Road To Hana
Black Sand Beach Maui Road to Hana
The famous Black Sand Beach Maui is located along the Road to Hana in east Maui, in Waianapanapa State Park.
That’s why you’ll sometimes hear the beach called “the Black Sand Beach Road to Hana” or the “Black Sand Beach Hana.”
Driving the Road to Hana is on the bucket list of most first-time visitors to Maui. With many lovely waterfalls, lush tropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the Road to Hana is considered one of the most scenic drives in the USA.
And Wai’anapanapa State Park, home to Maui’s best black sand beach, is a must-stop along the Road to Hana!
In this article, we will tell you all about the Road to Hana, also called the Hana Highway: the best places to stop en route, and tips for an enjoyable expeience.
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What is the Road to Hana?
One of Maui’s most popular attractions, the Road to Hana is a very scenic road trip along the lush rainforests of northeast Maui.
The drive starts in Kahului in Central Maui, and ends a little beyond the town of Hana in east Maui, a total distance of about 64 miles.
Along this winding coastal route, you will see lush tropical vegetation, a bamboo forest, rainbow eucalyptus trees, and many gorgeous waterfalls, interspersed with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline.
The black sand beach comes up at mile marker 32 along the Road to Hana drive. It is located within Waianapanapa State Park.
Maui’s black sand beach is one of the most iconic attractions on the Road to Hana drive.
Best Stops on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is more about the journey than the destination, although the little town of Hana is charming.
While you’ll want to stop every few yards on the Road to Hana — the scenery is spectacular all along the route — we’ve described the best stops below so you can manage your time on the drive without missing out on the top attractions.
The stops below are in order as you travel from Kahului to Hana (and a little beyond).
The Town of Paia
Paia is a quaint surf town that’s fun to wander. It’s the last town before you hit the Road to Hana, so it’s a popular stop for breakfast.
Ho’okipa Lookout
Ho’okipa Beach is famous for its mighty winter waves and the turtles that rest on the sandy beach.
Ho’okipa Lookout, along the drive to Hana, is a great place to stop to view the wave action or look for the turtles on the beach below!
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is a series of cascades and a very popular stop because they are the first of many waterfalls you will see on the Road to Hana.
The lower falls are very close to the parking area, but the upper falls require a mile-long round-trip hike.
Garden of Eden Arboretum
A paid attraction on the drive to Hana, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is a worthwhile stop if you enjoy plants and trees.
You will also enjoy great ocean views and views of waterfalls as you walk the grounds.
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
A quick photo stop, Kaumahina State Wayside Park offers a superb view of the coastline.
There are restrooms here, and trails to try if you have more time.
Honomanu Bay Photo Stop
Honomanu Bay is one of the quintessential photo stops on the Road to Hana. There are a couple of turnouts where you can park and enjoy the views.
While it’s possible to drive down to the bay, you will need a 4WD.
Ke’anae Arboretum and Peninsula
One of the top stops on the Road tp Hana is the stunning Keanae Peninsula, where the waves crash with awesome force against the black rocks on the shore.
Keanae Arboretum is a good place to stop for photos of rainbow eucalyptus, and Aunty Sandy’s for banana bread.
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park
Wailua Valley State Wayside Park offers stellar views of the community of Wailua and the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Ko’olau Gap in the mountains on the other.
There are picnic tables here if you brought food and want to stop for a bite to eat.
Upper Waikani Falls
One of the prettiest waterfalls on the Road to Hana, Upper Waikani Falls can be viewed from the road.
There are three side-by-side cascades, which is why the falls are also known as the Three Bears Falls.
Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park
If you want a place to enjoy a dip on your Road to Hana drive, Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park offers a nice hike to a cascade with a plunge pool.
There is more than one waterfall in the park, as well as restrooms and picnic tables.
Hana Lava Tube
Another paid attraction on the Road to Hana drive, the Hana Lava Tube is a fun adventure for adults and kids alike.
The Lava Tube is a short detour from the highway, and the park also offers a botanical maze and restrooms.
Waianapanapa State Park
Wai’anapanapa State Park is where you will find Maui’s famous black sand beach.
The park also offers hiking along the scenic coastline, and opportunities to see sea birds, sea stacks, and lush vegetation.
Hana Town
Hana Town is small but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to history and culture. This is where you will get a peek into Old Hawaii, away from the resorts of the west side.
Stop by the Hana Cultural Center to view the articfacts (it’s free), shop for souvenirs, or dine at one of the restaurants in town.
Hamoa Beach
Just beyond Hana Town is the lovely Hamoa Beach, with soft golden sands and turquoise waters.
Although it’s a steep descent downhill to get to the beach from the parking area above, Hamoa Beach is a nice spot for a swim.
Koki Beach
Koki Beach isn’t a swimming beach due to dangerous rip currents, but it nevertheless makes for a nice stop on your drive, as the setting is very picturesque.
Take a walk on the sand and admire the pretty views!
Wailua Falls
Visible from the Hana Highway, Wailua Falls is a lovely two-tiered tall waterfall framed by lush greenery.
There are spots to park, and an excellent viewing area for photography.
Pipiwai Trail
One of the most popular hiking trails on Maui, the Pipiwai Trail features two waterfalls, a huge banyan tree, and a boardwalk trail through towering stalks of bamboo.
The trail is located in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, which is also the place to view the Seven Sacred Pools.
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