Viator Rating : 5 (1103 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.9/10 (Solid Experience)
Maui
Road to Hana Waterfalls Tour by Mercedes Van
Overview
The Famous Road to Hana Waterfalls and Lunch by Mercedes Van lets guests explore the iconic Road to Hana in style and comfort. Travel in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter van with a maximum of 14 people. A professional chauffeur, deeply knowledgeable in Hawaiian culture and history, guides and narrates the journey with a personal touch. This is a curated small group tour for excellent quality and a worry-free shore excursion.
Guests can relax and enjoy a VIP experience through the magical Road to Hana. This scenic road trip includes stops to swim at waterfalls and explore unique sand beaches. One of the highlights is swimming at the famous black sand beach in Wai'anapanapa State Park. A perfect lunch spot is selected by the driver, and if time allows, there are stops at fruit stands for fresh local produce. Key stops include Paia Town, Ho'okipa Beach, Twin Falls, and the Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove. The tour safely navigates the 617 curves and 56 one-lane bridges, bringing to life historic moments and legendary tales of the islands.
What to Expect: This full-day tour includes a driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), live commentary on board, and lunch. Guests will see stunning sites like the Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears), Wailua Falls, Ka'eleku Cave (Maui Lava Tube), and Hana Beach Park. Not included are pickups in Napili-Honokowai, Kahana, and Kapalua (meet at Lahaina Cannery mall at 6:00 am), special diets, driver's gratuity (15-20% recommended), and pickups at Makawao, Kula, and Paia (meet at Kahului park n'ride at 6:40 am). The tour offers an intimate experience of Maui's natural beauty and cultural heritage. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Highlights
Luxury Transportation: Travel in comfort in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van.
Expert Local Guides: Learn about Hawaiian culture and history from knowledgeable chauffeurs.
Swim in Waterfalls: Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Hana's famous waterfalls.
Black Sand Beach: Visit and swim at the iconic black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say the tour guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, and go above and beyond.
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Guests appreciate the comfortable Mercedes van and the small group size.
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Many reviewers highlight the stunning scenery and the opportunity to swim in waterfalls.
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The provided lunch is often mentioned as a positive aspect of the tour.
Some customers mention that the tour can feel rushed at certain stops.
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A few reviewers noted that the weather can impact the visibility at some locations.
The Journey
Hana Highway
The Hana Highway, a legendary 64.4-mile coastal route, is a scenic marvel renowned for its breathtaking beauty and challenging drive. Prepare for an adventure through lush rainforests, over 59 single-lane bridges (many dating back to 1910), and around more than 640 hairpin turns. This iconic road offers unparalleled views, leading you to hidden waterfalls, stunning vistas, and the untamed beauty of East Maui. Beyond Kalepa Bridge, continue onto the Piilani Highway (Route 31) for further exploration.
Paia Town
Discover the historic charm of Pāʻia, a vibrant town just four miles into your Hana journey from Kahului. Once a thriving plantation town during Maui's sugar cane boom, Pāʻia now boasts colorful, rustic storefronts housing local art galleries, unique boutiques, and delectable restaurants. This welcoming community offers a glimpse into Maui's past while providing a delightful array of shopping and dining experiences.
Ho'okipa Beach
Experience the thrill of Ho'okipa Beach, globally recognized as the windsurfing capital of the world. Watch skilled windsurfers and kiteboarders conquer the waves and winds. This beach also serves as a sanctuary for the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, with these gentle giants often seen feeding along the shoreline and basking in the sun throughout the day.
Twin Falls
Begin your waterfall adventure at Twin Falls, the first easily accessible cascade along the Road to Hana. Perfect for a refreshing dip, this spot offers multiple waterfalls and serene pools amidst lush tropical surroundings. It's a great starting point to experience the natural beauty that awaits along the journey.
Haipua'ena Falls
Escape the crowds and discover the secluded beauty of Haipua'ena Falls, a hidden gem along the Road to Hana. A short, often muddy trail leads to this small waterfall and tranquil pool, offering a more intimate and less frequented natural experience. The unsigned trail adds to the sense of discovery, rewarding those who seek out its quiet charm.
Keanae Village
Step back in time in Keanae, a quaint Hawaiian village where traditional ways of life endure. Witness the local community's dedication to hunting, taro farming, breadfruit cultivation, and banana harvesting. Don't miss the famous Half Way to Hana Snack stand for refreshing shave ice, fresh coconut, and the Original Fresh Baked Banana Bread. The Keanae overlook and peninsula also present stunning views of one of Hawaii's largest taro farms.
Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread
Indulge in a culinary tradition at Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread, a must-stop destination on the Keʻanae peninsula since 1983. This family-owned food stand offers the aroma and taste of warm, freshly baked banana bread, a perfect treat to savor amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Road to Hana. Experience a taste of local hospitality and the legacy of Aunty Sandy Hueu.
Cliff Diving Spot
Find this unidentified, but obviously located somewhere along the Hana Highway. It is a very photogenic spot to get photographed doing something life threatening; it may contain dangerous conditions.
Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears)
Marvel at the unique beauty of Upper Waikani Falls, affectionately known as 'Three Bears' due to its three distinct parallel falls of varying lengths. The smallest of the three, on the right, resembles the 'baby bear.' This picturesque waterfall offers a memorable photo opportunity along the Road to Hana.
Wailua Falls
Witness the majestic Wailua Falls, a picturesque waterfall conveniently visible right from the Hana Highway. Enjoy its beauty without even leaving your car! This easily accessible natural wonder is a quintessential Road to Hana experience, perfect for a quick and stunning photo stop.
Ka'eleku Cave (Maui Lava Tube)
Explore the depths of Maui's volcanic past at Ka’eleku Cave, the island's largest accessible lava tube. Journey through this underground tunnel, formed by ancient lava flows, and witness the raw power of nature's artistry. It's a rare opportunity to delve into the geological history of Maui's landscape.
Hana Beach Park
Relax and rejuvenate at Hana Beach Park, nestled within Hana Bay. This park features a long black-sand beach and provides the safest swimming conditions along the East Maui coast. Protected by a coral reef and the bay's curved shape, it offers a serene escape from the ocean's swells. Perfect for swimming and picnicking.
Wai'anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
Immerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of Wai'anapanapa State Park, home to Maui's iconic Black Sand Beach. Witness the striking contrast of cobalt blue waters against the black sand and lava rocks, a testament to recent volcanic activity. Explore the park's panoramic views, rugged coastline, and captivating natural wonders. It's a must-see destination along the Road to Hana.
Unspecified Waterfall
This location is known to have an easy to access waterfall, where people like to take a dip in the chilly waters on a hot day. Bring your swimsuit and towels.
Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears) - Redundant
This is a redundant entry from input. See number 9. Marvel at the unique beauty of Upper Waikani Falls, affectionately known as 'Three Bears' due to its three distinct parallel falls of varying lengths. The smallest of the three, on the right, resembles the 'baby bear.' This picturesque waterfall offers a memorable photo opportunity along the Road to Hana.
Wailua Valley
Discover the cultural heart of Wailua Valley, an ahupuaʻa rich in Hawaiian heritage located just beyond the Keanae peninsula. This area protects rare fish and plant life, as well as ancient taro patches still in operation. Experience the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the land in this culturally significant valley.
Wailua Valley Lookout
Capture a glimpse of ancient Hawaii from the Wailua Valley Lookout. This vantage point offers a sense of untouched Maui, providing a unique perspective on the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage. It's a moment to reflect on the rich history and traditions of the Hawaiian people.
Honomanu Bay Overlook
Enjoy a scenic vista of Honomanu Bay from a pullout located beyond Kaumahina State Wayside Park. This vantage point provides another view of the Ke'anae Peninsula. While the views are good, consider stopping at the Kaumahina Wayside Park for a superior perspective.
Kaumahina State Wayside Park
Escape into nature at Kaumahina State Wayside Park, a 7.8-acre oasis of forest and exotic plants situated along the Hana Highway. Located 28.3 miles East of Kahului, this park offers a refreshing break with stunning views and a chance to stretch your legs amidst lush surroundings.
Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove
Witness the vibrant beauty of the rainbow eucalyptus trees, showcasing a mesmerizing display of green, blue, purple, orange, and maroon hues. These towering trees, which can reach heights of over 200 feet, are considered by many to be the most beautiful trees on Earth, adding a splash of color to the Hawaiian landscape.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (if the option is selected during booking), live commentary on board, and lunch. Pickups are not available in Napili-Honokowai, Kahana, or Kapalua; guests must meet at Lahaina Cannery Mall at 6:00 AM. Special dietary needs cannot be accommodated; guests with restrictions should bring their own food. Driver gratuity (15-20% of the ticket price) is recommended but not included. Pickups are also unavailable in Makawao, Kula, and Paia; guests must meet at the Kahului Park n' Ride at 6:40 AM.
Hot Tip
Based on reviews, wear comfortable shoes for walking and swimming. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Consider bringing snacks if you have dietary restrictions, as specific dietary needs might not be accommodated. Be prepared for a full day of adventure and expect some potential for rain, as Hana is known for its lush, wet environment.
Review Summary
People usually say that the Road to Hana Mercedes Van tour is an exceptional way to experience Maui's most iconic drive, with travelers praising knowledgeable, culturally respectful guides who make the journey feel personal and educational rather than rushed.[1][7] Visitors consistently highlight the memorable stops at stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and local attractions like Wai'anapanapa State Park, along with the convenience of having meals provided and not having to navigate the challenging 617 curves themselves.[1][4] The main considerations travelers mention are that the tour involves a full day commitment (9-10 hours), the road can be winding and potentially cause motion sickness for some passengers, and that while lunch is included, gratuities for the guide are recommended separately.[3]
Frequently Asked Questions
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