Maui No Ka Oi - Hana, Maui Pt. 2
So now, part 2… the fun part!!
This part is for those that are doing the Road to Hana on their own. If you got a tour planned, then they’ve got it covered. If you’re wondering what their plans are, just visit our page at www.mauiactivities.com. There’s a few companies, and so take a look and see what fits you, your party, and all that good stuff.
The first stop for those riding out on your own —— Ku’au Store!
Ku’au store is your last stop for things. They have groceries, coffee, poke bowls, coffee, sandwiches, coffee… Did I mention coffee? Snacks and drinks are important to pack up as it’ll take a while till either the next store, or the next place to get food.
Our first stop is the world famous Twins Falls.
The hike to see Twin Falls is unique and beautiful. These waterfalls offer a large area to swim at. Consider sticking to the closest falls along the path (lower falls) in order to save time on your trip and be really careful of flash floods! The falls is owned by a private farm, as such they have rules and regulations for parking, COVID restrictions, and a smoothie bar. For more information check out their website www.twinfallsmaui.net
Next Stop, Haipua’ena Falls .
Most tours would say this isn’t a “breath taking” stop, and skippable. You’re not on a tour though, so you can stop here. It’s a great and refreshing place to take a dip. If you need a place to stretch your legs, you certainly won’t be disappointed doing it here. The pool is deep enough to jump from the top of the falls, or off the ropes. Word of caution: Follow all state/city and county signs about parking.
Our next stop is Kaumahina State Wayside Park
At mile marker #12, there’s the Kaumahina State Wayside Park. It has a look out point with a beautiful view of part of Maui’s north coast. You’d also be able to stretch out your legs and explore the grounds with dozens of native Hawaiian plants and birds. It may be too early to bring out your lunch, but there is a restroom available before you head back out onto the road.
Ready for a snack? Ke’anae is your next stop!
Mile marker #16 has the little town of Ke’anae. With a rich history, beautiful views, and a rocky coastline that is very instagram worthy. You’ll be able to see native Hawaiian crops like Kalo (Taro), Mai’a (Banana), ʻūhā (Yams).
You’ll also be able to get some freshly baked banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s, or back on the main road from Halfway To Hana. The area has a lot of banana trees, and some of the locals have used generations-old recipes to share with the Road to Hana travelers.
While you’re eating your banana bread, the next stop will be Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park
At this point, personally, this is a great stop because of the restroom that is available. After you’re done with your business, you can cross the street and go on a little adventure to a waterfall/swimming hole. It’s a great place to stretch your legs again, and jump in another pool.
If you need a meal, stop by Nahiku Marketplace!
There’s some great gift shops, and great food! It’s a great place to have some of the best Kalua Pork Tacos in the state! Lots of low-key outside dining options. Sorbet, Tacos, Thai food, and coffee! There are restrooms available as well, so why not get some food while waiting for your party to do their thing?! Just remember that most of these vendors are on “Island Time”, where business hours will vary depending on their independent reasons.
Ever been to a black sand beach? Wai’anapanapa is your next stop!
Just to let y’all know… You need to reserve time to go into the park. Go to www.gowaianapanapa.com to get that done! Once that is done, save the receipt on your phone. There is a small cove next to the black sand beach. You’re also able to take a little hike along the hua grove. There are other places to discover, but there are many warning signs, and so we will advise you to abide by them for your safety. There is also a 2 hour hike (Kihaapi’ilani Trail) and you’d be able to see Hawaiian Petroglyphs. The hike leads towards Hana Town, which is our last stop!
HANA TOWN!!! WE MADE IT!
Obviously, there’s other things to check out, and we’ll do another blog for those that are staying overnight, but this blog… we’re sticking with a day trip goal, which is… Hana Town! There’s so many things to do here. Swimming at Hana Bay, visiting the Hana Cultural Center & Museum, the Hasegawa General Store, the Hana Ranch Store, and more!
Hana has a deep rich history that actually connects to all of Hawai’i. The birthplace of King Kamehameha’s favorite wife (Ka’ahumanu), the resting place of Charles Lindbergh, Kamehameha’s use of Hana before going to conquer the rest of Hawai’i. Of course there’s more to see past Hana, but the title is called “Road To Hana”, and we’re here!
We will get back to the rest of the trip around Mauna Haleakala.
Bamboo Forest, Haiku - Na'ili'ili-Haele
Maui is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. There are a wide variety of activities to do here, on land and sea, and your wallet will appreciate the activities you and your family can participate that don’t cost a dime!
One of these money-saving activities you can do is the Na’ili’ili-Haele trail, known as the Bamboo Forest. Located in Haiku on the North shore of Maui on Hany Hwy (by mile marker #6.7) the bamboo forest is exactly that: a huge forest of staggering bamboo trees! It is right off of the famous “Road to Hana” and you can enjoy the scenery for 5 minutes or 5 hours.
After a 10-15 minute walk on paths throughout the forest, you will eventually pop out at a water stream. You can hop some rocks across the water and will then come in contact the first waterfall and water pool big enough to take a quick dip.
Continuing on requires ropes and ladders and you will encounter another, larger waterfall. You can swim around or even hike up the rocks and jump about 20 feet into the pool! If you decide to continue further, be warned: you WILL get muddy!
But of course that’s part of the fun! After roughly another 20 minutes of walking through the water, rock hopping, and maneuvering through the mud, you end up at another stream that requires you to swim about a 100 meters and finally, you end up at the last waterfall, which is about 100 feet tall and the pool at the base of the waterfall is about 4-5 times the size of the previous ones.
Doing this hike truly immerses you into the raw, natural beauty of Maui and will give you memories that will last a lifetime!
Top Tips for Bamboo Forest
Here are a few helpful tips for those that would like to experience the bamboo forest!
- Bring bottles of water! You’ll be in the sun and hiking, so be sure to stay hydrated.
- Wear a bathing suit and clothing that you do not mind getting dirty! All of the mud will wash out of course, unless you want to bring some concrete memories with you when you go home…
- Wear flip-flops or running shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy.
- Bring a camera! You will be seeing waterfalls and trees that are unique to the Hawaiian Islands, be sure to capture the moments.
- Have fun! No matter how outdoorsy of person you may be (or may not be), you will guaranteed leave the Bamboo Forest with not only amazing stories to tell back home but also with a deeper connection to Hawaii and its beloved land.
