If you’ve ever Googled the Road to Hana with kids, you’ve probably seen a lot of stops. Like… an overwhelming, “are we really stopping 27 times with children in the car?” kind of list.
Let me save you right now, you don’t need to do it all. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to experience every stop on the Road to Hana in one day, especially if you’re traveling with kids and hoping to make it back to your resort before dark.
We’ve done the Road to Hana in Maui with kids three times, and each time we made a point of exploring something new along the way.
The key to planning a family-friendly Road to Hana itinerary is choosing the right stops, the ones where kids can run, swim, snack, and actually enjoy the experience… instead of asking, “Are we done yet?” every 12 minutes.
These are our favorite kid-approved stops along the Road to Hana. These are the ones we would 100% include again on any Maui family travel itinerary.
Twin Falls (The Perfect First Stop)
This is the ideal first stop when doing the Road to Hana with kids. If you prefer a shorter day and just maybe want only a taste of the Road to Hana, this can be your only stop.
It’s close to the start, easy to access, and gives you that jungle waterfall experience without a long hike. There are a few different falls depending on how far you go, but even the shorter walk is enough to make everyone feel like they’ve officially arrived in Maui. Twin Falls is on private land but open to the public; they charge $10 per car to visit.
Mom tip: Bring water shoes, since the rocks can get slippery when you enter the water.
Garden of Eden Arboretum (Easy + Beautiful)
This stop is less about “seeing a botanical garden”… and more about letting your kids get out of the car and move.
After all those winding turns, this is the kind of place where everyone can stretch their legs, wander a bit, and reset. There are easy walking paths, open spaces, and plenty to look at, without it feeling like a long hike or anything too structured. Being able to get up close to the rainbow eucalyptus trees and bamboo was a highlight for all of us.
It’s one of those stops where you can slow down for a minute, let the kids explore, and just enjoy being outside rather than being strapped into a seat.
Honomanu Bay (Hidden Gem + Black Sand Beach)
This is one of those don’t blink, or you’ll miss it stops, and it’s so worth pulling over.
The lush valley opens to the ocean, offering one of the most breathtaking views along the entire drive. Down below, you’ll find a black sand and rocky beach that feels completely untouched.
It’s not really swimmable due to strong currents, but it’s absolutely stunning.
Bonus tip: If you weren’t able to get reservations for Waiʻānapanapa State Park, this is a great alternative to still experience Maui’s dramatic black sand coastline.
Keʻanae Peninsula (Rugged Views + Banana Bread)
This stop is all about the views and the snacks.
The blue waves crashing against the black lava rock are incredible, and it’s a fun place with supervision. And of course, you can’t leave without grabbing some famous banana bread from Aunt Sandy’s.
Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park (Easy Waterfall + Bathroom Break Win)
If you’re doing the Road to Hana with kids, this stop is a hidden gem for parents.
Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park has something you don’t always find along this drive: Bathrooms (huge win), Picnic tables, and a super short and easy walk to a swimmable waterfall.
The trail is quick and manageable for kids, and if conditions are right, there are spots where they can splash and cool off safely. If you are planning on going all the way to Hana and want to swim in a waterfall, this is the one I recommend. You get the whole waterfall experience without it taking up too much of the day.
It’s not as dramatic as some of the bigger stops, but that’s actually what makes it so great. It’s easy, low-stress, and gives everyone a chance to reset.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach Magic)
This is the most popular stop on the Road to Hana, and for good reason.
The famous black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa is unlike anything else in Maui. The contrast of the jet-black sand against that bright turquoise water almost doesn’t look real. It’s one of those places that feels a little wild, a little magical, and completely unforgettable.
But there’s more here than just the beach…
You’ll also find:
- Lava tubes and sea caves to explore
- Coastal trails with incredible views
- Blowholes and rugged shoreline
- Plenty of space for kids to wander (with supervision)
It’s the kind of stop where you’ll want to slow down and actually spend some time. It’s not just hop out for a quick photo. We spent a couple of hours and enjoyed every minute.
Swimming:
Conditions can vary. On calm days, the water is swimmable, but it can also be rough, so this is more of a “check conditions and use your judgment” kind of spot with kids.
Important planning tip:
You must make a reservation in advance (no same-day reservations) to enter Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Entry is based on timed slots, and they do sell out. Plan this part of your day in advance. When we visited, we made this the primary stop of the day.
Where to Eat on the Road to Hana (Kid-Approved Stops)
Let’s be honest, half the success of your Road to Hana with kids comes down to snacks.
These are our favorite family-friendly food stops on the Road to Hana. These are the places that kept everyone happy, fed, and far less likely to ask “how much longer?”
Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (A Must-Stop Classic)
Located at Keʻanae Peninsula, this is the banana bread stop you’ve probably heard about, and yes, it lives up to the hype.
The banana bread is warm, soft, and perfectly sweet. It’s the kind of treat you grab “just to try” and immediately wish you bought two.
Coconut Glen’s (The Treat That Fixes Everything)
This is one of those places you have to stop.
Coconut Glen’s is a tiny roadside stand tucked into the jungle, serving coconut-based ice cream in fun tropical flavors. It’s dairy-free, refreshing, and honestly just feels like a little hidden gem.
Hāna Farms (Sit, Relax, and Refuel)
If you’re ready for something more substantial, Hāna Farms is the perfect place to slow down for a bit.
They’ve got:
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Wood-fired pizza
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Fresh baked goods
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Plenty of space to sit and relax
Jaws Country Store (Acai + Snack Reset)
This is your “everyone gets what they want” stop.
Smoothies, coffee, snacks, açaí bowls, it’s the kind of place that saves the day when energy starts to dip. It’s also a great place to stock up before heading deeper into the drive, where options are more limited. Jaws is located at the beginning of the drive, or at the end if you’re on your way back.
Mom tip: Never skip a good snack stop on this drive. Trust me.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It All
The Road to Hana with kids isn’t about checking off every stop. It’s about creating a day your family actually enjoys.
Pick a handful of spots. Take your time. Leave room for spontaneity.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how many stops you made… It’s about the memories you created along the way.
Pro Tip: Download a location-based GPS audio tour app. We prefer Guide Along. It provides offline, automatic stories, historical facts, and tips as you drive. It gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with one-time purchases and no subscription fees.
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
