Road to Hana – road for the road’s sake, part II
Road to Hana ends in a town of the same name. But it’s not the end of attractions of the east Maui island.
Around 12 km farther, at the 45 mile maker, there’s an amazing waterfall called Wailua, which rises 80 feet above the ground. Although it doesn’t seem to be easy to reach you only have to cross the street to see it!
Heading farther to the south, on the way 330, it’s worth to stop off at Haleakala National Park. Entrance is located at Kipahulu Visitor Center and admission fee costs 10$ per car (I recommend to keep this ticket because it’s valid in the whole park area for 3 days).
Just behind the parking lot you can find interesting trail called Pipiwai Trail. All way takes around 2 hours (6 km) and it isn’t tough.
Just after 1 km, you can admire a beautiful panorama of Makahiku Fall which is surrounded by lush rainforest.
A little bit farther is amazing banyan tree which huge roots and branches radiate in all directions of the world. It’s no wonder that this tree is a religious object in Hinduism because it looks really phenomenally.
Just behind the banyan tree is a stark bamboo forest.
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants. During one day it can reach even 1 meter. The highest bamboos can measure 40 meters. Bamboos growing on Pipiwai Trail are smaller but in some places this forest is so thick that it creates amazing dusky atmosphere.
Road ends on a beautiful, 120 meter high, Waimoku Fall.
It’s not the end of amazing landscapes. On the way back you can choose the route leading from Kipahulu to Kula.
This road is totally different than green Hana Road. This road is intended for 4WD cars and it surprises by its steppe character.
I guarantee that you will never forget this view at the sunset.
Road to Hana despite its little distance impresses by fabulous landscapes. Here you can see the most beautiful Maui views: azure Pacific contrasting with black and red sand beaches, steep cliffs, huge waterfalls and rainforests. Eucalyptus trees, coconut palms, banyans, bamboos, banana, mango or guava trees are abundant. Little Hana town and roadside fruit stands create unique atmosphere.It’s no wonder that the Road to Hana is regarded as a one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Some tips:
– start a trip as early as possible because during the day it’s very crowdy,
– there aren’t any gas stations so tank your car before journey,
– put your map and gps aside and look for mile makers. Sometimes this activity is even more tiring than driving as they are located in every nook and cranny,
– buy something to eat and drink,
– become acquainted with the car rental conditions. Some companies forbid to drive this way,
– if you want to go from Kipahulu to Kula, you need 4WD car,
– drive “aloha”, give way to other vehicles,
– take raincoat, mosquito repellent, swimming suit, study shoes and suntan lotion,
– take your time and admire beautiful landscapes,
– if you see something interesting, stop your car if it’s possible later you won’t regret that you didn’t do this,
– try banana bread or shave ice, swim in the waterfalls or in the Pacific or just go for a walk.
Gosia
Who I am... I'm just an ordinary girl, who once believed that dreams come true, and since then, I’ve been pursuing them consistently. My adventure with travelling started in 2008 and since then, I've seen a lot of interesting places which I describe on my blog. I’m interested in the history and culture of the countries that I visit and that’s why I travel as much as I can. However, in addition to the preservation of my memories, the main purpose of the blog is to show you that dreams come true and you can travel often and cheap!
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