Road to Hana Day Trip from Lahaina: A Full-Day Adventure Through Maui’s Wild East
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable with long days on your feet and short hikes on uneven, wet terrain; minimal overall endurance required but expect repeated standing and short walks.
Overview
Drive 54 miles of cliffside highway, cross 69 single-lane bridges and stop at bamboo forests, black-sand beaches, waterfalls and taro farms on a full-day Road to Hana tour from Lahaina. Expect a long, wet, unforgettable day—bring water shoes and motion-sickness meds.
Road to Hana Day Trip from Lahaina: A Full-Day Adventure Through Maui’s Wild East
Select participants and date
The van peels away from Lahaina before sunrise, headlights cutting across a coastal ribbon of asphalt that promises both beauty and boredom-defying turns. By mid-morning the ocean has traded placid blues for a stitched pattern of surf and reef; by the time the road narrows to one lane and bamboo arches overhead, the rhythm of the day is measured in waterfalls and single-lane bridges. This is the Road to Hana—54 miles of cliff-hugging highway, 640 curves and hairpin turns, and a full-day itinerary that reads like a naturalist’s field guide.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Choose your seat
Sit on the right side of the van for the best coastal views on the drive out and the left for return views; request early if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Pack water shoes
Many waterfall and beach stops have sharp or slippery rock—water shoes make wading and short swims much safer and more comfortable.
Bring motion-sickness meds
The route’s 640 curves are thrilling but can trigger nausea; take medication before the road gets twisty.
Download directions and offline maps
Cell service drops in many sections; download an offline map and save the meeting spot details in case you’re separated from the group.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles (honu) basking on windward beaches
- Native birds such as the ‘apapane and huili near the rainforest groves
History
The Hana coast was settled early by Polynesian voyagers; lo‘i kalo (taro terraces) and small coastal communities still practice traditional cultivation methods.
Conservation
East Maui’s fragile coastal and freshwater ecosystems are sensitive to foot traffic and non-native species—stay on trails, avoid removing rocks or plants, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect nearshore waters.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Lahaina
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky waterfall entry points and slippery black-sand beaches.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Trade-wind showers are common—stay dry and warm between stops.
spring specific
Reusable water bottle with filter
Refillable bottle keeps you hydrated across long stretches and reduces plastic use.
Sturdy trail sandals or hiking shoes
Good traction for short, uneven trails and stream crossings at pool and waterfall stops.