East Maui is as rewarding as the journey to reach it. A magical little hamlet of simple homes and quiet gardens, Hana's isolation is the source of its charm. Landmarks are few-the main attractions are the gentle nature of Hana's people and the area's unpopulated beaches. One of the best ways to get a taste of Hana culture is to stop by the charming Hasegawa General Store, a local institution since 1910. You'll soon see why the town is known as "Heavenly Hana." But as relaxing as it can be, it's also home to some real adventure. In addition to dramatic coastal hikes, you can hang glide high above Hana, rewarded with unmatched views of Haleakala, or go underground and explore a cave.
Road to Hana
With over 600 hairpin turns and 54 narrow bridges, the famous Road to Hana is much less a thoroughfare as it is a life lesson. Slow down and enjoy the ride, there's a surprise around every corner. From plunging seaside cliffs to the flavors of fresh Island fruit from a roadside stand, this is a journey to awaken all your senses. When you stop to explore, be sure to park well off the road and respect property signage. If you depart early, when the rain forests are particularly magical in the morning light, you can avoid afternoon traffic. If you prefer someone else do the driving, enjoy one of the Island's unique ground tours. Plan at least three hours each way.
Pools of Ohe'o
The pools of Ohe'o is located on the rugged northeast coastline just past the town of Hana. There are dozens of pools fed by fresh water streams from Maui's famed Haleakala volcano, creating a dramatic playground of lava rock basins and terraced waterfalls. The arduous but truly spectacular main trail ends at beautiful Waimoku Falls, which plunges 400 feet from a lava rock wall. It's best to arrive early before the parking lot fills up.
Haleakala National Park
Rising more than 10,000 feet from the sea, Haleakala National Park stretches east from the winding road to the summit, and down the mountain's flanks all the way to the ocean at the Pools of 'Ohe'o. A dormant volcano, Haleakala is not currently errupting.
Certainly the Island's most visible landmark, Haleakala is also one of Maui's most memorable attractions. Even if you sleep past sunrise, you'll want to get up early to watch the sun come up over Haleakala's unusual lava forms. Bundle up and wait for the dawn-on a clear morning you may even see the neighboring Islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Molokai, Ohau and Kaho'olawe. Be sure to stick around for a little while after the sun comes up to see the dawn's colors.
If you arrived on four wheels, you might want to descend on two. Biking tours begin outside the park, at the 6,500-foot level, and go Haleakala's switchbacks is not for the faint of heart, but fast, thrilling and scenic for those who indulge.
Sunset from the peal is also beautiful as deepening shadows play with the forms and colors of the surrounding landscape. The moon's path across the sky will inspire you on moonless nights, the stars are especially spectacular. From the summit, you can also take guided hikes along protected trails, where the rare 'ahinahina (silversword) grows. Or perhaps you'll see the endangered nene (Hawaiian goose), Hawaii's state bird. At the foot of the park, in the Kipahulu area, you can explore the parkland on horseback.
If a single day's visit is not enough-there's so much to see!-camping trips can also be arranged. No trip to Maui is complete without a visit to the "House of the Sun." Dress warm, pack some food, bring your camera and come enjoy the Island's natural drama as it unfolds-twice, every single day of the year.
