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Wailua Falls
Thomas J. Story
Wailua Falls splashes 95 feet through dense forest below Hana.
Linger on in Hana
The gorgeous drive to this remote Maui paradise is only half the fun. Here's how to indulge in it
by Matthew Jaffe

MORE: Highway to heaven

Upon reaching Hana, typically after driving three hours on the most picturesque road in the world, many visitors are already calculating how long it will take to whiz back out. The problem is you need a few days, not a few hours, to start experiencing this remote and breathtakingly beautiful onetime domain of the Maui ali'i (chiefs). Here are our suggestions:

GETTING TO HANA

For Hana information, contact the Maui Visitors Bureau (800/525-6284). Another source, especially for vacation rentals, is www.hanamaui.com. Note: An October earthquake affected some of Hana Highway as well as other island roads. For an update on road conditions, call 808/986-1200.

Hotel Hana-Maui
Thomas J. Story
Hotel Hana-Maui
WHERE TO STAY

Hana Kai-Maui Resort. Condo-style units, some with Hana Bay views. From $167; www.hanakaimaui.com or 800/346-2772.

Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa. Relaxed and private, it's a Hawaii classic, with cottages built in the local plantation style. From $475; www.hotelhanamaui.com or 800/321-4262.

WHERE TO EAT

Hana Ranch Restaurant. Burgers and plate lunches. $$$; 808/248-8255.

Coffee flan
Thomas J. Story
Coffee flan with coconut-macadamia wafer at Hotel Hana-Maui
Ka'uiki. Hotel Hana-Maui's main dining room spotlights local produce and seafood. $$$$; 808/248-8211.

Paniolo Lounge. Music four nights a week and menu with bar appetizers and light fare. $$; at Hotel Hana-Maui.

WHAT TO DO

Haleakala National Park. Its Pipiwai Trail is an easy 4-mile round-trip hike through scrubland and a bamboo forest to waterfalls. $10 per vehicle; off Hana Hwy.; www.nps.gov/hale or 808/572-4400.

Hamoa Beach. Hana's best beach is a few miles south of town. Off Haneo'o Rd.

Hana Coast Gallery. Leading gallery for Hawaiian artists and craftspeople. At Hotel Hana-Maui; www.hanacoast.com or 808/248-8636.

Ono Organic Farms
Thomas J. Story
Ripening on strings, apple bananas dangle temptingly at Ono Organic Farms.
Holoholo Excursion Tours. Offers a three- to four-hour Hana tour. Times and prices vary; call 808/270-5258 for information and reservations.

Kahanu Garden. Grand heiau and a focus on ethnobotany. Closed Sat-Sun; $10; off Hana Hwy. at milepost 31; www.ntbg.org or 808/248-8912.

Ono Organic Farms. Tours with tastings from Hana's cornucopia. Tours 2:30 Mon and Thu (reservations required); $25; www.onofarms.com or 808/248-7779.

Palapala Ho'omau Church. Constructed from limestone coral, the 1857 church with its tidy steeple has a graceful simplicity that embodies Hana. Aviator Charles Lindbergh is buried here beneath a Java plum tree. Off Hana Hwy. at milepost 41, 8 miles south of Hana in Kipahulu.

Wai'anapanapa State Park. Easy coastal trails, a black-sand beach, and grottolike caves. Off Hana Hwy. on Honokalani Rd.; 808/248-4843.

MORE: Click here for more Hawaii tips and trips

Published: February 2007