The famous Road to Hana (roughly translated as The Road to Hana), also known as the Hana Highway, is a highway about 83.6km (52 miles) long, famous for its natural surroundings. Road to Hana is winding, running through the green forest along the coast. On one side is the Pacific coast with black sands or rugged rocky beaches. The other side is a tropical forest with all kinds of flowers and plants. Therefore, walking along the coast, visitors can visit all kinds of terrain, from hiking trails, waterfalls, beautiful viewpoints and beaches.
Some notable stops along the way include:
- Ho'okipa Beach Park : This is one of the most loved water activity beaches in the world. Water sports here include windsurfing (surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding...), padding, and more.
- Twin Falls : This is a biodiversity site and the "home" of the first waterfall that can be visited on the Road to Hana. Visitors can buy soft drinks, coconut candies and fruit before heading to Lower Fall, located a short distance from the parking lot; or Upper Fall waterfall, a distance of about 1.6km in both directions.
- Keanae Peninsula: The peninsula is located near the Keanae Arboretum, at near mile marker #16. The area is packed with history, stunning coastline and the chance to catch a glimpse of 'Old Hawaii.' Keanae Arboretum is a place to explore before you arrive, perfect for relaxing and stretching foot, visit the botanical gardens.
- Wailua Valley State Wayside: This is one of the stops with the best views on the Road to Hana, overlooking the sea and looking up at the Ke'anea Valley mountain. This is also an ideal place to take beautiful photos. This stop is located about 800m from mile marker #18.
- Pua'a Ka'a Falls: Pua'a Ka'a Falls is an ideal place to stop and rest with waterfalls and a small lake that allows visitors to swim, short hiking trails suitable for children, along with public facilities such as toilets and picnic areas with tables and chairs.
- Nahiku Marketplace: The market is located at milepost #29 on Road to Hana. This place focuses on souvenir stalls, galleries, and roadside food stalls, suitable for rest and lunch.
- Wai'anapanapa State Park : The park is located at milepost #32. Wai'anapanapa has many terrains and natural sights that visitors can explore, including black sand beaches, rock arches in the sea, geysers, freshwater caves, walking and hiking paths, lava caves, cliffs jumping, and panoramic views of the East Maui coast. This is a great place to take beautiful and unique nature photos.
True to its name, the road leads to the town of Hana, in the county of Maui (County of Maui), northeast of Hawaii. Hana, and several surrounding areas, are considered "authentic Hawaii". With a location quite far away from the rest of Hawaii, Hana has not been affected too much by the new change and still retains many of Hawaiian culture and traditions. This is a place rich in history and culture with thrilling myths and wonderful natural scenery.
When coming here, visitors can relax at a traditional Hawaiian-style resort, tour around town and buy unique souvenirs. Some of the outstanding beaches here include, Hamoa Beach, considered by writer James Michener to be the most beautiful beach in the Pacific Ocean, the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park and the beach at Hana Beach Park. Another notable attraction is Hale Piilani, the state's largest heiau temple located in the Kahanu Garden National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Along the Road to Hana, passing the town of Hana, there are many other interesting attractions such as: