Heavenly Hana. From the surf and sand to the lush, tropical foliage that surrounds its many waterfalls. Only 50 or so miles from bustling Kahului, its another side of Maui. The legendary Road to Hana has a view at just about every turn. Trouble is there are a lot of turns. The Hana Highway, HI-360, has 620 curves and 59 bridges. But the views dont end when twisting stops and you arrive in Hana. I dont think theres a bad view in Hana, but some just seem to stand out. Especially when getting to the payoff view adds to the fun.
Hike to Fagans Cross
The view looking up toward Fagans Cross is worth a picture, but the view looking down toward the sea is worth many more. Its a short hike up from the Travaasa Hana parking lot. About a mile, but up is a key word in the sentence. Dont get me wrong, its doable and for the most part on a paved trail, but you might huff and puff a bit. When you do, just stop, turn around and look toward the water. Itll provide instant gratification and motivation to speed up and get to the top.
Giddy up to the coast
Catching site of Hanas scenic coast is easy to do from the car, which makes lazy sightseeing easy. Consider trading one Mustang for another and you get access to a whole new course and view. No previous riding experience is needed to join a trail ride with Travaasa Stables. The horses know the way to the best views. Guide Peter Enriques is a wealth of information on what to see and where to eat during your visit. His spirited ranch dog Hale typically comes along for the ride.
Climb and splash at Hana Beach Park
Theres a little bit of everything at Hana Beach Park. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, along with soft sand and warm water, the park is home to the local canoe club, and the bustling Barefoot Caf. It would be easy to just park yourself at the beach with a good book, and watch folks jump from the weathered pier leftover from sugar plantation days.
It would be easy, but not nearly as much fun as putting a towel and snorkeling gear in your backpack and making your way along the beach behind the pier. Its nice to have your hands free, because you have to make your own trail at some points, climbing over rocks and tree limbs. When you reach the cave said to be the birthplace of Hawaiis beloved Queen Kaahumanu, start looking for a dry spot for your pack and carefully make your way to the water. (Dont worry about missing the cave. Its fairly obvious and theres a big metal plaque.) The payoff comes with your first splash. Tropical fish and coral in all shapes and colors are plentiful. What you wont see are crowds, that is unless you count those caused by schools of fish.
Wander to a waterfall
In theory, the payoff of the hike along the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park is the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. But if you ask me the four mile round trip trail gives the falls a serious run for its money. Theres streams, bridges and a bamboo forest that when youre deep within its midst, makes you feel like youre on another planet. Do everything you can to fit this hike into your Hana itinerary.
Silent soaring
The view is constantly changing as you climb the Hana skies in a motorized two-seat glider. Experienced pilot Jan Hans Pieters takes passengers along the coast, above waterfalls, beaches and the Haleakala crater before gliding home to the Hana Airport.
