Hana Highway hugs the Maui Coastline.

One of the top things to do in Hawaii is drive the Road to Hana in Maui.  The centuries old path is dotted with spectacular scenery, rustic towns and plenty of Hawaiian culture.  Fill the car up with gas, pack a picnic lunch and hit the road to discover the “Highway to Heaven.” 

Here’s a few of the top sights to look for on your journey:

·        Twin Falls:  These easily accessible falls feature several deep, emerald pools sparking beneath cascading waterfalls.  Swimming and photo opportunities are a highlight.  Location: Past mile marker 2.

·        Waikamoi Nature Trail: A short but sometimes muddy trail leads you to coastal views.  Great for non-hikers who just want to stretch their legs, the trail is lined with tall eucalyptus trees and fragrant ginger. Location: Between mile markers 9 and 10.

·        Puohokamoa Falls: Make sure you see both the upper and lower sections of Puohokamoa Falls as many people visit only the upper section, and miss the gorgeous 200-foot cascading waterfall on the lower section.  A short walk along an easily accessible path takes you to the spectacular waterfall tumbling over a tall green cliff. The falls are best seen from the Puohokamoa Lookout Point. Location: Between mile markers 10 and 11.

·        Keanae Arboretum: This stop offers a bit more challenging hike, plenty of plant life and is a great spot for photos.  About 150 tropical plants can be found here and the Piinaau Stream meanders around the arboretum creating a swimming pond.  Two short walking trails leads guests to a beautiful forest and if you’re up for even more scenic views head a ½ mile down the highway to Keanae Overlook, which has some fantastic views of Haleakala.  Location: Mile marker 17.

·        Wailua Overlook: You can see Wailua Canyon from the parking lot and after you walk up a set of steps you have a view of Wailua Village and signature sight in Hawaii – water-logged taro patches. Make time to see the church made of coral – once known as St. Gabriel’s – as it is steeped in legend.  When locals decided to build a church a storm washed up just enough coral to build the church and then took any excess coral back to sea.  Location: Near mile marker 21.

·        Waikani Falls: Also known as “Three Bears Falls,” this stop is an absolute must for any Road to Hana adventurer.  The nickname is derived from the fact each waterfall is taller than the next like a family of bears.  The Waikani Falls are some of the most dramatic falls in East Maui.  Location: Past mile marker 21.

·        Hana Lava Tube: Also known as “Kaeleku Caverns,” the Hana Lava Tube is Maui’s largest lave tube.  During a visit here, you can take a self-guided 30-40 minute tour accentuated by colorful underworld formations.  The tour is offered daily from 10:30am-4pm.  Cost is $11.95.  Location: One mile off Ulaino Rd.

·        Waianapanapa State Park Maui: This 122-acre state park is home to a black sand beach, dramatic sea caves, natural stone arch hiking trails, and has remnants of Old King’s Highway.  If you hike to the lighthouse, you’ll have gorgeous views of the bay.  Location: Right past mile marker 32.

·        Hamoa Beach: The 100-foot-wide beach is about 900 feet long and sits below 30-foot, black-lava sea cliffs. Sea cliffs surround the bay and the vegetation is lush. This beach has been voted one of Hawaii's favorite beaches.  Location: One mile past Hana, near mile marker 51, turn left on left onto Haneo’o Road.  

Traveling along the Road to Hana, you’ll have an up-close look at the true, natural beauty of Maui.  The road, which has 600 curves and 59 bridges, winds through lush tropical forests, scenic ravines and cascading waterfalls.  Ocean cliffs, lava coastlines and incredible black and white sand beaches line the way.  The road, which follows and ancient Hawaiian foot trail, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.