Page 129 - Hawaii: Diving, Surfing, Pearl Harbor, Volcanoes and More

THE ROAD TO HANA - Maui’s most famous scenic highway is called WAILUA VALLEY STATE WAYSIDE PARK Photo opportunity for
“The world’s most beautiful drive.” This is a very long, curvy road that Keanae Valley and the Wailua Peninsula before mile marker 19. If you
demands many stops to enjoy the fabulous Hawaiian scenery. It takes are lucky, the clouds will part and give you a spectacular view up the
all day to go both ways. Hana Highway is an adventure through tropi- Koolau Gap.
cal rainforests, with the ocean on one side and thundering waterfalls,
fragrant ginger and fruit-laden guava trees on the other side. Take PUAA KAA STATE WAYSIDE PARK Between mile markers 22 and
your time, stop and swim in the cool mountain stream pools and take 23, pull into this park (with restrooms, phone and picnic area) for a
lots of pictures of what Maui looked like before urbanization. quick walk to the waterfall and swimming hole.

KAAIEA BRIDGE Before mile marker 7, a grove graceful bamboo KAHANU GARDENS The biggest draw to this tropical botanical
will knock your socks off. Wait until after the 7 mile marker to pull- garden is the PIILANIHALE HEIAU, Hawaii’s largest ancient Heiau
out, pull up your socks, and take photos. (temple) at 340 feet by 415 feet, with 50 feet tall walls, to 10 feet thick,
dating to the 1500’s. (808) 248-8912
WAIKAMOI RIDGE TRAIL This tiny state “wayside” area, at the
9-mile marker has picnic tables, a pavilion and a barbecue area, plus HANA The destination of the famous Road to Hana is the most iso-
an easy 3/4-mile round trip walk. lated town in Hawaii. Its location gives Hana a true “Old Hawaii” feel.

KAUMAHINA STATE WAYSIDE The 12 mile marker is a pit stop HANA BAY A local beach park with boat shelter and fabulous plate
with restrooms and a picnic area and some dramatic coastline views. lunches.
HONOMANU BAY BEACH If the waves are pumping, turn off at
mile marker 14 into this black-sand beach and watch the surfers. THE POOLS OF OHEO locally named the “Seven Sacred Pools”, in
Note: Strong currents offshore. the late 1940’s by a Hotel Hana-Maui social director, are now a part
of Haleakala National Park. This wonderful rest-and-play stop, a few
KE’ANAE PENINSULA Picture-postcard old Hawaiian village, with miles beyond Hana, is THE destination of many who travel the Road
an 1860 stone church, and acres of green taro. to Hana. The pools are a scenic and fun stop before turning around
and driving back, or before continuing on via the Piilani Highway.
KEANAE ARBORETUM Shortly after mile marker 16 is a cornuco- Hike to the famous waterfalls or climb over slippery rock to huge
pia of Hawaii’s botanical world. Hike or swim. swimming holes with cliff jumps, where the brave make a big, cool
splash. After the long drive to Hana, make sure to visit this wonderful
KE’ANAE PENINSULA Picture-postcard old Hawaiian village, with place. Be aware of a flash flood danger.
an 1860 stone church, and acres of green taro.