Riding the Road to Hana

Image: PHOTO: A part of the magnificent Road to Hana, Maui. (photo via Flickr/penjelly)

by Kristina Rundquist
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Mon June 26, 2017

Six hundred and twenty curves, fifty-nine bridges, fifty-two miles, two to four hours...

Such is the Road to Hana from Kahului, Maui.

But a collection of figures doesn't begin to do justice to what is arguably one of the country's most scenic stretches of road. Along the way, travelers will drive through verdant rainforests and past cascading waterfalls all while negotiating narrow lanes and hairpin turns.

Ready to hit the road? Blue Sky Tours offers a variety of Maui packages, affording visitors the perfect home base from which to ride the Road to Hana.

Here are a few highlights to consider on your journey.

Paia Town
This funky little town is the perfect place to stop for breakfast as you begin your journey to Hana. Even if you aren't hungry, take some time to stroll the main street and check out its galleries and shops. Who knows, you might even spy Paia's most famous resident, Willie Nelson.

Twin Falls (Mile Marker #2)
The falls are popular not just for their beauty but also for holding the distinction of being the first easily accessible falls on the Road to Hana. Pull over, have a swim and grab some goodies from the farm stand to bolster you for the trip to come.

Kahuna Garden and Pi'lanihle Heiau (Mile Marker #31)
The 294-acre National Tropical Botanical Garden is home to the Pi'ilanihale Heiau, the largest temple in Hawaii. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, this temple is constructed of lava rock and is considered to be the largest ancient place of worship in Polynesia. Considering that it sprawls over 3 acres, it's no wonder it took centuries to complete.

Wai'anapanapa State Park (Mile Marker #32)
Black sand beaches. Need we say more? Just in case you're not convinced, this stretch of beach also offers some pretty dramatic seascapes with lava tubes, sea arches and freshwater caves to explore.

Hana Bay Beach Park (Mile Marker #34)
Situated in the town of Hana, the bay is a favorite among both locals and visitors. Its relatively calm waters make it ideal for a relaxing swim and offer a great vantage point from which to take in an outrigger canoe practice or enjoy a picnic.

Hamoa Beach (Mile Marker #50)
This 1,000-foot long stretch of beach is consistently named one of Maui's best and for good reason. Salt-and-pepper sand, a striking ocean view and sea cliffs topped with tropical vegetation make it a favorite among surfers and beach-goers.

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Wailua Falls (Mile Marker #45)
Widely considered to be the most beautiful waterfalls on Maui, this 80-foot waterfall and the plunge pool below are worthy of a stop and more than a few photographs. Although best seen in the morning light, the falls are stunning no matter the time of day. Be advised--these falls are on Honolewa Stream, and not Wailua Valley or Wailua Stream.

Healeakala National Park (Mile Marker #42)
A $10 entrance fee (good for three days) gives you access and while the famous Pools of Oheo have been closed due to fear of landslides, the park offers an abundance of self-guided hiking trails, including the Pipiwai Trail.

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