We loved Maui! It was truly paradise – on this side of heaven at least.

If you’re ever on Maui, the Road to Hana is a must! It’s a long day but completely worth it. This was by far one of our favorite days on vacation.

Hana is only 50 miles from Kahului (where the airport is) but because of the windy road and one lane bridges it takes about two hours to drive to Hana. It’s not about trying to get to Hana but rather enjoying the sights along the way.

We started the day off by attending a Word & Communion Service (thought it was going to be Mass) at Christ the King Parish in Kahului, which meant we left our condo at 6:20am.

After the Word & Communion Service, we prayed and lit a candle for you, our dear readers and friends.

Then we headed our way toward Pa’ia to begin our journey to Hana. Our first stop ended up being a wash. We got rained out. It was supposed to be a short trial from the road just past 10 mile marker to see the Lower Puohokamoa Falls. But it was muddy and wet so we turned around before we could see the waterfall.

The next stop wasn’t planned but boy, were we glad we stopped at Ke’Anae peninsula, the land of crashing white waves on old lava boulders. I (Rachel) could have stayed there listening to the crashing waves all day. I (Rachel) love the contrast of the rain clouds and clear blue skies.

Doesn’t this look like it belongs on a postcard?!

Before heading all the way down the peninsula, we stopped at Aunt Sandy’s to get their famous banana bread. In our guidebook, they said it’s a bit better than the original banana bread at Halfway to Hana. We didn’t stop there so we can’t compare but Aunt Sandy’s was warm, freshly baked and delicious. Probably could have gotten two loaves.

After leaving Ke’Anae, we stopped at a few quick places on the side of road but our next major stop was Wai’anapanapa State Park – try saying that 3 times fast. As we drove into the State Park we were captured by the beauty of these trees.

Wai’anapanapa State Park is home of the famous black sand beach, which were not formed by cliff erosion but rather, it was formed when lava flowed and fountained into the sea nearby and shattered on contact with the ocean.

Another attraction is the fresh water caves but we didn’t have time to make it there. We wanted to get back on the road because we had planned to hike the Pipiwai Trail (4 miles around trip). A little disappointing but hopefully on our next trip we’ll see the caves.

Shortly after leaving Wai’anapanapa State Park, we arrived in Hana. It’s a small, quaint town. We stopped at the general store and grabbed a few snacks for the road. We didn’t really stick around much. We were on a mission to get to part of the Haleakala National Park where the trailhead is.

Just before reaching Haleakala National Park, we drove by a shrine to the Blessed Mother in an old lava tube. We prayed a Hail Mary as we drove by.

About half a mile on the trail, we reached Falls at Makahiku.

Then we came upon a great Banyan Tree. Truly remarkable.

Then we hiked through a phenomenal bamboo forest.

Shortly after leaving the bamboo forest and across a nice cold stream, we made it to Waimoku Falls. Isn’t she beautiful?

It was worth every mosquito bite we got to see this 400ft waterfall. We ended up with over two dozen bites.

At this point of the highway, most people turn around and begin to head back the way they came because of a 3-5 mile stretch of unpaved road with blind corners. We decided to be rebels and drive the backside (that’s what the locals call it) of the highway.

Although nerve-wrecking at times, we’re glad we did. Otherwise we wouldn’t have seen this incredible side of the island and an awe-inspiring sunset.

Thanks for stopping by and reading.

We’re praying for you,

R&R