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Road to Hana
Maui Island
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The famous winding road to Hana along the east coast of Maui is a raw and undulating mountain region with tropical rainforests and magnificent waterfalls. There are few beaches along the coast although there are several unusual beaches around the town of Hana. The most unusual of these is Red Sand Beach, a short walk from the centre of town along a narrow cliff edge. Here the surf is treacherous but the tiny amphitheatre style beach eroded from a red cinder cone is surrounded by sheer cliffs and makes an unusual and peaceful location. The other end of Hana Town has equally treacherous surf but the beach here is jet black. The only safe swimming beach is a few miles south of Hana at the attractive Hamoa Beach.
One of the most popular beaches is just north of Hana at the Waianapanapa State Park. This wild region offers some excellent coastal walks, historical sites and a beautiful black sand beach. On windy days the surf is dangerous but its good for swimming on calmer days. There's a camping area with showers and barbecue facilities.
The winding road to Hana is one of Maui's most popular day tours. The best way to really enjoy this region is by spending at least one night in Hana. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy the most spectacular sights in the early morning with the best light and least crowds. The alternative is to take a small group tour with one of the sightseeing companies and sit back and enjoy the scenery.
The slow road to Hana starts about 30 miles north of Hana Village and winds its way up and around a succession of verdant tropical valleys. Along the way are several scenic lookouts and waterfalls but most of the beauty along this stretch is the winding road itself. If you enjoy driving and can afford a convertible, hire one - this road is for you!
Hana Village has several of its own attractions if the weather is nice, including a red sand beach and the rugged coast and black sand beach of Waianapanapa State Park. But the greatest attractions lie to the south of Hana around Kipahulu Reserve. Here, several outstanding waterfalls cascade right alongside the road including Wailua Falls (as featured in Jurassic Park) and the seven pools of Ohea gulch. Inland from Oheo gulch is an enchanting trail into the rainforest culminating in a stroll through the whispering bamboo forests. Although it is possible to drive on along the remote south coast, there is no access to the south coast resorts of Makena or Kihei so few do so, instead returning along the scenic road home from Hana.
search for ... Maui Resorts
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continue to ... Lahaina Town & West Maui
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
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