Visit Hawaii And Drive The Long Hana Highway For Some Of The Most Spectacular Scenery On Maui
Driving one of the world's most spectacular coastlines, The Hana Highway on the east coast of Maui, is simply delightful as you take in the lush landscapes with flourishing rainforests, cascading waterfalls, mysterious caves and breath-taking seascapes along the way. The highway is a 68-mile stretch of road between Kahului (the most densely populated area on the island) with Hana and most of its 620 bends take you through lush, beautiful rainforest scenery.
Located at the start of the Hana Highway, Kahului isn't well known as a tourist spot, but it does have the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum which is worth a visit before taking to the Hana Highway, as well as a being home to a couple of national parks. Part of the road known as Highway 31 was closed for a period up to a couple of years ago during an earthquake that occurred in 2006 but it has now reopened. Interesting features of the Hanah Highway for those keen on feats of engineering are the steel and concrete bridges. All but one of the bridges installed in and around the first decade of the twentieth century is still in use. The one bridge that became unstable is now replaced by Bailey bridge alongside the older bridge on the Hana Highway.
The thrilling drive along the Hana Highway meanders along a rugged shoreline and takes up to four hours as drivers tackle the hairpin bends and one lane bridges but is well worth the time taken to admire the waterfalls that dot the way along the Hana Highway. There are many places to stop off to enjoy the fabulous views and take a breather from driving. One of the best is the famous Seven Sacred Pools. There are many well-maintained trails from which to enjoy exploring this area.
On reaching Hana visitors can take time to explore this delightful little town and enjoy the area - sunbathing at Hana Beach Park or snorkelling at Waianapanapa State Park, a beautiful black sand beach. A great hike is to the isolated Kaihalulu Beach, known as Red Sand Beach for its red cinder sand.
Maui is also famed for the spectacular gathering of humpback whales, which inhabit its surrounding waters from November to April as they breed, a sight which can be viewed from land. For a closer encounter there are boat trips from the town of Lahaina. The town itself was once the centre for the Pacific whaling industry and retains much to see of its historic past including the Old Prison, the Seaman's Hospital and the Pioneer Inn. It is also in Lahaina where America's largest Banyon tree lives.
Also just off the coast of Maui is Molokini, a sunken volcanic crater rim teeming with life and a fabulous place to explore with a snorkel or through diving. Activity seekers may also love the exhilarating 36-mile bike ride down the slopes of Mount Haleakala at dawn, horse riding through lush tropical valleys or playing golf at one of a dozen championship courses with stunning backdrops.
