Hawaii--Hana Highway, Maui-Kahului to Hana
Date: 2004-11-16
Anyone who's traveled to our westernmost state will tell you that this
is a trip that's not to be missed. The 100-mile, round-trip excursion
clocks in at six hours, and offers 54 bridges and more than 600 curves
sure to delight the adventurous driver. The twisting "highway" is well-paved
but narrow, so caution is advised.
Rte. 36 begins in Kahului, where the coastline and sugar fields offer miles of unspoiled scenery. Stop off at Paia, the last place for picnic provisions or gasoline before Hana. Once a sugar plantation town, Paia now is home to an easygoing blend of hippies, craftsmen, and surfers. From here, the road climbs precipitously through the pineapple fields. Just past the 16-mile marker, it is renamed Rte. 360, and the mile markers revert to zero. Past the nine-mile marker, stop at the short Waikamoi Ridge Trail to take in the eucalyptus trees and taro vines. Next up are Waikamoi Falls and Puohokamoa Falls, the latter a great spot to have that picnic you packed back in Paia. Honomanu Bay, with its rocky, black sand beach and rough waters, offers a trail from which to view the spectacular scenery.
Traveling past the Keanae Arboretum, known for native and introduced flora, the road starts to climb high above the ocean at this point. Just past the Hana Gardenland nursery, take a side trip to the left on the rutted Ulaino road leading to Piilanihale Heiau, a large, 14th Century temple built of lava rocks. Back on Rte. 360, Waianapanapa State Park offers a black sand beach and caves. Soon you'll reach the village of Hana, where you can visit the upscale Hotel Hana-Maui, the Hana Cultural Center and the Wananalua Church. Although the drive ends in Hana, the road continues as Rte. 31 to Oheo Gulch in Haleakala National Park. In the neighboring village of Kipahulu is the grave of ace flyer Charles Lindbergh. Take a deep breath and return to Kahului on the same route.
Starting Point:
Kahului, Maui
Distance of Drive:
107 miles
Must Eat:
Mama's Fish
799 Poho Place, Paia, HI 96779 (Kahului area)
Phone: 808-579-8488
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:Local Seafood
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round
Points of Interest on Drive:
Keanae Arboretum
Piilanihale Heiau
Puohokamoa Falls
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