Rating: In a nutshell: If you like the road less traveled, continuing on past Hana around Haleakala is an adventure worth taking. In about the same amount of time as it would take you to go back the way you came, you can see a side of Maui many miss. Minuses: The road becomes rough for portions and rental car …
Rating: In a nutshell: Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop. Minuses: You must budget your time properly here if you are cramming the Road to …
Rating: In a nutshell: Among East Maui’s most spectacular natural pools, situated in rugged and scenic coastline. Minuses: Access and safety issues mean that the vast majority of visitors should skip this. Sound-bite: “That last step is a doosey!” NOTE: I did not rate Waioka Pond because most readers should not be attempting to access this site for the reasons …
Rating: In a nutshell: An easy 30-minute hike can turn into a spectacular multi-hour moderately easy-going hiking adventure. Graded un-paved access road passes for miles through an undeveloped Eden of Maui rainforest and watershed. Minuses: Access may require permission from EMI. On weekends you might encounter boar hunters and their pit bulls. Sound-bite: “Yesterday I found the best hike on …
Rating: In a nutshell: Hike into the clouds, with spectacular views. Minuses: Fairly steep 2.5 miles, can be slippery back down. Sound-bite: [Birds singing] This is a nice hike with spectacular views. The photos here don’t do the views full justice. Every direction you look, you’re treated with a different view – lush rainforest valley, Makamakaole Falls in the distance, …
Rating: In a nutshell: Na’ili’ili Haele, for most, will be a nice short hike to two or three waterfalls and pools. The more able hikers will be rewarded with more significant sights. Minuses: Access is restricted by EMI. Can become dangerous to nearly impossible depending on conditions/how far you go. Sound-bite: “Is that really a ladder?” Safety Note The site …
Rating: In a nutshell: A dramatic and beautiful hidden cove unlike any other. Minuses: The short hike to the beach is hazardous. Sound-bite: “Has the Mothership departed without me?” WARNING: Part of the trail was lost to a landslide and has become more dangerous than it once was. This is not a safe hike for anyone unaccustomed to navigating cliff-edges …
Rating: In a nutshell: A sweet ~70′ drive-up triple waterfall and plunge pool. Minuses: Parking & the first step is a doozy! Sound-bite: “Hey, how did you get down there?” A very popular set of falls because it is photogenic and situated like a drive-thru right on the road. Most folks drive up and snap a photo and drive off …
Rating: In a nutshell: Oneuli Black Sand Beach is an excellent beach for snorkeling & diving. It is also packed full of educational value for naturalists & geology buffs. Minuses: Not the best “basking-and-bathing” beach. Sound-bite: “hey, what’s that rumbling sound?” DETAILS: Part of Makena State Park, One’uli (also called Naupaka Beach) is found on the Wailea side of the …
Rating: In a nutshell: ‘Ahihi Bay’s Waiala Cove is an excellent place for beginner to intermediate snorkelers, diving and kayaking. Minuses: Rocky & no sand. Sound-bite: “Please don’t stand up!” DETAILS: Typically called ‘Ahihi Bay (or even Ahi Bay by mistaken visitors), Waiala Cove is a small semi-protected cove of the overall much larger ‘Ahihi Bay. It is popular since …
Rating: In a nutshell: A six acre arboretum and botanical garden with many unique specimens. Minuses: They can’t get the taro to grow. Sound-bite: “Let me get a photo of you hugging the tree!” If you appreciate exotic flora, this small, free-of-charge state-owned arboretum is a must stop on the Road to Hana. I’m a tree and plant lover, and …
Rating: In a nutshell: A rugged and challenging 5-10 mile hike with stunning panoramas of the central valley, ocean and neighbor islands. Minuses: If you want to do the whole trail you’ll need 2 cars or legs of steel. Sound-bite: [whipping winds] SUMMARY: This is a rugged and strenuous 5-mile trail from Maalaea to Ukumehame. This is an out-and-back hike …
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