Hello friends! After a break for the holidays and getting back into work and school, I’m back!
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday season and are looking forward to a great 2018.
This travel series is going to be dedicated to one of my favorite destinations I’ve been privileged to spend quite a bit of time exploring, the Hawaiian Islands!
Since I left my last post with the Great Ocean Road outside Melbourne Australia, I think it is fitting to start the Aloha series with another iconic coastal drive, the Road to Hana on the island of Maui. The Road to Hana is approximately 50-60 miles long, made up of around 600 curves, and close to 60 bridges (many of which are one lane). It is a treacherous drive and should be taken with care. There are many tour groups that will do the driving for you, so that you can kick back and enjoy the views.
The views and vista that you get to experience along the Road to Hana are truly breathtaking. You will get to see some of the best wind and kite surf spots on the island, black sand beaches, incredible waterfalls, and can stop at some yummy roadside food stalls.
You will need a full day to explore the Road to Hana in its entirety. Many people will choose to do half of the road, which is a great option as well if your time is more limited or you would like to spend longer at your chosen spots.
One of my favorite spots along the journey is the Garden of Eden Arboretum. The grounds are made up of beautiful views of Upper Puohokamoa Waterfalls, bamboo, duck feeding and ponds, a 100 year old Mango tree, and Keopuka Rock Overlook (from the opening scene of Jurassic Park). It is a stunning spot to stop for pictures!
Beautiful rainbow eucalyptus tree!
The waterfalls along the road as endless. Make sure to take time to pull off the road to enjoy the views.
At the halfway to Hana stand, make sure you stop in and grab some banana bread. They are very well known for it!
Along the road, you will see old lava flows in the shadow of Haleakala. It makes for astonishing black rocky coasts.
If you head out for the full Road to Hana, you will be greeted by the quiet and friendly town. With a population of just over 1,000 people, Hana locals are very small town where everyone knows everyone.
Hana has one major hotel known as the Travaasa. This is one of the only (if not the only) all inclusive resort in the Hawaiian Islands.
After making your way through Hana, you can make your way through the Maui upcountry. Be prepared for bumpy roads but with views like this? Completely worth it!
And views of the backside of the Great Haleakala crater (which we will explore in an upcoming post!), which is a dormant volcano take is a center piece of the east side of Maui.
One last stop at Maui Winery before heading back to my Airbnb on the West side of Maui. If you are looking for unique Hawaiian wines, this is a great spot to sample. Try their pineapple wine!
The Road to Hana is a staple for anyone visiting Maui and with good reason. The views and vistas that you get to take in are absolutely gorgeous. With so many spots to stop along the road, you could explore it many times over with new and exciting sites each time.
Mahalo for coming with me on this journey through the islands. Much more to come from one of the most beautiful spots on earth!