Where to Travel Alone for the First Time: 19 of the Best Countries
North America · 1. California · 2. Hawai'i · 3. Canada · 4. Mexico · 5. Costa Rica.
Road to Hana
Thanks to its rich culture and tropical climate, Hawai’i feels more like a country of its own, with so many things to do that are totally solo friendly. You could drive along the <anchor>Road to Hana</anchor>, explore Lanai, or join the Maui Surfer Girls camp, designed specifically for solo female travelers who are looking for a supportive group of women to take up a new sport with. It’s both empowering and fun!
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# The BEST Secret Stops on the Road to Hana in Maui

The Road to Hana is one of those bucket list items in Maui that you should definitely put on your must-do list. Around every corner, there’s something new to make you gasp in awe, and even if there weren’t tons of gorgeous waterfalls and awesome beaches along the way (but thankfully there are), the drive itself would make it worth it.

Though it can feel a bit precarious to drive at times, thanks to the 600-plus turns on this 64-mile road, you simply haven’t seen Maui if you haven’t driven the Road to Hana. The little surprises, small towns, powerful waves and the dense jungle vines growing all around the road make it feel like being transported into the Jungle Book, minus the talking bears.

I drove the road by myself, and by carefully picking and choosing the best places to stop and by leaving early and beating the crowds, I was able to have one of Maui’s most popular attractions more or less to myself. These are my best tips and favorite stops on the Road to Hana:

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## Where to Stay

I stayed all the way in Lahaina when I visited Maui, which wasn’t the best positioning for the Road to Hana. If you’d like to be closer, and therefore get to wake up a bit later, I recommend Keanae. There’s also the Travaasa Hana, which is at the end of the Road to Hana, if you’re down to spend a pretty penny.

## Where to Rent a Car

Since you’re most likely flying into Maui, the most logical place to rent a car is at the airport. Most car rental companies will try to upsell you a jeep, but honestly, you will not need one in Maui.

Most of them will also advise that you’re not allowed to continue onward after the Seven Sacred Pools due to road conditions. They will tell you it voids your contract. Indeed, the road washes out from time to time and is dangerous, and that’ll be true no matter which car you rent. The choice is yours whether you continue or not, as I’ll discuss later in the post.

## The Best Stops on the Road to Hana

### Early Stops

best stops road to hana

Most of the big waterfalls and impressive black sand beaches are later on in the drive, so for the first hour or so, just enjoy the road and get as far along as you can to keep the crowds way behind you, especially if your objective is to do the Pipiwai Stream Trail Hike:

- Twin Falls: A lovely, albeit smaller, waterfall early on in the drive around mile 2. The trail can be muddy and since it was pouring rain when I drove by, I didn’t end up stopping, but after consulting Google Images, I kind of wish I had.
- Huelo Lookout: This stop is super quick and easy, offering a nice panoramic view. There’s also a set of toilets at the parking lot. You might as well stop here, it’s worth 5 minutes.
- Waikamoi Ridge Forest Trail and Overlook: This one is a 30-minute hike and generally folks who have done it report that it’s just OK. You won’t find any waterfalls, and it’s mainly a walk through the trees. I skipped this again because of the pouring rain.
- Garden of Eden: This is where the opening scene of Jurassic Park was famously shot. They’ve planted 500 species in this garden, and it gives you a nice view of some waterfalls as well. However, if you follow my advice and leave early, you’ll have to miss this one (and the $15 entrance fee) since it doesn’t open until 8am. I prefer to see wild nature rather than things that have been planted, but people do generally really enjoy this one. It’s your call!

Of all of those tips, perhaps the most important is to go early. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of other cars being on such a narrow road with you, and if you want to maximize your time without worrying about big crowds or having to skip attractions, setting off right as the sun rises is the best way to make it happen. The early bird gets the worm (and the nice morning lighting for photos).

### Must do #1: Keanae

best stops road to hana

Right around mile 17 there’s a turnoff to the left for Keanae Peninsula. It’s easy to miss (which is why I was glad to have the Gypsy guide considering there was nobody else in the car to guide me), but it’s a very worthy stop, full of jagged volcanic rocks along the coastline and massive, powerful waves crashing up against them.

best stops road to hana

I especially loved the contrast of the greenish-blue water against the intensely green grasses and black stones.

best stops road to hanaThe powerful wavesbest stops road to hanaThis is when the sun came out on my drive, giving me a full arc rainbow and thankfully staying out for the remainder of the trip!

After this you’ll turn back out and rejoin the road the way that you came in. It’s a small detour and only took me about 20 minutes, mainly because I stopped for a while to watch the waves and take photos. You could do it much quicker if you wanted to.

More stops nearby:

- Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is located right on the peninsula and is the best place to buy banana bread, so I was told. Again, if you take my advice and go super early, it won’t be open yet by the time you reach Keanae. If you really want this banana bread, you might want to leave later so that you can experience it, but trust me when I say if you want the state park and bamboo forest not to be mobbed by the time you arrive, go early and make peace with missing this.
- Halfway to Hana snack shop is popular simply because it’s halfway down the road, I stopped to get some cash out of the ATM and continued on my way.
- Wailua Overlook: Just before this overlook on the right-hand side, which almost nobody seems to realize is there, is a tiny parking lot with an awesome view of several waterfalls and the Haleakala Crater. Scroll up and look at the first photo in this post and you’ll see what I mean. The Gypsy guide will tell you when to pull off for this one. The overlook is just a half a mile farther up on the other side of the road, and gives you a view of Keanae, where you just were.
- Three Bears Waterfall (Upper Waikini Falls): This is a popular one and appears to be three different cascading waterfalls, at least normally. Before I arrived in Maui it had been dumping down rain at unusual rates, so it was just one giant mass of waterfall. I did a slow drive-by, but if you want to park and take a look, you’ll need to continue on the road until the larger pull out and walk back.
- Nahiku Ti Gallery and Coffee Shop: You can’t miss this one. It’s a set of food vendors and a coffee shop on the left side of the road with plenty of parking. The food is really expensive, and as I warned if you leave early, not open yet anyways by the time I arrived. I did get a latte, though!

### Must do #2: Waianapanapa State Park

best stops road to hanaThis is what we’re getting up so early for

This! This park at mile 32 is the reason why I set out so early on the Road to Hana, hoping to get to it before there were swaths of people. When I arrived, the parking lot only had a few other cars, and I was able to selfie away on this beach without anyone else around.

There’s tons to see here, like the cave just to the right of where I snapped this photo – something that I think a lot of people actually miss:

best stops road to hanaGiant sea cave. I love these things!

Plus trails that run along either side of the black sand beach with panoramic views of the sea arches and cliffs over the water:

best stops road to hanaYou can expect to see this and so much morebest stops road to hanabest stops road to hana

This is something I’d suggest really spending some time at and not rushing through. It’s one of the most gorgeous spots on the road, and really, how often do you get a black sand beach, two sea arches, and a cave that’s big enough to have a dance party in all in one spot? I’m willing to bet it’s not very often.

I spent over an hour walking along the trails and exploring the park. Since it is so amazing and popular on the road, it’s usually full of people, especially in the water and on the beach. By the time I left, which was still pretty early in the morning, the parking lot was almost full and tour vans were pulling in.

In that moment I knew it had been so worth leaving before the sun, missing out on the banana bread, and being one of the first people to reach the park.

More things nearby:

- Hana: Though the road got its name due to this being the terminus, it’s actually nothing all that special. There are some beaches nearby that are, though, especially if you surf.
- Hamoa Beach:

best stops road to hanaA lovely red rock and yellow sand. Usually pretty crowded but not at the time that I was there

### Must stop #3: Wailua Falls

best stops road to hana

Right after mile 44, there’s a parking lot just off the left side of the road where you can pull off and check out this 173 foot waterfall. Apparently it’s usually pretty popular, but I was the only one there since I had steadily managed to stay about an hour ahead of the crowds all day.

Park and pop over to the other side of the road to marvel at this one for a minute or two, it’s worth it.

You can also take a trail down to the bottom of the falls, but I had a date with the Seven Sacred Pools, which I also wanted to get to before the tourists, so I kept going.

### Must stop #4: Seven Sacred Pools and bamboo forest

best stops road to hana7 Sacred Pools

Just beyond Hana, you’ll come to another national park, this time with a $20 entrance fee that also gets you access to the Haleakala Crater.

Usually, you can walk down a pretty short and easy trail to the seven pools which are open for swimming. As I mentioned before, the water levels were dangerously high and they were closed, but that meant I got a rare, impressive view of the falls in this powerful state as they poured out to a raging sea.

From there, you can hike to the bamboo forest and usually the Waimoku Falls. At the time that I visited (October 2016), the trail to the falls had been washed away by the flooding water and I couldn’t go all the way to see the falls. The trail was closed right in the middle of the bamboo forest, about 3 miles into the hike.

My favorite photo on the Road to Hana

I can’t pretend like that wasn’t super disappointing, but the hike up to the bamboo forest was not too tough, and I was really glad that I went for it anyways after seeing the gorgeous forest. The waterfall will just have to be for another time.

I still got all of this more or less to myself and was so glad to have left so early in the morning, especially considering that most people miss this part of the trail because they leave too late, run out of time, or are too tired by the time they get there. What a big mistake! Seriously, make sure that you do this one. It was the cherry on top.



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## Safety Tips

best stops road to hana

The Road to Hana is partially famous for being a dangerous road to drive. I’m not talking cliff edges and vertical drops, but there are a lot of blind corners, narrow bridges, and hairpin turns. In order to stay safe, practice the following precautions:

- Don’t stop on or along the road unless there is a parking lot. A narrow turn-out does not constitute a parking lot.
- Don’t feel the need to get anything more than a basic sedan, even if the guy at the rental company tries to upsell you. You don’t need it!
- Do go early in the morning so that you can beat pretty much all of the traffic and other tourists. I departed the Haiku area at 6am.
- Do go into it with at least 3/4 tank of gas, just so that you don’t have to stress.
- Do bring food along if you go early, since the roadside stands won’t be open by the time you reach them.
- Don’t expect to get cell service. Plot your points ahead of time on an offline map, or even better, download the Road to Hana Gypsy guide, as he’ll warn you with plenty of time before each attraction.
- Do go slowly, yield, and pull aside for locals when possible. They’ll be going much faster than you.

The Road to Hana - everything you need to know to plan the most amazing road trip in Hawaii. Get the best accommodation and car rental guide, insider safety tips, maps, and all of the best stops along the way! #RoadtoHana #HawaiiPin me!

After this, most people turn back and go the way they came. The road continues along steep cliffs, hairpin turns, and one-lane roads again. Most car rental companies will also tell you that you’ll void your rental contract if you continue, and if you do have an issue, you’ll be paying dearly out of pocket for it. It’s your call, though it is discouraged (tbh, though, I kept going).

Those are my best tips for the Road to Hana. Leave early, save time for the best parts of the drive, and ditch the crowds!

#### About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?



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### Comments

1. Kristinsays

   10/24/2016 at 9:22 am

   Ice cream yum!

   Reply

2. Mariasays

   10/25/2016 at 4:16 am

   That looks like a gorgeous drive! Saving these tips for later 😛 Really hope I’ll be able to visit Hawaii soon..

   Reply

3. Aislingsays

   10/25/2016 at 8:54 am

   Gorgeous photos! And trust you to keep going at the end of your trip rather than turning back as advised…bad ass! ha ha!

   Reply

4. Kathysays

   03/17/2017 at 10:59 am

   Great blog! And glad to know you enjoyed using your Gypsy app. I’m planning to download for a trip coming up. My husband wants to drive the back side of the RTH. I have 2 concerns: 1. If we use the gypsy app, will we miss a lot if we don’t go back the way we came? 2. How dangerous is it really?

   Reply

   - Kristinsays

     03/17/2017 at 12:04 pm

     I continued along the road and I thought it was awesome. There are a few narrow parts but luckily I was behind someone else for that. The problem is if it has rained and the road is washed out, you’ll have to turn back. I don’t know what I missed, but it was mostly history, I think.

     Reply

   - Maria Zsays

     10/07/2017 at 11:34 pm

     Hello! I have done the road to Hana twice now, and I think the difficulty depends on the driver. The first time we went, my friend drove. She was a little scared, so she found it a little difficult. It’s a curvy road! Now when I drove it, I was having fun so it was pretty easy to me. The first time I had the app… it was ok. He tells you a lot of information about the history of waterfalls.. it’s a cute app. However, I preferred what we did the second time, which was looking up specific things we wanted to do. Watching videos on n YouTube on how to get there… that way I’m not worried about missing stuff on the app or trying to do it all. just admiring the views and stopping at specific mile marks 🙂

     Either way you go, grab a quick breakfast! And go early. The first year we made the mistake of going for a “quick” breakfast before the road to hana and went to a place in Paia. Big mistake. Lol second time we grabbed something quick to go at Jack in the box. Way faster…

     Reply

     - Kristinsays

       10/09/2017 at 4:37 am

       I second the suggestion to go early. It’s scary if there are a bunch of other cars but not as much if you don’t have to share the road.

       Reply



5. Mallory Bramesays

   05/09/2017 at 7:44 am

   What time is early? We’re staying in Lahaina and plan to follow your route pretty closely. Just trying to figure out timing!

   Reply

   - Kristinsays

     05/09/2017 at 10:44 am

     I was at Haiku at 6am, so I’d suggest routing there and seeing how long it will take you 🙂

     Reply

     - Anonymoussays

       05/16/2017 at 9:34 am

       Thank you!!!

       Reply



6. Chan SYsays

   07/27/2017 at 5:46 am

   Kristin, Wonderful blog!!!

   I have some questions on R2H. Hope you can help.

   1) Did you stay in Hana?

   2) Did you turn back and head back to Haiku on the same day?

   3) What time should I leave Hana if i wish to turn back on the same day?

   4) Do you think it is worthwhile spending a night in Hana?

   5) Is Travaasa worth the hype?


   Thanks, and appreciate you could share your thoughts.

   Reply

   - Kristinsays

     07/27/2017 at 1:19 pm

     1) Nope

     2) Honestly no I kept going so I went all the way around, but it’s not recommended to do that. You’re advised to turn around and go back the way you came

     3) Most people just do this in one day without any issues. Give yourself a couple of hours if you don’t plan on stopping on the way back.

     4) Eh, no

     5) Never heard of it


     Reply


7. Ronsays

   12/09/2017 at 6:40 am

   “Drums of the islands you’re beating in my heart

   You’re with me no matter where I roam

   If ever I wander if ever we’re apart

   I know that you will lead me home…”

   Reply

8. Tsays

   01/07/2018 at 6:30 am

   The bamboo forest picture is epic!! How did you manage to get a photo that wonderful when you were traveling alone??

   xx

   Reply

   - Kristinsays

     01/11/2018 at 11:39 pm

     Tripod! Got all my tips here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-take-travel-selfies/

     Reply


9. Nicolesays

   01/11/2018 at 12:23 pm

   What is the Must Stop #3? It goes from the State park (#2) to Wailua Falls(#4). I am thinking of doing your itinerary on day 1 then staying in Hana and seeing the other stops on the way back. Do you think it is worth it to stay? I just don’t want to feel rushed at any of these stops!

   Reply

   - Kristinsays

     01/11/2018 at 11:29 pm

     Lol, how did I never notice that? That was just a mistake on my part there is no stop 3.

     Reply


10. Aprilsays

    02/06/2018 at 9:53 am

    BRING BUG SPRAY! I received 82 (yes, we counted them) mosquito bites on my legs (most at the 7 Sacred Pools). The constant itch and sleepiness (from the anti-itch medicine) ruined the last two days of my vacation. The other three people I was with didn’t get a single bite…

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      02/12/2018 at 4:27 am

      Oh man! Yes bug spray is good to have in Hawaii.

      Reply


11. Billsays

    03/09/2018 at 12:48 pm

    What is the “Several hundred foot waterfall” towards the end of your blog?? I googled “Wailua falls” because that’s what your Must Stop #4 was – but google took me to the island of Kaui, not Maui.

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      03/10/2018 at 6:06 am

      The Gypsy guide will tell you to stop, you’ll also see it since you drive right by it. Can’t miss it. I am pretty sure that’s the name, hmm.

      Reply


12. Melsays

    04/14/2018 at 7:02 am

    Hi,

    Amazing blog ! I am looking to continue on past the 7 pools or possibly even doing counter clockwise. I want to understand how that portion of the road was compared to the road to hana. Why do you think its not advised to go there by rental companies? Thanks in advance!!

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      04/14/2018 at 8:24 pm

      It’s very narrow in some places and often is impassable when there’s water on the road. So if you reversed the route, you might be unable to proceed and would have to turn back and go all the way around the island to reach the road to Hana.

      Reply

      - Msays

        04/16/2018 at 6:25 am

        Thats amazing advice, thank you 🙂 !

        Reply



13. Bensays

    05/05/2018 at 4:31 pm

    Hi, you’re awesome and thanks for all the tips!

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      05/08/2018 at 4:07 pm

      Glad you like them!

      Reply


14. SONYAsays

    05/07/2018 at 6:35 pm

    Planning our vacation in October this year. Thank you for sharing tips and the gorgeous photos! We are soooo excited☺

    Reply

    - Zulennissays

      11/20/2018 at 9:12 am

      We went on October and everyone says it’s the best time!

      Reply


15. Jesssays

    06/23/2018 at 12:49 pm

    Hi! Where is the bamboo forest near the 7 Sacred Pools. It’s not on the park website or on Google Maps.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      06/23/2018 at 11:01 pm

      you’ll walk through it on your way to Waimoku Falls

      Reply


16. Kristensays

    07/09/2018 at 6:49 pm

    Great guide! I will be visiting here and will be following most of your itinerary. Wanted to know, what times did you arrive and leave the following stops:

    1. Wainapanapa State Park

    2. Wailua Falls

    3. Seven Sacred Falls

    Thanks!

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      07/10/2018 at 12:45 am

      I can’t remember the exact times but I was at the State Park before 8am I’m almost certain. Seven Sacred Falls before 11.

      Reply


17. Julessays

    09/10/2018 at 5:52 pm

    Planning a road to hana for an upcoming trip. Everyone says leave early and don’t miss the 7 Sacred Pools and Wailua Falls, both right after Hana. I’m not planning to leave at a crazy hour, probably between 7am-8. Does it make sense, to avoid as many tourists as possible, to drive straight through to the pools and falls mentioned above, go there when it’s still quiet and hit the other “must haves” on the drive back? That way, I’ll be going against traffic, from all of the people who stopped along the way? Maybe I’m overthinking this…

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      09/17/2018 at 3:44 pm

      I don’t think you’re overthinking it – this is a super popular thing to do in Maui so if you’d rather not wake up super early then I think your plan is a good one to hit the other stuff on the way back. However you’ll arrive at Wainapanapa State Park with the crowds and that would have been a bummer to me.

      Reply


18. Anonymoussays

    01/21/2019 at 11:36 am

    Mahalo for sharing the safety tips in the beginning of your blog. These are really important and are often overlooked (especially about pulling over for local drivers). Everybody be safe and respect the land and the culture. Malama pono!

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      01/22/2019 at 2:49 pm

      Mahalo right back 🙂

      Reply


19. Gaffysays

    02/02/2019 at 10:59 am

    I’m going back to Maui in May. I’m a solo female traveler as well (my preference). I’m honestly scared about driving there (I lived on the BI and frequently traveled from Hilo to Kona on the coast and the sharp turns scared the hell out of me). I think I will probably just pay the $105 (there’s a deal on TravelZoo) which sucks (not about the $) but because I hate traveling on a tour and being held to time restrictions. I hope I don’t miss out. I do feel stupid that I am renting a car but won’t use it to drive to Hana.

    Also to anyone who is going to the Big Island, there is a small bamboo forest in Pahoa that isn’t crowded at all. You can drive or walk right through it. It’s not marked as a bamboo forest (most people on the BI hate tourists and will have keep out signs everywhere) but it’s there.

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      02/05/2019 at 8:34 pm

      Thanks for the tip! I’m sure you’ll still see the highlights on a tour that were mentioned here.

      Reply


20. Michellesays

    07/06/2019 at 2:13 am

    I’ve head the back road is tough and rough? Is that true… I was thinking of doing it on the way there and then the road to Hana on the way back. The full circle but backward. Would you advise?

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      07/07/2019 at 9:15 am

      Depends on the water levels and it’s very narrow, so most car companies aren’t cool with it, but it’s your call!

      Reply


21. Addie Gainessays

    06/20/2020 at 4:58 am

    We went beyond Hana all the way back through Kula and to where we started In Kihei back in March 2020. The road beyond actually wasn’t much worse than the Road to Hana. There were a few scary places! Lol! Leaving early is so important! In December 2018, I was there and we ended up driving back shrouded in rain and darkness. That was not fun!

    Reply

22. goinseesays

    06/21/2020 at 1:10 pm

    Great tips, very informative blog, thanks for share. This may be the destination I will try after the corona.

    Reply

23. Jordan Davissays

    11/17/2020 at 8:11 am

    I’ve been reading any Road To Hana guide I can find, but this has been my favorite! Thank you for all the awesome ideas and insight.

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      11/17/2020 at 9:29 am

      Yay I hope you have an awesome trip!

      Reply


24. Sarahsays

    03/23/2021 at 9:15 pm

    Hi, thanks for all the tips! I just wanted one clarification. When the rental companies say they only cover up to the the seven pools, does that include the bamboo forest? Or is going through to the bamboo forest already outside the contract?

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      03/24/2021 at 7:24 am

      You access the bamboo forest in the same area that you access the pools, so you’ll just park and walk in from there 🙂

      Reply


25. Kelly Cremeanssays

    06/20/2021 at 10:21 pm

    You mention that from the Wailua Overlook you can see several waterfalls and the Haleakala Crater. How much of the Crater can you see? Not sure my kids can take driving the Road to Hana and taking them up to the summit (even on different days). Wondering what kind of view you could get from the Overlook? Thanks!

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      06/21/2021 at 9:35 am

      No what I mean is the same park entrance will also get you entrance to the crater, but it’s a totally different drive and different adventure. You just don’t have to pay the entrance fee twice.

      Reply


26. Myvesays

    07/26/2021 at 1:36 pm

    Thank you for this detailed itinerary! I was would like to follow this, but would like to loop around and drive back and stop by the things that I wouldn’t mind seeing with the crowds (Twin Falls, Garden of Eden, etc.). Is it possible to stop by those when you turn around or is it hard to turn into the viewpoints/stop offs because they would be on the other side of the road?

    Reply

    - Kristinsays

      07/27/2021 at 11:42 am

      The garden of Eden I believe has a parking lot. If on your way in, you don’t think there’d be parking later, then go ahead and stop but as you go you can mentally note what would be fine to turn back for.

      Reply


27. Jeffsays

    07/26/2023 at 10:32 am

    Please update your blog with information about the now required reservations for Wainapanapa entrance and parking. You will be shutout without the reservations.

    Reply

28. Jonathan Dominguezsays

    04/29/2024 at 7:16 pm

    thanks for all this info, very helpful and will do most of what you mentioned, thanks!

    Reply

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