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My wife and I (mid-60s) are making our first trip to Hawaii in three weeks starting off with a 10 day stay in Maui split between Napili Bay and Kihei.

It seems like the Road to Hana is a must do activity while in Maui and we are excited to do all or at least a part of it. From what I've seen from videos the scenery looks stunning. Our original plan was to use the moving day between Napili and Kihei to do this activity since it was going to be a transition day anyway--leaving Napili early (6:30 am--ish) and not expecting to get back to Kihei until 6 pm or so. Does that seem reasonable?

Does the day of the week make a difference traffic--wise? The "transition" day will be a Saturday. Will that significantly increase the likelihood of heavy traffic? If going on a weekday would be better, we could change our plans and do something different on that transition day like Iao Valley or Haleakala National Park. Thoughts?

I know there's lots of stops one could make on the way, but a one day trip won't allow for all the stops, obviously. Love to hear everyone's suggestions for the top 4 or 5 stops they would make. As much as I would love to, long (anything more than 2 miles) or strenuous hikes aren't in the cards for me--bad knees and balance issues. So as much as it is something often listed as a highlight, the Pipiwai Trail probably wouldn't work. But I'm sure there's lots and lots of other stuff to see--thoughts?

I know reservations are required for Wai’ānapanapa required. What would be a reasonable time slot to book these reservations if we planned to make it to Paia by 8 am and made 2 or 3 stops along the way? Noon, 1 pm? Pardon my ignorance, just not familiar with the area, traffic, etc. While I know the black sand beach here is often touted as a major highlight of the trip, following our time in Maui we will be going to the Big Island, where I know we will be visiting a black sand beach. Should I just not sweat having to see the black sand beach here?

Last, the directions I get from Napili to Hana tend to take a southernly route down the west side of Maui using Highway 30 which then loops back up north around Maalaea Harbor rather than taking what would seem to be a shorter route on Highway 340 that traverses the northern part of the island. I'm assuming it's because this road is much smaller, windier, etc. Just curious, is it a drive worth doing--is it scenic? Since we're starting from Napili, and if it is a scenic drive should we perhaps consider doing this along with a partial road to Hana--also considering that we will be visiting each of the 4 main islands over the course of a month and will have an opportunity to see waterfalls. black sand beaches, etc.

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

Answer

The Road to Hana is indeed a must-see for first-time visitors to Maui, and your plan to use your transition day between Napili Bay and Kihei is reasonable. Leaving around 6:30 am should allow you to make good time, enjoy several scenic stops, and return to Kihei by early evening. Keep in mind that the drive is long, winding, and slow due to one-lane bridges and tight curves, so an early start is essential.

Regarding the day of the week, Saturdays can be busier than weekdays, particularly with local traffic and other tourists. However, if you leave early, you will likely beat most of the traffic. If you prefer a slightly quieter experience, weekdays such as Tuesday through Thursday tend to be less crowded.

Given your preferences and mobility considerations, here are some highly recommended stops for a one-day trip, emphasizing scenic viewpoints, short walks, and accessible spots:

Twin Falls: A short, easy walk from the parking area to see a beautiful waterfall and small pools. Good for photos and a quick stretch.
Garden of Eden Arboretum: Offers well-maintained paths, lush tropical gardens, and several viewpoints. The paths are manageable for those with limited mobility.
Wai’anapanapa State Park: Black sand beach, sea arches, and short trails. Since you mentioned reservations, booking a slot around 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm would likely align well if you leave Napili early and make 2–3 prior stops.
Keanae Peninsula: A small historic town with dramatic coastline and taro fields. Quick stop for photos and local snacks.
Paia Town: Small and charming, worth a brief visit for coffee or lunch before heading to the Hana area.

As for skipping the black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa, it’s fine if you plan to see another black sand beach on the Big Island. The Wai’anapanapa experience is beautiful but not essential if you are short on time.

Regarding your route question, the southernly loop on Highway 30 is recommended for the standard Road to Hana itinerary because it is the main road, well-maintained, and safer for visitors not used to extremely tight, winding roads. Highway 340 on the northern side is smaller, narrow, and much more winding—more suitable for adventurous drivers. While it has scenic views, it is slower, less predictable, and may not be worth the extra stress given your limited time, especially since you are visiting multiple islands and will see plenty of waterfalls and beaches elsewhere.

In summary, leaving early on your transition day, choosing 4–5 stops that are short walks or viewpoints, and booking Wai’anapanapa around midday should make for an enjoyable Road to Hana experience without overexerting yourselves. Weekday travel is slightly easier, but early departure on Saturday should work fine.

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