Eat, drink, and do on the Road to Hana!

Are you planning a trip to Maui and looking for a must-do experience? Consider driving the Road to Hana, a scenic route on the eastern coast of the island that spans over 50 miles with over 600 curves and 50+ one-lane bridges. Road to Hana was my favorite day of our trip! One of the things that surprised me the most about planning our Road to Hana itinerary was how many stops there are. After many hours of research we finally narrowed it down to a list that was manageable for a 1-day roadtrip. For reference, we stayed in Kihei in Maui and we left a 6am and arrived at Mama’s Fish House for an 8pm reservation.

To make the most of your trip, here is an itinerary of recommended stops based on my recent trip to Maui:

Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread: Start your day at mile marker 16 with some delicious banana bread and coconut candy at Aunt Sandy’s, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. We also stopped at Hana Farms in the afternoon, and my favorite was Aunty Sandy’s!

Ke’anae Peninsula: Next to Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread are breathtaking views of the Ke’anae Peninsula. The views and crashing waves are the perfect location to enjoy your banana bread and other Aunty Sandy’s treats.

Pipiwai Trail Hike: At mile marker 42, head to the Kipahulu Visitor Center in Haleakala National Park for the Pipiwai Trail Hike, a four-mile round trip trail that leads you through a bamboo forest and ends at the stunning Waimoku Falls. I recommend wearing hiking boots and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy! During the rainy season, the trails can be very muddy and hiking boots will help with the uneven and rocky trail.

Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill: On the way to Wai’apanapa State Park from Haleakala National Park, grab lunch at Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill, a food truck serving up delicious BBQ plates. This is a small family-owned food truck and the food was worth the stop. We heard good things about Huli Huli Chicken, but only had time for one stop.

Wai’apanapa State Park: At mile marker 32, make a reservation to visit Wai’apanapa State Park to see the stunning black sand beach, lava tube, and Waianapanapa Coastal Trail. Bonus: they have showers at the park’s outdoor facilities. Make a reservation here.

Hana Farms: At mile marker 31, stop by Hana Farms for more banana bread and other treats. They have a beautiful outdoor seating area if you are traveling with a large group or kids — and it’s a great place to grab a coffee before the drive home.

Mama’s Fish House: End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at Mama’s Fish House. Try to make a reservation for sunset and arrive early to enjoy the stunning ocean view. Make a dining reservation here.

To make the most of your Road to Hana trip, plan to leave early, and try to arrive at Pipiwai Trail Hike as close to 10am as possible. The parking lot fills up quickly! Also, be sure to bring plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen, as many stops on the route do not have food or water available. With this itinerary, you’ll experience some of the best sights and eats that the Road to Hana has to offer.