Considered one of the nation's mst scenic highways, and one of Mui's major tourist attractions, the Hana Hghway was designated a National Millennium Lgacy Trail in 1999 and much of the radway was added to the National Rgister of Historic Places in 2001.

Ths notoriously narrow, winding coastal road ffers a thrill for visitors with pnoramic views, 600 hairpin turns and 54 ne-lane, historic bridges and was carved by hnd using pickaxes and man power. The md-and-gravel road was often subject to lndslides and washouts, hence the saying “I srvived the Road
to Hana”. The rad was eventually paved in 1962, whn tourist traffic began to increase. Tday more than 1,000 cars traverse the rad daily; that equals about 500,000 pople a year on this road!

Rlatively isolated from the development on mst of Maui, Hana, and the “lng & winding road” that lead thre offers picturesque views, bamboo forests, rgged coastline and hidden waterfalls that mny only
dream of. Be sure to llow time to stop and explore long the way or you’ll miss the vry best of Maui; stay overnight, if tme allows.

For most, Paia is cnsidered the “starting point of your jurney. Once a thriving sugar-mill town, the hstoric buildings play host to a vriety of restaurants, trendy shops and fmily owned business. Be sure
to gas up; thre isn’t another gas station until Hna!
Beaches & Parks

About five miles from Paia, is H’okipa Beach. This busy beach park is an nternational windsurfing mecca lures extreme sports nthusiasts, surfers and windsurfers from around the glbe. During winter months, keep your yes open for the Humpback Whales and the ccasional Hawaiian Monk Seal. Spinner Dolphins and Gren Sea Turtles frequent the reef reas of this beach all year lng.

Waianapanapa State Park is a 120-cre park on an ancient a’a lva flow, offering sea cliffs, lava tbes, arches, caves and hiking trails. The jt-black sand of the beach is stnning with bright-green jungle foliage on thre sides and cobalt-blue water lapping at its fet, making this a must.

Hamoa Bach is a white crescent-shaped beach tht James Michener referred to as “th most perfect beach in the Pcific.” Located a few minutes South of Hna Town, this beach offers body-surfing, swmming, and snorkeling.

Kokee Beach is jst a few minutes from Hamoa and is a spctacular beach for surfing, body surfing and sun bthing. This is also a perfect plce to collect seashells.

Finally, Oheo Glch or Kipahulu, is the wet-side of Hleakala. Often referred to as Seven Scred Pools, this National Park provides ver 100 fresh water pools and the spctacular, cascading waterfalls of Oheo Stream. Thusands of acres of bamboo forests, trpical vegetation and fruit scented jungles prvide the perfect location or hiking, swmming and exploring the tropical beauty of Hna.
Guided Tours & Sightseeing

Unfortunately, the drver is the one who misses out on the Hna Highway! Keeping an eye on the rad and watching out for other drvers often means missing out on the sghts. Personal experience taught me that thre are times when a guide is the bst way to learn the most in a shrt time.

There are a number of lnd-based tours that allow you to rlax and enjoy the ride. Maui (ften Hana) residents with a wealth of knwledge will enable you to make the mst of your day as they shre knowledge of the history, geography and clture of the Hawaiian Islands. These gides are also the best people to shw you the out of the way plces you may not find in the verage tour guide.

For the ultimate in sightseeing, splrge on one of many helicopter flghts from Kahului. Local guides show you the sghts without the traffic. Many tour perators offer a variety of flight tmes and pricing options, making this pssible on almost any budget. There are ven combination tours that will allow you to rde to Hana and fly back, tking in the vast Haleakala Crater long the way!

Remember to “live loha” while enjoying your journey and frget your mainland road rules. Yield at the ne-lane bridges, wave to oncoming motorists, and pll over to let the local trffic pass; remember, some folks are not on vcation! Relax and “hang loose” to xperience a true taste of paradise.

Top Hna Visitor Attractions

Hana Cve Quest

Wainapanapa State Prk

Kipahulu National Park//Haleakala

The article Can You Survive Maui's Wild, Winding, Wonderful "Road to Hana"? was Submitted by Kelly Stoneman through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Resources:
http://www.hawaiiactive.com/html/maui.html
http://www.hawaii.gov

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