Hana is a tiny and remote town located on the west coast of the Hawaiian island of Maui. The Hana Highway, or the “Road to Hana” as it is more commonly called, attracts thousands of visitors each year wanting to explore the stunning 64.4 mile stretch of highway that connects Kahului and Hana.
The highway features 620 curves, 59 bridges, and unbeatable island views. Along the way, you pass by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. Though it is a stunning drive, the road conditions can be difficult in some places, which is why it’s a good idea to make pit-stops along the way.
The majority of people who visit Hana only stay one night after finishing the “Road to Hana,” but they miss out on all the wonderful things this small area has to offer. It’s a place full of history and phenomenal nature, the largest Hawaiian temple in the state, and also where you can find iconic white, black, and red sand beaches.
To truly experience the best of Hawaiian culture and nature, I recommend staying at least a few days in Hana to really take it all in.
While there are countless options available when deciding on where to stay in Hana and I know that it can be overwhelming and confusing at times. But don’t worry, that’s why I’ve made this ultimate Hana area guide, so you can find the best place to stay – no matter who you are and what type of accommodation you are looking for.
So, let’s get started…
Where to Stay in Hana – Top Picks
Headed to Hana and looking for a place to stay but don’t have much time? Here are my top overall recommendations of the coolest places to stay near Hana.
The Farm Cottage – At Olamana Organics | Best Cottage in Hana
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This precious one-bedroom cottage is situated on a fully functioning farm near the airport. The house has a wonderful cabin-like feel thanks to the vaulted wooden ceilings and wood furniture. Furthermore, there are lots of huge windows all throughout the home that let in lots of natural light and provide tremendous views of the property. The hosts provide every guest with delicious seasonal fruit, but they also encourage you to explore the farm and pick whatever ripe fruit you may find!
Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt Residence | Best Hotel Near Kaanapali
This stunning resort is located in the middle of Hana, right next to the beach. If you are traveling solo, or as a couple, they have exquisite rooms with queen or king-sized beds. Alternatively, if you are traveling as a family or with a group of friends, you can opt for a private beach bungalow. The swimming pool and hot tub both overlook the ocean. Lastly, the hotel offers a massive selection of activities for guests, such as making lei’s (traditional flower garments) with a local, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bamboo pole fishing.
Hana Estate! | Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Hana
The Hana Estate is not only one of the coolest places to stay in Hana but in all of Maui! Inside the home, there are four bedrooms and a billiards room with a fully stocked bar. Outside, there is a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, an outdoor gazebo with a barbecue, and a frisbee golf course! I guarantee that you will never get bored at this amazing estate. In fact, you may have the opposite problem, there is so much to do here that you may forget to see the rest of Hana!
Hana Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Hana
Near the Beach
If it’s your first time to Hana, you will absolutely want to stay near the beach! It’s where you will find the town center, the greatest selection of accommodation options, and most of the food options. In addition, this small area is packed full of many cool and unique of beaches.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Wai’anapanapa State Park is unquestionably one of the must-visit locations on any Maui itinerary. The park is spread across 122 acres of Maui coastline, and it would take days to explore it all.
Near the Airport
The Hana Airport is a small regional airport that only flies to very limited destinations within Hawaii. Even if you are not flying in or out of the airport, it’s still a fabulous area to stay in near Hana. With large, beautiful homes and numerous family-friendly activities nearby, staying close to the airport is absolutely where to stay in Hana if you are traveling as a family.
The beaches in the Hana area are some of the most popular in all of Maui. There are white sand beaches, black sand beaches, and a remarkable red sand beach. Staying near the beach in Hana is the best way to visit all the unusual beaches while also staying in the heart of town. The beach is only a short distance from the Hana Highway and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and supermarkets nearby.
If you are a nature lover or you’re backpacking Hawaii on a budget, staying near Wai’anapanapa State Park is a no-brainer. The State Park is less than 10 minutes away from the city center by car, but the accommodation rates are so much cheaper. If you’re after the cheapest places to stay in Hana, you can look to rent a tent and camp inside the park.
If you’re staying a short while in Hana, you can choose to stay near the Airport. In this area, you will find an abundance of large-family homes and be close to nature. There are tons of waterfalls in the area famous for swimming or cliff jumping, as well as the famous black sand beaches. Additionally, if you fly into Hana, this is an outstanding basecamp for exploring the Hana Highway.
The 3 Best Areas to Stay in Hana
Now that you’ve been introduced to the best areas in Hana to stay in, it’s time to look at my top recommendations for accommodation in Hana. If you’re looking for a condo, cottage, hotel, or hostel in Hana, here are what I consider to be the best ones.
1. Near the Beach – Where to Stay in Hana For First-Timers
If it’s your first time in Hana, you will absolutely want to stay near the beach and the gorgeous nature in the area. The beach is also where you will find the town center, the greatest selection of accommodation options, and tons of restaurants and supermarkets.
In addition, this small area is packed full of many cool and unique beaches. Hana Bay Beach Park is a black sand beach that is a fantastic place to snorkel. Alternatively, Kaihalulu Beach is a rare and alluring red sand beach is accessed by a short trek.
The Hana Cultural Center and Museum is also located close to the beach. In the Cultural Center, you can see generations of ancient Hawaiian artifacts and old photographs of important figures from Hana’s history. If that wasn’t enough, the Seven Sacred Pools at ‘Ohe’o Gulch and Haleakala National Park are less than 30 minutes away.
Hana Kai Maui Ocean View Lofted Studio | Best Luxury Condo Near the Beach
This stunning beachfront condo is without question one of the coolest places to stay in Hana, if not the whole of Maui! The way the condo is designed is magnificent and makes the space feel much larger than it actually is. I absolutely love the cozy studio loft. Outside, there is a large back patio with gorgeous views of Hana Bay. I recommend waking up early one day and watching the sunrise over the bay. If you are a couple and looking for a romantic getaway, you won’t find a better place than this!
Sunrise Hana Beach Studio | Best Condo Near the Beach
This charming studio apartment is located in the heart of Hana and is an ideal option for couples and solo travelers. The condo has a large king-sized bed and a small kitchenette that includes a fridge, microwave, and coffee machine. Additionally, there is a fully enclosed private patio, which is a delightful place to sip on your morning coffee.There are two beaches less than five minutes away, as well as a handful of tasty restaurants to choose from whenever you get hungry.
Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt Residence | Best Hotel near the Beach
The Hana-Maui Resort is a luxurious hotel right next to the beach. At the Hana-Maui, you can select from a handful of elegant rooms or deluxe private bungalows. No matter what option you choose, you will have a fully-equipped kitchen and a terrace with smashing ocean views. On the hotel premises, you will find an enormous swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and a spa offering massages, body treatments, and facials.
Things to See and Do Near the Beach
- Snorkel with exotic marine life in Hana Bay.
- Trek to the unique red sand beach of Kaihalulu Beach.
- Learn about local history at the Hana Cultural Center and Museum.
- Swim in the Seven Sacred Pools at ‘Ohe’o Gulch.
- Walk or bike around town and visit all the quirky art galleries.
- Hike up to Fagan’s cross for some of the most dramatic views in Hana.
- Take a day trip to Haleakala National Park. Haleakala is one of two National Parks in Hawaii, and the only one on Maui.
2. Wai’anapanapa State Park – Where to Stay in Hana on a Budget
Wai’anapanapa State Park is unquestionably one of the must-visit locations on any Maui itinerary. The park is spread across 122 acres of Maui coastline, and it would take days to explore it all.
Here you will find Maui’s most prestigious black sand beach. Also, there are miles of seaside hiking trails, secret swimming holes, ancient Hawaiian burial sites, sea caves, and more. I recommend you sign up for a tour in order to learn all about the geology and history of the park.
Outside of the State Park, one of my favorite experiences in Hana is visiting the Gold Cacao Plantation. It’s a laid-back cacao farm where you can take a tour or simply stop and buy some chocolate. Only one warning, once you try their mouth-watering chocolate you may never want to eat any other chocolate again.
Hana Maui | Best Private Room in Wai’anapanapa State Park
Hana Maui Vacation Rentals offers clean and comfortable private rooms just outsideWai’anapanapa State Park. The rooms can sleep one or two people, and come with private bathrooms. In addition, there are microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers in every room. With the State Park being only minutes away, this is a splendid basecamp to stay for a few nights and explore all there is to see in and around Hana. On top of all that, you will not find a cheaper room rate anywhere in or around Hana.
Tent Package Rental | Best Camping near Wai’anapanapa State Park
If you are feeling adventurous, this is the ultimate budget accommodation option in Hana. The tent package rental includes a two-person tent, two sleeping bags, two pillows, and a LED lantern with batteries. With this package, you can sleep inside the park and be right next to all the action. Keep in mind, this is just an equipment rental, and you will have to obtain a camping permit from the state of Hawaii before you can reserve the gear. If you are on a backpacker’s budget, this is without a doubt where to stay in Hana.
Heavenly Hana Paradise | Best Hotel Near Wai’anapanapa State Park
Heavenly Hana Paradise is a quiet and charming, locally run hotel in the middle of the rainforest. Here you can pick to stay in a king room or a studio suite with a kitchen. Take a walk around the garden and you can find a wide abundance of fresh fruit growing on the trees just waiting to be harvested. Coconuts, mangos, pineapples, and avocados are only a few of the fruits that you may find in this tropical heaven. Additionally, there are fantastic places to hike and snorkel super close to the hotel.
Things to See and Do near Wai’anapanapa State Park
- Explore all the amazing things that the state park has to offer!
- Visit the most famous black sand beach on Maui.
- Hike on one of the two popular coastal trails and discover ancient Hawaiian burial sites, hidden swimming holes, or seaside caves.
- Take a guided tour of the park to learn about its history and local legends.
- Learn about how chocolate is made at the Hana Gold Cacao Plantation.
- Eat locally grown fruit and handmade baked goods at one of the many farmer’s markets and roadside stands.
3. Near the Airport – Best Place to Stay in Hana for Families
The Hana Airport is a small regional airport that only flies to very limited destinations within Hawaii. Even if you are not flying in or out of the airport, it’s still a fabulous area to stay in near Hana.
With large, beautiful homes and numerous family-friendly activities nearby, staying close to the airport is absolutely where to stay in Hana if you are traveling as a family.
Putting on a hard hat and exploring the cavernous Hana Lava Tube is an absolute must-do activity in Hana. At the cave, you can go on a self-guided audio tour or you can go with a traditional guide.
Also, there are multiple magnificent botanical gardens full of rare tropical plants in the area. Last but not least, if you are feeling bold you should sign up for a hang gliding lesson. Flying along the coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with remarkable views and something you will never forget.
JJ’s Hana Hale – Farm Style Cottage | Best Farm Stay near the Airport
JJ’s farm-style cottage is one of the most unique places to stay in Hana. It’s located on a six-acre farm full of rescue animals.Horses, miniature goats, cows, horses, chickens, dogs, and ducks all live on the property. All of the animals are super friendly and love to interact with guests. If you are traveling with children, they will love the chance to play with all the animals. The cottage itself has one bedroom and can sleep two adults and two kids. Furthermore, there are two bikes that guests can use free of charge and are great for riding down to the beach.
The Farm Cottage – At Olamana Organics | Best Cottage Near the Airport
This adorable cottage is wonderfully located very close to the airport and is a relaxing tropical paradise. The enchanting interior design of this one-bedroom creates a peaceful island atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. It is constructed on a five-acre organic farm that grows seasonal fruit year-round, and upon your arrival, you will have a large, freshly picked basket of fruit waiting for you in the kitchen! If you want to see for yourself where and how the fruit grows, you are more than welcome to take a walk around the farm.
Hana Estate | Best Luxury Vacation Rental near the Airport
If you are looking for the ultimate luxury getaway, look no further. This enormous residence is clearly one of the coolest places to stay near Hana. It is located on seven acres of land and is home to over 100 types of fruit trees. I challenge to you walk around and see how many you can find. The house itself has four bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 people. Last but not least, there is a gigantic swimming pool and hot tub. If you are traveling with the whole family, or as a large group, this is definitely where to stay in Hana.
Things to See and Do Near The Airport
- Head underground and explore the colossal Hana Lava Tube.
- Walk around the Kahanu Botanical Gardens or the Hana Maui Botanical Gardens.
- Hop in the car and go on a drive along the famous and thrilling Hana Highway.
- Fly through the sky with Hang Gliding Maui for a birds eye view of Hana and the coast.
- Swim in the many waterfalls just outside of Hana.
- Take a day trip north to the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Hana
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Hana
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hana
Hana is one of the greenest and most heavenly locations in all of Hawaii. Arguable, completing the “Road to Hana” is one of the top things to do in Maui. It will not only get your heart pumping but connect you to a whole host of incredible attractions that the island has to offer.
Staying in Hana is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you want to relax on the beach, discover hidden waterfalls, or fly through the sky, you can do it all here.
I hope that this guide has helped you decide where to stay on your next trip to Hana. Did you find what you were looking for? Let me know in the comments!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Hawaii.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Hawaii.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Hawaii to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Hawaii is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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