If your idea of “things to do” is limited to things like watching TV and shopping then Hana may not be for you. Hana is the kind of place where you don’t need a TV, a shopping mall, or places to go and show off your jewelry and barely worn MuuMuu (dress) or aloha shirt. All you need are your five senses (even 3 or 4 will do) and some time.

The entire Hana area is gorgeous as is the Hana highway that takes you there. Please reserve plenty of time to walk around and take in the beauty, aroma, sounds and enjoy the unique experience most people envision when they think of Hawaii. You won’t find anything like it in Waikiki or Kaanapali.

If you are wise enough to allocate time for hiking you are in for a special treat as the hiking in the area offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Information about some of the more well known trails is listed below:

• Hana Maui Walking Trail
• Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)
• Hana Highway
• Hana-Waianapanapa Coastal Trail – Black Sand Beach
• Kaihalulu “Red Sand” Beach

Here are some pics from my Hana “hikes”:

This is me jumping off of a volcanic rock near black sand beach: (note: I found out later that this is a favorite dining area for sharks…)

This is my brother Pani jumping off the same rock…

Below is a pic of my good friend Tom getting talked into jumping off the side of a cliff into one of the seven pools at Oheo Gulch (note: while this is a blast there are times when water levels are too low to jump in safely. Check with the park rangers…)

A picture of the peaceful Wailua Bay village between Paia and Hana

Please enjoy yourself when you are in Hana. Get out and walk around, explore, take it all in. But, respect the privacy of residents and property owners. Kapu = forbidden = no trespassing.

A hui hou