Road to Hana – road for the road’s sake, part II

Gosia — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:17:32 +0000

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. ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

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Road to Hana – road for the road’s sake, part I

Gosia — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 07:38:06 +0000

Why am I writing about the road? You can think that it’s nothing special. But there’s one road, in the east part of Hawaiian island – Maui, which is not only a road but also a destination itself. It is called Hana Higway but in fact its name is a bit misleading because it has nothing to do with a highway. Travelling all this 100 km route can take even 1 or 2 days! Is sounds weird, especially for the USA road conditions. But this highway is not a simple road. It’s typical switchback with 600 turns and around 60 bridges. The most part of this road is too narrow for 2 cars. Using horn or high beam before hooks is a must. It’s also very hard to say what is shorter there: straight sections or cellular network range.Additionally during driving this road we can spot a lot of abandoned houses and cars. But I can guarantee one thing: during these 100 km you will see every possible dream landscape! Beautiful cliffs dipping steep to the turquoise ocean waters, amazing black sand beaches, lush rainforests with exotic vegetation and spectacular waterfalls are just for the asking or rather making a few steps from a car. So turn Hawaiian music on, fasten your seatbelts, open a sunroof, stick your elbow and go! Stop 1: Paia town It’s the last place on the 100 km Road to Hana where you can tank your car. Formerly this town was the important center of sugar industry. Now it’s a mecca for surfers and windsurfers. Here form the Hookipa Lookout, we can admire their amazing water stunts. Stop 2: Kaumahina State Wayside Park (just before 12 mile maker) After short walk to the hilltop we can see a beautiful coast landscape with black beach – Honomanu Bay. Stop 3: Kalaola Point (between 14 and 15 mile maker) Here you can see a beautiful coastal panorama. Stop 4: Ke’anae Beach Park and Ke’anae Landing Fruit Stand (on the turning, just before 17 mile maker) Here you can see a beautiful view of Ke’anae Peninsula with palms, bananas trees and black lava rocks in the background. In the Ke’anae Landing Fruit Stand (address: 210 Ke’anae Rd) you can taste the best banana bread in the island. It is sold straight from the oven. It’s an ideal refreshment on the way to Hana. Stop 5: Three Beard Falls (between 19 and 20 mile maker) This waterfall is one of the best on the road to Hana. The amount of the water depends on the rainfall and unfortunately during our visit it was a bit dry. As you can see all attractions are for asking. Stop 6: Pua’a ka’a State Wayside Park (between 22 and 23 mile makers) This is an ideal place for a picnic in the surrounding of a beautiful waterfall or swimming in a nearby pond. Stop 7: Hanawi and Makapipi Falls (they are located between 24 and 25 mile makers) You can see there beautiful waterfalls in the exotic Hawaiian scenery. Stop 8: Wai’anapanapa State Park (you need to turn left to Wai’anapanapa road at the 32 mile maker) In this 120 acre park, among lush vegetation you can find interesting cliffs, caves and black sand beach. „The highway” ends in Hana. It’s a small town with a population of 700 residents. It’s located in the surroundings of banyan and breadfruit trees. Little church, gas station and popular Hasegawa General Store create special Hawaiian atmosphere there. ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

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Road to Hana – road for the road’s sake, part II

Road to Hana – road for the road’s sake, part I