Driving the Road to Hana on the northeast coastline of Maui, Hawaii makes for the perfect scenic road trip. My husband and I chose to spend our first year wedding anniversary in Maui, discovering the lush valleys, rushing waterfalls, and stunning beaches along the Hana highway. It was 64 miles or 100 kilometers of pure driving pleasure.

The Road to Hana has the ability to leave one breathless for more than one reason – partly because of the winding road with its 600 curves and 54 bridges and partly because of the amazingly beautiful attractions along the way.

Some rightly say the Road to Hana is about the journey and not the destination while others insist it is both the journey and the destination. What we do agree on, is that the journey shouldn’t be rushed. Here is a guide to help you decide where to stop to discover the absolute highlights while driving the Road to Hana.

If you want to see surfers taking on some of the best waves in the world, Ho’okipa Lookout is the place to stop after Paia Town. The waves at Ho’okipa get pretty massive, especially in winter. There are picnic tables and an observation deck from where to watch the kite boarders and wind surfers in action. Enjoy some of the local food and drinks from the food trucks on the spot.

If sitting and watching are not your style, a walk on the beach and dipping your toes in the water is a great idea but leave the surfing for the professionals. A good time to be on the beach is around sunset when the Hawaiian green sea turtles come out of the water. They are protected sea animals, so don’t go too close. Local rangers who keep an eye on them will gladly answer your questions.

The Hana rainforest is home to groves of unique rainbow Eucalyptus trees. A great spot to see them is near the 7-mile marker on the Hana Highway. It almost looks as if someone painted on the trees, but the colors are all natural. The streaks of color are the result of the outer bark being shredded at different times of the year. This leaves the bright-green inner bark exposed, which then darkens and turns into different shades over time.

Look out for a small shoulder where a few cars can park on the right of the road just before mile marker 7. The “painted” Eucalyptus trees are on your left. If the parking area is full, there is also another opportunity to pull off further ahead.

This beautiful, short nature trail takes you through bamboo, trees, and ferns with scenic overlooks along the way. Start keeping your eyes open for the parking lot soon after driving the Road to Hana 9-mile marker. It is a little over half a mile past this marker but around a bend.

The Waikamoi Ridge Trail starts at the picnic spot near the parking lot. It consists of two sections, with the first a 0.8-mile circular route taking about half an hour, and the other branching out from the loop. The total distance is around 1.5 miles. A good tip is to spray for mosquitoes before you start.

While driving the Road to Hana, watch out for the road to Keanae on the left past the 16-mile marker. It leads to the traditional Hawaiian village of Kaenae where the locals still cultivate taro fields. The Kaenae peninsula is popular with fishermen and photographers in search of Maui’s famous north shore waves. The jagged shoreline, characterized by black lava rocks, makes swimming dangerous. In fact, it is prohibited in Kaenae.

Take some time to stop at the stone church on your way to or from Kaenae. It dates to 1856 and was the only building left standing after a devastating tsunami hit the area in 1946, killing 24 people. There is a stand close to the church where you can buy a smoothie or some coconut candy.

Hamoa Beach, at mile marker 50, is one of the best beaches for swimming and sunbathing on the Road to Hana. Just be prepared to walk down a steep hill to get there after parking next to the road. The beach is family-friendly but always keep an eye out for sudden changes in conditions as there are no outlying reefs to protect it.

Trees provide plenty of shade on Hamoa Beach. It deserves its status as one of Maui’s best beaches with facilities like restrooms, showers and foot washing stations before you walk back to your car. Just take note that there are no lifeguards.

You must be blind to miss Wailua Falls at the 45-mile marker. Given its position right next to the road en route to the Pools of ‘Ohe’o past Hana, it is also the most photographed waterfall in Maui. Fortunately, there is plenty of parking for everyone making the convenient stop.

While most people only walk to the bridge to take their pictures from there, it is worth avoiding the crowds by walking down to the pool. You can even take a dip if you want to.

Find out more about things to do and travel recommendations for the other Hawaiian islands in my posts Kauai, Hawaii | Dramatic Cliffs, Tropical Rainforests and Pristine Beaches and Best Places to Visit in Oahu Hawaii.

Have you been to Maui? Any tips and recommendations for driving the Road to Hana?
Which was your favorite stop? Comment below!