[26/07/2007] If you choose to go to Hana you should be "ready for a trip back in time to the old style" with "the most beautiful tropical rainforests you've ever seen!"
The road to Hana "offers some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Hawaiian islands" but you should keep in mind that "the road is long and winding". There are "over 600 curves and 54 bridges". There are "only 53 miles from Kahului Airport to Hana", but it can take "about 2½ to 3 hours to make the drive" the time just depends "on how often you stop"
The author gives us some "tips": "Leave as early as you can", have enough water for the journey, "pack a lunch", "make sure you have a full tank of gas", and be ready for "an all day adventure". And also keep in mind that "It's the journey not the destination. Stop often."
At the beginning of the road you will see "that farming is still an important lifestyle for many people on Maui". And "later along the road" you will see "lush tropical rain forests" with "an astounding variety of exotic flora" like "guava, papaya, bird of paradise, ginger and heliconia blossoms". And he recommends us to "watch for the Rainbow Eucalyptus trees" which are "incredible!". If it's raining, be careful of "the frogs on the road!".
If you like "old churches" "drive through Keanae" and "nearby Wailua" you will see "some of the oldest churches on Maui" and also "many beautiful waterfalls" which are "both large and small", and "fresh water pools that you might want to take a swim in".
Before "Hana town", go to "Wainapanapa State Park", there is "a quick walk in the park to see a wonderful black sand beach".
If you want to swim there, it is "only recommended for the strongest of swimmers" because of the waves which "are often very large and the currents very strong".
Your next stop will be in "Hana town". This is "a very sleepy little town with the charm of old style Hawai'i". There is a "quaint little museum" with "a cute little homestyle take out restaurant" which is "an expensive place to stay and eat called the Hotel Hana Maui".
If you want to go to the "Seven Sacred Pools" you will need to drive "45 minutes" more "but it's worth it". They are "located in Haleakala National Park". You can swim there "if it's not raining". There is also "a great rainforest hike"to see "the farthest and biggest one".
There is "so much more to tell about the road to Hana".
This review is an interpretation of the above mentioned author
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