Journey to Hana | by Jake Jacobs

Lynn and I have lived on the island for 8 years. We are constantly asked by our Aloha Vacation Villas Guests, about the journey to Hana. Well this weekend, my son Rob who just moved to the island, a full grown man decided he and his friend Deano (another full grown man) were going to drive to Hana and go all the way around! Lynn, my wife said, "It's suppose to rain, and most of what you want to see is along the road to Hana. So have a good guide with you." So at 8:30 am, off they went on their adventure without much of a plan. Yup, it was raining too, and they said not to worry.

Well, it was around 5pm when the sound of the road warriors returned. “How'd it go?” I said.  “Well it's exhausting and I guess we drove right by the 7 sacred pools, not a lot to see and the road after Hana is scary at best” my Son said.  “OK (chuckle)...So did you stop along the way?” He said, “We went to Jaws, saw a whale…and saw lots of bridges. Oh and it rained as hard as I have ever seen it rain.”

So the lesson learned here is to plan. Although my Son's experience is different than most, it will be for everyone. But with a little research and planning, Hana can remarkably be a memorable journey.

The Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in Hawaii that hugs the Pacific Ocean’s coastline. It’s a two lane road - 40 mile stretch of highway that’s carved into the cliffs with winding roads, lots of one lane bridges, several waterfalls off the side of the road, with hiking trails, and swimming holes nestled in the rainforest. A few of the most popular areas to see on the Road to Hana are Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden, the Bamboo Forest, Wainapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach, Hana Bay, and the Seven Sacred Pools.

So this is what we tell our Aloha Vacation Villas Guest:

Decide on whether you will drive yourself or take a tour. If you choose to visit Hana at your own leisure, decide on a day-trip or overnight experience. If you stay overnight, we highly recommend the Travaasa Hana Hotel, a Conde Naste Readers Choice.  The hotel is right in the middle of Hana Town and is one of the nicest places to stay in Hawaii. If you're staying overnight, consider having groceries delivered to your accommodation to save some money and have everything you might need.

You will need a rental car (convertible is best), something small enough to navigate the narrow road. You’ll also need to decide just how much you'd like to see, so do some research. If you plan accordingly to your interest, you can experience Hana in a day.

We recommend this Road to Hana guide. It's inexpensive and is like having an experienced guide sitting next to you.

With the Road to Hana CD Guide, you will find:

• Hidden waterfalls, as high as 400 feet
• Secluded jungle waiting to be explored
• The most romantic places on Maui
• Jaw-dropping natural wonders
• Panoramic views of sparkling coastline
• An enchanting bamboo forest
• A "clothing-optional" beach ;)
• Incredible food stands and restaurants
• And the 3 stops you will NOT want to miss!

What's Included:

• 26 narrated tracks on audio CD covering:
• The top 15 spots on the Road to Hana
• History of Hawaii
• Plus, Hollywood on Maui
• The best spots as voted on by R2H customers
• Large map with important mile markers
• Your choice of a 1 or 2-day itinerary
• Driving Tips for the Road to Hana
• Checklist of important items to bring
• Photos from the Road to Hana

So, Leave early and grab a picnic lunch. The Kuau Store is on the way and opens at 6:30am. You can top off the gas tank in Paia; grab a picnic lunch and some snacks. Look for the famous surfboard fence (808) 579-8844.

Lastly, pay attention to time and be sure to leave Hana at least a couple hours before sunset. It gets very dark and you’ll want to be back on time for Dinner.