Hana overnight

Description:

There are pullouts all along the Road to Hana, but many of them are little more than muddy shoulders along the narrow road, packed with a few cars. If you want to take in the natural beauty of the rainforest but don't want to risk a car crash, find this park, located roughly two miles from the Halfway to Hana roadside store. It has outhouses, picnic tables, walking trails and a lookout point. The outstanding view and the backdrop of dense foliage make for great photo ops.

Description:

If you are driving too fast on the Hana Highway (which, by the way, is a real no-no), you will miss this garden entirely. Students of botany or natural history will definitely want to keep an eye out for it. On the 123 acres of cultivated gardens, one can view an ancient stone structure thought to be a former king's residence, as well as the largest grove of breadfruit trees in the entire world. Many of the plants and trees in the garden, such as the taro plant and the breadfruit tree, served an important purpose in the day-to-day life of the ancient Hawaiians.

Our Local Expert Says:

Maui's most undiscovered treasure.

Description:

This is the world's premier lava showcave. It is an incredible family adventure. It is safe, fun and free of mosquitoes and bats. You will marvel at the underground lavascape, as your mind expands and your world becomes more wondrous. Temperatures are comfortable year round and the clear cinder trail is easily traveled.

Our Local Expert Says:

In Paia, on Maui's North Shore, with surf and a secluded cove. Excellent for swimming and kids.

Description:

Baldwin Beach is located on the North Shore of Maui about seven miles from Kahului. The beach is popular amongst local body boarders as the shore break can get quite large. Onsite lifeguard towers keep an eye on the sometimes strong currents and make sure that beach goers remain safe.

Baldwin Beach is also popular for those looking to get an exercise and go for a beach run, as there are miles of unobstructed shoreline.

Popular nearby beaches include Paia Bay (also a hit with surfers and body boarders) and Ho'okipa (one of Maui's most famous surfing locations).

Our Local Expert Says:

The perfect stop on the way to Hana. Here, you'll see many indigenous plants and walk the lanes of ornamentals.

Description:

Located just past Mile Marker 10 on the road to Hana (Highway 36) are the verdant tropical gardens where the opening sequence of Jurassic Park was filmed. The 26-acre park, designed by Alan Bradbury with the aim of restoring the area's natural ecosystem, contains 500+ trees, plants and flowers native to the Pacific islands. Stroll along Maui's best nature trails and enjoy a leisurely lunch in a lush picnic area. This is a great activity for nature lovers and families with children.

Our Local Expert Says:

2.25 miles past Keanae Arboretum, this easy, short trail leads to freshwater pools and a waterfall. Stop if you can!

Description:

This rest stop lies within a rain forest. It offers a pleasant waterfall and pools. The falls create a soothing background sound for the park's picnic area. There is a well-marked path which leads to the falls and to a swimming hole. The park offers some beautiful rain forest vegetation. Restrooms are maintained at this site, but drinking water is not available.

While travelling the Hana Highway, visitors may also enjoy the outstanding views from the Wailua Valley State Wayside, about six miles west of Pua'a Ka'a.

Activities available at this site include picnicking, photography, swimming and viewing scenery.

This wayside park lies along the Hana Highway approximately 38 miles east of the Kahului Airport, on Maui.

Description:

Part of the Hotel Hana-Maui operation, the Hana Ranch Restaurant is the informal alternative to the hotel's dining room. Dinner choices include New York steak, prawns and pasta, and Pacific Rim options like spicy shrimp won tons or the predictable fresh-fish poke. It's not an inspired menu, and the service can be practically nonexistent when the tour buses descend during lunch rush. There are indoor tables as well as two outdoor pavilions that offer distant ocean views. At the adjoining takeout stand, fast-food classics prevail: teriyaki plate lunch, mahimahi sandwich, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.

Our Local Expert Says:

Watching windsurfing can be almost as thrilling as doing it, judging by the mesmerized crowds along the shore of Ho`okipa Beach Park on many winter mornings.

Description:

This is the world's best place for windsurfing, the former site of two major world-class competitions. Windsurfing at this beach is for experts only, however, due to the strong surf. A 1/8 mile coral reef makes Ho`okipa perfect for an early morning swim, however. "Jaws" (Peahi), a bit farther along the coast towards Hana, breaks only when there is a major North swell (usually in winter). Jet skis are used to take the surfers out once the waves hit 20 feet. Nearly seventy-foot waves here caused international headlines as the world's largest a few years ago. Ask a local surfer to take you.

Our Local Expert Says:

An historic glimpse of island life in this remote shoreline village in bygone days. Best is the "talk-story" by local docents.

Description:

Dedicated to preserving the history of Hana, this non-profit cultural center includes a museum and a replica of an early Hawaiian village. The Hale Waiwai O Hana (House of Treasures) museum contains 5,000 photographs as well as several hundred artifacts, documents and books. Relics include traditional tools and utensils, sacred stones, quilts and koa statues. The Kauhale O Hana (village) consists of four traditional thatched-roof buildings. There is also a gift shop.

Description:

The Kuloa Point Trail is an easy, half-mile loop, with interpretive panels along the route. It leads toward the ocean along beautiful pools and waterfalls, then back to the ranger station. The pools along the trail are open to swimming, although flash floods do occur and the pools are occasionally closed. Also along this route lie the remnants of an ancient fishing shrine and house site. Visitors are welcome to explore a Lau Hala thatched building that stands along the trail. The destination of this short trail is Kuloa Point, a windy bluff overlooking Ohe`o Gulch, the Hana coast and, on clear days, the island of Hawaii. A large meadow near the point makes an excellent picnic area.

Description:

The Pipiwai Trail is a moderately difficult, four-mile (round trip) hike through a rain forest to Waimoku Falls. The trail passes Makahiku Falls approximately one half mile from the trailhead. It ends upstream, near the base of Waimoku Falls. The clear pools formed by the smaller waterfalls along the trail make excellent places to swim, although flash flooding may occur. Insect repellent is a must for this hike.

Our Local Expert Says:

Adventurous tourists must drive beyond Hana and this is the ultimate cool off place. Bring your swimsuit!

Description:

Site of the fabled "Seven Sacred Pools," the O`heo gulch is really a series of waterfalls and pools which flow into the secluded shore break. Part of Haleakala National Park, the site is always open and provides a natural playground of swimming, cliff-jumping, hiking trails, cultural artifacts and people-watching. Arrive early to get a parking space or, even better, spend the night in the adjacent Kipahulu campground (permit required).

Description:

The old wooden storefront at the gateway to Paia houses crafts of high quality and in all price ranges, from pit-fired raku to bowls of Norfolk pine and other Maui woods, fashioned by Maui hands. Artist-owned and -operated, the guild claims 25 members who live and work on Maui. Basketry, hand-painted fabrics, jewelry, beadwork, traditional Hawaiian stonework, pressed flowers, fused glass, stained glass, copper sculpture, banana-bark paintings, and pottery of all styles are displayed in the two-story gift gallery. Upstairs, sculptor Arthur Dennis Williams shows his breathtaking work in wood, bronze, and stone. Everything can be shipped. Aloha Bead Co. (tel. 808/579-9709), in the back of the gallery, is a treasure trove for bead workers.

Our Local Expert Says:

The "back side" of Haleakala offers the fabled "Seven Sacred Pools" and some of Maui's most famous hikes. Bring rain gear.

Description:

The Kipahulu Visitor Center is located on the Kipahulu coast near the pools of 'Ohe'o (sea level). Special programs include Hawaiian Cultural Hikes to the lo'i (taro patch) on the first Tuesday of each month beginning 1:00 p.m., through cooperative agreement with the Kipahulu 'Ohana. The Visitor Center offers new exhibits on the cultural and natural heritage of Kipahulu. Facilities include restrooms, public telephone, picnic tables. This is a Hawaii Natural History Assoc sales area. It is also a backcountry camping permit station. Frontcountry camping is available. No drinking water, food or gas are available.

Hiking and walking are very popular within Haleakala National Park. At Kipahulu, all trails start at the Ranger Station/Visitor Center. Picnicking, viewing historic sites and swimming are also popular activities in the Kipahulu area of the park. Both areas of the Park offer guided walks and programs on the geology and natural and cultural history of the area. Kipahulu Campground has picnic tables, barbecue grills and outdoor pit toilets. At Kipahulu, a primitive campground near the ocean is available without a permit on a first come, first served basis.

Visitors to this island...

Description:

This gallery is a good reason to go to Hana: It's an aesthetic and cultural experience that informs as it enlightens. Tucked away in the posh Hotel Hana-Maui, the gallery is known for its high level of curatorship and commitment to the cultural art of Hawaii. There are no jumping whales or dolphins here, and except for a section of European and Asian masters, the 3,000-square-foot gallery is devoted entirely to Hawaii artists, whose sculptures, paintings, prints, feather work, stonework, and carvings are featured in displays that are so natural, they could well exist in someone's home. In response to the ongoing revival of the American Crafts Movement, director-curator Patrick Robinson (of impeccable artistic integrity) has expanded the selection of koa-wood furniture with a Hawaiian/Japanese influence. Stellar artists Tai Lake from the Big Island and Randall Watkins from Maui are among those represented. Connoisseurs of hand-turned bowls will find the crème de la crème of the genre here: J. Kelly Dunn, Ron Kent, Todd Campbell, Ed Perrira, and Gary Stevens. You won't find a better selection elsewhere under one roof. The award-winning gallery has won accolades from the top travel and...

Description:

This is a true fish market, with fresh fish to take home and cooked seafood, salads, pastas, fajitas, and quesadillas to take out or enjoy at the few picnic tables inside the restaurant. It's an appealing selection: Cajun-style fresh catch, fresh-fish specials (usually ahi or salmon), fresh-fish tacos and quesadillas, and seafood and chicken pastas. You can also order hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fish and chips (or shrimp and chips), and wonderful lunch and dinner plates that are cheap and tasty. Photos of the number-one sport here, windsurfing, adorn the walls.

Description:

Hana Beach Park lies in the southern portion of Hana Bay. It is used by residents and visitors alike. This beach is exposed to open ocean and subject to high surf and strong currents. When the water is calm snorkeling, diving and swimming are popular activities at this park. Otherwise, entering the water is not advised. Facilities at this beach park include: restrooms, showers, snack bar, boat ramp and picnic tables.

Description:

Hana's only vacation condo complex, Hana Kai offers studio and one-bedroom units overlooking Hana Bay. All units have large kitchens and private lanais. Each of the one-bedroom units has a sliding door that separates the bedroom from the living room, plus a sofa bed that sleeps two additional guests. There are no phones or TVs in the units (a pay phone is located on the property), so you can really get away from it all. Ask for a corner unit with wraparound ocean views.