Romance and adventure are two of the top travel experiences on the Road to Hana on Maui. Most of the places available to explore along the Hana Highway promise excitement, adventure, mystery, and the chance to be far away from everyday life.
East Maui in itself is a land of rugged, natural beauty… secluded and tucked away from the livelier central Maui and resort areas. The tropical rainforests, picturesque waterfalls and exotic beaches are all invitations to get away from it all and kindle passion and romance.
Here are some of our favorite places to visit with the one you love:
1) HO’OKIPA LOOKOUT
Get your journey started watching surfers, spotting sea turtles and taking in the views of the beautiful coastline.
2) THE DRIVE
Once you go past Ho’okipa, you start to really get a feel for the Hana Highway and the wonders to come. Don’t fall for the negativity you hear online and jokes about near-divorces after driving to Hana as a couple. Driving to Hana is very romantic! Put on your favorite Hawaiian soundtrack (along with our guide, of course), take the top off your Jeep, and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the magical rainforest.
3) GARDEN OF EDEN ARBORETUM
The Garden of Eden is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in all of Hawaii. Stroll through tropical flowers, banana trees, bamboo… pretty waterfall views, and who doesn’t love the peacocks that roam the grounds?!
4) HAIPUA’ENA FALLS
A little past Garden of Eden is a waterfall just off the highway that’s also a great swimming hole when the waterfall isn’t too strong. Always proceed with caution.
5) KEANAE COASTLINE
Don’t miss the turn into Keanae, because you’ll miss out on what we think is the best banana bread on the island at Aunty Sandy’s. At the end of the road the coastline opens up to some incredible views. This is nearly halfway to Hana town, so it’s a perfect place for a snack.
6) WAIANAPANAPA STATE PARK
Steal a kiss at black sand beach, just don’t steal the lava rock! Insider’s tip: if you’re spending the night in Hana, come here early in the morning before the crowds, and you may just have the beach to yourselves!
7) HANA MAUI RESORT
Hana Maui Resort is consistently named one of the top resorts in Hawaii by multiple publications. Rightfully so, as the staff assist guests in immersing themselves in Hawaiian traditions and adventures; or leaving you to the privacy of your oceanfront sea cottage. https://www.hanamauiresort.com/
8) WAILUA FALLS
Beyond Hana town there are more romantic adventures, and one of our favorites is Wailua Falls. Again, another great swim-in-a-waterfall option if it’s not too rough. Just use caution when navigating the trail. Always a wonderful photo opportunity from the bridge’s edge.
9) PIPIWAI TRAIL TO WAIMOKU FALLS
The trail head is located within the Kipahulu entrance of Haleakala National Park. Allow at least 2 hours to hike to Waimoku Falls and back. It’s a moderate hike, but you’re rewarded with a 400’ tall waterfall at the end, as well as a massive banyan tree and bamboo forest along the way.
10) BEYOND HANA
Honestly, our favorite part of Maui! From Kipahulu, proceed around the back side of Haleakala to a landscape like no other. It’s a remote, desolate, yet beautiful part of Maui. The road is rough for a few miles, but passable. We love to take in the views, stop for a picnic and talk about our adventures we’ve had along the way. If you time it right, you can watch the sunset from Upcountry. It’s spectacular!