Hana Highway (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hana Highway?
What makes it 71% Kids-Friendly: Kids can swim at Twin Falls, hunt lava-tube crabs, and eat roadside pizza, yet carsickness, slippery rocks, and unguarded cliffs mean parents must supervise constantly and plan many rest stops.
Positives:
- Frequent Rest Stops: Pullouts every few miles let kids stretch and explore views safely.
- Local Flavors: Roadside stands serve fresh fruit and child-friendly meals.
- Short Walks: Many attractions have under 10-minute trails or roadside access.
Challenges:
- Winding Roads: Over 600 curves can cause motion sickness; plan breaks and bring snacks.
- Limited Cell Service: Signal drops in valleys; download maps and emergency info offline.
- Narrow Shoulders: Few guardrails at lookouts; keep kids close and off cliff edges.
What is Hana Highway?
- A 64-kilometer coastal highway on Maui’s northeast flank comprising State Routes 36 and 360
- A winding thoroughfare with over 600 hairpin turns and 54 one-lane bridges
- A corridor cut through tropical rainforest, sea cliffs, and volcanic valleys, featuring early-20th-century infrastructure
What is so special about Hana Highway for with kids?
- Shallow waterfall pools at Twin Falls allow safe supervised swims
- Black-sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa offers easy tide-pool exploration
- Farm stands serve fresh, kid-friendly meals and snacks
- Boardwalks at Seven Sacred Pools provide a short, scenic hike
- Frequent pullouts let families stretch, picnic and enjoy ocean views
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for with kids: Spreading the drive over two days lets kids rest and enjoy stops without feeling rushed.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hana Highway
Twin Falls (MM 2):
Shallow pools and small cascades on a short jungle trail.
Tip: Bring life vests for younger kids and use picnic tables at the farm stand for snacks.
Hana Farms Roadside Stand (MM 31):
Fresh pizza, sandwiches and tropical fruit plates.
Tip: Arrive by noon to get a shaded table before the lunch crowd.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park (MM 32):
Black-sand beach, tide pools and short lava-tube caves.
Tip: Supervise kids near tide pools and wear shoes on slippery cave floors.
ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools):
Easy boardwalk to tiered pools in Haleakalā National Park.
Tip: Check ranger station for swimming rules and stick to viewing platforms.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hana Highway
- Start Early: Leave Paia by 7 AM to secure parking and avoid tour buses.
- Pack Supplies: Bring refillable water bottles, snacks and sunscreen for the whole family.
- Download Offline Maps: Save routes and points of interest in advance to navigate without signal.
When is the best time to visit Hana Highway (Hawaii, United States)?
November–March brings heavier rain and muddy trails; pack raingear and check closures. April–October is drier, ideal for swimming and hiking.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Lunch at Hana Farms (4 people) | USD 60 |
| Waiʻānapanapa Park fee | USD 25 |
| Haleakalā NP vehicle pass | USD 30 |
| Gas for round trip | USD 20 |
| Ice cream at Coconut Glen’s | USD 32 |
| Total Estimated | USD 167 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hana Highway
Address: Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Hana Highway (Hawaii)?
About Hana Highway
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities