The Road to Hana
So again, on this trip we decide to start out by heading straight to Hana for the first part of our trip and then end up in Kaanapali. To make this easier, we stayed a night in Kahului which saved us about 30-45 on the drive. Even if you are just planning to day trip it to Hana and back, it's a good idea to do this drive one of your first days in Hawaii because you'll probably be waking up early anyway and can get a jump on the day!
The drive to Hana from Kaanapali is about 75 miles in distance but you can plan on each way taking about 2 to 3 hours depending on stops and traffic. It is a beautiful drive with ocean views nearly the entire way so don't think of it as a drive to get from point A to point B but rather as a trip or an experience. If you are able to stay a night or 2 in Hana, this will make the drive even more worthwhile and really give you a chance to explore all of Hana! (More about places to stay in Hana here) .
So, before you take off check out some of the stops along the way so that you'll know what to look for- though often all the cars parked will clue you in to some of the stops. Here's an excellent site with all the details or read below for our take on it. https://roadtohana.com/sights.php
The drive to Hana from Kaanapali is about 75 miles in distance but you can plan on each way taking about 2 to 3 hours depending on stops and traffic. It is a beautiful drive with ocean views nearly the entire way so don't think of it as a drive to get from point A to point B but rather as a trip or an experience. If you are able to stay a night or 2 in Hana, this will make the drive even more worthwhile and really give you a chance to explore all of Hana! (More about places to stay in Hana here) .
So, before you take off check out some of the stops along the way so that you'll know what to look for- though often all the cars parked will clue you in to some of the stops. Here's an excellent site with all the details or read below for our take on it. https://roadtohana.com/sights.php
You'll be driving through Kahului anyway if you are coming from the West side of the island so there are plenty of places to grab a quick breakfast or stock up on snacks and drinks. This year when we went, there were more little road stops than ever before selling coffee, snacks, and light lunches but hours can be irregular so it's good to at least always have some water. From Kahului, the first stop is an adorable little town called Paia- it's a surfer town with lots of cute shops and some great restaurants. If you are passing through early morning, not much will be open. Take a minute to stop into Mana Foods at the end of town- it's a wonderful little grocery/deli shop where you can grab a picnic lunch or just some fresh snacks and drinks for the road.
Not far from Paia is your second stop, Ho'okipa lookout. From here you can park for free at the top lot and there's a port a potty in case you forgot to take a restroom break. You can watch the surfers and windsurfers and get a beautiful overall view. It's very rocky and steep so stay inside the guardrail and watch your step.
Not far from Paia is your second stop, Ho'okipa lookout. From here you can park for free at the top lot and there's a port a potty in case you forgot to take a restroom break. You can watch the surfers and windsurfers and get a beautiful overall view. It's very rocky and steep so stay inside the guardrail and watch your step.
Ho'okipa Beach Park
The Farm Stand
Trying some sugar cane- yum!
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Next along the way is Twin Falls, a farm stand and a beautiful waterfall accessible by a very easy hike through a bamboo forest. The farm stand sells smoothies, fresh fruit, banana bread and even sugar cane! Grab a snack before or after your hike (it really is just an easy stroll) and head down to the waterfall. There are free, clean portable restrooms here (with a donation box to help keep them that way). The water is shallow so this is a nice place to do a little wading and take pictures before hopping back in the car.
The Twin Falls
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