The Road to Hāna is a staple adventure when visiting Maui. It is a journey, not a destination. This 64.4-mile stretch of highway isn’t only a scenic drive. There are tons of opportunities to stop off and experience the uniqueness of Maui, including sites like the Garden of Eden Arboretum, Waiʻānapanapa State Park, and Wailua Falls.
It’s an incredible exploration of our island as every turn reveals a new wonder. But one stop, right around Mile Marker 16, offers a captivating look into Maui.
This is the Keʻanae Peninsula, a rugged finger of jet-black lava rock that juts out into the Pacific. At first glance, it’s a stunning photo-op, but look closer and you’ll see a living testament to Hawaiian history.
Keʻanae Peninsula’s Formation & Transformation
Long before the Road to Hāna existed, this peninsula was born from the power of the volcano, Haleakalā. As lava flow poured down the mountain, it spilled into the sea and cooled into the jagged, barren volcanic rock we see today. It was new land, albeit raw and seemingly inhospitable.
That’s where the Hawaiian people brought life. The peninsula, as you see it today, wasn’t always naturally fertile. That took a real labor of love from the people of our island. With painstaking effort, baskets of soil were carried down the valley, covering the lava rock. All of that effort paid off as their labor not only created a site to farm, but it also revealed a reverence for the ʻāina (the land) that the Hawaiian people felt important to celebrate.
Out of that once volcanic rock now came emerald-green taro fields. From the Keʻanae Lookout just before the turnoff, you can admire the beauty of the land. Many of these farms are still actively managed by the same local families who have been there for generations.
Traveling the Road to Hāna? Fun Things to Do at Keʻanae Peninsula
Visit the Stone Church
Built in 1856, the Lanakila Ihiʻihi O Iehowa Ona Kaua (Keʻanae Congregational Church) is special, built from lava rock and coral mortar. It was the only building to survive the devastating 1946 tsunami, making it a powerful symbol of resilience. It’s a powerful and historically important site to witness.
Watch the Waves at the Lava Rock Coastline
The main draw of the peninsula is arguably the incredible view. If you park near the church or at Waialohe Park and walk along the coast, you’ll see the waves crashing against jagged, black lava rock. If you’re looking for a stunning photo, this is hard to beat. It’s important to know that you should not swim here, as currents are extremely strong and dangerous, and the shoreline is all sharp rock.
Check Out the Amazing Taro Fields
As you drive onto the peninsula, you’ll see one of the largest and oldest-working taro patches in all of Hawaiʻi. Please be respectful and view them from the road. These are private, working farms and are not open for walking through. You can definitely enjoy them from a distance though!
Enjoy Keʻanae Peninsula Lookout
Located just before the turnoff (around Mile Marker 17), this paved pull-off gives you a spectacular bird’s-eye view down onto the entire peninsula, the taro fields, and the church, capturing this iconic stop along the Road to Hāna.
Explore Keʻanae Arboretum
Located on the mountain side of the road is a free, beautiful botanical garden where you can take an easy stroll on a paved path. You’ll witness a large collection of tropical plants, including the famous Rainbow Eucalyptus trees. It’s a perfect place for a quick walk to stretch your legs and still enjoy Maui’s flora.
Try Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread
One of the most famous stops on the peninsula and an absolute must-try for many travelers is Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread. It’s become a legendary snack stand serving fresh, hot, and delicious loaves of banana bread. Our advice is to buy more than one loaf as you’ll enjoy one on the peninsula and one back in the car.
Important Tips When Visiting Keʻanae Peninsula
While these aren’t the only ones, we want to make sure you’re prepared with five important tips, including:
- Do not swim, as the ocean is extremely dangerous with strong currents and sharp lava rocks.
- Respect private taro farms and view them respectfully from the road.
- Get banana bread early, as they tend to sell out by the afternoon. Aunty Sandy’s is also closed Sundays.
- Public restrooms are located at Keʻanae Park, just past the church.
- Visit the church respectfully, as it still is an active place of worship.
We hope you have a wonderful visit to Keʻanae Peninsula and a safe journey along the Road to Hāna!
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
