I like to go to places that I like over and over again. For me it is not only the familiariy, but also comfort. I travel with kids and have a quite busy life, so familiarity helps. This was the spring break for the family which we take during second week of March every year (or as per the schedule of our public school spring break). Every new trip to Maui we do something different compared to the previous time. This time the highlight was Road to Hana.
For people who have visited Maui this is no big deal or nothing hidden secret anyways. It is about 64 miles drive from Kahului to Hana and beyond through some of the most wonderful tropical scenary. This is wildly popular and loved, and some even argue loved to death! Over the last 15 years that I am coming to Maui (upward of 10 trips, I have honestly forgotten home many times), before this year, I have only driven to Hana only once and that was in 2010! So for all it allure, I was quite content doing that drive once.
The drive itself is spectacular but it doesn't take two and half hours as google map says :) It is an all day event. This is because the road is twisty and you will stop numerous times along the way. Also, as the road is narrow and winding, with more than 600 curves and several dozen one-lane bridges, it takes a real toll on the driver who will likely be behind the wheels for 8-10 hours! In this case, since the driver is me, I have never much looked forward to the tiring aspect of the drive.
This around we made an early start as we did it on the first day that we arrived in the island. As Hawaii is 5 hours behind Houston, the significant jet lag helps people to get up early in the morning at least during the first couple of days. So with the early start advantage and numerous coffee stops along the way like the one above and below, the drive was quite alright for me.
This particular cafe had delicious banana bread that goes well with the coffee, not the mention the resident cat who can be your comfort pet at anytime!
Kids swam in numerous waterfalls and fresh water pools along the way. We also enjoyed spectacular valcanic beaches. I also saw one of the most memorable final memorial spot for someone unknown!
It was right by this beahc and I can't think of a better place to pay homage to someone you love than this. We drove further on to the read sand beach which is rare almost anywhere in the world. It is really really red folks!
Yep this is the famous Kaihalulu Beach!
You can tell that it is great spot to pose :) There is also a restaurent nearby and a famous banana bread spot.
This particular shop was closed on this day for some reason, so I will have to get back there to try it.
Then the road took us all the way to black sand beach of Hana, where we had lunch.
And on to the famous waterfalls and pools of the Oheo Gulch to complete the trip!
Do you see the bridge above the waterfalls?
