Famous Road to Hana Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach & Lunch

Discover Maui’s Iconic Road to Hana Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach for $218.99

The Famous Road to Hana Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach & Lunch tour offers a comprehensive day exploring one of Maui’s most celebrated scenic routes. Priced at $218.99 per person, this 8 to 9-hour small-group journey is designed to showcase stunning waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, and lush landscapes. Led by a knowledgeable guide in an air-conditioned vehicle, the tour provides pickup from most resorts and hotels—a convenient start for visitors staying across Maui.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on natural beauty combined with cultural storytelling. The guide’s insights help bring the route’s history and legends to life, while the carefully curated stops include beautiful waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and a delicious picnic lunch. Though it’s long, the tour’s small-group setting ensures personalized attention. It’s particularly suited for those eager to see Maui’s most famous sights without the hassle of self-driving or crowded tours.

Key Points

• Small-group luxury experience with a maximum of 14 travelers ensures more personal attention
• Includes a homemade picnic lunch with sandwiches, Maui pineapple, snacks, and Hawaiian cane juice
• Stops at key landmarks such as Twin Falls, Wai’anapanapa State Park, and Keanae Peninsula
• Expert narration offers stories about Maui’s history, legends, and natural features
• Stunning waterfalls and black sand beach provide picture-perfect moments
• Tour duration of 8 to 9 hours suits travelers wanting a full day of exploration

Starting Your Day at Hana Highway with Historic Paia

The tour begins early, departing at 5:45 am, with convenient pickup from most Maui resorts and hotels. The first stop is Paia, a small historic town just four miles into the drive from Kahului. Paia’s vibrant atmosphere and coastal charm set the tone for an adventurous day ahead. From here, the Hana Highway, the world’s longest scenic coastal route at 64.4 miles, becomes the focus of your journey.

This route is famous for its winding roads along rugged cliffs, offering sweeping ocean views and lush greenery. The early start is ideal for avoiding heavy traffic and crowding, allowing for a more relaxed experience at each stop.

Watching Windsurfers and Sea Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park

A quick 15-minute stop at Ho’okipa Beach highlights Maui’s reputation as the windsurfing capital of the world. Here, you see windsurfers, kite boarders, and surfers challenging the ocean waves, providing a lively spectacle. The shoreline is also a haven for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, often basking on the beach for a close-up view.

This stop offers a chance to appreciate Maui’s active coastal lifestyle and capture photos of surfers riding the tradewinds. The beach’s natural beauty and wildlife make it a memorable part of the tour.

Exploring Twin Falls and Small Waterfalls Along the Route

Next, the journey takes you to Twin Falls, the first accessible waterfalls and pools along the Road to Hana. Known for its inviting swimming holes, Twin Falls is a favorite for its ease of access and scenic cascades.

Further along, Haipua’ena Falls presents a quieter, less-trafficked waterfall and pool accessible via a short, often muddy trail. Its secluded setting offers a peaceful spot for photos and a quick dip if desired. These waterfalls are among the most iconic stops, offering natural refreshment and picture-perfect scenery.

Visiting Keanae Peninsula and Scenic Overlooks

Keanae Point is a dramatic half-mile stretch of lava rock that juts into the ocean, offering dramatic views of the coastline. The Ke’anae Peninsula features recent lava flows and lush taro fields, visible from the Keanae Overlook near Mile Marker 17. Visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the ocean and the ancient lava formations.

Just beyond, the Upper Waikani Falls—also called Three Bears—entertain with their three-tiered cascade, perfect for photos and appreciating Maui’s volcanic landscape. These stops highlight the route’s geological history and vibrant natural scenery.

Sampling Aunty Sandy’s Famous Banana Bread

A highlight for many visitors is Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, a roadside stand famous enough to catch the attention of Gordon Ramsay. The homemade sandwiches on WW bread—with ham, turkey, or veggie options—are served picnic-style, paired with locally grown Maui pineapple, granola bars, chips, and Hawaiian cane juice.

This treat break offers a taste of authentic Hawaiian flavors and a chance to relax amid stunning surroundings. The banana bread’s popularity enhances the stop’s appeal, making it a memorable snack in the midst of the scenic drive.

Visiting Wainapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach

Wainapanapa State Park is renowned for its glittering black sand beach, rugged coastline, and caves. The admission ticket is included in the tour, and visitors spend about an hour exploring the dramatic coast and taking photos of the black sands contrasted against the blue ocean.

This spot showcases nature’s raw power and beauty, with volcanic sands and coastal blowholes. It’s a must-see stop offering both scenic views and opportunities for short walks along the coastline.

Cooling Off at Pua’a Ka’a State Park

A favorite stop for its natural swimming hole and waterfall, Pua’a Ka’a State Park provides an ideal spot to cool off. The water from a natural spring is incredibly clean, though cold, making it perfect for a quick refresh. Visitors typically spend about 45 minutes here enjoying the tranquil setting.

The park’s lush surroundings and fresh water create a peaceful environment, ideal for a relaxing break amid the busy day of sightseeing.

Scenic Views from Wailua Valley State Wayside Park

Just past mile marker #19, Wailua Valley State Wayside Park offers stunning panoramic views. Stairs lead to a vantage point where visitors see Wailua Valley, Keanae Peninsula, distant waterfalls, and the Koolau Gap. The 10-minute stop provides a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Maui’s diverse terrain.

This scenic outlook encapsulates the volcanic and agricultural landscapes that define the island’s beauty.

Secluded Honomanu Bay and the Honomanu Valley

Honomanu Bay offers a more tranquil experience, favored by fishermen, surfers, and local families. The bay rests at the base of Honomanu Valley, one of Maui’s largest valleys, with rises reaching 7,000 feet. The stop lasts about 5 minutes, enough to soak in the peaceful seclusion and coastal views.

The surrounding volcanic landscape and lush valleys add a layer of solitude to the tour, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat.

Unique Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees and Lava Tube Exploration

The tour also features stops at Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees, renowned for their bright, peeling bark displaying shades of green, blue, purple, and orange. Many consider these some of the most beautiful trees on earth. The 5-minute stop offers excellent photo opportunities.

Further, the Hana Lava Tube, the 18th largest in the world, presents an immersive experience through an extensive cave with heights up to 40 feet. Visitors explore winding passages filled with volcanic formations, adding an adventurous element to the day.

Wrapping Up at Hana Bay Park and Final Sights

The journey concludes at Hana Bay Park, a central location serving as the town’s hub for locals and visitors alike. This beach park provides a relaxed setting to reflect on the day’s highlights. The tour ends back at the starting point, with a drop-off service included.

The tour’s comprehensive stops and engaging narration make it ideal for those looking to combine scenic beauty with cultural stories and delicious food.

Final Thoughts on the Road to Hana Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Tour

This small-group tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Maui’s most famous sights along the Road to Hana. With expert guides, delicious picnic lunch, and the chance to see waterfalls, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes, it appeals to travelers eager for a full day of natural wonders.

While the long duration might be tiring for some, the personalized attention and carefully curated stops compensate for that. The tour is best suited for those who love scenic drives, waterfalls, and coastal vistas, and don’t mind a full day on the road.

This experience provides a comprehensive, comfortable, and scenic way to discover Maui’s most iconic route, making it a memorable highlight of any trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include a visit to the Seven Sacred Pools?
No, the Seven Sacred Pools are not included as they have been closed to the public for several years.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features homemade sandwiches (ham, turkey, or veggie on WW bread), Maui pineapple, granola bars, chips, and Hawaiian cane juice. No dietary modifications are available; guests must bring their own if needed.

What stops are the most photogenic?
Keanae Peninsula, Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees, Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, and Hana Bay Park are particularly notable for their scenic views and photo opportunities.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting early at 5:45 am and ending at the original meeting point.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered at most resorts and hotels, with an air-conditioned vehicle ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Are children and all physical fitness levels accommodated?
Most travelers can participate, but comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. The stops involve short walks and minimal physical exertion.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, a different date or full refund is offered.

How many people are in each tour group?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience than larger coach tours.

Can I customize my lunch or stop preferences?
No, the lunch options are limited to ham, turkey, or veggie sandwiches. Special diets are not accommodated, so bring your own food if necessary.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 55 days in advance, highlighting the tour’s popularity and the need for early reservation.

This tour balances scenic exploration with cultural storytelling, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to see Maui’s natural beauty in comfort and style.