Are you planning a trip to Maui and want to drive the Road to Hana? Find out the best things to do in Hana that are totally worth the drive.
This list of the best things to do in Hana, Maui 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.
Thinking about driving the Road to Hana on your next trip to Maui?
If you’re looking for an adventure and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Hana in Maui is the place for you. This is a more traditional town and is very isolated compared to the rest of Maui.
There are so many Hana activities that it can be hard to decide what to do first. The best thing about this Hana town is how laid-back and relaxed everything feels. It truly is a wonderful place with so much beauty all around you. You won’t want to leave once you get here!
There are so many Hana adventures that it will keep your kids entertained all day long! From waterfalls to swimming holes, there is something here for everyone.
Keep scrolling to find out some of our favorite things to do in Hana with kids!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
FAQs About Hana Maui
You will need to take the Road to Hana, which is around 65 miles long and has many hairpin turns and waterfalls. It is the only way to Hana, and it can be pretty intense, so make sure you are prepared for it! You can travel there in a few hours, and it is the only way to get there.
There are many things to do in Hana, Maui, besides the Road to Hana! Driving to Hana is just part of the fun! Read below for the top things to do in Hana during your next vacation.
Hana is on the East Maui. The Road to Hana is typically what Hana is known for. There are gorgeous waterfalls, and it is quite the trip with so many fun things to see on the Road to Hana. Hana means “Old Hawaii” and is a town full of natural beauty!
There are so many things to see in Hana, such as going on a beautiful hike, relaxing on the beach, or getting some shopping done once you get to Hana!
Yes, you can! Like all beaches, you just need to be careful. Make sure to only go in the water if you feel safe and the water conditions are calm. Hana Bay is also a great spot to observe local surfers enjoying the waves.
Technically, you can drive to Hana all in one day. However, you won’t be able to see many of the fantastic tourist stops along the way, or be able to spend much time in Hana town itself. It is best to split the trip into two or three days to experience everything fully.
Best Things To Do in Hana, Maui
Here are some of the best things to do in Hana, Maui! Whether you are staying in Hana or just driving the Hana highway, check out these fun activities! Most of these activities are in Hana town, but there are a few nearby as well.
1. Go to the Beach
There are a few great beaches in Hana that you’ll want to relax on during your stay there. You will find some of the most gorgeous beaches right in Hana, with red, white, and black sand!
Waianapanapa State Park has black sand and is a great spot to explore lava rocks. This state park is over 122 acres and is full of fun things to do. It has a few walking trails, a blowhole, a swimming hole, and so much more.
This is one of our favorite Road to Hana stops for kids, and you can read our full Maui black sand beach guide. You’ll also see ironwood trees along the shoreline, offering shade and a unique natural atmosphere
Hamoa Beach has lighter sand and is the best beach for swimming because there is no reef. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui, so be sure to visit at least once! It is a great beach for bodyboarding and surfing, but be careful; the current can get strong sometimes.
Kaihalulu Beach is worth a visit just to see the red sand! This is a more hidden cove and will require a little bit of hiking to get to it. The water can be more dangerous, especially since it is a secluded beach. Be careful and don’t go past the lava rock!
2. Camping
Did you know you can go camping in Hana, too? At Waianapanapa State Park, you can rent a cabin or a campsite for tents. Both need to be reserved in advance!
While fees are subject to change, typical entrance fees for Waiʻānapanapa State Park are around $5 per person, and parking is around $10 per vehicle. Campsites generally cost about $30 and cabins $100.
Keep in mind that rates for out-of-state visitors can be higher. Always check the official Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) website for the most current pricing and reservation requirements.
This is one of the best places to go camping in Maui with kids.
3. Hana Cultural Center & Museum
If you love learning about Hawaiian culture, stop by the Hana Cultural Center & Museum for a little bit. Here you will see many amazing artifacts that helped shape Maui, and especially Hana.
You’ll be able to see the historic courthouse, Kauhale Village, Ho’olaule’a, and many other important areas of Hana town. Among the exhibits, you may also find references to ancient Hawaiian ruins that tell stories of the island’s long cultural history.
4. Pools of ‘Ohe’o
If you head 15 minutes from Hana, you’ll find the Pools of ‘Ohe’o. Even though it is not exactly in Hana, it is definitely worth mentioning!
This is one of the most unique things to do near Hana. There are three-tiered pools that are filled with water by an actual waterfall!
These are also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, part of Haleakalā National Park.
While swimming in the sacred pools may not be the best (it can be closed due to weather), the photos here are definitely worth it. This is probably one of the best Instagram photo spots in East Maui!
5. Fagan’s Cross
If you want to go hiking in Hana, Fagan’s Cross is a great, shorter hike. It is around 1.5 miles long and paved. Start at the Hana-Maui Resort, at the small wooden gate in the guest parking lot.
At the top of the hill, you will find the stone cross. This is a memorial for Paul Fagan, who was the founder and owner of Hotel Hana Maui. He passed away in 1960.
This is not a difficult hike and will give you a unique vantage point of East Maui’s coastal views!
6. Snorkeling at Hana Bay
Hana Bay has perfect water conditions for snorkeling and swimming. The water is shallow and is protected enough that even beginner snorkelers will enjoy this spot.
You’ll typically find calm water and beautiful skies at this beach! You might see some sea turtles, parrotfish, yellow tang, and many other beautiful fish and sea life.
It’s also an excellent place to take a break before heading further along the Hana Highway.
7. Road to Hana Tour
This is probably one of the most popular destinations because it is a cheap thing to do in Maui. You can drive there on your own, or take a tour instead.
If you only have time to visit Hana for a day, take a Road to Hana Tour. These tours drive for you and stop at some of the best destinations along the way, including picturesque waterfalls like Twin Falls, Puohokamoa Falls, and Waimoku Falls—each offering a unique view of East Maui’s coastal views.
You can choose from various tours; some are half a day, while others are a full-day, unforgettable experience. This is one of the most common things you’ll do in Hana! Check out my top Road to Hana tours!
8. Kahanu Gardens
The Kahanu Gardens, a national historic landmark, are located in the forest on Hana Hills. Here you will find plants from all over Polynesia, including the largest variety of breadfruit cultivars.
You can do a self-guided tour through these gardens. It is a great spot to be outside and enjoy the beauty of these plants while learning more about Polynesian culture. Check out my full Kahanu Garden review.
9. The Hāna Lava Tubes
The Hana Lava Tubes are one of the only lava tubes left to tour. Most lava tubes will eventually cave in, but these ones haven’t yet!
You can tour inside these lava tubes, an experience you may not get anywhere else! Be sure to visit these during your stay in Hana; you won’t regret it!
10. Hasegawa General Store
If you need to shop in Hana, check out the Hasegawa General Store. This is actually a historic landmark for Maui.
The Hasegawa General Store is the oldest store in Hana town and the oldest family-run store in Maui! Here you can grab some snacks and souvenirs and continue your daily doses of Road to Hana fun.
11. Hana Farms
At Hana Farms, you will find a 7-acre farm full of tropical plants, fruits, and delicious foods. This farm has a roadside stand full of fresh produce and other goodies you can visit if you are short on time.
They also have a restaurant and bakery that will make your mouth water! At this farm, you’ll find anything and everything, including hot sauce, banana bread, and fresh produce.
Be sure to try their Maui coffee—it’s fresh, rich, and perfect for starting your day in paradise.
12. Wailua Falls
While you do not have to leave your car to see this waterfall, you’ll definitely want to! This is one of the most popular picturesque waterfalls in Maui. You won’t even have to do much hiking to get to Wailua Falls.
When you arrive, you’ll even find a pool at the bottom of the waterfall! Take a nice swim in the pool and continue on your day.
Things to Do in Hana Wrap-Up
You won’t have to wonder what to do in Hana in Maui; these are some of the most exciting and fun things you’ll find! Hana town is a small traditional town with plenty of things you’ll love to do.
Try to spend at least a few days here and soak up all the culture and sun! Whether you’re chasing picturesque waterfalls, wandering through ancient Hawaiian ruins, relaxing under ironwood trees, or sipping locally brewed Maui coffee, there’s truly no shortage of magic here.
From the hairpin turns of the Hana Highway to the awe-inspiring East Maui coastal views, this is an unforgettable experience your family won’t soon forget. With such easy access to natural wonders and cultural gems, Hana is an excellent place to slow down and reconnect.