One of the most famous drives in all of the Hawaiian islands is the road to the Hana. The road to Hana, slow, winding and filled with one lane bridges and switchbacks, goes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. It is not the destination of Hana which is the prize but rather the breath-taking, lush tropical forests and sights along the way that are memorable. Start your drive to Hana early in the morning and take your time in this area as there is much to see and do on this side of the island. Be sure to check the weather before you go, as certain parts of the Hana Hwy get lots of heavy rain at certain times of the year.
Breathtaking views and splendid waterfalls abound on your way to Hana. Stop along the road to admire the Ke’anae Peninsula coastline to admire the gorgeous ocean view. At mile marker 17, stop by to see a great pool known as Ching’s pond. You may be lucky enough to see divers jumping into the water from the 25 foot drop of the cliff. Be sure to stop by the Waikani Falls east of mile marker 18. The falls, drops in several stages over 1,000 feet. Further along between mile markers 19 and 26 are found several more dramatic waterfalls that you won’t want to miss. Between mile marker 22 and 23 you will find Pua’a Ka’a State Park. The area has plenty of good hiking trails and also many spectacular waterfalls to enjoy. At mile marker 24, you can get a fantastic photo of the Hanawi Falls. Take a side trip on Nahiku Road into the little town of Nahiku. Be sure to visit the Nahiku Marketplace for some excellent food stands.
The road to Hana is lush and densely tropical. Near mile marker 31, you will find the road to Kahanu Garden, part of the National Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens. Here you will find Pi’ilanihale Heiau, one of the largest Hawaiian temples in the state covering almost three acres. Near the gardens, you can stop at Maui Cave adventures to explore an old lava tube. Just past mile marker 32 you can take the roda to Wai’anapanapa Park with its black sand Pa’iloa beach. You can even rent cabins in this park if you want. The area is filled with old caves and lava tubes to explore.
Hana Bay is a large, black sand beach where swimming is safe and inviting. On the right side of the bay is the Hana Pier. A trail leading along Ka’uild Hill leads to an interesting red sand beach. While in Hana you can also visit the Hana Cultural Center and Museum overlooking Hana bay. Here you can find a collection of Hawaiian artifacts, a historic courthouse built in 1871 and restored in 1989, an old jail built in 1871 and restored in 1997 and 4 authentic, thatched roof structures representing early Hawaiian life. You can find the Hana Cultural Center located at 4979 Uakea Road near the turn off to Hana Bay. The Cultural Center is open Monday-Saturday from 10 A. M. to 4 P.M. daily.
