Happy in Hana

Last weekend we spent three wonderful days along the Hana coast on Maui. We explored and camped, ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the beauty and then explored and camped some more. It was a fantastic time and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Hana is famous for its greenery, its waterfalls, and the road that gets to you there - The Road to Hana. Both Bryan and I had always wanted to see it and had never been. Not too long ago I got the great idea that we should go and camp (because I'm cheap,and because camping in Hawaii is great). So that's what we did. I think it's completely ridiculous that we packed a tent, a cooler, a portable stove, some pots and pans and a whole bunch of stuff in four bags and hopped a 25 minute flight to Maui. But that's how you do things around here. Loaded up with all our junk in our rental car, after a brief breakdown soothed over by Krispy Kreme donuts (they have them on Maui! It's the thing to do there!) we hit the road. We first stopped in my new favorite town, Paia, which is like a teeny tiny Boulder - all granola-y but filled with expensive boutique shops. Ironically, their organic market was pure discount and we stocked up on yummy camp food. And then we embarked along The Road to Hana....




We hiked through a bamboo forest seeking a promised waterfall that in the end alluded us.



We witnessed many roadside waterfalls but sadly didn't get to hike to many. Most of them are only accessed by crossing private land and since the guidebooks have made this all public information, the landowners have gotten serious and have blocked off all access. I was a bit sad because what I wanted most was to swim under a waterfall.



We stopped for a short hike and lunch at along a gorgeous trail that led nowhere except to pretty green things and stunning views.



At the end of the day we booked it to our campsite at Wainapanapa beach.



There aren't adequate words to describe Wainapanapa except to say that it is beautiful and very, very special. It has a black sand beach, a lava tube you can walk through, a blow hole, fresh water caves, beautiful grounds and terrific spirit. I loved it immediately.

We set up camp and got to cooking. Completely geeking out with our headlamps and the full moon we had a blast.



Unfortunately what felt like hurricane weather rolled in that night. We didn't sleep at all due to winds that threatened to pick up the tent, with us in it, and whirl us into the night, and the constant downpour of rain. With a late start to our morning, we headed into the town of Hana for food. The town of Hana is just about as small as our apartment and not nearly as exciting. But it has food. And what it really has is gorgeous scenery. We took a short walk along the coastal cliffs and arrived at a red sand beach.




We then headed even further along the coast to swim in the Seven Sacred Pools. No such luck. The pools were closed because the streams were flowing too strong. We ended up on a hike that led us to a delightful surprise of a HUGE waterfall. Through bamboo forests, streams, and a good rainfall we hiked, got soaked, and had a great time.







After that it was back to the campground for a much better night that involved s'mores and much-needed restful sleep.

We woke up early on Easter Sunday to a beautiful sunrise over the ocean and breakfast cooked on an open flame (our stove ran out of fuel).





We spent our morning exploring the freshwater caves, taking a swim and relaxing on the black sand beach.




Then it was time to pack up camp. I reluctantly said goodbye to Wainapanapa and we prepared to head back along The Road to Hana (or from Hana in our case). Right about this time my camera ran out of batteries. Devastated (a vacation without pictures? IMPOSSIBLE) we headed to Hana to pick up the most expensive disposable camera imaginable and discovered one of the most beautiful beaches in all the islands, Hamoa Beach. So lovely!




As we neared civilization my wish finally came true when we pulled over to look at Ching's Pond and we bravely swam in the fresh water pools (not under the waterfall but close enough).




Soon enough we were back in Paia for a good dinner and then quickly on a plane to take up back home. Three happy days in Hana.


Oh, what? You didn't want to see the entire photo album from the trip? Sorry. I suppose I didn't warn you. But rest assured, there are more pictures. You can see each and every one of them with the Flickr link over there on the upper right.