← Back to all stops
Kaumahina State Wayside
MM 12
Recommended
A small state wayside at Mile 12 that doubles as one of the few proper rest stops on the road. There's a paved lot, restrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a short walk uphill to a coastal lookout. This is a convenient place to pause partway to Hāna.
⏱ 10 – 20 min at stop
🚗 55 min from Pāʻia
✓ Free to access
At a glance
What you'll see: A panoramic coast view — From the lookout above the parking area, a sweeping view down the windward coast toward the Keʻanae Peninsula and, far below, Honomanū Bay.
Access & facilities: Paved lot and restrooms — One of the few stops with a designated paved parking lot, restrooms, and covered picnic tables. There's no drinking water, so bring your own.
The walk: Short stroll uphill — A brief walk up the hill past the restrooms reaches the best vantage point.
Time needed: About 10 minutes — Long enough for a bathroom break, a stretch, and a few photos. Longer if you stop for a picnic lunch.
About Kaumahina State Wayside
Kaumahina State Wayside sits at Mile 12, a forested state park perched on the hillside above the windward coast. Its main role on the drive is a practical one: it's one of the few stops with a paved lot, restrooms, and picnic tables, which makes it a natural place to break up the morning.
The view earns the stop on its own. A short walk up the hill past the restrooms opens onto a coastal panorama looking ahead toward the Keʻanae Peninsula, with Honomanū Bay tucked far below. In winter, it's also a reasonable spot to scan the water for humpback whales.
The grounds are densely planted: African tulip trees and paperbark among them surround the rest stop. There's no drinking water on site.
Good to know
There's no drinking water at the wayside, so fill up beforehand. The lookout is a short walk uphill past the restrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Kaumahina State Wayside worth stopping at?
- Yes, this is a practical and pleasant stop since bathroom options on the road are limited.
- Are there restrooms at Kaumahina State Wayside?
- Yes, but they are heavily used and not exactly pleasant, although they sure beat the porta-potties of Twin Falls.
- How much time should you spend at Kaumahina?
- Ten minutes is enough for a bathroom break, a stretch, and a photo from the lookout. For a picnic lunch break, Keʻanae Peninsula offers a nicer setting.