I left part of my heart in Hawaii

Hawaii definitely stole a piece of my heart! My husband and I have checked off most of the Caribbean islands, so I was pretty sure I’d enjoy Hawaii, but wow—it turned out to be so much more than I expected. The moment we stepped onto the volcanic soil, I felt this instant sense of awe and wonder that didn’t let up. From lush rainforests to sparkling beaches with turquoise waters, every corner of Hawaii left me in complete awe.

Hawaii is like nature’s art gallery. Picture towering volcanic peaks like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, rising proudly above the clouds. Then there are the dramatic cliffs of Kauai’s Napali Coast and the otherworldly landscapes of Maui’s Haleakalā crater. There’s a wild beauty here, with green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and some of the most stunning beaches you can imagine.

Honestly, Hawaii’s beauty isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel deep in your soul. It’s that overwhelming sense of connection to nature, the kind that sticks with you long after you've left. It’s a place where you don’t just visit—you experience. We spent time hopping between islands, and I’m excited to share more about each of them. But first, let me take you on a journey down the stunning Road to Hana on Maui!

Driving the Road to Hana

Driving the Road to Hana was an adventure I won’t forget anytime soon! Before we set off, a few people had warned me, "It’s too long... it’s boring." Well, let me tell you, after completing the whole route, I can say with full confidence that if you're looking for jaw-dropping views of Hawaii and a peek into life on Maui, this road is far from boring. It’s totally worth the journey!

A few things I learned along the way:

Start early. Trust me, this road gets crowded. By the time we were heading back around 3 PM, we crossed paths with a couple just starting their drive and asking how much farther to Hana. I couldn’t help but think, "Yikes, you’re in for a long haul!" So, if you're short on time, get an early start.

Hydrate! It’s hot and sunny, and you’ll be doing some walking, whether you're checking out waterfalls or snapping photos. I didn’t spot any quick places to grab water along the way, so make sure to bring your own!

Pack some food. We stopped in Hana for lunch, but options are pretty limited. We packed our own snacks, and it was perfect for refueling and keeping the energy up for the drive.

Plan your stops. There’s SO much to see—beaches, hikes, waterfalls—so it’s helpful to decide in advance what you want to check out. Otherwise, you might end up rushing through all the best bits!

Fill up before you go. Gas stations are few and far between along this road, so make sure to top off your tank before hitting the winding drive.

Bring your swimsuit. You'll definitely want to jump into one of those beautiful swimming spots. Waterfalls? Yes, please!

Prepare for the winding roads. The road is narrow, twisty, and there are a lot of blind corners. Plus, those bridges are SUPER narrow. It can be a little nerve-wracking, but it’s all part of the fun!

And a quick heads-up: the Road to Hana isn’t really about Hana itself—it’s all about the journey. But more on that later!

Painted Eucalyptus Trees 

I highly recommend taking a little detour to see the Painted Eucalyptus Trees—they’re seriously jaw-dropping! At first glance, you might think you're just passing by a bunch of big trees, but these aren't your average greens. The rainbow eucalyptus trees are so vibrant, with layers of green, purple, orange, and red peeling off their trunks, giving them that stunning “painted” look. And they’re huge—definitely not something you see every day!

There’s a bit of mystery around how they ended up on Maui. Some folks think they were planted to prevent soil erosion after a lot of logging, while others say they were introduced as a possible source of lumber for the sugarcane industry.

These trees are fast growers, stretching up to 6 feet every year. They can grow up to 200 feet tall and reach nearly 8 feet in diameter—talk about towering beauties! Keep your eyes peeled around mile marker 7 for this rainbow of nature’s artwork. It’s a must-see!

Wai’anapanapa State Park

Wai'anapanapa State Park is one of those spots where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world! Picture this: black sand beaches, dramatic blowholes, and towering sea stacks—massive rock pillars that have risen straight from the ocean floor. And don’t miss the incredible lava-formed sea arch—it’s like nature’s perfect sculpture! Whether you’re snapping photos or just soaking it all in, there’s so much to see here. If you started your day early, it’s also an ideal spot to take a break and enjoy lunch surrounded by stunning scenery. Trust me, this stop is well worth it!

The lava tube at Wai'anapanapa State Park is like stepping into nature’s hidden cave! After a short, easy walk through lush vegetation, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a massive tube formed by molten lava thousands of years ago. The dark, cool interior is a bit of a mystery, with its smooth, rocky walls and eerie, quiet vibe. It’s an awesome spot to explore and snap a few pictures, but be careful of the uneven ground as you venture inside. It’s such a cool reminder of how powerful and creative nature can be, and definitely a must-see when you're at the park!

Waterfalls

One of the most magical parts of the Road to Hana is the countless waterfalls you’ll pass along the way—it’s like nature’s own highlight reel! From tiny trickles to full-on cascading waterfalls, each one is more beautiful than the last. Some you can catch a glimpse of right from the road, while others require a little extra effort with a short hike or walk to get the best view. Whether you’re stopping to dip your toes in the pools below or just marveling at the sight, these waterfalls are the perfect reminder of how lush and wild Maui’s landscape truly is. Keep your camera ready—you’ll want to capture every single one!

Hana

Arriving in Hana feels like a mini celebration—you’ll know you’ve made it when you spot the sign welcoming you! The drive itself is hands down one of the most scenic 52 miles you’ll ever experience. Sure, the road can be a little winding and narrow, but every twist and turn offers breathtaking views that make the journey totally worth it.

Once you get to Hana, you’ll find a charming little stand selling baked goods and a lovely garden to explore. Take a moment to admire the pineapple plant there—it’s not the kind you can snack on, but it sure looks like a mini pineapple, making for a fun photo op! It’s just one of those quirky, delightful little details that makes Hana so special.

Conclusion

The Road to Hana isn’t about reaching Hana—it’s about the journey itself! This iconic drive is like peeling back the layers of Maui’s heart, revealing one stunning scene after another. From lush rainforests to cascading waterfalls and dramatic seascapes, every twist and turn offers a new piece of paradise. Sure, the road’s winding curves and narrow bridges require a bit of patience, but the experience is so much more about savoring the beauty along the way than just reaching the end. Each bend brings something new to explore, and I promise you’ll want to take your time soaking it all in.

If you’re craving more of Hawaii’s magic, I’ve got plenty more posts about this beautiful state—check out my other blogs on my website for more Hawaiian adventures!

Debbi Marquette Photography is located in Upstate New York at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Debbi is an award winning and published travel, landscape and bald eagle photographer specializing in artistic, authentic, and memorable landscape and wildlife photography. She travels frequently, lives near the mountains and constantly has a camera in her hand to capture photographs so others can see the beauty of our world.

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