Road to Hana: A Day of Black Sand, Lava Tubes, and Sweet Island Surprises in maui
- Misty Pollina
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Misty recently took the legendary Road to Hana with a fellow travel advisor, and it reminded us why this journey is on so many Maui bucket lists. Partnering with Maui Town Car for a private, comfortable drive meant we could focus on what matters: the views, the flavors, and the stories behind each stop. Along the way we also pulled over at a few of those irresistible roadside fruit stands for just-picked mangoes, pineapples, and lilikoi. Below is our detailed route, with tips, fun facts, and planning intel you can use to craft your own perfect day.
Ke‘anae Peninsula & Ke‘anae Beach
The Ke‘anae Peninsula is one of the most culturally significant stops on the Road to Hana: a rugged lava-rock coastline, powerful surf, and wide taro patches (lo‘i) that locals have cultivated for generations. Legend says soil was carried down by hand to transform the rough lava flow into fertile farmland. As you take in the views, you’ll also spot the historic stone Ke‘anae Congregational Church (built in 1856), a survivor of the 1946 tsunami.
Tip: Respect the ocean here (and everywhere), this is not a swimming beach, but it’s a spectacular place for photos and a window into traditional taro farming.
Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread (Ke‘anae)
Warm, fragrant, and famous, Aunt Sandy’s is the unofficial mascot of Ke‘anae. The stand typically operates Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and closes Sundays and major holidays. Arrive early before it sells out, then enjoy a slice on the peninsula as waves crash on jet-black lava rock.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
Home to Maui’s iconic black sand beach, lava tubes, sea arches, and blowholes, Waiʻānapanapa is a must. Timed parking/entry reservations are required for non-residents (available up to 30 days in advance). The park is open daily 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and sturdy shoes for the coastal trail, tiny, polished lava pebbles replace “sand” here, and they can get hot underfoot.
Koki Beach + Huli Huli Chicken
Just south of Hāna town, Koki Beach charms with red-tinged sand and views toward ‘Ālau Island. Even better, you’ll often find the beloved Huli Huli Chicken stand near the beach, an open-fire, turn-and-baste (“huli”) method that yields smoky, juicy perfection. It generally opens late morning/around noon and serves until sold out, so plan to arrive on the earlier side.
Hāna Lava Tube (Ka‘eleku Cavern)
Step into Maui’s volcanic past inside Ka‘eleku, an accessible show cave formed by ancient lava flows. Self-guided tours take ~40 minutes and are typically offered daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It’s a cool, dark change of pace from coastal stops—bring closed-toe shoes and be prepared for uneven ground.
Coconut Glen’s (Mile Marker 27½)
A joyful splash of color and flavor on the Hāna Highway, Coconut Glen’s scoops 100% vegan, coconut-milk-based ice cream in island-forward flavors like lilikoi and pineapple. The stand sits around Mile Marker 27½ and is an easy “just because” stop when you need something cold and sweet.
Pua‘a Ka‘a State Wayside
This rain-forest rest area (around Mile Marker 22.5) is a great place to stretch your legs and admire small, scenic waterfalls and pools right off the highway. Facilities are basic, and conditions can change quickly with rain—watch footing on wet rocks and respect posted signs.
Roadside Fruit Stands
One of our favorite parts of the day? Pulling off at little fruit stands that appear like mirages between switchbacks. It’s all part of the Road to Hana rhythm—cash is king, and what’s on offer shifts with the season (think mango, pineapple, banana, coconut, starfruit, and more).
How We Rolled: Private Transport with Maui Town Car
Having a knowledgeable driver made the day effortless: we kept our eyes on the coastline and our minds on the experience. Private tours also help with pacing, parking, and timing trickier stops like Waiʻānapanapa amid timed-entry windows.
Planning Tips (Save This!)
Book Waiʻānapanapa entry/parking ahead of time. Slots can sell out quickly in peak periods.
Start early, and expect the whole day to unfold at island pace (the drive is about the journey, not the finish line).
Wear sturdy shoes for lava-rock terrain; pack reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snacks.
Ocean safety first: many Road to Hana beaches are for viewing, not swimming, due to currents and shorebreak.
Respect the ‘āina (land): stick to marked paths, don’t touch or remove lava rocks or black sand, and always pack out your trash.
Ready to book your own trip to Maui to experience the Road to Hana? Let us help you plan your dream vacation tailored to you! Visit www.thepixieplanner.com/blog1 or reach out to your favorite Pixie Planner to request your free quote today!