Hana Highway – Tips, Tubes and Ti
There is no lack of things to do and see on Maui. One of the more popular is a day trip drive through canopied rainforests past single lane bridges, streams, waterfalls, caves, archeological and grave sites, a drive to the summit of Haleakala at sunrise, to a half-day sailing trip to snorkel among turtles and tropical fish, to watching humpback whales frolic in Maui’s warm winter waters to name a few that should not be missed.
Driving the Hana Highway is a full day affair. Allow at least three hours one way from Wailea and Kihei and four hours from Kaanapali and Kapalua. For families, being prepared can make the difference between an exciting enjoyable day and a long laborious one. Small children cannot be expected to keep still the entire day while taking turn after turn on a seemingly endless ride. Rest stops and bathroom facilities along the road are limited at best.
Adults and older children fare better on this trip especially if plans include taking advantage of the many scenic beaches and hiking trails in the area or if they otherwise engaged. Many are put in charge of the progressof the trip via their iPhones and Hawaii travel apps. Many enjoy being able to use their Andriod apps to locate the next waterfall or scenic point along the road, and another reason to keep their noses out of trouble. Even then, it is still recommended to bring along a picnic lunch, soft drinks and lots of water and hand cleanser before starting toward Hana. There are many opportunities to pull over and picnic under the trees along streams and waterfalls.
Pua‘a Ka‘a State Wayside Park is just one of those places. Located about 38 miles from Kahului Airport it is open daily from dawn to dusk. This state run park has restrooms and picnic facilities in a heavenly setting of waterfalls and fresh water pools. Be sure to include a stop at the Oheo Gulch in Kipahulu more popularly known as the Seven Sacred Pools. The cool fresh waters from the mountain streams collect in series of stepped pools that lead to the ocean below. Access to the pools is via a small scenic trail that begins near the highway. Swimming is possible, but avoid entering the pools, especially during heavy rains since the area is known for severe, sudden and deadly flash flooding. Ten miles past Hana and not far from Oheo Gulch is the Kipahulu Visitor’s Center along the coastal region of Haleakala National Park. There you will find self-guided hiking, cultural presentations and more.
Another point of interest along the Hana Highway is the Ka’eleku Caverns. A meager entrance fee provides access to the lava tube, a great shaded picnic area, a red ti-leaf botanical maze and more. It’s an enjoyable stop, especially for families to shake out the kinks and enjoy a leisurely picnic.
Lottie Tagupa is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the island of Oahu. She has been writing about Hawaii for over 10 years and currently lives in Waimea on the Big Island.
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