The Top Family-Friendly Stops on the Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii

On our recent 10-day family trip to Maui, Hawaii, our family embarked on the Road to Hana – undoubtedly Maui’s number one attraction. The Road to Hana is a beautiful 54 mile highway that takes adventurers around over 600 curves and over more than 50 bridges. This day-trip can be taken with a tour guide, or you can drive the road yourself. Either way, be prepared to see some awesome sights and eat some delicious treats (amazing banana breads can be found all along this drive) on this must-do Maui adventure.

This is definitely a trip you can take with the whole family, but start early (driving the narrow winding road at dark is not my favorite choice with small children). We opted to drive ourselves so we could navigate to the stops we wanted and stay for as short or as long as we felt inclined to. Although, unless you plan to stay overnight and spend multiple days traveling the Road to Hana, you cannot stop at every sight.

To get the most out of this beautiful Maui excursion, stop and really enjoy some of the road’s top highlights, especially the most family-friendly ones if traveling with children. To help guide your own adventure, here is a look at my family-friendly guide to the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii!

Hookipia Lookout – Mile Marker #9

The first stop our family made was at Hookipia Lookout. While not recommended as a swimming beach, this spot has gorgeous views of Maui’s coast. And, if you happen to be on this beach around sunset, you’ll likely see tons of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) come up to shore! This could also make for a good stop on your way back from Hana to catch the turtles. We took some family photos here, and then continued on the Road to Hana.

Kaumahina State Wayside Park – Mile Marker #12

Our next stop on the Road to Hana was Kaumahina State Wayside Park – this stop is a necessity for families, having one of the few real restrooms on the drive. While here, you can stretch your legs, use the restrooms, and enjoy stunning coastal views.

Ke’anae Arboretum – Mile Marker #16

When we travel with our kids we always try to make sure to stop and enjoy the most unique sights and adventures of the location we are exploring. This meant stopping next at the Ke’anae Arboretum, known best for the Rainbow Eucalyptus. Our kids thought this was so cool! You can get up close with the trees after a short walk, and best of all – it’s free.

Upper Waikani Falls – Mile Marker #19

Just past Mile Marker 19 on the mountain side (mauka) of Hana Highway, Upper Waikani Falls can be seen as you pass. It is referred to as Three Bears often times because of the three separate and parallel falls of differing lengths, ending with the “baby bear” smallest of the falls on the right. If you are traveling with kids I recommend you drive past this view slowly and enjoy the view from the car because parking is extremely limited and in a tight spot. However, if your family is adventurous and doesn’t mind the challenge of finding parking, you can get out and walk carefully to the view point and see the waterfall for all its beauty from the bridge.

Wai’anapanapa State Park – Mile Marker #32

Our family spent the most time at Wai’anapanapa State Park – at least a couple hours. There is so many beautiful and unique features to this Maui State Park, but most notably is the black sand beach named Pa’iloa. There is a naturally made lava arch in the water and an ocean cave on the east side that can be traveled through to the ocean on this small beach. My kids really enjoyed being tossed in the waves swimming here!

Don’t forget to also explore some of the trails, go see the caves, and to check out the blowhole while your here as well.

Hana Town – Mile Marker #34

The next family-friendly stop is Hana Town, or as many call it, “Real Hawaii” due to the town being much more unchanged than the rest of Hawaii. Be sure to check out the history of this town while you are here. There is also a beach park you can take a dip in. My kids also enjoyed playing on this large sandy beach – the more water/play stops on the Road to Hana you take, I think the happier you will find your kids to be.

While in Hana, take time for a delicious dinner – there are a number of food trucks gathered with outdoor seating, making it a quick and easy option for families. We ate at Da Fish Shack, popular among locals and for a good reason – the food was incredible. For desert the kids enjoyed some handmade popsicles made with local flavors.

There are plenty more stops on the Road to Hana, (and here’s the big list of the rest!) – but these were our family’s favorites that I hope you have a chance to enjoy on your adventure. Happy travels!