Hidden in plain sight in Maui County, Hawaii, east of Kahului, there’s a small, often overlooked state park that doubles as a rest stop for travelers. It’s a splendid little park with some incredible views.

Kaumahina State Wayside is a stunning 7.8 acre park along the famous Hana Highway in Hawaii.
Benjamin Lipsman/Flickr
The Hana Highway is a 64-mile stretch of winding, curving road that generally takes a couple of hours to traverse. Visitors and locals alike are enchanted by the various waterfalls and lush, vibrant rainforest along the way.
The Hana Highway features numerous turnouts, all of which are breathtaking.
Edmund Garman/Flickr
However, the turnoff for Kaumahina State Wayside is a special one. One is able to stop here and rest, meditate, and otherwise appreciate the miles of northeast Maui coastline and incredible Ke'anae Peninsula views.
On any given day, rain or shine, the beauty of this small and often underappreciated park is something to behold.
journey-in-wander/TripAdvisor
Kaumahina State Wayside is open year-round, and it's one of the very few stops along the Hana Highway that has clean restrooms. On rainy days, one can watch the storms roll in from any one of the several lookout points in and around Kaumahina.

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The area is home to several species of native plants, birds, insects, and animals.
Kris Nelson/Flickr
Sea turtles play in the gorgeous ocean surf, and occasionally visitors can spot dolphins out at sea. Other land creatures such as bats, owls, chameleons and even the occasional mongoose can be spotted at and around the Kaumahina State Wayside.
Explorers of the area often find themselves discovering waterfalls and basking in awe of the abundant greenery that makes up the Hawaiian rainforest.
Sally/Flickr
The entire island seems to be alive, buzzing and teeming with life. It is an amazing reminder of the beauty of our planet.
It is imperative for visitors to remember to leave no trace- what you bring in, please take out or dispose of properly in trash receptacles provided at the park.
Randy2353/TripAdvisor
Nearby, one can find luxuries such as restaurants and lookout points as they explore beyond Kaumahina. The area is an underappreciated and beautiful treat for local and international travelers alike, and it's far from the only breathtaking stop along the route.
Although small, Kaumahina State Wayside is a fantastic little treat for every traveler.
Napsterthecat/TripAdvisor
We have no doubts that this breathtaking spot will certainly impress even seasoned adventurers.

If you’d like to visit this enchanting little park, it is located along the Hana Highway at mile marker 12.2. The park is open from 7 am to 7 pm and is free to all visitors.

Have you ever driven the Hana Highway and stopped at this awesome little spot? Tell us all about it in the comments!

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