I can sort of remember the drive in the old days. Thankfully, it’s not like that now.
The famous road to Hana on the island of Maui is legendary for its numerous (as in 600 or so) twists and turns and its numberous bridges (54 at last count, many of them one-way).
It used to be full of potholes and bumps but the pavement has been smoothed out over the years and it’s now a great road. What used to take hours and hours can now be driven in two hours or less. But don’t hurry; you’ll miss the spectacle before you on what still ranks as one of the world’s most beautiful drives; with towering canopies of African tulip trees, dazzling waterfalls at the side of the road, green-clad mountains plunging into the sea and spectacular views of the Maui coastline, with its black lava rock and deep blue waters.
Here are a few photos from my most recent trip….
Fuel up for your drive to Hana with coffee and treats (try the coconut pineapple muffins if they have them) at Anthony’s in the town of Paia.
There’s a small but pretty beach behind Mama’s Fish House, a legendary/fabulous dining spot just south of Paia. Super romantic at night!
Pull off the road south of Paia to check out the surfers and windsurfers at play.
The Garden of Eden is a fabulous arboretum and nature spot on the road to Hana.
The views along the drive to Hana are simply magnificent.
You’ll find numerous waterfalls and fresh-water pools just off the road on the way to Hana.
A walk along the rocks on the Ke’Anae peninsula is a magical part of a trip to Hana. There’s also a great banana bread stand nearby.
Ka Haku’s smoke shack makes delicious but somewhat expensive meals at the side of the road on the way to Hana.
The main pool at the Travaasa Hana Resort is a simple but elegant affair that exudes a strong sense of Hawaii.
The seaside ranch units at Travaasa Hana are simple but elegant and luxurious. A tremendous place to stay a night or two or three or ….
The water can be rough for swimming, but the views of the ocean from the Travaasa Hana are lovely.
I love the views from the restaurant at the Travaasa Hana, especially in the morning.
The views are simply magical at Waianapanapa State Park, just north of Hana
