Planning a honeymoon in Maui? Chances are someone has already told you: “You have to drive the Road to Hana.” After hearing that advice more times than we could count, we were resistant. We wanted our Hawaii honeymoon to be laid-back, not a checklist of must-dos and required Road to Hana stops. But spoiler alert — we ended up doing the drive… and now we’re the ones telling you that you really should too.
We Weren’t Going to Drive the Road to Hana
As soon as we mentioned our Maui honeymoon plans, it seemed like everyone — friends, coworkers, even strangers — had the same passionate recommendation: “You HAVE to do the Road to Hana!” Naturally, we pushed back. This was our trip. We weren’t interested in turning it into someone else’s itinerary.
So, the Road to Hana was officially not on the schedule… until it kind of was.
…But A Local Changed Our Minds
While staying at Turtle Bay, we chatted with a woman originally from Maui. Her top tip? You guessed it: “You HAVE to do the Road to Hana.” Maybe it was her passion, or maybe it was fate, but we decided to leave the option open for a Monday drive — only if our schedule allowed.
We didn’t look up much beforehand. No map. No itinerary. Just a vague idea that it was a 64-mile scenic highway across East Maui connecting Kahului to the town of Hana. That was about it.
First Stop: Twin Falls and the Start of Something Magical
Early one morning, we hopped in our rental Jeep with low expectations and a whole lot of curiosity.
Just a few miles in, we made our first stop: Twin Falls — a lush waterfall tucked away with fresh fruit stands and natural swimming ponds.
It was beautiful. A solid start. But nothing prepared us for what came next.
600 Curves of Pure Beauty
“Winding” doesn’t even begin to describe the Road to Hana. With over 600 hairpin turns and countless one-lane bridges, we were driving slow, not only because we had to but because we wanted to soak it all in.
Our Road to Hana stops included tropical rainforests, dramatic ocean cliffs, roadside waterfalls, and lush greenery that felt untouched. It wasn’t long before we understood why everyone was so insistent. The Road to Hana wasn’t just a drive — it was an experience. This b log and these pictures will never be able to convey how incredible it was.
Hana Bay Beach Park and Its Black Sand
We finally reached Hana and it’s Black. Sand. Beaches. The contrast of the jet-black shoreline against the bright blue ocean was surreal. It was quiet, peaceful, and one of the most unique places we’ve ever seen. Definitely one of the most important Road to Hana stops.
In Hana, we also stopped at a food truck village. One of the spots was called Joel’s, and Brian’s late father’s name is Joel. It was a special way to feel him with us. Joel had always wanted to visit Hawaii.
This was the moment we realized: the Road to Hana was going to be one of our favorite honeymoon memories.
Beyond Hana: Even More Scenic Surprises
Even after reaching the town of Hana, the beauty didn’t stop. The scenery shifted. The landscape started to feel more like the Scottish Highlands — wide open, green, dramatic.
Every twist and turn held something new. By this point, we were laughing at how wrong we were to doubt the road. Everyone was right.
What We Wish We Knew Before the Drive
Let’s be honest — we were wildly unprepared. If you’re planning your own drive on the Road to Hana, here’s what we wish we had known:
1. Start Early
The drive is long, and you’ll want to stop a lot. Road to Hana stops are so important for the experience. Starting earlier would’ve given us more time to explore without feeling rushed.
2. Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. An offline map would’ve helped us find more hidden gems and navigate without guesswork.
3. Bring Snacks and Water
You’ll want fuel — for both you and your car. There’s limited food along the way, and you’ll get hungry between waterfall hikes.
4. Pack for Motion Sickness
We didn’t, and we should have. Those hairpin turns are no joke, even for the most seasoned road trippers.
5. It’s Exhausting — But Worth It
After hours of slow driving, hiking, and hopping in and out of the car, we were wiped. But the memories? Absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts: Take the Drive — Just Do It Your Way
Even with a few rookie mistakes, the Road to Hana was one of the most unforgettable parts of our Hawaii honeymoon. As I said, pictures and video will never be able to convey the magic and pure awe. We’re already dreaming about doing it again — this time with a bit more planning.
So if you’re headed to Maui, consider this your sign. Don’t just do it because everyone says you “have to”. Do it because it’s genuinely breathtaking. Do it your way.
But trust us… you really should drive the Road to Hana.
