Maui’s Hana Is More Than Just Waterfalls

Going on trip to Hana in Maui can completely revitalize you. Hana is part of an isolated section of Maui and is one of the more beautiful and undeveloped parts of the Hawaiian tropical islands. It has amazing waterfalls with some of Hawaii’s best beaches.

The trip is about 52 miles long and will take about two to four hours depending on where you are coming from and how often you choose to stop along the famous Hana Highway. Taking the highway is very tempting as it has amazing views along with its 600 curves and 52 bridges. Hana is also the only coastal rainforest in Hawaii that you are able to reach by car. The Hana community has a very small town feeling and is not developed like the other parts of Hawaii, which is nice because it can take you back in time to see how the rest of Hawaii was many years ago.

The song “Hasegawa General Store,” written in 1961 by Peter Weston, is about how Weston was astonished by all the different merchandise that this small store carried. This inspired him to write a song about it and therefore the song became very popular locally. The store is still there so when you are in Hana don’t forget to visit the famous store.

One of the first things you will see when you first arrive in Hana is the historic church, St. Sophia’s. Along with St. Sophia’s, there is the historic Old Hana Courthouse building, which is on the national register of historic places list and it is still being used to this day. If you are looking for a historic place to stay, then consider staying at the Travaasa Hana. Travaasa Hana is an amazing retreat that is steep in Hawaiian cultural traditions. The Travaasa Hana, which was called the Hotel Hana Maui, was voted Hawaii’s best resort hotel in 2011 and includes some of the best rooms with ocean views.

If you are getting married this would be a great place for a honeymoon as it will bring you a sense of a peaceful atmosphere and experience. This hotel includes day spa that will absolutely pamper you from massage therapy, body treatments and facials, plus the benefit of being in one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the world.

Hana’s Attractions

Hana has some amazing beaches, with the more popular being the Waianapanapa State Park, which is known as the black sand beach and has fresh water caves. The Koki Beach can be seen when you overlook the red cinder cliffs of Kaiwi O’Pele Hill and if you swim at this beach you need to be careful as it has a strong undertow. The last famous beach is Hamoa Beach, which is an absolutely beautiful beach that will remind you of the South Pacific.

A great place to visit while in Hana would be the Hana Cultural Center and Museum. It includes artifacts from Hana, photographs, old types of houses that the Hawaiian people use to live in and a historic jailhouse and courthouse. It also has a gift shop to buy a little something as a souvenir. The museum is open Monday thru Friday, plus Saturday when it is busy, and it is open from 10am to 4pm. The cost is $3 per person, with children being free. The gift shop has the same hours.

Activities in Hana

Kayaking and snorkeling are popular activities in Maui and off the coast of Hana is no different. In fact, Hana’s kayaking and snorkeling was rated as the best in Maui and is great for all people no matter their swimming ability. In addition, there is hang gliding over Hana’s beautiful coastline located at the Hana airport where an instructor will fly along with you.

If you love animals, especially horses, then you will definitely want to visit the Maui stables located in Kipahulu. The rides generally start at 10am, but you will want to make reservations ahead of time. The native guides will take you on a scenic and historical horseback ride through Haleakala National Park’s Ohe’o Gulch.

There are several events that take place in the community that would be fun to go to if you are in the area when they take place so consult your travel guide for events along with their dates and times. In addition, they have a monthly movie night in the park where they will play free movies and have food for sal,e and every September they hold the annual Hana Relay Race.