Reached via a short 4WD trail that's also walkable, this gorgeous empty bay is punctuated by a black-sand beach, archaeological sites and a protected wetlands refuge (www.hilt.org). You might see endangered seabirds such as the aeʻo (Hawaiian black-necked stilt) and the ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot). Fishers have frequented these shores for centuries.
Nu'u Bay
Hana & East Maui
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Piʻilanihale Heiau & Kahanu Garden
15.29 MILES
Probably the most significant stop on the entire Road to Hana, this site combines a 294-acre ethnobotanical garden with the magnificent Piʻilanihale Heiau…
17.93 MILES
From break of day to twilight, this sparkling stretch of sand is a showstopper. Extending from south Kihei to Wailea’s Mokapu Beach, Keawakapu is set back…
15.94 MILES
Wai'anapanapa means 'glistening waters', and the clear mineral waters in the cave pools here will leave you feeling squeaky clean. There's a natural lava…
17.36 MILES
Sunbathe like a celebrity at this sparkling strand, which fronts the swish Grand Wailea and ever-posh Four Seasons resorts and offers a full menu of water…
14.03 MILES
With its clear water, white sand and hala-tree backdrop, this famous crescent is a little gem; author James Michener once called it the only beach in the…
14.3 MILES
Got your camera? This beauty takes its name from the triple cascade that flows down a steep rock face on the inland side of the road, 0.5 miles past the…
17.16 MILES
The crowning glory of Makena State Park, this untouched beach is arguably the finest on Maui. In Hawaiian it’s called Oneloa, literally ‘Long Sand.’ And…
Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) Overlook
7.28 MILES
You may find yourself standing above the clouds while exploring Puʻuʻulaʻula (10,023ft), Maui’s highest point. The summit building provides a top-of-the…
Nearby Hana & East Maui attractions
0.5 MILES
Huakini hosts a deserted, rough and rocky beach (you might see a few fishers). From the two gateposts just east of the 30-mile marker, walk down the dirt…
2.11 MILES
Just west of mile marker 29, an impressive coastal sea arch is visible from the Piʻilani Hwy.
2.76 MILES
Established by Catholic missionaries in the 19th century, St Joseph Church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. The church offers a noon Mass on the…
5.62 MILES
No trip to Maui is complete without visiting this national park containing the mighty volcano that gave rise to East Maui. The volcano's floor measures a…
6.27 MILES
Along the loop trail south of Kawilinau, and accessible via Halemauʻu Trail and Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail, this is the crater’s most brilliant…
6.48 MILES
Pull over to gaze at this dramatic volcanic rift that drops down the southern flank of Haleakalā. The Kaupo Trail descends through here from the crater of…
6.48 MILES
Legend says that the pit leads down to the sea, though the National Park Service says it’s just 65ft deep.
7.13 MILES
The iron-rich cinders in this flat-top hill, which lies immediately southeast of the summit building (in the direction of Hawaiʻi, the Big Island), pack…