Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is an all-day 55-mile drive. Be sure to get a head start to avoid traffic. We set out at 7 am from Wailuku and still managed to run into a little traffic.

First stop is Ho'okipa Beach Park on the north shore of the island. You can watch surfers catch incredibly large waves. Park in the parking lot and walk the short distance to the point.

Next stop is Twin Falls at mile marker 2. It's on private property but you are welcome to hike the easy trail to the falls.

One of the twin falls.

The Hana Highway is lush with greenery all around.

You'll get an occasional glimpse of the ocean.

Our next stop was Ke'anae Arboretum, which houses plants and trees now considered native to Hawaii. Signs identify the species. It's a easy, flat walk. This is a rainbow Eucalytus tree--so colorful.

At the end of the easy trail, beyond the taro patch, you can hike a vigorous trail to the forest. It'll take 25 minutes. We did not take this route because it was pretty muddy.

Venture off the main highway to Ke'anae Point.

There is a coral and lava-rock church nearby.

The best part of the detour is the Keanae Landing Fruit Stand, known for Aunty Sally's Banana Bread.

Stop & get a miniature loaf for $6 + tax. It's moist and warm.

Upper Waikani Falls, also known as the Three Bears Falls is near mile marker 19.

At mile marker 32, you'll find Waianapanapa State Park. It has Maui's only black sand beach.

The park is on the ocean and there are blow holes, sea arches and archaeological sites to explore.

Drive 10 miles past the nondescript town of Hana to reach Oheo Gulch. Entrance to the park is included in your Haleakala entrance pass. The area is known as the Seven Sacred Pools but there are more than 7 cascading pools.

Found this nasty spider & web at the Palapala Hoomau Congregational Church, 1 mile past Oheo Gulch.

On the grounds of the church, you'll find Charles Lindbergh's grave. He was buried here in 1974.

The road was blocked just a little beyond and we weren't able to continue our drive around the backside of Haleakala. We had to turn around and backtrack.

At Koki Beach, we stopped and had lunch at Huli Huli Chicken.

Grilled teriyaki chicken with a salad and rice--$12.

The Road to Hana is a classic Hawaiian tourist destination. I must admit I wasn't that impressed with it. I live in northern California and the drive on Highway 1 is spectacular. No matter how unimpressive, you still have to give it a try. Get an early start so you are not stuck in traffic.



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