Hana Travel Guide

On the beautiful, scenic island of Maui is the tranquil little town of Hana. It's known as one of the last unspoiled places on the island, a kind of frontier of ancient Hawaii complete with a traditional small-town atmosphere.

Things to Do in Hana

The drive to Hana is notoriously precarious with hair pin bends and narrow bridges, but is well worth it to be dazzled with scenic views, seascapes, waterfalls, and lush rain forests. The serene, mysterious and natural beauty of Hawaii is alive and well in Hana.

Hana is home to St. Sophia’s Church, an historic church, and the famous Hasegawa General Store. Nearby to these landmarks visitors can reconnect with nature at Hana Beach Park or Hamoa Beach. These gorgeous stretches of paradise are the perfect way to explore paradise by either sunbathing or swimming. Alternatively, go snorkeling at Waianapanapa State Park and admire the black sand beach there while learning about the legend of the caves. For something completely unique, see the red sand beach at Kaihalulu Beach and then hike to Waimoku Falls through the Bamboo Forest .

For something less strenuous, head to Hale Piilani, a large Hawaiian temple in Kahanu Gardens, and explore the Hana Maui Botanical Gardens where a diverse range of tropical flowers are on display.

Best Time to Visit Hana

The most ideal months for a visit to Maui are late March, April, May, August, September, and early October.

A Local's Guide to Hana Vacation Rentals

Untouched by major developments, Hana is isolated from the rest of Maui Hawaii, and is a little piece of paradise. The town is surrounded by stunning waterfalls and some of the very best beaches on the island. Much of the town’s charm stems from how little is has changed over the past 20 years, where traditional Hawaiian culture adds to the scenic beauty. It is certainly a place to get away from it all.

Often known as the Road to Hana, the Hana Highway is a scenic 64-mile-long stretch of road that will take you past some of the most stunning Maui wildlife and coastal views. The road is littered with hair pin bends and narrow bridges -- perfect for those who enjoy a thrill.

When staying in Hana, just a short walk from your vacation home, you will find Hana Bay, a large black sand beach. The sand got its distinctive black hue from lava that has slowly eroded over time, eventually washing up around the bay. The Hana pier is located on the right side of the bay and gives a unique perspective of the town from the sea. Alternatively, head up the Ka’uiki Hill for even more spectacular views of the town and surrounding coastline.

Hana is also home to St. Sophia’s Church, which will mark your arrival into the town. Plus, no trip to Hana would be complete without a stop at the famous Hasegawa General Store. The store was established back in 1910, and since then has been written about in numerous magazines and travel guides. For a pleasant few hours, the Hana Maui Botanical Gardens offers a diverse range of tropical flowers in an array of colors, and is a lovely sight to behold.

One of the most popular day trips is a visit to the famous Waianapanapa State Park, where you can snorkel, learn about the legends of the caves and even admire the unique black sand beaches. In this state park, you will be able to witness some of the most unique sights you will ever see, such as the tidal pools that turn red several times a year, or strange lava tubes and blowholes. Alternatively, the Haleakala National Park is a scenic park, which is also commonly known as the ‘house of the sun’. The park is home to the towering Haleakala Crater, located 10,023 feet above sea level. Wake up early and travel to the visitor center, the best place to watch one of the most spectacular sunrises on earth. Overall, the park spans more than 30,000 acres of public land, with many different landscapes to explore, from dry red deserts to lush tropical waterfalls and steams in the coastal Kipahulu section (the section nearest Hana Maui).

Hana offers some of the most beautiful vacation rentals on the island, many of which have fantastic ocean views. The majority of Hana vacation rentals are unique, meaning visitors can stay in a one-of-a-kind property. Rentals including bungalows, cottages, apartments and beach homes are all available, ideal for couples and families looking to get away from it all. There are also a few hotels in town.