Gas up before you go (Paia town is the last stop to fill up) and plan to be gone the entire day. Once in Hana-it's hard to leave. The unhurried pace, isolation and natural attractions farther beyond the town, make it the hidden and sacred Hawaii which outsiders only dream about. Hana-quiet, rural and rich with beauty-sprawls on rolling hills that descend to Hana Bay. Vibrant green pastures are grazed by cattle at Hana Ranch where horseback rides are available, phone 248-8211, Ext. 3.
Inside Hana Town is Hale Waiwai O' Hana, "House of Treasures of Hana" complete with rare old area photos, quilts, shells, and numerous artifacts. It's open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, phone 248-8622. The exclusive Hotel Hana-Maui offers upscale food and accommodations while keeping the "mana" (power) spirit of old Hawaii intact. Many activities are open to non-guests, phone 248-8211 for more information. A beautiful spot on your way out of Hana Town is the picturesque Hamoa Beach. It's about a mile off the main highway (look for the sign just as you leave Hana Town heading south to the Seven Pools). Although the pools are popularly known as the Seven Sacred Pools, look for signs referring drivers to Kipahulu. There are no signs posted for the Seven Sacred Pools.
The journey doesn't stop here, because if you turn back now, the Hana experience would be incomplete without making it to the next breathtaking destinations. Head out of Hana for visits to Wailua Falls and Oheo Gulch, where at the latter pools topple from one another creating the famous "Seven Sacred Pools" before flowing into the ocean. Be sure and follow the other cars to the bigger parking area past the bridge overlooking the pools. Depending on the flow of water, the pools offer a refreshing swim (please heed posted warning signs). If you decide to have a picnic lunch in this beautiful area, please pick up any trash before you leave. It is vital to this sacred environment that every visitor to Hana helps preserve this natural wonderland of Hawaii.
Part of Haleakala National Park, rangers offer hikes up the pools through bamboo forests to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. There, visitors are left to frolic and swim in the cool, fresh water. Phone 248-7375 for hiking information. Make sure you have the proper footwear and water for hiking, to prevent any injuries and to make it a safe adventure.
With the forest, waterfalls, native plants, rare birds, lush terrain and all the intricate natural wonders of the Hana area - it is truly "heavenly."
When calling these establishments, please let them know that you read about them on The H-4, Hawaii's Data SuperHighway. (Main Phone: 808-263-6420)
Courtesy: This Week Publications 808-526-1702
More from This Week: Hawaiian Green Turtle
Grab Our Telefinder Software Page!
Back to Reading Room Home page