There's no dearth of spectacular beaches and waterfalls in Hawaii, but Hana tours offer an experience unlike anything else on the islands. Located in an isolated corner on the eastern tip of Maui, it is the last unspoiled tropical paradise in the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors will be immersed in lush greenery and natural beauty so often promised in the tourist brochures, but seldom seen in reality.
The usual point of entry into this area is through Kahului Airport. The tourist experience begins almost immediately, once the tour bus is clear of Kahului and heads out on the HI-360 towards Hana. This 52 mile trip is among the most popular things to do in Hawaii.
Navigating the 620 treacherous curves and 59 bridges requires a driver with a great deal of skill and knowledge of this route. Many of the bridges and hairpin curves take an eternity to cross because only one lane of vehicles can cross at a time. All of this is irrelevant for passengers entranced by the incredible natural beauty on display.
For those who want to enjoy this as a proper tour, there are air conditioned tour buses. The large windows offer a spectacular view of the coast and the scenery as the bus winds its way through the highway hugging the eastern coast. There will be many stops along the way at bridges, waterfalls and scenic points of interest where tourists can get off the bus and admire the beauty and historical attractions.
One of these stops is at the Puohokamoa Falls. The lower falls here tumbles down 130 feet into the ocean. Another serene spot where the bus stops is called the Ohe'o Gulch Pools, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Visitors can spend some time taking a dip in the pools. Just before the bus reaches Hana, it stops at the Black Sand Beach, which is in Waianapanapa State Park.
Yet another place for a relaxing break is the Tedeschi Winery. Passengers can get off the bus, explore the winery and get a taste of some of their wines. Keanae Peninsula is also a popular attraction, created by lava flowing out of the Haleakala Crater. The never-ending and momentous battle between the jagged lava stones and the ocean waves offers clear evidence that man has no control over the elements in this part of the world.
After all this, visitors enter into Hana and are presented with the spectacular Hana Bay and historic attractions such as the Hasegawa General Store. Most tours will also stop by at the Kahanu Garden Botanical Gardens and the 13th century temple there, better known locally as Pi'ilanihale Heiau. Beaches included among the stops are Hamoa Beach and Hana Beach Park.
Hana tours don't end in the town, because getting back to civilization requires another drive on Hi-360. Visitors on a tour bus will likely go back the same way they came, but some tours and people in their own vehicle may decide to continue past the town to the Palapala Ho'omau Church. It is famous and well worth a stop because it has Charles Lindbergh's grave. The road continues past the church and snakes ahead towards the opposite coast and then through the island's central part back to Kahului, making this tour a round trip of Maui.
The usual point of entry into this area is through Kahului Airport. The tourist experience begins almost immediately, once the tour bus is clear of Kahului and heads out on the HI-360 towards Hana. This 52 mile trip is among the most popular things to do in Hawaii.
Navigating the 620 treacherous curves and 59 bridges requires a driver with a great deal of skill and knowledge of this route. Many of the bridges and hairpin curves take an eternity to cross because only one lane of vehicles can cross at a time. All of this is irrelevant for passengers entranced by the incredible natural beauty on display.
For those who want to enjoy this as a proper tour, there are air conditioned tour buses. The large windows offer a spectacular view of the coast and the scenery as the bus winds its way through the highway hugging the eastern coast. There will be many stops along the way at bridges, waterfalls and scenic points of interest where tourists can get off the bus and admire the beauty and historical attractions.
One of these stops is at the Puohokamoa Falls. The lower falls here tumbles down 130 feet into the ocean. Another serene spot where the bus stops is called the Ohe'o Gulch Pools, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Visitors can spend some time taking a dip in the pools. Just before the bus reaches Hana, it stops at the Black Sand Beach, which is in Waianapanapa State Park.
Yet another place for a relaxing break is the Tedeschi Winery. Passengers can get off the bus, explore the winery and get a taste of some of their wines. Keanae Peninsula is also a popular attraction, created by lava flowing out of the Haleakala Crater. The never-ending and momentous battle between the jagged lava stones and the ocean waves offers clear evidence that man has no control over the elements in this part of the world.
After all this, visitors enter into Hana and are presented with the spectacular Hana Bay and historic attractions such as the Hasegawa General Store. Most tours will also stop by at the Kahanu Garden Botanical Gardens and the 13th century temple there, better known locally as Pi'ilanihale Heiau. Beaches included among the stops are Hamoa Beach and Hana Beach Park.
Hana tours don't end in the town, because getting back to civilization requires another drive on Hi-360. Visitors on a tour bus will likely go back the same way they came, but some tours and people in their own vehicle may decide to continue past the town to the Palapala Ho'omau Church. It is famous and well worth a stop because it has Charles Lindbergh's grave. The road continues past the church and snakes ahead towards the opposite coast and then through the island's central part back to Kahului, making this tour a round trip of Maui.
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