Episode #6 The Ultimate Road to Hana Guide for Families: Top Stops, Tips & What to Skip
The Road to Hana is one of Maui’s most iconic adventures — 64 miles of lush rainforest, waterfalls, beaches, and winding roads. But doing it with kids? That takes some planning! Read on as I share our family’s experience driving the Road to Hana with 5 kids (yes, it was a 12-hour day!) and everything you need to know before you go. If you want your trip to Maui planned for you with all of my family favorite must do’s (including Road to Hana), grab my Maui Magic for Families Guide HERE.
Garden of Eden (mile marker 10.5)
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
A family-friendly breakdown of the Road to Hana
Which stops are must-dos vs. which you can skip with kids
Where to eat along the way (including the famous Halfway to Hana banana bread!)
Tips for keeping your trip smoother, safer, and more fun for little travelers
Why I recommend starting early (spoiler: we didn’t!)
The Stops We Made
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our family’s trip:
Ho’okipa Beach – Perfect for spotting sea turtles lounging on the sand.
Garden of Eden Arboretum – A gorgeous botanical garden with waterfalls and sweeping views (great kid stop).
Halfway to Hana – The most famous banana bread stop.
Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park – Stunning, but requires a timed reservation in advance.
Hamoa Beach – One of Maui’s most beautiful beaches, worth a swim break.
Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o (ʻOheʻo Gulch) – Iconic waterfalls and pools in Haleakalā National Park.
Wailua Falls – Gorgeous waterfall easily seen from the road.
We turned around after the Seven Sacred Pools and didn’t get back until 9 pm. It was magical but also exhausting — definitely recommend starting much earlier in the day!
Where to Eat
Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (mile marker 16)
Coconnt Glen’s Vegan Ice Cream (mile marker 27.5)
Halfway to Hana (banana bread & snacks)
Roadside stands along the way (many are cash only!)
Plan ahead: pack snacks, water, and even a picnic for flexibility
Wailua Falls
Tips for Families Driving the Road to Hana
Start early: Avoid driving back in the dark like we did.
Pack essentials: Water, snacks, swimsuits, towels, water shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Motion sickness meds: With 600+ curves and 59 bridges, this road can be rough for little tummies. Children’s chewable dramamine can be a lifesaver!
Cash: Many food and fruit stands don’t take cards.
Be flexible: With kids, you won’t hit every stop — pick your “must-dos” ahead of time.
Want the Step-by-Step Guide?
Planning the Road to Hana (or any Maui trip) can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created my guide: Maui Magic for Families.
Inside, you’ll find:
A full Road to Hana section with mile markers clearly outlined
Options for half-day vs. full-day itineraries
Family-friendly activity suggestions
Restaurant recommendations and local tips
👉 Grab Maui Magic for Families HERE to fast-track your Maui planning and enjoy a smoother, stress-free trip.
Listen to Part #1 about Maui
Don’t forget to listen to Episode #5 all about our stay on Maui and all the fun, family friendly adventures we did. It is part 1 of this two part Maui series.
