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Hawaiian Vacation for Two!
Explore Haiku
By Starr Tendo Published: 06/02/2007
From Pa‘ia to Makawao, ocean to mountain, lies a stretch of rainforest waiting to be explored. The town of Haiku is like an oyster-a dazzling prize waits for those adventurous enough to look inside. Haiku has long been appreciated for its natural beauty. A hillside town filled with winding tree-lined roads, waterfalls, gulches, fruit trees and, of course, gorgeous rainbows. Over the past few years, Haiku has evolved. The “organic” feeling that has drawn people to this area still remains. In fact, Haiku considers itself a center for wellness and spiritual healing. With this, shops filled with natural clothing, restaurants serving healthy gourmet food, and yoga and dance centers have emerged alongside art studios and surf & sail making lofts.
Haiku played an important role in the rich history of our island. From the mid-1800's to the early part of the last century, the sugar and pineapple industries moved in and Haiku became the recipient of many innovations built on the need to irrigate and transport goods. The Hamakua Ditch was built as well as a trestle for the Kahului Railroad that crossed Kuiaha Gulch and ended at Pauwela Cannery. These feats, at the time, were considered marvels of engineering. Several sugar mills & pineapple canneries were located here and the population grew to around 3,000. The Haiku Fruit & Packing Co. stood in the spot that is now Haiku Marketplace. in the 1970's, a windstorm destroyed a portion of the cannery and the parking lot now occupies the old foundation.The bustling activity of the old days has been replaced by fresh, young entrepreneurial businesses. The old canneries have been revived in the form of shops, studios, and restaurants. Given the sprawling nature of Haiku, it's not surprising that two of the canneries have become gathering places for the community. Both centers have something different to offer.
Many of the great places to shop, eat and play are within Haiku Marketplace. Located on either side of Kokomo Road, it's a short ten minute drive from both Makawao and Pa‘ia and there is plenty of parking. Among the many attractions, the old cannery has a supermarket, video store, doctor's office, a performing arts studio, a spa, salons and more.Hana Hou Café
Hawaiian food and fine wine come together in a lush tropical setting and are served with Aloha at Hana Hou Café. Owner, Laurent Thibault brings his French influence and wife, Katie brings the island's freshest foods to your table. An international staff incorporates the best flavors from five continents with a hawaiian flair. Pohole fern salad, fresh fish and steak specials are served alongside legendary local favorites. if you're curious about local flavors, try a sampler called the Hana Hou Plate. With live entertainment 3-4 nights a week—Vintage Hawaiian, Blues, Jazz and Bluegrass, Hana Hou means “encore”...and you'll agree, one visit to this quaint café and you'll be back for more.Pan, A Mediterranean Bistro
This new, Mediterranean style restaurant is a fresh addition to the Maui dining scene. Owned by local culinary legend, Vasi, Pan offers a cuisine inspired by sun-drenched countries of the Mediterranean and the Pacific Rim. With fresh island fish, free range meats, organic greens and locally grown produce, her creative dishes will make this place a landmark for years to come.The Studio Maui A sanctuary of peace and rejuvenation for the body and soul, The Studio Maui is an amazing 7000 square foot, fully equipped yoga and dance facility. Hosting a wide variety of public classes, special events, retreats and teacher trainings, The Studio was created to encourage artistic expression, health, and happiness in the individual & community. They offer over 60 movement classes and have recently opened a juice bar call “Vibrant Presence” serving the highest vibration foods and vitality products available. The Studio Maui could be the perfect venue for your seminar, retreat or event. Discover the power of movement.
When you get out into the more remote areas of Haiku, you'll find the art studios of Connie J. Adams and Dennis Holzer Wood Sculpture. Fragrant Orchids of Maui is also a spot you won't want to miss once you've come this far! And remember, if you get a little lost, it's all part of the fun...just follow the road that goes down and you'll eventually find the ocean and Hana Hwy!
But wait... there's still more to discover just a mile away at the Pauwela Cannery on West Kuiaha Road. The Pauwela Cannery is a mecca for Maui artists, woodworkers and water-sports enthusiasts.
DaFactory
One of the most exciting attractions of the Pauwela Cannery is DaFactory, a 2800 square foot workshop/gallery that specializes in large scale glasswork with a twist. DaFactory gives live glassblowing demonstrations, holds art events and parties and houses some of the island's most unique pieces of mixed media art. Open every day, it's a great place to check out and to rub elbows with Maui artists who love to include the public in the amazing and intricate process of their art.If you have an adventurous heart and a curiosity for how the locals live and work, you'll definitely want to turn off the beaten path and discover Haiku. you'll be captured by the delicate balance of modern day activities, old Hawaiian charm and the sites and sounds of days gone by.
Locations
Maui, Upcountry, Haiku
Photo Gallery - Explore Haiku
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