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In Hana town, the pastures roll right up to the main street. The
social centers are the baseball field and the two churches, where, on
Sunday mornings, the hymns ring out in the old Hawaiian language and
visitors are greeted with fresh flower lei. Hana is truly Maui's "Last
Hawaiian Place."
Places to Stay:
The Travasa Hana,
fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation, is tucked among the trees
with broad green lawns yawning down to the ocean. You'll find gourmet
food, spa facilities and a full menu of vacation activities, from hula
lessons to horseback riding.
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There are also inexpensive bed and
breakfast inns, vacation home rentals and a small resort condominium
whose swimming pool is fed by pure mountain streams tumbling from the
forests of the old volcano that dominates this end of Maui.
Fagan Memorial Cross:
Paul Fagan was the San Francisco financier who built the original Hotel Hana-Maui. It was Maui's first resort.
After a 30-minute walk up the hill above town you'll find a huge cross erected by the people of Hana in his memory.
Once you reach the memorial you can look down
upon picturesque Hana Town and Hana Bay. You will find the trailhead
directly across the road from the Hotel Hana-Maui.
Hana Bay:
Hana
Bay with its long black sand beach is the gathering place for locals on
the weekend where you're likely to see local clubs with their outrigger
canoes practicing in the late afternoon.
It's a great place for a
picnic. You can bring your own or buy a delicious local-style lunch
from Tutu's Snack Shop at the Hana Pier. You'll also find a picnic
pavilion and restrooms.
Hana Coast Gallery:
The
Hana Coast Gallery has become the largest gallery of Hawaiian Arts in
the state of Hawaii and a showcase for the fine art and master crafts
that reflect the beauty and heritage of the Hawaiian culture.
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Considered
a cultural gem by Hawaiians and visitors, the gallery features every
known fine art and craft medium, including works from exotic Hawaiian
woods. It is located adjacent to the Hotel Hana-Maui.
Hana Cultural Center & Museum:
Among
the artifacts and memorabilia in this small museum is a collection of
compelling photographic portraits of Hana's people. It is also home to a
small display of ancient Hawaiian artifacts, stone tools, shells, and a
collection of antique Chinese and Japanese bottles. and a beautiful
example of the traditional Hawaiian quilt.
Next door is Hana's original jail and court house which was refurbished in 1989 to look much like it did in the 19th century.
Hana Ranch Restaurant:
Newly
restored, the Hana Ranch Restaurant is located in the village center
and is open for lunch daily and dinners several nights a week. It offers
indoor dining in a more casual atmosphere or you can just eat outside
in the picnic area.
This is a favorite of both hotel guests and
the local community. Steaks, ribs and fresh fish are classic dinner
fare. Take-out is also available for burgers, salads and more.
Hasegawa General Store:
Established
in 1910, the Hasegawa General Store is Hana's oldest family owned
business. It has been immortalized in song, burned to the ground in 1990
and quickly rebuilt in 1991.
Now, three generations of the
Hasegawa family run and operates this popular store in which you can
find virtually anything you might need or want. In it you'll find the
only ATM in Hana.
After passing Hotel Hana Maui, you will see Hasegawa General store on the left hand side.
Red Sand Beach:
Kaihalulu Beach is one of Hawaii's prettiest beaches, but it is difficult to reach.
The remains of a caved-in cinder cone have created the beautiful cove in which this crescent-shaped beach is found.
Because
it is hard to reach, it remains one of Hawaii's few remaining clothing
optional beaches. Swimming and snorkeling are excellent. The water is
calm and clear. You can find photos and a full description in our
feature Nude Beaches in Hawaii.
Down the Road:
Just
down the road from town is the Kīpahulu section of Haleakalā National
Park. This is the site of the famous Pools of ʻOheʻo where waterfalls
spill into tiered pools leading to the sea. Rangers are on hand to
conduct nature walks and advise about the many hiking trails through
forests of bamboo, past roaring cascades into the green heart of the
island.
Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, who saw most of the world
and then fell in love with Hana, is buried near Kīpahulu in the yard of
a little country church. His epitaph reads, in part: "If I take the
wings of morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea..."
Hana
is an anachronism in the 21st century: a place where tradition is alive
and aloha is a way of life, where strangers are welcomed and
hospitality is as prevalent as nature.
