The Road to Hana:
A Camper-Van Journey You’ll Never Forget
Why it’s a must-do
If you’re renting one of our camper vans from Mana Vans Hawaii and you want an adventure that blends road-trip freedom, lush scenery, and under-the-stars camping — the Road to Hana is it.
- The gorgeous winding road, formally the Hana Highway (HI-36/360), starts in Kahului and goes 52 miles through rainforest, tropical coastline, dozens of bridges and hundreds of curves.
- It’s not just a drive — you’ll pass waterfalls, bamboo forests, dramatic ocean views, volcanic coastline, and then the remote east end of Maui around Hana.
- Driving in a camper van gives you the flexibility to stop when you want, stay overnight (when legal), and wake up right in the middle of nature — rather than being confined to a hotel.
- Instead of turning the drive into a hurried “one-day sprint”, staying overnight opens up a more relaxed rhythm: sunrise by the ocean, fewer other cars, the luxury of time.
Why it works with a camper van
- With a camper van you bring your “room” with you — you’re not checking in and out of lodgings, so your pace becomes your own.
- You get the freedom to stay overnight in one of the official campsites along the route (see below). That means you can depart early or stay past sunset without having to rush back to base.
- It’s ideal for families or groups who want to blend sightseeing by day and a laid-back outdoor evening by night — cooking in your van, hanging out with ocean sounds.
Some important notes before you roll out :
The Road to Hana is
narrow,
winding, and features many
one-lane bridges and tight curves. (Wikipedia) While the camper van gives comfort, make sure you’re comfortable with the vehicle and the drive.
Overnight parking or sleeping in vehicle outside of designated campsites is generally
not permitted.
As one traveler put it: “You cannot sleep in vehicles on public properties or public campgrounds… on a road like Hana they are absolutely awful to drive.” (Reddit)
Make your reservations early:
the best campsites fill up, especially during peak season.
Bring adequate supplies: water, snacks, fuel. Services are limited once you’re on the east side.
Practice “leave no trace” — pack out your waste, respect the land, respect local regulations.
Top Campsites Along the Road to Hana
If you're planning to stay overnight during your Road to Hana journey in a camper van, here are three standout campsites worth considering. Each has its own vibe and reservation requirements.
1. Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Mile Marker ~32, just before Hana)
- Located along the east coast just before the town of Hana, this state park offers tent and camper-van camping options (on-vehicle mounted tent/van) specifically.
(camping.ehawaii.gov)
- Features: a dramatic black-sand beach, lava tunnels, coastal hiking trails, native forest.
(Hawaii DLNR)
- Reservations are required. Rate for non-residents: ~$30/night for up to 6 people in a camper-style vehicle.
(camping.ehawaii.gov)
- Why it’s great: It allows you to stay overnight right on the Hana side — wake up with the coast, and then either explore further or head back relaxed.
2. Kīpahulu Campground (in Haleakalā National Park — past Hana)
- Located beyond Hana, within the Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park.
(National Park Service)
- Facilities: Drive-in tent sites (some allow trailers/campervan spaces). No water hookups; vault toilets present; incredible ocean cliff and rainforest setting.
(National Park Service)
- Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Stay limited: max 3 nights in a 30-day period for all park sites combined.
(National Park Service)
- Why consider it: If you’re doing a longer loop or want to go beyond Hana (and spend time hiking the Pipiwai Trail or visiting the “Seven Sacred Pools”), it’s a perfect base.
- Tip: Because it’s more remote, arrive with a full tank, stocked supplies. The roads beyond Hana get tougher and services are sparse.
3. Keanae Uka Campground (Halfway to Hana)
- Why it’s great: For travellers who don’t want to go all the way to Hana, or who want to split the drive and stay somewhere earlier, this is a beautiful midway point.
- Tip: Because it’s less “official” than big state/national parks, check the current status, rules and vehicle size limitations before relying on it.
Sample Itinerary for a Camper‐Van
Road to Hana Trip
Here’s a two-day plan to make the most of your rental and avoid the rush.
Day 1
- Depart early from your base (e.g., Kahului) in your Mana Vans camper van.
- Stop at waterfalls, lookouts, rainforest trails along the route: Twin Falls, Wailua Falls, etc.
- Arrive at Waiʻānapanapa State Park in the afternoon, set up camp, enjoy sunset on the black sand beach.
- Evening: cook dinner in van, relax under stars, listen to the ocean.
Day 2
- Early morning walk the coastal trail, explore sea arches, lava tubes.
- Option A: Return the way you came (more comfortable drive).
- Option B: Continue past Hana to Kīpahulu (if you want more remote and longer adventure). Stay another night at Kīpahulu.
- Either way: take your time, stop often, avoid the “speed through Hana” mindset.
Why Choose Mana Vans for This Trip
- Our camper vans are set up for comfort, mobility and flexibility — perfect for the narrow roads and tight bridges of the Road to Hana.
- With an overnight camping stay built into your plan, you’ll get more from your Maui adventure: not just the drive, but the destination, the night, the nature.
- We’ll help you plan key spots, give guidance on campsites, vehicle size and recommended stops — so you can focus on the experience.
Final Thoughts
The Road to Hana is not just another scenic drive — it’s a full-on immersive journey. With the right vehicle (your camper van), the right mindset (slow, relaxed), and the right campsite booked ahead, you’ll turn a long day’s drive into a memorable multi-day adventure.
If you’d like suggested must-stop spots, waterfall trails, or help booking one of the campsites above, I can pull that together too.
