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 hearty breakfast or lunch, then off for scenic vistas, and wine tasting. Minuses: The road in Ulupalakua is unforgiving if you become over-enthusiastic during the wine tasting! Sound-bite: “They should call this ‘Paniolo soul food’, brah!” This is a good side-trip to take after a Haleakala Crater sunrise trip, or during a planned Upcountry exploration …
| Summary Older cars & trucks. |
Location 1270 Piihana Road, Wailuku |
Phone 808-249-2319 |
Web http://www.mauicruisers.net/ |
Price varies |
Rating: In a nutshell: Lower Puohokamoa Falls is a tall, cascading waterfall that the vast majority of people will, at most, view from a distance. Extreme hikers can take a treacherous hike to a spectacular views and pool at the base. Minuses: Access to view and hike may be on private land. Hike itself is only for experts. Sound-bite: “Most …
Rating: In a nutshell: Waikamoi Nature Trail is an easy short-stop on the Road to Hana. Good for non-hikers. A nice quick-stop that many will appreciate. Minuses: Not among the long list of “spectacular” on this road. No waterfall. Sound-bite: “Worthwhile place to spend 20 minutes.” DETAILS: Okay, you know the quiet little shy kid in the family that no …
Rating: In a nutshell: An interesting lava tube (cave) where you can explore about 1/3 mile of unusual underground formations. Minuses: Exploration officially restricted to the 1/3 mile portion under the property (the tube is much larger.) Sound-bite: “Lavacicles!” Ka’eleku Cave is a cool, dark change of pace from the typical Road to Hana trip. This is the largest and …
Rating: In a nutshell: A quick leg stretch with views both mauka and makai. Minuses: Blink and you miss it. Sound-bite: “Where is the view?” This is a small cut in the cliff that has three parking stalls (one is for physically disabled) and a set of steps to a lookout that is hidden from view if you don’t get …
Summary Our weather is controlled by the two massive mountains that make up our island. Without our mountains, annual rainfall would be about equal to that of Arizona! But these weather-makers are here to stay, and they create stunning diversity – arid desert that sees as little as 10 inches a year lies within a few short miles of lush …
Rating: In a nutshell: Very photogenic spot to get photographed doing something life threatening. Ching’s pond is probably a skip for most. Minuses: Doesn’t offer much more than a daredevil’s photo-op and drinking beer with folks that are not your buddies. Sound-bite: “Oh yeah, you’ll be fine!” DETAILS: Ching’s pond. What to say about Ching’s pond? Bluntly – while Ching’s …
Rating: In a nutshell: An easily accessible waterfall and pool. Minuses: Not a standout. Sound-bite: “I’ll get to the second falls if it kills me!” A pool suitable for swimming and a small waterfall are what lie a shot stroll from the road. While it is nothing spectacular, it is still a refreshing place to take a dip. If you …
Photo Credit (above): Ewen Roberts, licensed under Creative Commons 2.0 Intro I was reading an old guidebook I dug up from a box in the attic this morning and I came across a chapter Jack London wrote about Haleakala ~1907. I was struck by how much of what he described a century ago remains accurate today. The story takes the …
Rating: In a nutshell: A sleepy taro-farming town with an historic church and impressive view of the enormous Lower Waikani Falls. Minuses: Nothing else here. Sound-bite: “Wow, I’d like to see that every day out of my kitchen window!” Wailua is a small village offering little for visitors than a diversion off the highway to take a few peeks at …
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