The Pincock Post: Hawaii- Road to Hana

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Hawaii- Road to Hana

Our last full day in Maui, we spent driving the famous Road to Hana. It winds through the tropical rainforest with 620 turns and 59 bridges.

We stopped along the way at many waterfalls and views. We started with a short hike to Twin Falls.

Then we continued up the super-duper winding road (which Morgan's stomach didn't like so much). It was a fun road to drive, even though there was a lot of slowing down at all of the one-lane bridges and turns. It was so breathtaking. It had rained that morning, so the sun glistened off everything, seeming even brighter and more green. Pictures really don't do it justice.

The best part was when we when we took off the top panels of the jeep (thanks Mom for letting us in on that little secret on our last day). It was fun to feel the sun and hear the tropical birds overhead.

After stopping to get the best banana pineapple bread ever at a roadside stand, we came to the Wai'anapanapa State Park to see the amazing black sand beach. This was probably my favorite stop on the Hana Road. I was taken back by the vibrant colors- the black lava rock, the lime green plants, and the turquoise water. The water was so rough here and the waves splashed high against the lava cliffs.

Then, we ended at the Haleakala National Park to see the Seven Sacred Pools, which is a series of waterfalls and tranquil pools. It was impressive, but there were so many people and the pools were hard to get to. So, we saw it, went for a little hike, and called it good. Then, back down the curvy road we went.

Then, we ended the drive with an amazing ocean view and some gnarly waves. The evening sun lit up the surf. It was entrancing just to watch. Then we topped it off with a delicious dinner in the hippy town of Paia.