
easy
8–9 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to board a bus and walk short uneven trails
Take the iconic Road to Hana in a single day from Kahului: 68 miles, nearly 600 curves, lush rainforest lookouts, black-sand beaches and a local lunch in Hana. This guided shore excursion packs East Maui’s highlights into an organized, narrative-driven day.
The bus eases out of Kahului harbor before dawn, headlights cutting through the soft offshore haze as Maui unfurls to the east. Window seats are prime real estate on this 68-mile coastal ribbon — the Road to Hana — where hairpins number in the hundreds and the landscape keeps changing like scenes in a slow film: raw lava cliffs, steep taro terraces, and rainforest gullies where waterfalls push themselves over the edges.

Choose a forward-facing seat where you can see the road and bring ginger chews or anti-nausea medication; the route has many tight curves.
East-facing exposure and sudden showers mean a sun hat, sunscreen, and a light waterproof layer are smart all-day choices.
Not all scenic pullouts are public — follow your guide’s instructions and avoid parking on private driveways or walking past fences.
While lunch is included at Tony’s Place, small roadside stands and donation boxes may be cash-only—bring a few bills.
Hana and its surrounding ahupuaʻa (land divisions) retain deep ancestral significance; Piilanihale Heiau nearby is the largest known pre-contact temple complex in Hawaii.
East Maui’s ecosystems are fragile — stick to marked paths, avoid removing shells or plants, and support local vendors who follow sustainable harvesting and fishing practices.
Short trails, rocky beaches and natural pools require supportive footwear.
Tropical showers can arrive suddenly along the coast and in rainforest areas.
spring specific
Open coastal lookouts expose you to strong sun; protection reduces fatigue and sunburn.
summer specific
Keep hydrated on the long day; water refill options are limited in remote spots.