Maui, Hawaii
Day 3 began in the soft quiet of early morning. The sky outside was still gray, our room dim, and our toddler curled beside her bunny, sleeping peacefully before the big adventure ahead. The Road to Hana is known for being long, winding, and breathtaking—and doing it with a toddler made the day feel even more meaningful.
We packed everything we needed—snacks, towels, sunscreen, extra clothes, water—and headed out as the first light brushed across the island.
The Road Begins — Curves, Rainforest & Ocean Cliffs
Once we left the main highway, Maui transformed.
The air grew humid.
The rainforest grew thick around the road.
Waterfalls dripped down mossy cliffs.
And every curve revealed a new glimpse of the sparkling coastline.
Our toddler sat wide-eyed in the back seat, pointing out of the window and whispering “water!” every time she saw the ocean or a small cascade along the cliffs.
The journey had officially begun.
Twin Falls — A Gentle First Stop
Our first stop was Twin Falls, the perfect introduction to Hana’s rainforest beauty.
The walk was short and toddler-friendly. The trail was damp, the leaves enormous, and the sound of water echoed between the trees. When we reached the falls, our toddler lit up—laughing as the water splashed against rocks, kicking her feet in the cool shallow stream.
It felt refreshing, peaceful, and magical—all at once.
(Photo idea: Toddler touching the water at Twin Falls.)
Upper Waikani (Three Bears) Falls — A Picture-Perfect Cascade
Further along the road, we reached Upper Waikani Falls, also known as the “Three Bears.” Three perfect streams, falling gracefully over a moss-covered cliff.
Small, medium, and large—the “three bears.”
Our toddler pointed from one waterfall to the next, choosing her favorite bear. The cool mist touched our faces, and the deep green landscape made this stop feel like stepping into a rainforest dream.
Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside — Snacks, Bathrooms & a Toddler Reset
Puaʻa Kaʻa was exactly what our little family needed:
clean restrooms, picnic tables, and an easy waterfall.
We stretched our legs, let our daughter run freely, and shared snacks under the shade of tall trees. The waterfall here was small but beautiful, and the fresh mountain air felt grounding.
Perfect for families and a great place to reset.
A Hidden Roadside Lava Tube — A Tiny Cave Full of Wonder
Somewhere between waterfalls, we explored a small lava tube cave right off the road. It wasn’t busy or overly advertised—just a natural formation carved by molten lava long ago.
Inside, the air was cool and still.
Our toddler whispered “cave!” in the softest excited voice.
A tiny stop, but one of those little surprises that make the Road to Hana unforgettable.
Waiʻānapanapa — The Black Sand Beach of Dreams
Next came one of the most surreal sights of the entire trip:
Waiʻānapanapa Black Sand Beach
Nothing prepares you for it.
Jet-black sand.
Turquoise waves crashing dramatically.
Volcanic cliffs rising above the shore.
Bright green plants glowing in the sun.
Our toddler immediately knelt down, scooping black sand into her hands and letting it fall between her fingers. She loved the contrast, the texture, the magic of it.
We explored sea caves, watched strong waves roll in, and soaked in the wild beauty that makes this beach so iconic.
(Photo idea: Toddler footprints in black sand.)
Through Quiet Hana Town — Island Life at Its Slowest
Hana town is small, peaceful, and full of charm. Passing through felt like entering a different era—local stands, small shops, and gentle island rhythm.
We made a brief stop, stretched our legs, and enjoyed fresh açaí bowls right in Hana town. Cold, fruity, refreshing—the perfect treat after hours of winding roads and warm sun.
Our toddler happily ate spoonfuls, purple smoothie all over her lips. Pure joy.
Wailua Falls — Tall, Dramatic & Unforgettable
Just beyond Hana, we reached Wailua Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls on the route. Water thundered down from high above in one powerful sheet.
Mist drifted through the air.
Everything around us glowed green.
And the sound of the falls echoed deeply.
Our toddler stared quietly—one of those rare, still moments. It felt grand and humbling to stand in front of such raw nature.
ʻOheʻo Gulch — The Seven Sacred Pools
Our final major stop: ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) inside Haleakalā National Park.
Here, waterfalls flow into a series of pools that lead toward the ocean. The cliffs, the greenery, the rhythm of the water—it all felt ancient and sacred.
We walked the easy pathways, letting our toddler lead at her own pace. She pointed at each pool, calling them “bath!” with toddler innocence that made the moment even sweeter.
The sound of the ocean crashing in the distance mixed with the waterfalls created a peaceful soundtrack to end the adventure.
The Long Drive Back — Soft Light & Sleeping Toddler
The return drive was quieter.
Our toddler fell asleep instantly, bunny tucked against her cheek.
The rainforest glowed golden as the sunlight faded.
The curves felt gentler now, familiar.
It was long, yes.
But peaceful in a way only Maui can be.
✨ Travel Tips for Families on the Road to Hana
- Leave early — it’s a full-day journey.
- Book Waiʻānapanapa reservations ahead.
- Bring plenty of snacks, water, and extra toddler clothes.
- Stop often—kids need movement.
- Motion sickness bands or ginger chews help with winding roads.
- Choose easy pull-offs instead of long hikes.
- Expect a slow-paced day—Hana is about the journey, not the finish line.
✨ Why Day 3 Was Truly Unforgettable
This day gave us:
- Twin Falls magic
- The “Three Bears” waterfall
- Peaceful moments at Puaʻa Kaʻa
- A secret lava tube adventure
- The black sand beach of dreams
- Towering Wailua Falls
- The sacred pools of ʻOheʻo
- Açaí bowls in Hana town
- Toddler giggles mixing with jungle mist
- Ocean cliffs and rainforests all around us
It was long.
It was wild.
It was pure Maui magic.
A day we will remember forever.