View the scenic waterfalls as you make your way along the Hana Highway.
Hana is a small, peaceful town that is considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. Nicknamed, "Heavenly Hana," it is connected to central Maui by a scenic drive that has 600 curves and 54 bridges and that takes you through tropical rainforests with views of waterfalls and seascapes. Life in Hana has changed since it was first founded as a plantation community; however, some things of the past still remain the same.
Location
The small coastal village of Hana is 118 miles east of Honolulu, Hawaii, on the far eastern coastline of the island of Maui. The legendary Hana Highway, which is the road that leads to Hana, is only 52 miles from Kahului, the largest community in Maui. Although the drive to Hana should only take you about two hours, it can take as long as four hours, however, because the road has narrow one-lane bridges and hairpin bends, and you may want to stop to take in the breathtaking, scenic views.
History
The sons and grandsons of the 15th-century ruler, Piilani, built the first road to Hana from West Maui. Commerce through sugar plantations was brought to the village in 1849 by George Wilfong, a sea captain, and in 1864 by two Danish brothers, August and Oscar Unna. By the 1920s and 1930s, Hana had stores, schools, churches, a pool hall and several restaurants. In the 1930s, Paul I. Fagan, an entrepreneur who purchased the Hana Sugar Company from the Unna brothers, saw other opportunities for the community through tourism and established an inn in 1946. In 1962, the state paved the Hana Highway and by the 1970s, tourists were making their way to Maui and to Hana.
Life In Hana
Hana is rich in history and is a place where the Historic St. Sophia's Church still stands and the Old Hana Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is still in use today. Hana is a place where you can buy exotic flowers from roadside stands as well as shop in Hana Ranch Store and Hasegawa General Store, established in 1910 and the oldest family-owned business in Hana. Several community events take place here throughout the year, such as the monthly "Movie in the Park," which features free movies and food for sale, and the annual "Hana Relay Race" in September. Recreation includes activities such as swimming, windsurfing and bodysurfing in Hana Beach Park, Kaihalulu Beach and Hamoa Beach.
Attractions
Fishing, hiking, picnicking and snorkeling are some of the things you can do in Hana's 122.1-acre Waianapanapa State Park. You can also take a self-guided cave tour of Hana Lava Tube at Ka'eleku Caverns, visit the Hana Cultural Center and Museum or take hang gliding lessons at the Hana Airport. Just 10 miles south of Hana in Kipahulu are the volcanic landscapes and subtropical rain forest of Haleakala National Park. Activities in the park include swimming in the Pools of Oheo and hiking along the Pipiwai Trail to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls and hiking along the Kipahulu area or along the summit area of Haleakala volcano. Since Haleakala is open 24 hours a day, you can also observe the night sky from several overlooks in the park.
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