A slingshot turns Hana into a movie. You get the Road to Hana stops in a Polaris Slingshot, with open-air views that make even quick pull-offs feel like part of the adventure. I like how this tour keeps you moving to the right highlights without juggling a bus schedule, and I also like that you get the Slingshot for a full 24 hours to slow down when the road (or your mood) says so. The main drawback to plan for: some key parks have extra entry requirements and fees—especially Waiʻanapanapa, which needs advance reservations.

What makes this outing work well is the setup: helmets for everyone, pre-loaded self-guided navigation, and a private group using your vehicle for the day. It’s also budget-friendly for two, since the listed price is for your group up to 2, not per person. And because this is a popular activity (often booked about 42 days out on average), I’d line it up early—especially if you’re traveling in peak weeks.

4-6 Key Things You’ll Care About

• Open-air drive in a Polaris Slingshot makes the Road to Hana feel less like sightseeing and more like a road trip.
• You keep the vehicle for a full 24 hours, so stop times are flexible even if the route has set targets.
• Hoʻokipa Beach Park is for sea turtles and big-wave vibes, not just a quick photo stop.
• Twin Falls is optional for a reason—the short hike can add traffic ahead of you on the road.
• Waiʻanapanapa State Park needs reservations in advance, and entry fees apply.
• Kipahulu Point Park is inside Haleakalā National Park, so you’ll want to budget the entrance fee and timing for Oheʻo pools.

Price and what you’re really paying for in this Slingshot Hana day

This costs $541 per group for up to 2 people, and the rental period is about 1 day (approx.), with the vehicle actually in your hands for 24 hours. That structure matters. You’re not paying for a guided bus tour where you’re locked into one pace; you’re paying for vehicle time plus navigation help.

Here’s what’s included:

• Use of a Polaris Slingshot for the rental period
• Helmets provided
• Pre-loaded, self-guided navigation tour
• Mobile ticket and English support in the booking process

Here’s what is not included:

• Entrance fees to optional parks and attractions

On top of that, plan for a refundable security deposit at pickup—either $750 or $1,500. And weather can change fast on Maui, so having the right clothes isn’t optional if you want to stay comfortable.

Is it good value? For couples who want the Road to Hana without waiting for other people’s priorities, yes. It’s especially good if you enjoy stopping where you feel like stopping—because the tour is self-guided and the Slingshot is yours for a full day. If you’re the type who hates driving (or you want zero planning around park entry fees), you may decide it’s not worth the hassle.

Getting started from Kihei and handling the pace on Hana

The meeting point is 1975 S Kihei Rd, suite 5, Kihei, HI 96753, and the activity ends back there. The tour is private—only your group—and confirmation comes at booking time.

You’ll also want to remember two practical rules:

• Your driver must be 21+ and have a valid driver’s license from any country.
• Passengers of any age must be able to sit securely in the seat.

Because your navigation is pre-loaded, you won’t be constantly re-checking your phone mid-drive. Still, I treat Hana like a “read the road” day: pull-offs fill up, viewpoints get crowded, and mist can turn the road slick.

The listed stop durations (often about 30 minutes) are averages. You’ll get the vehicle for 24 hours, so you can stretch a good swim spot a bit longer, or skip a stop if the parking area is a mess.

Hoʻokipa Beach Park: sea turtles plus major-wave energy

Hoʻokipa Beach Park is where the Hana trip grabs your attention early. It’s famous for large, well-shaped waves and for being a premier windsurfing spot, thanks to reef systems and consistent winds. Even if you’re not into boards, it’s one of those places where the ocean looks powerful and alive.

Then there are the sea turtles. You can often see Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on the sand in the late afternoon. They’re protected by law, so keep a respectful distance and don’t try to get close for a better photo.

Why this stop is worth it: it breaks up the day so you’re not just grinding to the next waterfall. You get a nature moment and a strong Maui “signature” scene before the road pulls you deeper inland.

Tip I’d follow: if you’re aiming for turtle viewing, give yourself time. Rush this one and you’ll miss the calm behavior that makes it special.

Twin Falls: go if you want the hike, skip if you hate traffic

Twin Falls sits early along the Road to Hana and is known for being accessible without a deep jungle trek. The area is privately owned but open to the public, and the site has multiple waterfalls and pools—two main falls run close together, which is why people call it Twin Falls.

What you can expect:

• A short hike through lush tropical scenery
• Options to swim in pools or just enjoy the view

Here’s the trade-off. This is one stop that can create more congestion in front of you on the road, because the hike slows people down and parking crowds can ripple outward. The route advice here is clear: I’d skip Twin Falls if you want a smoother drive and less time stalled in traffic. If you do want it, plan your timing carefully and treat it like a “quick in, quick out” mission.

Wailua Valley State Wayside Park: a quick viewpoint with big payoff

Wailua Valley State Wayside Park is mostly a viewpoint stop, and it’s a good one. From the lookout, you can see into Keʻanae Valley, plus waterfalls, the Koʻolau Gap, the Wailua Peninsula, and the rim of Haleakalā Crater. It’s also a strong photography spot because you get sweeping sight lines in a short amount of time.

The practical value: it gives your eyes a break from waterfall hopping. You can also use this stop to reset—water, snacks, and a quick plan for what you want next.

Admission is free for this stop, so it’s a low-cost way to get a high-impact view.

Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls): a swim stop you’ll feel tempted by

Upper Waikani Falls, also known as Three Bears Falls, is a popular swim spot and waterfall. If your group likes water breaks, this is the kind of stop that can turn a “drive day” into a “day you remember.”

What to keep in mind:

• It’s a short stop (listed at about 30 minutes)
• Waterfall areas can get slippery
• You’ll want a towel ready, especially since you’ll be driving in and out with wet gear

This isn’t a cultural site stop—it’s a nature stop, and it’s best when you treat it like that: quick, safe, and unhurried.

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Park: rainforest pools and a convenient stretch break

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park is a small slice of rainforest with waterfalls and pools. It covers 5 acres and sits around 1,200 feet elevation, with about 0.5 miles from Waiohue Bay.

Why it’s a strong Road to Hana stop:

• You can picnic, take a short walk, or do a quick dip
• You get that rainforest feeling without committing to a long hike
• It’s right off the Hana Highway, so it doesn’t mess up your timing as much as remote trails can

This stop is also free, and that’s part of the appeal. It lets you spend more of your time where you actually want it: the water and the shade.

Waiʻanapanapa State Park: black sand, caves, and the reservation reality

If you only remember one planning point, make it this: Waiʻanapanapa State Park requires pre reservations and fees to enter. You won’t be able to enter without booking ahead. The practical advice is simple—search the park name on Google for the current entry instructions, since the reservation link isn’t provided here.

Once you’re in, Waiʻanapanapa is a different Maui mood. The park spans 122 acres at mile marker 32, and its name means glistening fresh water. The highlights include:

• Black Sand Beach
• Freshwater Caves
• Blowholes
• Ancient Hawaiian sites
• Tide pools that turn red several times a year (attributed to small shrimp)

Why I like putting this stop in your plan: it gives you more than scenery. You’re seeing geology (black sand, blowholes), ecology (tide pool color changes), and culture (ancient Hawaiian sites) all in one place.

One caution: because your entry depends on reservations, this is the stop that can’t be a last-minute decision. Build your day so you’re not stressed about timing.

Wailua Falls: roadside waterfall views and handmade goods

Wailua Falls is one of the Road to Hana’s classic quick-stop waterfalls. It’s very tall, it’s right beside the roadway, and there’s a bridge passing in front of it. That makes it easy to appreciate without hiking.

There’s also a human touch here. Local vendors often sell handmade goods in the pull-off area just past the waterfall.

This stop is free and usually fits well as a reset break between longer drives. If you’re traveling with wet swim gear, use this moment to dry off a bit and check your bag situation.

Kipahulu Point Park and Oheʻo pools: Haleakalā National Park at its best

Kipahulu Point Park is a major finale-style stop. It’s part of Haleakalā National Park, so a national park entrance fee is required. Good news: that fee is valid for three days, and it also gets you into the Haleakalā Summit.

Kipahulu is also known as the Pools at Oheʻo, sometimes described as the Seven Sacred Pools. You’re looking at tiered waterfalls and pools in ʻOheʻo Gulch, fed by cascading water and surrounded by lush tropical scenery. The Hawaiian meaning of ʻOheʻo is something special, and you can see why—this area feels calm even when tourists are around, because the sound and water movement dominate your attention.

The other big reason to come: it’s the trailhead for Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls. That hike is about 4 miles round trip, labeled moderate, and it can be slippery. You’ll pass notable terrain like a banyan tree and a bamboo forest.

If you’re short on energy, you can still enjoy Kipahulu without doing the longer hike—just plan enough time to walk a bit around the pools and let the atmosphere settle in.

Gear, comfort, and safety for an open-air Slingshot day

Since this is an open-air-style vehicle experience, think about comfort as part of the itinerary, not an afterthought. On Maui, clouds and rain can show up fast, especially as you drive. I’d pack:

• Layers (a jacket helps a lot)
• Rain gear
• Sunscreen
• A swimsuit and a towel
• Snacks and water for the stops (there’s ample storage)

A towel is a real quality-of-life item. It helps you dry off after water stops and also gives you something to sit on if seats get sun-warm.

Safety-wise, the driver is responsible for handling road conditions. If you’ve never driven a small vehicle with open sides, take a few minutes early in the day to get used to wind, turning, and where other cars expect you to be.

Also, be ready for the deposit situation: bring a card and plan on having the refundable $750 or $1,500 security deposit at pickup.

Who this Hana Slingshot day fits best

This is a great fit if:

• You want the Road to Hana without being stuck on a rigid group schedule
• You and a partner love quick nature stops and swims
• You’re comfortable driving a small vehicle for long stretches
• You’d enjoy the open-air feeling even when the weather shifts

It’s less ideal if you:

• Hate parking and roadside pull-offs
• Expect zero extra planning for park reservations and entrance fees
• Prefer a guided experience with a person handling route decisions

For two-person groups, it’s also a strong value because the price is per group up to 2, not per person. For larger groups, this particular setup may not match what you want since it’s tied to the Slingshot rental for your group size.

Should you book this Road to Hana Slingshot adventure?

I’d book it if your top priority is a memorable Road to Hana drive with flexible pacing, and you’re willing to plan around Waiʻanapanapa reservations plus entrance fees for certain parks. The open-air ride factor is a big deal here, and the mix of Hoʻokipa (turtles), waterfalls, and Oheʻo pools at Kipahulu gives you a full Hana day without feeling like you’re chasing the wrong highlights.

I’d pause before booking if you strongly dislike administrative steps (reservations, entrance fees) or if you know your group will resent traffic-heavy stops like Twin Falls. In that case, you may still enjoy Hana, but you’ll want a simpler plan than one that depends on getting into a reservation-only park.

In short: if you want Hana with personality—and you’re okay doing a little homework—this Slingshot route is one of the more fun ways to see the island’s “must-see” stops from Kihei.

FAQ

What is the price for this Road to Hana Slingshot adventure?

It costs $541.00 per group, up to 2 people.

How long does the tour take?

The activity is listed as 1 day (approx.). The Slingshot rental is for a full 24 hours.

Where do we meet, and where does it end?

You meet at 1975 S Kihei Rd suite 5, Kihei, HI 96753, USA, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What vehicle do we drive?

You drive a Polaris Slingshot. Helmets are provided for all riders.

Is navigation included?

Yes. The tour includes pre-loaded, self-guided navigation.

Are entrance fees included for the parks?

No. Entrance fees to optional parks and attractions are not included.

Do we need reservations to enter Waiʻanapanapa State Park?

Yes. Pre reservations and fees are required to enter Waiʻanapanapa State Park, and you won’t be allowed in unless you have made reservations in advance.

Is an entrance fee required for Kipahulu Point Park?

Yes. Kipahulu Point Park is part of Haleakalā National Park, and the entrance fee is required. The fee is valid for three days and also gets you into Haleakalā Summit.

What should we bring for changing weather?

Maui weather can change quickly. Bring layers, rain gear, and sunscreen. It’s also recommended to pack a swimsuit and a towel, since you may swim at waterfall stops.

Is this a private experience?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Is there a security deposit at pickup?

Yes. A fully refundable security deposit of $750 or $1,500 is required at the time of rental pickup.