Road to Hana Rainforest, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Lunch

The Road to Hana Rainforest, Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Lunch tour offers a full-day adventure across one of Maui’s most iconic scenic routes. Priced at $215.99 per person, this tour spans approximately 9 to 10 hours and includes hotel pickup, making it a well-organized way to explore Maui’s natural beauty without the stress of driving yourself. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 17 reviews, it’s clear that visitors find this experience both enjoyable and memorable. The tour is especially suitable for those who appreciate stunning landscapes, expert guidance, and a leisurely pace.

One of the tour’s biggest strengths is that it covers many of Maui’s top sights, from waterfalls and black sand beaches to small villages and lush rainforests. The inclusion of a picnic-style lunch, bottled water, and snacks adds to the value. While the tour is quite long, most guests find it well-paced thanks to knowledgeable guides and the variety of stops along the route.

Key Points

• Full-day Maui Tour covering Road to Hana, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and local villages
• Price of $215.99 per person, including lunch and beverages
• Duration of around 9 to 10 hours, with hotel pickup available
• Expert guides like Roger and Eric receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness
• Stops at Wai’anapanapa State Park, Wailua Falls, and Keanae Peninsula offer iconic Maui scenery
• The tour is suitable for those comfortable with a long, curvy drive and interested in exploring less-visited areas

The Route: From Kahului to Hana and Beyond

This tour departs early from Lahaina Cannery Mall at 5:45 am, with options for pickup from certain locations. The journey covers 64.4 miles of Hana Highway, one of the world’s most famous coastal roads. You’ll pass 59 single-lane bridges and navigate over 640 turns, all through dense, tropical rainforest. This drive offers unforgettable views of mountains, coastlines, and waterfalls as it winds along the coast.

One notable feature is that the guides expertly handle the driving, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery, which is especially appreciated given the numerous curves and narrow stretches. The tour often detours around traffic or accidents, providing a safe and comfortable experience.

Visiting Small Villages and Historic Sites

Early in the drive, Pia stands out as a charming historic town known for its colorful storefronts, art galleries, and local eateries. The town reflects Maui’s plantation roots and offers an authentic glimpse into island life. The Keanae Peninsula is another highlight, where traditional farming—like taro and banana cultivation—continues. Here, visitors can stop at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread stand, a family-run spot famous for hot, baked banana bread since 1983.

The tour also passes through Wailua Valley, rich in Hawaiian culture and history, with ancient taro patches and stories of land cultivation. These cultural stops give context to Maui’s landscape while offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Waterfalls and Scenic Views Along the Highway

Waterfalls are a major attraction on this trip. Twin Falls is the first accessible waterfall, followed by Haipua’ena Falls, which is less crowded due to its off-the-beaten-path trail. The Upper Waikani Falls, known as Three Bears, features three parallel cascades of differing heights, providing a striking photo backdrop.

Wailua Falls is easily visible from the road and requires no walking, making it a quick but impressive stop. Further inland, Kaeleku Cave—the largest lava tube accessible on Maui—offers a glimpse into the island’s volcanic past, with underground tunnels formed by ancient lava flows.

Black Sand Beaches and Wai’anapanapa State Park

Wai’anapanapa State Park is famed for its black sand beach, formed from recent lava flows just 10,000 years ago. Visitors can walk along the bay’s edge and admire the cobalt blue waters contrasted with black lava rocks, an extraordinary sight for photography and relaxation. The park also features freshwater caves and a curved coastline perfect for sitting under shade trees and soaking in the scenery.

The tour includes a picnic lunch here, allowing ample time to enjoy the surroundings. The black sand and blue waters make this spot one of Maui’s most striking natural features.

Waterfall Swimming and Safety Tips

Pua’a Kaa’a Falls resides inside a state park and offers freshwater pools for swimming. Guests can choose to swim at their own risk, though some areas may be challenging to access due to dangerous rocks, especially for those over 35 or with mobility concerns. The guide provides information, but visitors should use caution and assess their comfort levels.

Honomanu Bay and other scenic viewpoints further enhance the experience, offering sweeping views of the Ke’anae Peninsula and Honomanu Bay itself. These are perfect spots for taking photos or simply appreciating the landscape.

Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees and Unique Flora

A highlight for plant lovers is the Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees, which display bright patches of green, blue, purple, orange, and maroon bark that shed throughout the year. These trees can grow over 200 feet tall and are considered some of the most beautiful trees on earth. The brief stops here let guests marvel at this natural palette and take photos of the vivid bark.

Practicalities: Food, Comfort, and Group Size

The tour includes lunch—a picnic-style assortment of homemade sandwiches (ham, turkey, or veggie), plus fresh locally grown fruit and Hawaiian cane juice. Snacks like chips, granola bars, and fresh pineapple are also provided. Guests are encouraged to specify their lunch preference when booking.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, which helps maintain a personalized experience. The vehicle is air-conditioned and equipped for comfort throughout the long drive.

Guides and Customer Experience

Guides like Roger, Eric, and Quinn consistently receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism. They skillfully balance narration, safety, and a relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews mention how guides share cultural insights and local stories, making the trip both fun and informative.

Guests appreciate the attention to timing, with guides keeping the tour on schedule while allowing enough time at each stop for photos and exploration. Some reviewers suggest adding more time at Wai’anapanapa State Park, especially for walking along the black sand beach.

Logistics and Booking Details

The tour departs early, at 5:45 am, from Lahaina Cannery Mall. Hotel pickups are included if you specify your location during booking; otherwise, meet at the designated spot. The tour is not suitable for those in Napili-Honokowai, Kahana, or Kapalua, as pickups aren’t available there.

Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance, and weather-related cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled. Be aware that the tour can be affected by traffic or unforeseen circumstances, so flexibility is advised.

Final Thoughts on the Road to Hana Tour

This tour provides a comprehensive, well-organized way to see Maui’s best natural attractions without the hassle of driving. With expert guides, beautiful stops, and delicious local food, it appeals most to visitors seeking a comfortable, informative journey through Maui’s lush landscapes.

While the long day and winding roads may be tiring for some, the diverse stops and stunning scenery make it a worthwhile investment. Most guests rate it perfectly and recommend asking for guides like Roger or Quinn for an extra special experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you specify your hotel during booking. Pickup is available from specific locations, with some exceptions.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting at 5:45 am and returning to the original meeting point at the end of the day.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour provides standard lunch options—ham, turkey, or veggie sandwiches—but no special diets can be accommodated. Guests with food allergies or specific needs should bring their own food.

What stops are the highlights?
Major highlights include Wai’anapanapa State Park’s black sand beach, Wailua Falls, Twin Falls, Hana Bay, Kaeleku Cave, and Honomanu Bay.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I swim at the waterfalls or beaches?
Yes, swimming is possible at Pua’a Kaa’a Falls and other freshwater pools, but guests should exercise caution, especially around dangerous rocks and fast-moving water.

What makes this tour stand out?
The knowledgeable guides, carefully curated stops, and delicious local lunch set this tour apart. The ability to relax and enjoy the scenery without driving makes it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive Maui experience.