Hana is on the east side of Maui. It is a full day’s drive to go to Hana and back in the same day. We would recommend you start early if you planing a visit. There are fantastic views along a very narrow and curvy road after you start around the east side of Maui. Be sure to visit Kahanu Gardens as well of the Seven Sacred Pools (Pools of ‘Ohe’o). The pools are actually part of Haleakala National Park. The National Park now calls the pools “Haleakala National Park, Kipahulu.” As you can see in the photos below, many people swim in the pools. Use caution if you plan to join the crowd.
It is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Mahina Surf to the summit of Haleakala. This drive will take you from sea level to the summit at 10,023 feet. Your trip may start out being warm but it can be cool, if not cold, at the top. The trip provides an opportunity to see a very different part of Maui. It is worth it to just drive to the summit but it is far more interesting if you are prepared to do some hiking. Click for the following link for Haleaka Hikes. We enjoy a day hike down the Sliding Sands Trail.
Iao Needle
The Iao Needle is in a lush narrow valley in West Maui located about three miles frorm Wailuku. The Iao Needle is located near the Kepanaiwai Park’s Heritage Gardens. There is nice walking both in the park and at the Needle.
Kahanu Gardens
If you plan to visit the Hana side of Maui, a visit to the Kahanu Gardens should be in your plans. Contained in the gardens is believed to be the largest lava site of ancient worship (heiau) in Polynesia. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
For more information visit their web site at Kahanu Gardens
Lahaina
Note: Since the disasterous fire in Lahaina in August 2023, most most of the city is off limits to tourism. However such stores as Safeway, Longs, Walgreens and the Ace Hardware were not affected by the fire and are open for business.
Until it was moved to Honolulu, the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii was Lahaina. In the 19th century Lahaina was central to the whaling industry. Now it is the gateway to the famous resort areas on the west side of Maui: Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, and Kapalua.
Nakalele Blowhole
The Nakalele Blowhole is famous for producing powerful geyser-like spouts caused by wave and tidal action through underground lava tubes. Although very impressive it can be dangerous and several people have died by getting too close. It is a moderate hike to get down to the blowhole but it can be viewed nicely at a distance. Also, as the wind will most likely be blowing and the eruptions are prolific, you risk becoming soaked. Despite being spectacular close up, the blowhole can be safely and comfortably seen from one of the pullouts on the road. If you hike down to the blowhole, remember to stand back in order not to be inadvertently struck by the waves and sucked into the blowhole or the ocean.
Maui has over a dozen golf courses including four within a few miles of Mahina Surf. For more information, click on the following site that gives an overview of Maui golf opportunities:
There are many places to hike on Maui. Maui map has a nice web site providing more information on numerous hikes. Click the following link for more details.