Hana Maui

Hana is a popular stop for those who crave some quiet time.

Hana beaches, restaurants and lodging are more laid back than in the more developed and populous areas of Maui.

If you stay overnight in Hana, the waterfalls and pools at Ohe'o Gulch (often referred to by a marketing term - Seven Sacred Pools) are a popular destination for a leisurely day.

We have also hiked Oheo Gulch during our single day trips on the Hana Highway.

Hana Beaches

Several Hana beaches offer relative solitude compared to many west Maui beaches:

• Hana Bay is a good family beach on Maui with snorkeling and light wave action. Hana Bay Beach Park includes a burger snack shack, one of the few places in Hana to eat.

• Just south of Hana Bay is Kaihalulu, a red sand beach that is a beautiful contrast to the surrounding greenery, but is difficult to get to and has marginal swimming.

• Hamoa Beach, named as the sixth best beach in America in 2007, is just a few minutes drive from Hana.

• Just north of Hana, Wai'anapanapa State Park has a black sand beach, a freshwater spring fed pool in a lava cave for swimming, and restrooms.

Hana Restaurants

Don't expect to find much to eat at Hana:

• Just about the only standalone restaurant in Hana is the Hana Ranch House, which is renowned for marginal food and indifferent service. When there are no competitors, what else can you expect?

• We have had simple burgers at Tutu's Snack Shop at Hana Bay, where we used the outdoor picnic tables near the beach. The burgers are ordinary, but after driving for half a day, they taste pretty good.

• Hana is such a casual place that we have even purchased items such as banana bread from food stands along the road. These food vendors - including one that offers Hawaiian mixed plate lunches on the road between Hana and Oheo Gulch - are open when they put out their signs.

• We bring our own snacks, not just because of the lack of Hana restaurants, but also to save time for the long drive back.

Hana Lodging

You can also eat (and stay overnight) at the Hotel Hana - Maui and Honua Spa.

This hotel has recieved several awards (#2 - Top 10 Hotel Spas in Hawaii -Travel & Leisure, October 2006) and has a price to match - ranging from $500 to $1500 per night.

That's way over our lodging budget.

The Hana coast area also has a lot of private rental cottages for overnight stays.

Seven Sacred Pools - Oheo Gulch

If you want to continue beyond Hana to for more waterfalls and Oheo Gulch (also known as the Saven Sacred Pools), see our page Seven Sacred Pools.

Hana Videos

The video below is a quick view of Hana town and the surrounding beaches. This birds eye perspective is provided by a helicopter tour company. Click on the PLAY button in the image below to view the video, or just scroll down to read more about Hana Maui.

Road to Hana Pages