Unspoiled wilderness and towering waterfalls are the main attractions of Hana on the eastern tip of Maui, Hawaii. The permanent residents have fought hard to protect their home from overdevelopment, and the tortuous road to get there, with around 600 switchback curves and 54 bridges, will reward the intrepid with stunning views, miles of hiking trails and glorious beaches where you can relax and dip your toes in the warm, emerald Pacific Ocean.
Camping Options
Rent a classic Westfalia VW Camper from Aloha Campers and pitch up at the beach. Aloha Campers comment that although camping is officially only allowed in campgrounds, residents and visitors camp on any beach that doesn't specifically forbid it.
It is permitted to camp on the beach while fishing. Camping is also available at the Heavenly Fruits of Hana organic farm, at the YMCA on Hana Highway and at the Wai' anapanapa State Park off Hana Highway at the end of Wai' anapanapa Road.
Camping Tips
Get your campground permit from the Hawaii State Parks office in advance. This is a legal requirement, and they are not available at the campsites. You might be turned away if you don't have one.
The Maui Information Guide recommends getting a permit for Wai' anapanapa from Kahului before you leave and warns that permits can be hard to get. You can apply for a permit and make reservations online Hawaiian government website.
Stock up with food before you depart. Eating and shopping options are scarce in Hana, although there are plenty of fruit and vegetables available from Na Hua Lani O Hana organic farm, including edible fern, garlic, coconuts and bananas.
Getting There
Leave early to beat the crowds and allow plenty of time to stop and admire the views. The road to Hana is long and often treacherous. Keep an eye on weather reports. Sudden rain can lead to flash floods, and landslides can close the roads with little warning.
Leave with a full tank of gas. There are no gas stations between Paia and Hana. Respect the yield signs at the bridges, and on your departure day, leave long before night falls. The road is no fun to drive in the dark.
Activities
People come to Hana to switch off and discover "The Land That Time Forgot," but you can get busy with a range of outdoor options beyond the stunning hiking and swimming from Hana's beaches.
Take a self-guided tour of the caves of Ka' Eleku Caverns at Hana Lava Tube, Maui's largest lava tube system. Hang glide from Hana Airport with a qualified guide, body surf off Hamoa Beach, visit the Hana Maui Botanical Gardens, take a historical and cultural guided horseback ride into the Haleakala National Park or treat yourself to a spa at Honua Spa in Hotel Hana Maui.
Practicalities
Enjoy your stay in Hana by going prepared. This is one of the lushest places on earth, thanks to heavy tropical rainfall. Take rain slicks and a towel to dry off, bug spray to fend off the critters and a solid pair of hiking shoes that can cope with streams and thick mud. Don't swim at the top of the waterfalls and avoid swimming in the ocean at Haleakala National Park as there are too many sharks.
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