Maui, Hawaii

There are certain things that you have to do when you visit Maui.  One of them is to drive the road to Hana.  We decided that we would do that today.

Our journey started in Makawao.  Normally you would not do this since you would visit Makawao on your way down from Haleakala.  The problem is that there is a store that won’t be open on Wednesday when we plan to visit the crater.  So … we thought … let’s stop there today.  The store is called the Komoda Store and Bakery.  Those who have been to Maui know this place for their legendary cream puffs.  All I can say is that they are to die for.  We picked up some cream puffs, glazed donut and malasadas on a stick.  Yummy!

The drive is spectacular.  You can not believe how beautiful this drive is.  I could go on forever trying to describe this drive.  The road has over 600 curves, and 54 bridges.

We stopped at Haipua’ena Falls and Pool, Ke’anae Peninsula, Upper Waikani Falls, Pua’a Ka’a State Park, drove down Nahiku Road, Hana Bay and ended the journey at Ohe’o Gulch AKA Seven Sacred Pools.  Needless to say, many pictures were taken.

We started at 9:30am and started the drive back from Seven Sacred Pools at 5:30pm.  It took that long to drive approximately 52 miles.  It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey!

Tips for the road to Hana:

1.  Pack lots of snacks, including lunch.

2.  Take your time.

3.  Start early in the day.

4.  Start early in your life … go in your 20’s.  It is very exhausting!

The drive back wasn’t as long, only 2 1/2 hours.  We stopped at Wal-Mart, and then picked up dinner from Da Kitchen in Kahului … awesome food.