Road to Hana: Our Day of Beaches, Waterfalls and Views on Maui

Kevin Pologruto

—

October 27, 2026

Wide view of deep blue ocean and green coastline from a roadside overlook on the Road to Hana, Maui — Blue water and green coastline from one of the first overlooks on the drive.

Of all the days on our 2023 Maui trip, the Road to Hana is one we still talk about. Everyone warns you about the drive, but for us it turned out to be fun, and honestly a breeze compared to the drive from ʻĪao Valley to the blowhole. It took us the whole day, and every minute of it was worth it.

Heads up: this post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosures page for details.

Get the Shaka Guide Road to Hana tour

Our Secret Weapon: The Shaka Guide App

We used the Shaka Guide travel app for the drive, and it was so helpful. It told us a lot about the history of the island as we went, which was perfect for me, the history buff of the two of us. It also told us where to pull over, so we never had to wonder what we were missing around the next bend.

Beaches, Overlooks and Waterfalls

Turquoise cove framed by tropical trees and green cliffs along the Road to Hana on Maui — A glimpse of turquoise water through the trees along the Road to Hana.

This view is right up there with the most beautiful places and views I’ve ever seen. It truly took my breath away. If it weren’t for the Shaka Guide app, we would have driven right by it. God created the perfect picture.

Shaka Guide had us stop at several beaches and overlooks along the way, and the views were breathtaking. One that stuck with us was an overlook along the Hana Highway out near the Keʻanae area. We also stopped and hiked to some waterfalls, which ended up being some of our favorite moments of the day.

Spiky-leaved tree on a green cliff above a deep blue bay and rocky point on Maui's Road to Hana — A spiky tree stands guard over the bay at a cliffside overlook.

I went into the day with one goal: get in the water at every beach, stream or waterfall we came across. And I did it! If there was water, I was in it.

Waterfall pouring over a mossy rock ledge into a pool surrounded by lush greenery on the Road to Hana — One of the many waterfalls tucked into the jungle along the road.

Me swimming in a clear pool below a waterfall on the Road to Hana, Maui — Me cooling off in a waterfall pool on the Road to Hana.

Lunch at Thai Food by Pranee

Somewhere in the middle of all that, we stopped for lunch at Thai Food by Pranee, a Thai food truck, and it was amazing. The food smelled incredible, and I was lifted off into food heaven. When the food came, all I could do was devour it. It was so good, and it was exactly what we needed after all that hiking and swimming. I still dream about that food.

Our Tips for the Road to Hana

Dark-sand beach shaded by a large, wispy tree, with swimmers in calm blue water on Maui — A big shade tree makes a perfect spot to rest on this dark-sand beach.

Bring a cooler. Pack it with drinks and water, and bring some snacks too. You’ll be glad you have them.
Start with a full tank of gas. The drive itself isn’t long, but gas stations are few and far between.
Use a guide app. Shaka Guide made the day easy and taught us a lot about the island’s history along the way.
Plan for the whole day. With all the stops, hikes and swims, it took us all day, and we wouldn’t have rushed it.
Be respectful. Be respectful of the locals, and clean up after yourself everywhere you go.

The Best Part

Kelli and me smiling for a selfie on a rocky shore with waves and green cliffs on the Road to Hana, Maui — Kelli and me at the end of a long, beautiful day on the Road to Hana.

There are views from this drive that we’ll never forget. But the best part of the day was simply spending a relaxing day together, surrounded by so much beauty.

This post is part of our Hawaii series. Stay tuned for more from our Maui adventures!