10 Best Stops on the Road to Hana, Maui

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for epic trails or a nature lover wanting to swim in secret pools, the Hana Highway has something to make you fall in love with the island.

Let’s get into these off-the-beaten-path treasures but remember to bring your adventurous spirit, swimsuit, and good hiking shoes.

Waikamoi Ridge Trail

Located between Mile Markers 9 and 10, the Waikamoi Ridge Trail gets lost in the shadow of its more popular neighbor, the Garden of Eden Arboretum.

But if you want a peaceful nature walk this is the spot. There’s a small parking lot but it’s empty most of time, and that makes it a great stop on the Road to Hana.

If you’ve been driving for a while, you can have a picnic at the base or the upper area – It’s a beautiful and secret stop on the Hana Highway that you can’t miss.

Ching’s Pond, also called Blue Sapphire Pools, is before Mile Marker 17, at #16.9. You’ll see a few cars parked along the road and that’s your cue for this secret swimming hole.

The main attraction is a freshwater pond with stunning views. It’s a local favorite so you know it’s a hidden gem.

Be sure to look out for locals enjoying the day and maybe even jumping off the concrete platform by the small waterfall.

Just off the Road to Hana, the 0.6-mile out-and-back trail to Nahiku Falls offers a refreshing detour. This moderately challenging hike, featuring an elevation gain of 63 m, takes roughly 23 minutes to complete, making it a perfect quick escape into nature.

The trail ends at a stunning lookout over the ocean where the waterfall cascades down to meet the sea. It’s a quieter spot, so if you’re looking to dodge the crowds and enjoy a moment of solitude, this is it.

Remember to park at the nearby church and follow the path leading down from there.

If secluded beaches are your thing this is for you. Located near mile marker 14, Honomanu Bay is a dramatic black sand beach framed by large boulders and lush scenery reminiscent of Old Hawaii.

This hidden gem lies between the Garden of Eden Arboretum and the Ke’anae Peninsula, offering a rugged yet beautiful coastal experience. It’s worth noting that the path to the bay involves trekking about half a mile, and it can be rough if the weather is stormy the day before.

Just past the 16-mile marker on the Road to Hana, the Ke’anae Arboretum is one of the quiet stops on the Road to Hana that you don’t want to miss.

This botanical garden is free to enter and features a paved half-mile walkway that meanders through a diverse collection of over 150 tropical plants from around the world, including various types of taro, bananas, and the visually striking rainbow eucalyptus trees.

The arboretum is not only a place to stretch your legs but also your chance to learn about the flora and fauna of Maui. The entrance is not well-marked, so make sure to use Google Maps or a GPS.

Next on this list of best stops on the Road to Hana – Wailua Valley State Wayside. People often miss this spot because the parking area is tiny, only big enough for 2 to 3 cars.

This hidden gem is past Mile Marker 18 and has great mountain views (“mauka”) and ocean views (“makai”). You might see the Ke’anae Valley and Wailua Village with all its taro fields. And on a clear day, you can even see nearby waterfalls.

From this vantage point, you can gaze out over the Keʻanae Valley and its beautiful shades of green, spot waterfalls in the distance, and on clear days, see the break in Haleakalā’s rim known as Koʻolau Gap.

There’s a restroom and picnic tables, and that’s a great spot to stop on the Road to Hana!

Pua’a Ka’a Falls is a family-friendly stop with covered picnic areas, restrooms, and a refreshing waterfall perfect for a quick swim.

While there are gorgeous places to visit in Maui, Pua’a Ka’a Falls is one of these hidden gems on the Road to Hana that you simply can’t skip.

This spot becomes a playground for the adventurous, with locals and visitors jumping from the waterfall into the cool waters below. The area is especially enjoyable towards the end of the day when the crowds thin out, giving you more space to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Just like other stops, there are picnic tables so you can sit and have a snack or a meal before resuming your trip.

Just a short hike off the Hana Highway, Waioka Pond, commonly known as Venus Pool, offers a stunning but daring experience.

Waioka Pond is a secluded rock-bound coastal pool that’s a favorite if you like adventures. In fact, the beauty of Venus Pool comes with its risks.

Cliff-jumping is common here, with some jumps reaching 35 to 40 feet into parts of the pool that are only about five feet deep. If you choose to jump, make sure you are aware of the varying depths and current conditions.

For those preferring to stay on the safe side, the area still makes for spectacular photo opportunities, but be cautious if you’re not an experienced swimmer.

While the Road to Hana is fun and gorgeous, the back road is a more adventurous option that’s worth checking out – That is, if you’re an experienced driver.

In fact, the backside of Hana is considered off-roading and you’d be breaking the contract agreement with the rental car agency, so don’t risk it if you have little experience.

This route is less traveled but reveals a stark contrast in landscapes. After passing the pools of Ohe’o Gulch, the greenery of Hana transitions into the sunnier, drier climes of the island’s southeastern side, called Kipahulu.

It’s a narrow road, so you’ll have to drive slowly, but there are a few food stands on the way and you can even see the sunset over Kihei, which is arguably the best part of the drive, and definitely one of the best stops on the Road to Hana.

Twin Falls is one of the more accessible and popular attractions along the Road to Hana, yet it retains a charm that makes the visit 100% worth it.

The hike to the falls is an easy 25-minute journey through lush landscapes, and you’ll get to stop at two smaller waterfalls before reaching the main attraction.

The path frequently crosses shallow streams, so we recommend wearing water shoes or similar footwear.

Each of the falls creates a pool, which is perfect for a cool swim after your hike. Remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel, and prepare for the refreshing, albeit cool, waters. There’s a $10 entrance fee, but again, it’s totally worth it as one of the best stops on the Road to Hana.