This Is One of the Most Gorgeous Road Trips in the U.S.—With Hairpin Turns, Black Sand Beaches, and Stunning Waterfalls

Some roads take you places, and then there are roads that transport you—the Road to Hana is the latter.

This 64.4-mile road connects the towns of Kahului and Hana via a narrow, mostly two-lane road that’s known for its 620 curves and 59 scenic bridges. You’ll want to take this drive slowly, ideally with your windows rolled down and your senses wide open. This narrow ribbon of asphalt unfolds along Maui’s untamed eastern coastline, cutting through thick, green rainforest. As you drive along, waterfalls spill down moss-covered cliffs, and the ocean sprawls all the way out to the horizon.

Driving the Road to Hana is all about embracing island time. The drive can take anywhere between two to four hours to complete due to numerous hairpin turns and one-lane bridges (as well as the unavoidable urge to pull over and snap a photo). Those willing to embrace the unhurried rhythm of the journey will be able to see black, red, and white sand beaches and catch glimpses of Hawaii in its purest form—raw, breathtaking, and beautiful.

The most popular way to make the journey is by starting in Kahului on the northern coast of Maui and driving (as the name implies) to the tiny town of Hana, considered to be one of the most isolated communities in the state and, therefore, one of the last “unspoiled” parts of Hawaii.

Once you arrive in the tiny town of Hana, you can soak up the sun at Waiʻanapanapa State Park, known for its black sand beach, or visit the state’s largest and best preserved Hawaiian temple, Pi’ilanihale Heiau. For hiking, continue south beyond Hana to the outskirts of Haleakala National Park where you’ll find the Pipiwai Trail that leads to the 400-foot-tall Waimoku Falls.

Since this road trip is so popular, visitors are strongly encouraged to leave their rental car at the hotel and book a tour. Joining a tour not only alleviates traffic on the road and reduces your carbon footprint, but you won’t have to deal with the stress of driving this notoriously tricky road. A tour guide can also give insight into the surrounding areas and communities—plus, they’ll probably know where the best photo opportunities are. Hana and Beyond and Valley Isle Excursions are both great, Hawaiian-owned options.