Looking for the best things to do in Hana, HI? Hana is filled with waterfalls, exotic beaches and adventure – what everyone wants from a Hawaiian vacation.
Hana is one of Maui’s most easy going, laid back towns that is the definition of living life at a slower pace. Make sure you carve out more than one day to explore this part of the island as there are many things to do in Hana that one day won’t be enough time to experience them all.
In this article I’ll go over what to do in Hana, give you a few ideas on where to stay in Hana, plus some tips to know before you travel to this isolated part of Maui. Okay lets get to it.
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- Haleakala National Park
- Pipiwai Trail
- Seven Sacred Pools
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Hamoa Beach
- Waioka Pond aka Venus Pool
- Koki Beach
- Red Sand Beach
- Hana Cultural Center
- Wailua Falls
About Hana, Hawaii
Hana Town is a small, sleepy town located on the eastern coast of Maui. It is known for its lush, tropical landscape, stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Hana is a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Hana can be accessed by one road called the Hana Highway. Getting to Hana is an adventure in itself and driving the road to Hana is one of Maui’s top attractions.
Make sure you load up on snacks and have a full tank of gas before you start this journey. Hana town has limited food options and places close early (ahem Thai food truck) so coming prepared is clutch.
If you’re taking the time to drive all the way out to Hana I highly, highly recommend staying for at least 2 nights. Ideally I would recommend staying three nights.
🎋 Hana Travel Guides:
Top things to do in Hana, Maui
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is located 20 minutes past Hana town. This is Hana’s top attraction and for good reason. It is inside the Kipahulu entrance to Haleakala National Park where the Pipiwai Trail starts.
The Pipiwai Trail is one of my favorite hikes on Maui. This 4 mile hike gets better every step you take. It is considered a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 650 feet.
The first mile takes you past a few scenic outlooks where you can wander off the trail and see some waterfalls gushing in the distance. Plus one of my favorite banyan trees on Maui lives on this trail. I mean check out the picture.
I love the sound of the bamboo cracking and swaying in the wind. The bamboo towers 50 to 60 feet above you and it feels like you’re walking through a fairy tale.
I always pack a snack and beverage to enjoy on the rocks near the falls. Take in her beauty! There have been some fatalities in the past due to sudden rocks falling from above. Take extreme caution when you’re in the area.
*If it’s been raining a lot the trail can get muddy. I always hike this trail in my slippas but every time I take friends visiting from the mainland they prefer to wear close toed shoes.
Also located inside Haleakala National Park are the Pools of Ohe’o or commonly known as Seven Sacred Pools. If there hasn’t been any landslides recently you’ll be able to swim in the pools. Even if the pools are closed you can still walk around the pools and get great views.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
One of my favorite places on Maui and best things to see in Hana is Waianapanapa state park. The black sand beach inside the park is a show stopper and the most beautiful black sand beaches that I’ve ever seen.
There is a paved path/stairs that takes you down to the beach. The beach is a mix of sand and black pebbles ranging in size.
I’m not the only who thinks this black sand beach is gorgeous, this is a popular attraction so it pays to come early.
While my friends came to visit we made sure that we were able to enjoy sunrise here and I was blown away. Being the only ones on the beach only amplified the already incredible experience.
There is a path on the opposite end of the beach that takes you up the lava rock. Spend the morning reliving your childhood as you explore and climb around the lava rocks.
This is also where you camp as I meantioned earlier or better yet rent a cabin inside Wai’anapanapa. You can reserve one here. And a Hana lave tube to explore.
If you’re really up for an adventure you can hike the Wai’anapanapa Coastal Trail all the way to the town of Hana.
TRAVEL TIP: As of March 2021 reservations in advance are now required to enter Wai’anapanapa State Park. Book a few weeks prior to visiting. Same day reservations are not permitted. You can reserve your spot here.
Hamoa Beach
On the list of Hana things to do, this beach takes the cake. The black sand might not be as vibrant as the black sand beach in Waianapanapa State park but it’s a beach you shouldn’t miss.
This is my favorite beach in Hana. Not only does it give you clear views of the Big Island but it’s the best beach to go for a swim.
The whole shoreline is a sand bar meaning there’s no reef making it easy to get in and out of the water. If surf is up bring you’re long board and feel less stress knowing there is no reef to accidentally get tumbled across.
This is a beach for both locals and tourists alike. Showers to rinse off at and bathrooms are available at Hamoa Beach.
Travel Tip: Respect the ‘Aina and do your part to help protect the ocean by only wearing reef safe sunscreen. This is a requirement in Hawaii and should be around the world.
Waioka Pond aka Venus Pool
Wandering what to do in Hana besides the beach and chasing waterfalls? Cliff jumping- duh! Venus pool is my favorite places to go cliff jumping.
In order to get here you have to hop a fence, cross through a field, dip into the woods and you pop out at a natural swimming hole surrounded by lava rocks.
There are several rocks that you can jump off of ranging in different heights. The highest being upwards of 30 feet! You could easily spend a entire afternoon here.
The swimming hole is tucked behind a black cobble stoned beach. When you are swimming around you can see the waves crashing against the beach.
Make sure you bring towels, a floatation device and plenty of beer and snacks. You’ll be glad you did because you’ll be staying here all day. Cliff jumping is one of the best things to do in Maui on a budget.
💦Read Full Post: Exploring Waioka Pond
Koki Beach
If catching the perfect wave is your main objective while experiencing Maui, then head to Koki Beach. Sister beaches with Hamoa this Hana beach has great surf. Pack a cooler, a good book and let your problems melt away.
Red Sand Beach
One of the best things to see in Hana is this beach. It’s not everyday you have a chance to hang out and explore a red sand beach.
Getting there is an adventure in itself. Access to this beach is right next to the Hotel Hana Maui which is a wonderful place to base and style yourself out when your exploring Hana Town.
The short 10 minute hike to get to the red sand beach takes you through a field, down a rooty trail and finally along the cliff that eventually leads you to the beach.
hana cultural center
No trip to Maui is complete if you don’t experience some of Hawaii’s culture. At the Hana Cultural Center you can visit the museum and explore the Historic Hana Courthouse.
Inside the museum you can find traditional artifacts that were used by the Hawaiian people and see the Courthouse still in use today. Pretty fascinating and cool to know that here in the archives are artifacts, photos, records and other treasures of Hana’s past.
This is one of the things to do in Hana when it rains.
Wailua Falls
Since these falls are directly on the side of the road, they are busy and per usual earlier you arrive the better. I can’t stress this enough, stay in Hana town for at least 2 nights. Beating the crowds will be easy and worth it.
There is a short trail that can take you to the front of the falls. The trail can be mossy making it slippery so be careful on the walk.
Lodging in Hana
Hana Hotel Maui
If you want to style yourself out with luxury and sit in an infinity hot tub that over looks the ocean then stay at The Travaasa. It is luxury at its finest. And worth the splurge. One of the only and the best hotel in Hana. A perfect place to spend your Hawaiian honeymoon.
Hana Kai
The Hana Kai Maui is just 100 feet to the ocean. The unit is equipped with a king size bed and two twin day beds in the living room separated by a partition wall for privacy at night. If you are traveling with a small family this would be the perfect stay for you.
As one of the only hotels in Hana is the Hana Kai Resort which means you have access to all of the resorts amenities. Some of the great amenities of the Hana Kai include beachside barbeque, fully equipped kitchens, private lanais, and free wireless internet service.
Fisher’s Hana Hale
The Fisher’s Hana Hale is the perfect location in Hana, walking distance to Hana Bay, Hana town and the infamous Red Sand Beach. This stay is the entire bottom unit that sleeps up to 4 people. This is a great budget option, costing only $150 a night.
Hana Hideaway
Hana Cottage
This 1 bedroom cottage comes with a full kitchen, living room, dining area, washer/dryer, outdoor shower, and a covered deck with views of the ocean and mountain.
For a bigger selection of Vacation Homes in the area check here.
Camping in Hana
You’ll want to spend 1 full day driving the Road to Hana and give yourself the other 2 days to experience all the things to do in Hana. Trust me, you’ll be glad that you did.
If you’re traveling Maui on a budget camping is a great way to cut down the costs. If you’re looking for more camp spots, check out this post for more epic places to camp in Maui.
Waianapanapa State Park
One of the top things to do in Hana, Hi is camping in this state park. You must now make reservations in advance to visit. There are also cabins for rent.
Haleakala National Park
There is the Kipahulu campground inside Haleakala National Park. It costs to enter the park and campsites are first come, first serve.
Maui Travel Tips
📍Plan your Trip:
- The Ultimate guide to Maui
- 10 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Maui
- 21 Mistakes to Avoid on your First Trip to Hawaii
🗺 How long to travel Maui? 1-2 Week Maui Itinerary
☔️ Best Time to Visit: Best Time to Visit Maui
💰 Average Daily Budget:
- How to Travel Maui on a Budget
- 28 Things to do on Maui on a Budget
- 10 Budget Friendly Maui Adventures
⛺️ Maui accommodation Guides
- Best Area to Stay on Maui
- West Maui vs. South Maui – Where to Stay
- Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget
- Best Airbnbs in Maui
- Where to Stay in Hana, HI
- Top Honeymoon Resorts in Maui
- 10 Best Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii
- The Coolest & Most Unique Airbnbs to Stay in Hawaii
🪂 Highlights
- Driving the Road to Hana
- Sunrise over Haleakala
- Exploring Exotic Beaches
- Waianapanapa State Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Whale Watch
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail
- Snorkel Molokini
- Drive the West Maui Loop
- Lahaina Town
- Learn to Surf
🧳 What to Pack: What to Pack for Maui
🎥 Watch our Maui Series on YouTube
📧 Get on my Email list to see what I’m up to and all the best travel content!
And Voila! Those are 10 epic things to do in Hana! Have you been? Let me know in the commments below!
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Oh woow Hawaii really is stunning and love the Venus Pools, such a great find!
Great find and its an amazing time
I did the road to Hana when I was two years old so needless to say I don’t remember much. I would love to go back to see the Red Sand Beach and the Venus pools sound awesome for swimming. Wailua Falls also looks gorgeous!
Yes you must go back…you’ll be seeing the road to Hana with a whole new set of eyes. And Venus pools is always one of the best days.
Wow—Hawaii is on the top of my bucket list. I especially love your waterfall photos!!!
Thank you, me too…You’ll love Hawaii, you must visit!
Sounds dreamy and not quite like anywhere I’ve been before. Beautiful photos, particularly the falls!
Yes Hana is a magical slice of Hawaiian paradise.
Hawaii looks like an absolute dream! I hope to visit some day. That waterfall looks so beautiful! So many wonderful picturesque beaches to check out as well.
I hope you get to visit one day too!
Prayers for you and Joe following the tragic Lahaina fire!
August 25. 2023. Just did the Hana Road using your guides. Thank you.
Updates: on back road to Hana there is no “free” wine tasting at the winery. The Alelele falls were not flowing and the trail entranxe was blocked at the road by dirt pushed by road crews. And the sacred pools look to be permanently off-limits to swimming.
Otherwise, your descriptions were very helpful.
One question we had though is why, when Hawaii makes such a deal about being “respectful” of the land, are their more burned out and abandoned cars dumped everywhere? It was worse than Detriot or the south side of Chicago! Quite a shame.