Road to Hana
Paia, Ho’okipa Lookout, Wakamoi Nature Trail, Lower Puohokamoa Falls, Haipu’ana Falls, Kaumahina State Park, Ke’anae Peninsula Lookout, Ching’s Pond, Waikani Falls, Three Bear Falls, Hanawai Falls, Nahiku Road, Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, Hana, Red Sand Beach, Hamoa Beach, Venus Pools, 7 Sacred Pools, Alelele Falls, Gulch Lookout @ Pokowai Sea Arch, Tedeschi Winery
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Duration:
depending on your plans, about 10-12 hours Paia: 30 min. Wakamoi Nature Trail: 15-30 min. Lower Puohokama Falls: 30 min. Nahiku: 30 min. – 1 hour Black Sand Beach: 30 min. – 1 hour Hana Pier and Red Sand Beach: 1 – 2 hours Hamoa Beach: 2 hours Venus Pools: 1 hour 7 Sacred Pools: 1 -2 hours Distance: Lahaina - Paia: about 30 miles (48km), up to 50 minutes Wailea - Paia: about 22 miles (35km), up to 40 minutes Paia - Hana: about 44 miles (71km), 2.5 hours Hana - Kaupo: about 19 miles (31km), 35 minutes Hana – Kula: about 44 miles (71km), 1.5 hours Hana – Kahului (southern route): about 65 miles (105km), about 2 hours Complete route from/to Kahului: about 114 miles (183km), about 5 hours What to bring: Sturdy shoe, rash shirt and sunscreen, reef shoes and beach items, camera, food, a lot of water, backpack, bug repellent |
Coming from Lahaina: follow HWY 30 south towards Maalea. Behind Maalea make a left onto 380 and in Kahului at the airport another right onto Hana HWY (36) towards Paia. The next couple of hours you have to follow Hana HWY including several stops for hikes leading you to waterfalls, beaches and lookouts.
Behind Hana the route around the island’s south reopenened recently and you can follow without a doubt HWY 330 that becomes HWY 31 to circle the island. There is only a short section of an unpaved road but it’s smooth enough to drive it with all cars; no four-wheel drive necessary. At the height of Wailea the 31 turns into 37 and leads you back to Kahului. From there take HWY 380 and later 30 to return to Lahaina. From Wailea: take HWY 311 north towards Kahului and change onto 380 (Dairy Road, right) first before you continue to the right on Hana HWY, Route 36 north. The next couple of hours you have to follow Hana HWY including several stops for hikes leading you to waterfalls, beaches and lookouts. Behind Hana the route around the island’s southern tip reopenened recently and you can follow without a doubt HWY 330 that becomes HWY 31 to circle the island. There is only a short section of an unpaved road but it’s smooth enough to drive it with all cars, no four-wheel drive necessary. At the height of Wailea the 31 turns into 37 and leads you back to Kahului. From there follow Dairy Road to HWY 311 and make a right to drive back to the South and Wailea. |
A hint upfront: Doing the “Road to Hana”-Tour you should get up early to finally leave Paia around 8 am. This guarantees that you are upfront the other cars and buses and amongst the first exploring the hiking trails, lookouts and beaches. The others will arrive at least one hour later and you might have the sights for yourself. Furthermore, you will have enough time driving the 115 miles ( ~ 185km) long winding and narrow road in one day.
1st stop: Kahului – fill up your gas!
Before you start the spectacular tour I recommend to gas up in Kahului. On the way you won’t find any gas stations and the prices in Hana will blow you off. If you didn’t take any snacks with you, you have to settle mainly for banana bread. If you are driving the road on Sunday, it even gets worse since all shacks and shops are closed along the route.
2nd stop: Paia
Paia calls itself the coolest small town on Maui and everyone has to self-decide if this is true or not.
The small town is located at the oceanfront and consists of two main roads - one of them is Hana HWY - and it is known for its hippies, mystics, and dropouts.
Besides the “Road to Hana”-Tour you can combine Paia with the Upcountry or Haleakala Tour. This gives you the opportunity to browse through the few small shops and watch the locals while enjoying a coffee or icecream.
Paia developed about 100 years ago from a guest worker camp of the Paia Sugar Mill. Over the decades the camp grew to a small community with locals and immigrants from the Philippines, China, Japan, Puerto Rico, Portugal and Korea. Within the village you will see plenty of old buildings in plantation-style that are well preserved and the old sugar mill at the village’s skirts.
Since windsurfers discovered their paradise one mile north of Paia in the late 1970’s the village has received a worldwide reputation as windsurf mecca. With a bit of luck you might run into stars like Robby Naish, browsing one of the plenty surfshops along Hana HWY or at the coffee shops and restaurants along Baldwin Avenue.
Parallel to being a surfer home Paia became a colony of artists. Many of them sell their works at the local galleries or directly from their ateliers.
Coming here you definitely shouldn’t miss a scoop of icecream from ONO on Hana HWY and pay a visit to the local supermarket Mana Foods at Baldwin Ave behind Alice in Hulaland. The wooden shack that houses the market is located next to the parking lot on the left – just in case you are passing it, not beliving that this a location of a supermarket.
More info about Paia, its history, shops, and restaurants is listed under: http://www.paiamaui.com
3rd stop: Ho’okipa Lookout
Just one mile North of Paia is the mentioned windsurfers’ heaven. If you drive to the lot on your left you will have a stunning view over the shore and the surfers. This lookout is perfect for a second coffee (you have to take it out from Paia) before you continue the tour.
Those who want to be closer to the windsurfers should head down to the beach. From there you even have a better view at the windsufers’ stunts.
Just one mile North of Paia is the mentioned windsurfers’ heaven. If you drive to the lot on your left you will have a stunning view over the shore and the surfers. This lookout is perfect for a second coffee (you have to take it out from Paia) before you continue the tour.
Those who want to be closer to the windsurfers should head down to the beach. From there you even have a better view at the windsufers’ stunts.
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is the most popular sight on Maui, wherein most people don’t know that the journey is the reward and Hana itself quite unspectacular.
The road winds itself over 44 miles (70km) along rampant gulches and rocks and beautiful waterfalls that are framed from a lush rainforest. This part of island was spared by several attempts from large hotel chains and other tourist companies to gain ground so far. Thanks to extensive and continous iniatives by Hana inhabitants the jaw-dropping nature still exists. The road was built in the 1960’s and wasn’t paved before the 1980’s. Driving the former rough dirt road was more than adventurous.
The area’s atmosphere depends on the weather. If it’s rainy, foggy or overcast it appears mystical, if it’s sunny you are getting a color flash. Most times you experience a mix of both, since the weather is changing constantly. Particularly in the morning it is sunny before it is getting misty and rainy around noon.
Those amongst you who haven’t decided for a rental car yet should consider a convertible for the “Road to Hana”-tour. Along the route you see many adnated trees and plants that are forming a kind of natural ceiling above you that you might miss without a convertible.
The following listed stops are a selection of the most interesting and beautiful attractions along the road. If those are not enough for your trip I would like to refer you to the Maui Revealed travel guide from Wizard Publications.
No matter where you stop along the road make sure to take all your belongings with you as soon as you are leaving the car. The smallest items like sunglasses, charger, or coins can already cause break-ins.
4th stop: Wakamoi Nature Trail, behind milemarker 9
At the beginning of the Road to Hana you will see several parking lots with, if you are late, cars and busses. The trail starting at the lots are guiding you to sights like Twin or Na’ili’ili-hale Falls. Considering the upcoming waterfalls these sights are half as spectacular and I would save your time for the more interesting stops.
If you are visiting the rainforest for the first time and want to get an overview of the vegetation I suggest taking the easy but scenic Wakamoi Nature Trail. This short walk guides you along bamboo, guava- and eucalyptus trees and is perfect for unexperienced hikers. You have the choice between a 10-15 minutes trail and an extension of another 20 minutes.
5th stop: Lower and Upper Puohokamoa Falls, at the telephone pole behind milemarker 10
The trails to the waterfalls are not marked and you have to look for a telephone pole between milemarker 10 and 11 at the left for the first fall. Around the pole you should see a sandy shoulder offering space for two cars.
Off the pole leads a slippery trail down to the hidden lower fall. After just a few yards you approach a rim. On its opposite you can glimpse at the lower fall flowing into a pool. The further you walk the better becomes the view of the fall and the pool.
The upper fall is located behind milenmarker 11 at the height of ‘Garden of Eden’. The waterfall is the garden’s highlight but you also can see it without paying the admission. You only have to walk along the dirt track next to the property wall. If this is too adventurous for you visit the ‘Garden of Eden’.
The trails to the waterfalls are not marked and you have to look for a telephone pole between milemarker 10 and 11 at the left for the first fall. Around the pole you should see a sandy shoulder offering space for two cars.
Off the pole leads a slippery trail down to the hidden lower fall. After just a few yards you approach a rim. On its opposite you can glimpse at the lower fall flowing into a pool. The further you walk the better becomes the view of the fall and the pool.
The upper fall is located behind milenmarker 11 at the height of ‘Garden of Eden’. The waterfall is the garden’s highlight but you also can see it without paying the admission. You only have to walk along the dirt track next to the property wall. If this is too adventurous for you visit the ‘Garden of Eden’.
6th stop: Haipua’ana Falls at the bridge behind milemarker 11
Behind the ‘Garden of Eden’ follows a bridge. Park in front of it, because behind the bridge are two small waterfalls flowing into a pond and no parking. You can hike the short trail to the pond but should apply a lot of bug repellent before. This pool is the hot spot of Mauis mosquito hatcheries!
Behind the ‘Garden of Eden’ follows a bridge. Park in front of it, because behind the bridge are two small waterfalls flowing into a pond and no parking. You can hike the short trail to the pond but should apply a lot of bug repellent before. This pool is the hot spot of Mauis mosquito hatcheries!
7th stop: Kaumahina State Park, behind milemarker 12
Kaumahina State Park is popular with Road to Hana visitors and buses because it’s one of the few pit stops on the route. Having just the restrooms in mind most tourists are missing the lookout at the left above the parking lot. From there you have a wonderful view over the winding road and the lush coastline.
If you want to stretch your legs just explore the trails above the lot that lead you through a thick rainforest.
Another gorgeous lookout follows at milemarker 14. You can park on the left shoulder to take pictures and to enjoy the panorama. An even better view opens from the benches uphill, if you walk there pay attention to the traffic!
8th stop: Ke’anae Peninsula and Ching’s Pond, behind milemarker 16
The following stop opens a wide view over a peninsula that spreads underneath the HWY. At the lookout you will run into street vendors selling crafts, banana bread or soft drinks.
Just a stone throw away before milemarker 17 you reach Ching’s Pond, a pool that is located underneath the white bridge and hard to spot from the road. If you need a cooling this pool is the perfect place. Think twice before jumping into the pool because there is only one deep enough but narrow spot.
If you get hungry and didn’t bring any snacks you will find relief in the next turn. The small booth of “Half way to Hana” sells banana bread, and sometimes sandwiches, burger and fruits. By the way you didn’t make it half the way to Hana yet, but it is a nice marketing idea…
One mile further you will see the several feet high Wailua Falls at your right that are flowing down the rocks and continue underneath the highway down to the ocean.
The following stop opens a wide view over a peninsula that spreads underneath the HWY. At the lookout you will run into street vendors selling crafts, banana bread or soft drinks.
Just a stone throw away before milemarker 17 you reach Ching’s Pond, a pool that is located underneath the white bridge and hard to spot from the road. If you need a cooling this pool is the perfect place. Think twice before jumping into the pool because there is only one deep enough but narrow spot.
If you get hungry and didn’t bring any snacks you will find relief in the next turn. The small booth of “Half way to Hana” sells banana bread, and sometimes sandwiches, burger and fruits. By the way you didn’t make it half the way to Hana yet, but it is a nice marketing idea…
One mile further you will see the several feet high Wailua Falls at your right that are flowing down the rocks and continue underneath the highway down to the ocean.
9th stop: Three Bear Falls, behind milemarker 19
Approaching the next bridge, stop in front of it and walk over the bridge to marvel at the three waterfalls flowing down the rock next to each other to merge into a pond. The bridge is framed by giant palmleaves, which size even stands out more if you are standing next to them.
There are two trails leading to the pond. The one at the right back end is shorter but breaknacking in the beginning. The one at the left rear is easier and leads you underneath the bridge to the pond.
Approaching the next bridge, stop in front of it and walk over the bridge to marvel at the three waterfalls flowing down the rock next to each other to merge into a pond. The bridge is framed by giant palmleaves, which size even stands out more if you are standing next to them.
There are two trails leading to the pond. The one at the right back end is shorter but breaknacking in the beginning. The one at the left rear is easier and leads you underneath the bridge to the pond.
10th stop: Hanawi Falls
Another beautiful waterfall follows behind milemarker 24 at the next bridge. This waterfall splits and flows around a huge rock to become one again. Looking like wallpaper this setting is a perfect photospot.
If you bend over the very low railing of the brigde you have the best view.
Another beautiful waterfall follows behind milemarker 24 at the next bridge. This waterfall splits and flows around a huge rock to become one again. Looking like wallpaper this setting is a perfect photospot.
If you bend over the very low railing of the brigde you have the best view.
11th stop: Makapi Falls and Nahiku Road
Behind milemarker 25 are hiding more waterfalls which you only can see if you look down the bridge. Next to the bridge goes off Nahiku Road. I highly recommend taking a detour since you likely will be the only ones exploring the lush and colorful road and small village. Most people pass the exit and it’s a pity since the colors are even more intense and at the end, past the sleepy village, you are greeted with stunning views over the coastline and towards the winding Road to Hana.
Following Nahiku Road, after 2.5 miles, you are approaching the village’s center with a small church. The further road is only accessible for deliveries and residents. I recommend taking the road for the last 0.5 miles instead of leaving your car in the deserted center. Just pretend you are visiting someone because everyone else is driving down to the shore.
You will pass a small pond that is surrounded by large trees and lianas, which, of course, has another waterfall flowing into it. At the end of the road you finally can see the rocky shore. From here you have an amazing view over the Pacific and towards the turns of Road to Hana. This outlook is perfect for a break and to have a picnic. If you didn’t bring any food the Nahiku Marketplace is selling some delicious snacks.
Back at the Road to Hana you almost made it.
Behind milemarker 25 are hiding more waterfalls which you only can see if you look down the bridge. Next to the bridge goes off Nahiku Road. I highly recommend taking a detour since you likely will be the only ones exploring the lush and colorful road and small village. Most people pass the exit and it’s a pity since the colors are even more intense and at the end, past the sleepy village, you are greeted with stunning views over the coastline and towards the winding Road to Hana.
Following Nahiku Road, after 2.5 miles, you are approaching the village’s center with a small church. The further road is only accessible for deliveries and residents. I recommend taking the road for the last 0.5 miles instead of leaving your car in the deserted center. Just pretend you are visiting someone because everyone else is driving down to the shore.
You will pass a small pond that is surrounded by large trees and lianas, which, of course, has another waterfall flowing into it. At the end of the road you finally can see the rocky shore. From here you have an amazing view over the Pacific and towards the turns of Road to Hana. This outlook is perfect for a break and to have a picnic. If you didn’t bring any food the Nahiku Marketplace is selling some delicious snacks.
Back at the Road to Hana you almost made it.
12th stop: Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, behind milemarker 32
At the height of Hana Airport you will see milemarker 32. Directly behind it at your left goes off a small road. This one leads you to the Black Sand Beach.
The black sand built up due to a former lava flow and is the only one next to Hana Bay on Maui. Since its lifetime is limited and the sand is also very rare on Maui the government and the locals are asking visitors not to remove any sand from the beach.
Besides the road you just took there is a scenic path for pedestrians that leads along palm trees, lava flows, a rocky shore and a heiau to Hana. You do not have to walk it all way, but if you like you can hike all 7 miles up to Hana.
At the height of Hana Airport you will see milemarker 32. Directly behind it at your left goes off a small road. This one leads you to the Black Sand Beach.
The black sand built up due to a former lava flow and is the only one next to Hana Bay on Maui. Since its lifetime is limited and the sand is also very rare on Maui the government and the locals are asking visitors not to remove any sand from the beach.
Besides the road you just took there is a scenic path for pedestrians that leads along palm trees, lava flows, a rocky shore and a heiau to Hana. You do not have to walk it all way, but if you like you can hike all 7 miles up to Hana.
13th stop: Hana Bay and Red Sand Beach
Back at the highway and at the next turn you finally made it to Hana and as you can see there isn’t much to visit. The town is very small and sleepy and the people are living a very quiet and secluded life and take their time. In case you like to buy fruits or veggies at one of the fruit stands along the road it might happen that they are empty and you have to wait ages for the owner to collect your money.
Same applies to the Bed & Breakfasts if you stay in Hana over night. Quietness, plenty of time and relaxation is key, no surprise that burned out managers go into hiding here.
Worth a visit is Hana Bay that also consists of black sand. In case the weather changed from sun to rain or fog during the day the atmosphere will be very mystic and the place appears to be enchanted. Down at the pier you can park your car and walk the area. If you like you can even hike over the rocks to the far right to a small bay that also carries red sand like the following Red Sand Beach.
The actual Red Sand Beach is located in an old cinder cone that causes the bumpy and, if the weather is bad, even slippery path.
But the effort is worth it because the red color and the blue ocean compose an impressing play of colors if the sun is shinning.
The red sand was generated from the lava’s iron and is even more rare than black beaches. Since the area is so special you should refrain from taking sand back home as well. It’s highly recommended not to swim in the bay since the current is so strong that you will be pressed against the rocks immediately.
The best trail to walk to the Red Sand Beach goes off at Uakea Road. Drive down Hauoli Road to the corner of Uakea Road and park there. The trail starts at Uakea Road on the opposite of the Sea Ranch Cottages. The Red Sand Beach is located to your left and it usually takes 10 minutes to walk.
It might be worth knowing that there could be some nudists at the beach. The area is so off the common tourist trails that they can enjoy their fondness without being arrested.
Back at the highway and at the next turn you finally made it to Hana and as you can see there isn’t much to visit. The town is very small and sleepy and the people are living a very quiet and secluded life and take their time. In case you like to buy fruits or veggies at one of the fruit stands along the road it might happen that they are empty and you have to wait ages for the owner to collect your money.
Same applies to the Bed & Breakfasts if you stay in Hana over night. Quietness, plenty of time and relaxation is key, no surprise that burned out managers go into hiding here.
Worth a visit is Hana Bay that also consists of black sand. In case the weather changed from sun to rain or fog during the day the atmosphere will be very mystic and the place appears to be enchanted. Down at the pier you can park your car and walk the area. If you like you can even hike over the rocks to the far right to a small bay that also carries red sand like the following Red Sand Beach.
The actual Red Sand Beach is located in an old cinder cone that causes the bumpy and, if the weather is bad, even slippery path.
But the effort is worth it because the red color and the blue ocean compose an impressing play of colors if the sun is shinning.
The red sand was generated from the lava’s iron and is even more rare than black beaches. Since the area is so special you should refrain from taking sand back home as well. It’s highly recommended not to swim in the bay since the current is so strong that you will be pressed against the rocks immediately.
The best trail to walk to the Red Sand Beach goes off at Uakea Road. Drive down Hauoli Road to the corner of Uakea Road and park there. The trail starts at Uakea Road on the opposite of the Sea Ranch Cottages. The Red Sand Beach is located to your left and it usually takes 10 minutes to walk.
It might be worth knowing that there could be some nudists at the beach. The area is so off the common tourist trails that they can enjoy their fondness without being arrested.
14th stop: Hamoa Beach
Two miles after Hana you finally will reach one of my favorite beaches on Maui: Hamoa Beach. The salt and pepper beach is located in a small bay that is framed by palm trees. This setting easily could be the location of another Bacardi commercial. There is no reef that protects the bay and the break is just coming in making the beach popular for bodysurfing and unpopular for swimming. However it doesn’t matter because the area is so scenic that you can look at it for hours without entering the water.
The best area to park is along the road above the bay and to walk down the paved trail to the beach.
Two miles after Hana you finally will reach one of my favorite beaches on Maui: Hamoa Beach. The salt and pepper beach is located in a small bay that is framed by palm trees. This setting easily could be the location of another Bacardi commercial. There is no reef that protects the bay and the break is just coming in making the beach popular for bodysurfing and unpopular for swimming. However it doesn’t matter because the area is so scenic that you can look at it for hours without entering the water.
The best area to park is along the road above the bay and to walk down the paved trail to the beach.
15th stop: Venus Pools, milemarker 48
The vegetation along the southern tip of the island changes from tropical rainforest to green wide meadows and hills and is calling up an association of Ireland.
The route in front of you is loaded with more waterfalls, hidden pools overlooking the shore and one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. From time to time the attractions are blocked by farmland and their owners try to keep you from entering the areas by using barbwires or warning signs. What you cannot know is that most areas of the farmlands do not belong to the owners but the government to assure access to visitors.
So in case obstacles block the entrance take a closer look for trails and faults used by others before.
One of the best examples is Venus Pools at milemarker 48. A barbwire is blocking the area. But as soon as you overcome the wire on the left side of the gulch you will find a path leading you to the pools. Arriving there you will be astonished how many people are already enjoying the area.
Towards the shore you have a jaw-dropping view over the ocean. Usually locals and visitors are jumping from the rocks into the pools. Before you imitate them study them first to know where to jump off!
Back at the road you will approach the Wailea creek that is followed by the waterfalls before you finally arrive at the 7 Sacred Pools.
Maybe you realized that the milemarkers started to count back by now and start becoming inconsistant. Based on my experiences I try to give you as many information as possible not to miss any of the following attractions.
The vegetation along the southern tip of the island changes from tropical rainforest to green wide meadows and hills and is calling up an association of Ireland.
The route in front of you is loaded with more waterfalls, hidden pools overlooking the shore and one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. From time to time the attractions are blocked by farmland and their owners try to keep you from entering the areas by using barbwires or warning signs. What you cannot know is that most areas of the farmlands do not belong to the owners but the government to assure access to visitors.
So in case obstacles block the entrance take a closer look for trails and faults used by others before.
One of the best examples is Venus Pools at milemarker 48. A barbwire is blocking the area. But as soon as you overcome the wire on the left side of the gulch you will find a path leading you to the pools. Arriving there you will be astonished how many people are already enjoying the area.
Towards the shore you have a jaw-dropping view over the ocean. Usually locals and visitors are jumping from the rocks into the pools. Before you imitate them study them first to know where to jump off!
Back at the road you will approach the Wailea creek that is followed by the waterfalls before you finally arrive at the 7 Sacred Pools.
Maybe you realized that the milemarkers started to count back by now and start becoming inconsistant. Based on my experiences I try to give you as many information as possible not to miss any of the following attractions.
15th stop: 7 Sacred Pools aka Ohe’o Gulch and Pipiwaitrail, milemarker 42
The Ohe’o Gulch consists of terrassed pools that are divided by waterfalls. The gulch is located within Haleakala National Park and similar to other National Parks you can expect a stunning and beautiful landscape.
For getting access to the gulch you have to pay the park admission, but it’s worth it since the ticket is valid for 3 days. If you haven’t been to Haleakala yet or accordingly the other way round, if you have been to Halekala within the last 3 days keep the ticket to visit both attractions within 3 days.
The more popular name for the gulch is 7 Sacred Pools, though there are actually more than 7 pools. The nickname was invented by a smart hotelier that was looking for a more appealing name attracting guests to his hotel close by.
During the afternoon it is getting crowded but if you stay in Hana for the night you will have the gulch almost for yourself until 10 am. Otherwise you have to stand the gaff. Behind milemarker 42 is the parking lot and you have to walk about ½ mile to the pools.
Those amongst you who plan to stay or stayed in Hana I recommend to do the 2.5 – 5 hour long moderate hike along the Pipiwaitrail during your visit to the Sacred Pools.
This trail belongs to the most beautiful hikes on Maui and has a lot to offer. You are not only walking through a lush rainforest, after ½ mile you run into tall waterfalls and later you can even detour to a pool that offers a breathtaking view over the ocean.
The pool is located off the main trail and you have to stay to the right behind the waterfalls. It has a kind of natural infinity wall and the edge appears endless.
You only should enter the pool if there is no strong stream running, otherwise it can happen that you are carried over the wall!
Back on the main trail you reach more waterfalls and some bridges that offer nice views over the pools and the falls. The trail ends at Waimoku Falls, which backside is asscessible. From there you have to turn around.
If you do the hike bring a water resistant camera to catch the views and falls and enough bug repellent to avoid being eaten up by the mosquitos.
More info and a trail map are available on the National Park’s website: http://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.htm
Before you start the hike consult a ranger to ask for any obstacles or closings along the trail.
Driving the remaining route you will have more trails to waterfalls and heiaus and sights like the grave of Charles Lindbergh. If the stops are worth it depends on your interests. Personally, I would cruise back home without any longer stops.
Behind Kaupo you will face a one-lane unpaved section of the HWY but this only lasts 4.5 miles (7km) before it becomes paved and wider again. Usually you have other cars in front of you and you are able to drive in an autocade. Honk at every turn if you are alone or in the front to alert oncoming traffic.
Exchange outdated travel guides and car maps that are still showing a road closure in this section. Since 2011 the road is open again and you can drive along the Southern tip even without a four-wheel drive.
Shortly behind milemarker 32 I recommend to pull over to the left to enjoy the view towards Haleakala. At mile 28 you pass a two-lane bridge that leads you over an impressing gulch. In case no one is behind you slow down and enjoy the view!
And finally:
The Ohe’o Gulch consists of terrassed pools that are divided by waterfalls. The gulch is located within Haleakala National Park and similar to other National Parks you can expect a stunning and beautiful landscape.
For getting access to the gulch you have to pay the park admission, but it’s worth it since the ticket is valid for 3 days. If you haven’t been to Haleakala yet or accordingly the other way round, if you have been to Halekala within the last 3 days keep the ticket to visit both attractions within 3 days.
The more popular name for the gulch is 7 Sacred Pools, though there are actually more than 7 pools. The nickname was invented by a smart hotelier that was looking for a more appealing name attracting guests to his hotel close by.
During the afternoon it is getting crowded but if you stay in Hana for the night you will have the gulch almost for yourself until 10 am. Otherwise you have to stand the gaff. Behind milemarker 42 is the parking lot and you have to walk about ½ mile to the pools.
Those amongst you who plan to stay or stayed in Hana I recommend to do the 2.5 – 5 hour long moderate hike along the Pipiwaitrail during your visit to the Sacred Pools.
This trail belongs to the most beautiful hikes on Maui and has a lot to offer. You are not only walking through a lush rainforest, after ½ mile you run into tall waterfalls and later you can even detour to a pool that offers a breathtaking view over the ocean.
The pool is located off the main trail and you have to stay to the right behind the waterfalls. It has a kind of natural infinity wall and the edge appears endless.
You only should enter the pool if there is no strong stream running, otherwise it can happen that you are carried over the wall!
Back on the main trail you reach more waterfalls and some bridges that offer nice views over the pools and the falls. The trail ends at Waimoku Falls, which backside is asscessible. From there you have to turn around.
If you do the hike bring a water resistant camera to catch the views and falls and enough bug repellent to avoid being eaten up by the mosquitos.
More info and a trail map are available on the National Park’s website: http://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/kipahulu.htm
Before you start the hike consult a ranger to ask for any obstacles or closings along the trail.
Driving the remaining route you will have more trails to waterfalls and heiaus and sights like the grave of Charles Lindbergh. If the stops are worth it depends on your interests. Personally, I would cruise back home without any longer stops.
Behind Kaupo you will face a one-lane unpaved section of the HWY but this only lasts 4.5 miles (7km) before it becomes paved and wider again. Usually you have other cars in front of you and you are able to drive in an autocade. Honk at every turn if you are alone or in the front to alert oncoming traffic.
Exchange outdated travel guides and car maps that are still showing a road closure in this section. Since 2011 the road is open again and you can drive along the Southern tip even without a four-wheel drive.
Shortly behind milemarker 32 I recommend to pull over to the left to enjoy the view towards Haleakala. At mile 28 you pass a two-lane bridge that leads you over an impressing gulch. In case no one is behind you slow down and enjoy the view!
And finally:
16th stop: Tedeschi Winery, milemarker 21
In case you should really make it around the southern tip before 5pm, have a break at Tedeschi Winery South of Kula. Otherwise you can combine this stop with the Upcountry Tour as long as you are into wine.
Tedeschi is the only winery on Maui and offers next to reds and whites some pineapple wine. The latter quite needs to get used to but the Ulupalakua Red is astonishly great if you consider that Maui doesn’t fulfill any requirements of a
winecountry.
Garden enthusiasts should stroll through the grounds and the lovely garden and take a closer look at the roof in front of the restrooms. The flower or plant that entwines around the roof is pretty unique. In case you have an idea how it is called please let me know. Thanks!
More info about Tedeschi is available at: http://www.mauiwine.com/
If you are hungry after the long day you will find a grill at Tedeschi’s opposite and restaurants like Café 808 or La Provence in Kula. Furthermore, the Pukalani Shopping Center offers some popular fast food chains and even more alternatives are available in Paia (accepting a detour) or Kahului or close to your accommodations.
In case you should really make it around the southern tip before 5pm, have a break at Tedeschi Winery South of Kula. Otherwise you can combine this stop with the Upcountry Tour as long as you are into wine.
Tedeschi is the only winery on Maui and offers next to reds and whites some pineapple wine. The latter quite needs to get used to but the Ulupalakua Red is astonishly great if you consider that Maui doesn’t fulfill any requirements of a
winecountry.
Garden enthusiasts should stroll through the grounds and the lovely garden and take a closer look at the roof in front of the restrooms. The flower or plant that entwines around the roof is pretty unique. In case you have an idea how it is called please let me know. Thanks!
More info about Tedeschi is available at: http://www.mauiwine.com/
If you are hungry after the long day you will find a grill at Tedeschi’s opposite and restaurants like Café 808 or La Provence in Kula. Furthermore, the Pukalani Shopping Center offers some popular fast food chains and even more alternatives are available in Paia (accepting a detour) or Kahului or close to your accommodations.
