous for surfing and turtle watching. The lookout gives you a perfect view of surfers taking on massive waves. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot turtles sunbathing near the shore.
Twin Falls
Around mile marker 2, Twin Falls is one of the first real stops most people make. It’s an easy quarter-mile hike that’s perfect for kids, and the waterfall pool is actually refreshing on hot days.
There’s also a really cool waterfall tour option here if you want a more guided experience.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
This 1.5-mile trail winds through bamboo forests and thick tropical plants. It’s moderate but totally doable for families.
Bring your camera because the bamboo groves and giant trees make for great photos (though I’m usually too busy soaking it all in to worry about Instagram).
Garden of Eden
Okay, this is one of my absolute favorites. The Garden of Eden is where we stopped that first time when my son needed to stretch his legs, and it completely turned our day around.
The gardens are well-maintained with walking trails, ocean views, and you can see Puuhokamoa Falls from inside the arboretum. My kids loved exploring here because they could actually run around safely, which is hard to find along most of the road.
It’s open daily 8am-4pm. There’s an admission fee but it’s totally worth it. Read my full guide to the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park
This park has a big parking lot (rare on this drive), an easy waterfall hike, and you can actually swim here. It’s not super crowded, which makes it a great spot for families who want to enjoy a waterfall without the crowds.
Read my full guide to Pua’a Ka’a Falls.
Ke’anae Peninsula and Arboretum
The Ke’anae Peninsula has coastal views worth stopping for. The stone church here is the only building that survived a tsunami in 1946, which is pretty remarkable.
Across the road, the Ke’anae Arboretum has the Painted Forest with rainbow eucalyptus trees. These trees look hand-painted in reds, greens, and purples. My kids thought someone actually painted them at first.
Upper Waikani, Upper Hanawi, and Makapipi Falls
Between Ke’anae and Hana, you’ll pass three waterfalls worth seeing. Upper Waikani Falls (called Three Bears) is probably the most popular. It’s a great swimming hole with three cascading waterfalls.
Makapipi Falls is unique because you view it from the top looking down, which gives you a completely different perspective than most waterfall stops.
These are some of the best waterfalls on the Road to Hana, so don’t skip them. They’re just past mile marker 19.
Ching’s Pond
Also called Blue Sapphire Pools, this is more of a local spot than a tourist attraction. There’s a fun bridge and a little pond area. You can play in the water as long as there hasn’t been any recent flooding.
Halfway to Hana Stand
This is where we always stop for banana bread. I mean always. The stand marks the literal halfway point, which makes it perfect for a breather.
We grab drinks, snacks, and at least one loaf (usually two) of their banana bread. The kids love the photo ops with the signs, and honestly, stretching your legs here just feels right.
It’s also a good turnaround point if your family is getting tired.
Open 8:30am-4:30pm daily at mile marker 17.
Hana Lava Tube
Your kids will love exploring this lava tube. It’s a self-guided tour where they give you a high-powered flashlight and you can walk through the actual lava tube. Wear sturdy shoes because the ground can be uneven.
This is one of those stops that feels like an adventure, which is perfect for keeping kids engaged.
Kahanu Garden
This is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden at mile marker 31.
You can learn about traditional Hawaiian culture and see Pi’ilanihale Heiau, a sacred Hawaiian temple. It’s also interesting to see how ancient Hawaiians grew taro and sweet potatoes.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
This famous black sand beach at mile marker 32 is a must-see. The 122-acre park has freshwater caves, blowholes, and that jet-black sand created by volcanic activity.
Swimming is restricted to certain areas because of jagged rocks, but the beach is something else.
Important: This park now requires reservations for all visitors. Non-residents need to book ahead and pay $5 per person entry plus $10 for parking. Residents get in free. Book at least a few days in advance at gostateparks.hawaii.gov.
Read my top tips for visiting Waianapanapa State Park.
Many locals view this beach as sacred, so please be respectful when you visit.
Hana Farms Roadside Stand
Right around mile marker 31, Hana Farms has local produce, homebaked goods, and some of the best banana bread along the route. It’s a great place to grab a snack before continuing your drive.
Hana Town
Hana itself is a tiny, low-key town at mile marker 34. Don’t expect a lot of action. The locals have deliberately kept it small to preserve their culture and way of life.
There are a few food options and some luxury hotels like the Hana-Maui Resort, but mostly it’s quiet. Check out things to do in Hana.
Braddah Hutts BBQ
Okay, let me tell you about Braddah Hutts. This BBQ is legitimately some of the best food on Maui. I’m not exaggerating.
Located at 5305 Hana Hwy just past Hana town, this food truck serves up incredible pork ribs, BBQ chicken, and kalua pork that’ll make you want to turn around and order seconds.
They’re open Monday-Friday 11am-2:30pm (closed weekends), so plan accordingly. Get there early because they can sell out of popular items.
Honestly, if you’re asking me where to eat on the Road to Hana, this is it. Gordon Ramsay even stopped here, and he loved it too.
Koki and Hamoa Beaches
Both beaches are close to each other, but Hamoa Beach is more popular. You’ll walk down a steep road to get there, but once you’re on that soft sand, you’ll get it.
The beach has showers and bathrooms, and it’s a popular surf break. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and enjoy one of Maui’s most beautiful beaches.
Koki Beach has red sand and is better for surfing than swimming, but it’s worth stopping to see.
Haleakala National Park
Past Hana town at mile marker 41, you’ll find the famous Seven Sacred Pools (also called the Pools of ‘Ohe’o). While swimming isn’t recommended anymore, the pools are still incredible to see.
The Maui bamboo forest is also in this park. You’ll probably want more time to explore everything Haleakala has to offer, so consider making it a separate trip or booking a Haleakala tour.
Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls
The Pipiwai Trail is a 1.8-mile hike through bamboo forests and past several small waterfalls. It leads to the base of Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot waterfall that looks like a curtain of water.
The trail is moderate and family-friendly. Even before you get deep into Haleakala National Park, you can see Makahiku Falls, which plunges about 200 feet.
Wailua Falls
At mile marker 45, Wailua Falls is one of those easy stops where you barely have to get out of your car. There’s plenty of parking and local vendors selling snacks.
What to Pack for the Road to Hana
Pack like you’re going on a regular road trip. Bring lunch, snacks, water, and drinks. Staying hydrated is huge, especially with kids.
Check the weather before you go. Rain showers can pop up without warning and make the road dangerous.
Bug spray is essential if you’re hiking. I recommend Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent because it works great without feeling greasy.
Since you’ll be near water a lot, bring reef-safe sunscreen. I always pack Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 because it protects without harming the reefs.
And bring a good reusable water bottle. I’m a huge fan of Hydro Flask bottles because they keep water cold all day.
What to Wear
What you wear depends on what you’re planning to do. For just driving and sightseeing, I love comfortable maxi dresses and sandals.
If you’re swimming or hiking to waterfalls, wear your swimsuit under your clothes or pack it separately.
For any hiking, wear breathable clothes and comfortable shoes. Leave the flip-flops in the car.
Leave Early
The Road to Hana gets crowded. Leaving early helps you avoid some of that traffic, but more importantly, it gives you time to actually enjoy the stops without feeling rushed.
Before you go, create a Road to Hana itinerary with your must-see stops. That way you stay on track and hit the places that matter most to your family.
Watch out for distracted tourists and be courteous to locals who drive this route daily. Let them pass you.
Don’t risk your safety for Instagram photos. No shot is worth it.
Road to Hana FAQs
What is the Road to Hana? The Road to Hana connects North Shore Maui to East Shore Maui via Highway 36 (Hana Highway). It’s a 52-mile scenic drive with hairpin turns, one-lane bridges, and some of Maui’s prettiest waterfalls.
How long does the Road to Hana take? Without stops, it takes 2-4 hours depending on traffic. But the whole point is making stops. Most people spend 10-13 hours on a round-trip from Lahaina or Kihei to Hana and back, making several stops along the way.
Where does the Road to Hana start? The Road to Hana officially starts in Paia, a hippie town on North Shore Maui. It’s the last big town before you hit the road, so fill up your gas tank here.
When should I drive the Road to Hana? Check the weather first. Don’t go on rainy days or the day after heavy rain because the drive becomes dangerous and some stops might be closed. If you have good weather throughout your trip, I’d drive it mid-week to avoid weekend crowds. Don’t schedule anything for the evening because you’ll need the entire day.
How many stops are on the Road to Hana? There are over 40 possible stops, but you won’t hit them all unless you take multiple days.
What time should I start? Start as early as you possibly can with your kids. If you’re doing the full loop, early morning is essential.
Where is the Halfway to Hana sign? After mile marker 17, just past Keanae.
What’s the first stop on the Road to Hana? Most people make Twin Falls their first stop. It’s early in the drive and has an easy waterfall hike perfect for families.
Can I do the Road to Hana in two days? Yes, and honestly, I’d recommend it if you can swing it. Two days gives you time to see all the top stops without rushing. Check out the best places to stay in Hana.
Can I take a rental car on the Road to Hana? Most Maui rental car companies allow it. Always double-check with your specific company just to be sure.
Is the Road to Hana dangerous? It can be, especially in the rain. The sharp turns and narrow roads require your full attention. Don’t go if it’s raining or has rained recently.
Should I drive the Road to Hana on a weekend or weekday? Weekdays are way better. Fewer cars at each stop and the drive takes less time overall.
Should I book a tour or drive myself? There are great Road to Hana bus tours if you don’t want to drive. Tours mean less control over stops, but you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Road to Hana apps give you the best of both worlds: self-guided but with narration and directions.
Road to Hana Wrap-Up
Now that you know the best stops, you can plan a Road to Hana trip that actually works for your family instead of feeling like you’re rushing through a checklist.
The drive is worth it, and once you do it, you’ll understand why everyone raves about it. Just remember to pace yourself, pick your stops wisely, and actually enjoy the journey.
Want even more help planning your Maui trip? I’ve got you covered. Check out my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Maui where I walk you through everything step by step.
And if you want to hear me walk through all the details of this drive, listen to my podcast episode What You Need to Know About the Road to Hana on Maui on Hawaii Travel Made Easy.
Need personalized help planning your Maui vacation? Book a Hawaii travel consultation and I’ll help you create the perfect itinerary for your family.
Grab a copy of my complete Maui Travel Guide for Families for daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and insider tips from a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii 40+ times.
Looking for more things to do in Maui with kids? Check out the best Maui luaus, snorkeling at Molokini Crater, top Road to Hana tours, Maui whale watching tours, and where to find the best Maui shave ice!
