Best Road to Hana Stops for Families with Kids
The Road to Hana is known for its beauty and adventure, and it’s one of Maui’s classic experiences. The journey can be challenging, especially when traveling with kids, so being prepared is the key to making it enjoyable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my essential tips, the Road to Hana Stops we loved, and things you should know to ensure a safe and memorable ride.
Road to Hana Stops for Kids
Knowing where to stop along the Road to Hana makes planning a lot easier. It’s essential to take snack and bathroom breaks and have a chance to explore the beauty all around you in Maui.
We left our hotel, Wailea Ekahi Village, at 8 am and headed north to Paia, which is considered the unofficial start of the Road to Hana. The last place to use the restroom before going into the Road to Hana is at H.A. Baldwin Beach Park. When you arrive to Paia, be sure to fill your car’s gas tank, as this is the last place before starting your ride.
As you drive, note that the mile markers on Highway 36 will reset when transitioning to Highway 360, the official start of the Hana Highway. To track your journey accurately, reset your car’s odometer at this point (just past mile marker 16). This will make it easier to follow your planned stops and mileage markers.
Jaws Country Store
We loved this stop for some breakfast before going deeper into the drive. They offer a variety of items, from coffee to pastries and açaí bowls. Our kids loved the fresh pastries, and we grabbed some coffee. Jaws Country Store is open daily from 7 am to 3:30 pm.
Twin Falls (Mile Marker #2)
Twin Falls is the first swimming and sightseeing stop on the Road to Hana. It’s kid-friendly, with an easy hike to a waterfall and natural pool where you can swim. Our boys both loved exploring here, and it was hard to tear them away to get back on the road.
To access Twin Falls, around mile marker two, you’ll come across a bridge with a large dirt parking lot on the right side that includes a fruit stand. The entrance to Twin Falls is just to the left of the farm stand. The farm stand provides fresh fruit smoothies that kids will appreciate after a bit of exploring.
Note that parking can be tight, so arrive early and bring cash for the parking fee (currently $10). If you cannot get a spot, it’s best to wait some time until someone leaves. Parking on the side of Hana Highway is not permitted.
Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand (Mile Marker #4.5)
This small but colorful stand is worth a quick stop. They offer smoothies and fresh fruit. Make sure that they’re open before you stop. You’ll see the owner at the stand. If there’s a long line, it’s best to drive on by since it’s a one-man-show and can be time consuming with a lot of patrons.
Maui Garden Grove Cafe (Mile Marker #5.5)
Known for its selection of both sweet and savory island dishes, Maui Garden Grove Cafe offers visitors a chance to enjoy authentic Hawaiian flavors. The cafe features outdoor seating, perfect for a peaceful meal, plus free Wi-Fi. Service on the Road to Hana can be spotty, so this is a good chance to download your maps and reorient if you’re losing service on the road.
Ko’olau Ka’aina o ka wai a Kane (Mile Marker #9)
This state wayside area offers a short hiking trail, restroom facilities, and a barbecue area with picnic tables. It’s an ideal spot to take a break and enjoy the views while having a meal or stretching your legs. Make note of the restrooms, which can be hard to come by on the Road to Hana.
Garden of Eden Arboretum (Mile Marker #10.5)
Garden of Eden Arboretum is a must on your list of Road to Hana stops. It’s absolutely gorgeous and offers a perfect driving break. Known for its gardens and panoramic views, this arboretum is where scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed.
The Garden is open daily from 8am to 4 pm and features over 500 species of tropical plants. We came here specifically to see the incredible rainbow eucalyptus trees, and they were a highlight for me. The best part is that you can explore by car or you can walk, so there’s no need to wake up anyone snoozing in the backseat. The paths are accessible and an easy stroll for any age. Read my full guide to visiting the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
Admission to the Garden of Eden is $20 for adults (16 years and older) and $10 for youth (ages 5-16). Children under 5 can enter for free.
Kaumahina Wayside State Park (Mile Marker #12)
This is a scenic stop with a short walk up to a nice view out to the ocean. It has picnic tables, restrooms, and trash cans, though no drinking water is available. This area is a good spot to stretch your legs, enjoy a packed meal, and use the facilities before continuing the Road to Hana.
Ke’anae Arboretum (Mile Marker #16.7)
Ke’anae Arboretum is a botanical garden that features a paved half-mile walkway showcasing 150 varieties of tropical plants, including taro, gingers, hibiscus, and the rainbow eucalyptus trees. It has free entrance daily. We didn’t end up doing this botanical garden because we has already stopped at the Garden of Eden.
Half Way To Hana (Mile Marker #17)
The Halfway to Hana Stand, a stop since 1982, is a must-visit spot for those traveling the Road to Hana. Known for its coconut candy and its freshly made banana bread using locally grown bananas, it’s considered by many as the best on the island. Make sure you grab some to take home! Beyond banana bread, the menu features items like Maui Sunrise ice cream, shave ice, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. This is also a good spot to use the bathroom.
Wailua Valley State Wayside (Mile Marker #18)
This Road to Hana stop features a small turnoff with limited parking (around four car spots), so be prepared for a possible wait (we had to for a few minutes), but it’s worth for an unforgettable view of Ke’anae Valley. Looking out over the valley, you can view waterfalls, the Ko’olau Gap, Wailua Peninsula, and Haleakala Crater’s rim. Climb the stairs to get the most stunning view of the coastline on the other side, but stay close to little ones, as the stairs aren’t super sturdy.
Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park (Mile Marker #22)
A well-deserved break for both parents and children, this park offers a safe place to stretch, use the restroom, and enjoy the rainforest. There is a small parking lot with bathrooms across the street. Be very careful crossing the road here.
The main attraction is the dual waterfall setup, an upper and lower waterfall with pools suitable for swimming. You need to walk across the bridge at the road to get to the lower pool and waterfall. To get to the upper waterfall, walk up the stairs or ramp and into the pool of water. We actually found it easier to cross the river on the stones than get into the pool on the near side. Keep in mind that the water is chilly but beautiful.
Hana Lava Tube (Mile Marker #31)
This road to Hana stop was my kids’ favorite Road to Hana stop. The Lava Tube offers a chance to see geological formations up close. The cave tour is self-guided, so it’s perfect to do at your own pace. It was a welcome break that kept our kids excited and engaged. I wrote a full guide about this stop, and you can read it here.
The cave is open year-round, every day from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. No reservations are needed, just arrive during the open hours to start your tour.
Hana Bowls
Hana Bowls is a locally owned açaí bowl trailer located at 30 Ulaino Road, Hana, HI. Specializing in açaí bowls, smoothies, lemonade, and coffee, this trailer was hand-built over nine months by the owners. They are only open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, so it can be a little hard to get here before close if you’re doing the Road to Hana in one day, but it’s worth a spot if it fits into your schedule. Operating hours may vary based on the availability of fresh fruit, so it’s best to check their Instagram, @hanabowls, for updates.
Hāna Farms Roadside Stand, Pizza Oven and Bakery (After Mile Marker #31)
Hāna Farms is a seven-acre farm, grill, bakery, and marketplace. Since 1999, it has cultivated a variety of tropical fruits and spices, expanding from a roadside banana bread stand in 2006 to a full-scale operation, offering in-house products like hot sauces, candies, and spreads. The on-site Bamboo Hale restaurant serves farm-fresh dishes, including wood-fired pizzas and salads. Visitors can explore local produce, crafts, and sustainable practices, making it nice spot on the Road to Hana. We stopped here on the way back to our hotel for dinner, and everyone enjoyed it!
Kilo’s Kitchen (4673 Uakea Rd Hana)
Kilo’s Kitchen is a locally owned food trailer, serving delicious local Hawaiian dishes, daily specials, and hearty “local grinds.” It’s a perfect stop for those looking for authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Hana Bay Beach Park
This is a peaceful spot where you can relax with the locals on a “black” sand beach. While Hana may not have a downtown to walk, this beach offers an nice experience without the need for reservations or entry fees. Our kids absolutely loved the chance to play in the sand and surf here.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
Road Conditions and Challenges
The Road to Hana spans about 64 miles from Paia to Hana and features over 620 hairpin turns and 59 one-lane bridges. It’s a very long, windy road. The route is carved along the cliffs of Maui’s coastline, with dramatic drops ranging from 100 to 300 feet. This makes for breathtaking views but can be nerve-wracking for those who don’t like heights or prone to motion sickness. If anyone in your group is susceptible to car sickness, be prepared: our younger son, for example, struggled with this and got sick on the drive back.
Driving Logistics
The road is narrow and, at times, only wide enough for one car, meaning stops are frequent, not just for sightseeing, but due to road conditions, cars parked in places they are not supposed to, or unexpected animal crossings. If you’re unfamiliar with driving in such conditions, consider a guided tour. The road is on the side of a cliff. This isn’t great for people who don’t like heights. My husband, while an experienced driver, was really nervous driving.
Check Road Conditions
Always check road conditions before starting, so you know what you are heading into, or. if you should reschedule your journey for another day. Sometimes there are closed or unsafe roads, and the last thing you want is to drive for hours and find you can’t continue.
Check Weather Conditions
Rain is very common in Maui, and wet roads, low clouds, or fog can significantly impact driving safety. Always check current road and weather conditions on sites like the Maui Weather Forecast before setting off. Make sure to rent a car with all wheel drive, so you’ll be prepared for any conditions.
How Long is the Road to Hana?
A round trip from Paia to Hana can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on how many stops you make and traffic conditions. We spend the entire day, from 8 am to 9 pm, starting and finishing in our hotel in Wailea. It was challenging, especially with kids, but we did ultimately feel like it was worth it.
If the Road to Hana is a must for your vacation, there are some options to make it more manageable. First, you can choose to stay in a hotel in Paia to get a head start and avoid having to drive to the Hana Highway from your hotel elsewhere. Secondly, you can pack your luggage into your car and stay over in Hana to avoid having to drive back the way you came to your hotel.
Alternatively, some adventurous travelers choose to make the Road to Hana drive a multi-day excursion, continuing around the south side of Maui on the coastal highway after Hana. I personally wouldn’t recommend this with young kids, as the road is even more treacherous and the activities are primarily challenging hikes, but it is an option should this meet your family’s interests and activity level.
Safety
Remember that while exploring scenic spots, safety comes first. Many sites have guardrails for a reason. Refrain from crossing into potentially slippery or unstable areas, as the ground is almost always wet. Rocks near waterfalls are particularly slick and hazardous, so resist the temptation to climb or venture too close to the edge. And be very careful while crossing the Hana Highway, as a drivers are often coming around blind turns with little visibility into what lies ahead of them.
Packing List for the Road to Hana
When preparing for the Road to Hana, packing the right items can make a big difference:
- Cash: Essential for parking fees, roadside stands, and places that don’t accept cards.
- Bug Spray: Keeps pesky mosquitoes away, especially near waterfalls and in rainforests. Here is our favorite DEET-free option
- Sunscreen: This is the one I recommend that’s compliant with Hawaii’s reef protection guidelines.
- Water Shoes and Extra Clothes: Water shoes protect your feet at waterfalls and rocky areas, while a change of clothes keeps everyone comfortable after swimming or unexpected rain. These are the water sandals we like: Kids, Women’s and Men’s.
- Motion Sickness Meds and Vomit Bags: The winding road can induce motion sickness, especially in children. Try Dramamine for Kids, Kids Gravol, and Seabands for little ones, and keep vomit bags accessible, particularly on the ride back when you’ll be stopping less frequently.
- Snacks and Water: Pack a cooler filled with easy-to-eat snacks, fruits, sandwiches, and water to keep hunger at bay but also reduces unnecessary stops.
- These are the reusable water bottles we like: Water Bottles for kids, Water Bottles for adults
- Comfort Items: Bring wet wipes, hand sanitizer, towels, and trash bags for easy cleanup. These are helpful for cleaning up after swims or for those unfortunate moments when motion sickness strikes.
- First Aid Kit: Minor cuts and scrapes are common, especially if you’re visiting waterfalls or hiking short trails. A basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief medication is a must.
- Kids Entertainment: Long drives can be challenging for kids. Bring car-friendly activities, travel games, or play Eye Spy. I don’t recommend screen time, which can make little ones even more motion sick.
You can find more of our recommended items for Hawaii here.
Tips from a Parent
- Keep valuables out of sight: Break-ins are unfortunately common along the Hana Highway. If you’re driving a rental car, you’re already marked as a tourist. Keep valuables at home or hidden, and lock your vehicle securely whenever you step out.
- Keep an eye on the time: Each stop can take longer than expected, especially with kids. We recommend limiting time spent at each stop to ensure you can visit all the spots you plan to without feeling rushed on the return drive.
- Download your maps: While GPS works intermittently on the Road to Hana, having a downloaded map can guide you in areas with no signal.
Final Thoughts
If you decide to take on the Road to Hana with kids, set realistic expectations. Understand that you may not get to stop at every point of interest, and the drive itself is part of the experience. Adjusting your schedule, choosing stops that best suit your family’s pace, and prioritizing comfort can make all the difference.
While we loved aspects of the Road to Hana and saw a lot that we really enjoyed, I’m not sure we’d do it again until the kids were much older. I would additionally consider staying over along the road and taking it as a multi-day trip.
If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you improve your family’s adventures.
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