08/28/2026
Road to Hana with kids? I recommend the light edition. 🌿
Instead of trying to complete the entire drive, choose two or three stops and let the day unfold at your kids’ pace.
I had originally reserved the black sand beach, but canceled it a couple of weeks beforehand. As the only adult driving with my 4- and 6-year-olds, I was nervous about committing to that much of the road. A tour didn’t feel right for us either—I wanted the freedom to stop, rest or turn around whenever we needed.
We started early at Twin Falls, before most of the crowds and tours arrived. It had been raining heavily, so the water was flowing too strongly for swimming, but the muddy walk and waterfalls were still a fun little adventure.
Then we continued to the Garden of Eden. The rain lulled both girls to sleep in the car, so I parked, relaxed and enjoyed the scenery until they woke up. Having our own car was absolutely perfect for that moment.
They loved the waterfalls—but naturally, the ducks and peacocks may have been the real highlight. 😂 We also sampled the obligatory banana bread and some ube mochi, despite neither child actually liking banana bread.
Was the drive beautiful? Yes. Was it still borderline too stressful for me, even before the crowds arrived? Also yes.
But this small taste of the Road to Hana felt just right for us. You don’t have to do the entire road for the experience to count.
Would you choose the full Road to Hana—or the light edition with kids?
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