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Hawaiian Vacation for Two!
Explore the Road to Hana
By Elizabeth Anderson Published: 06/25/2007
The road to Hana is different from most mainland journeys. Once youve entered the rainforest, with waterfalls at every turn, flowers and trees painted in every color of the rainbow, and fragrances as heavenly as fresh rain, be prepared to ease through curve after curve after curve.
This is real island travel; so, savor the journey itself, and give yourself time to explore Hana and Kipahulu. After you pass through the town of Paia, your first stop is Hookipa Beach. The evenly breaking waves and steady trade winds have made Hookipa the windsurfing capital of the world.
For centuries the Hawaiians and later settlers traveled this coast by canoe and boat. After 1900, the old wooden bridges that frequently washed out were gradually replaced by concrete structures. On this windward coast, with its sometimes roaring streams and steep gulches, there are as many as 19 bridges in a ten-mile stretch of road. Many of the charming old bridges are only a single lane wide. Your courtesy and patience at a crowded bridge crossing is rewarded by lingering views of waterfalls, ginger and exotic trees. At Kaumahina Park the gardens include paperback eucalyptus, torch and shell gingers, and huge travelers palm trees. A visit to Keanae Arboretum is a pleasant walk planted with magnificent tropical trees such as mahogany, candlenut, breadfruit, and golden bamboo. Keanae Peninsula is best viewed from the turnout just past the Arboretum. The flat peninsula stretching into the sea appears close from the outlook, but the spectacular road traces every curve down to the bay 300 feet below. Its beautifully designed fields display an ancient agricultural system that still grows taro.
Near Hana Town, black sand beaches, sea caves and arches beckon from Waianapanapa State Park. A well-used trail rambles along the jagged coastline between wave-smashing cliffs and a thick pandanus forest. Just a little further, on Ulaino Road, the National Tropical Botanical Garden showcases Piilanihalehuge ruins of the home of one of Mauis most famous kings. On the same road, is Kaeleku Caverns, one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
When you arrive in Hana, youll be surprised to discover the Hana Coast Gallery, a world-class cultural art gallery located in the Hotel Hana-Maui. The Hotel is a great place to hear Hawaiian music and watch authentic hula. Hotel Hana-Maui has become a landmark of gracious lodging with comfortable rooms, 66 acres of gently landscaped grounds, a newly built spa and cottages overlooking the sea.
Another spot overlooking Hana Bay is the charming Luana Spa Retreat, ideal for an overnight stay or a relaxing massage to break up your drive.
Continuing further down the road, lined in many places with night-blooming cereus, you will find the Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu. The park offers Hawaiian cultural experiences as well as hikes up to waterfalls and swimming in freshwater pools. A little further on, youll find ancient Hawaii from horseback with Maui Stables. At Kipahulu, you are 65 miles and 500 curves from Kahului airport!
If you have the time, plan on spending a night or two. Theres too much to see and do in just one day! You can hike to Waimoku Falls, snorkel or kayak Hana Bay, take a horseback ride, explore the wonderful Hana Cultural Center, or see the caves at Waianapanapa and get your feet deep in that black sand! Hana is all about taking it slow. If you must drive back, take your time. Stop for dinner at one of the great restaurants along the way. Youll need some time to sit back and let the aloha find its place deep inside your heart. Youve just come back from Heaven.
Locations
Maui, Hana
Photo Gallery - Explore the Road to Hana
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