Road to Hana Rainforest, Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls — Full-Day Guided Tour from Maui
Take a full-day guided run along the legendary Hana Highway—59 bridges, 640 curves and a parade of rainforests, waterfalls, and a dramatic black sand beach. This tour combines narrated stops, picnic lunch, and short, accessible walks to deliver East Maui’s highlights in a single day.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early
Boarding is before dawn; morning light reduces crowds at key pullouts and yields cleaner photos.
Bring slip-resistant shoes
Trails and rocks remain muddy and slick after rain—good grip prevents scrapes and twisted ankles.
Hydrate and snack
You’ll be on the road most of the day; bring a refillable bottle and use provided snacks to sustain energy between stops.
Respect private land and taro loʻi
Stay on marked paths; wandering into cultivated taro patches damages crops and disrespects local practices.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Haipuaʻena Falls: a quieter waterfall reached by a short, often muddy trail
- •Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread at Ke'anae: hot loaves from a family stand that locals swear by
Wildlife
- •Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu)
- •Native forest birds such as ʻapapane and ʻamakihi
Conservation Note
East Maui’s coastal and freshwater ecosystems are fragile—stay on trails, avoid disturbing coral or tide pools, and pack out all trash to protect native species.
The Hana Highway traces routes once used for mule and foot travel; many of its small bridges were built in the early 1900s during the island’s plantation era.
Photographer's Notes
- • Ke'anae Peninsula overlook for coastal cliffs and taro fields
- • Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach for contrast between black sand and blue water
- • Twin Falls pullout for accessible waterfall shots
What to Bring
Slip-resistant hiking shoesEssential
Grip and ankle support for muddy trails and rocky shorelines.
Light rain jacketEssential
Rain is common any time of year in East Maui; a waterproof layer keeps you comfortable.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Bring if you plan to swim at waterfall pools or the black sand beach; no lifeguards are present.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)Essential
Open coastal stops offer little shade—protect skin during midday stops.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 9–10 hours, with pickup early in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
Are meals included?
Yes—picnic-style sandwiches, fresh local fruit and bottled Hawaiian cane juice are provided; note any dietary restrictions at booking.
Can I swim at the waterfalls and black sand beach?
Swimming is allowed at some stops but is at your own risk; pools and beaches are not lifeguarded and conditions can change quickly.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No—vehicles are not ADA-compliant and the tour requires climbing a low step and walking on uneven terrain.
Do guides provide commentary?
Yes—the tour includes narrated stops covering cultural, historical and geological context along the route.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes—pickup is offered from select West and South Maui hotels; meeting points are listed for guests in other areas.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9–10 hours
Location
Hana, HI
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness—able to board a van, walk short muddy trails and climb low steps.
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