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Maui Sights
Location: Southeast Maui
About 15 minutes past Hana, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Highway 31, is the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch at the east end of Haleakala National Park. In 1969, the land where the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.
The ‘Ohe‘o Gulch today is known by many names. Some call it the Kipahulu Area, while others call it the location of the Seven Sacred Pools. However, there are far more than just seven pools, so the name is quite inaccurate. It originates from a 1940’s publicity campaign. There are actually dozens of pools and a multitude of waterfalls which flow through the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch into the ocean nearby. This is one of the best spots to visit on Maui and is well worth a few hours of your time.
About 15 minutes past Hana, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road to Hana) after it turns into Highway 31, is the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch at the east end of Haleakala National Park. In 1969, the land where the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.
The ‘Ohe‘o Gulch today is known by many names. Some call it the Kipahulu Area, while others call it the location of the Seven Sacred Pools. However, there are far more than just seven pools, so the name is quite inaccurate. It originates from a 1940’s publicity campaign. There are actually dozens of pools and a multitude of waterfalls which flow through the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch into the ocean nearby. This is one of the best spots to visit on Maui and is well worth a few hours of your time.
Location: Northeast Maui
The Highway to Heaven...
When it comes to driving the Road to Hana on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline. Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you’ve discovered the highway to heaven itself.
Hopefully you've already perused our articles about "Is the Hana Highway worth it?" and, if applicable, "Can I make the drive to the 'Ohe'o Gulch and back in a single day?" If not, you might want to check those articles. If the Hana Highway sounds like the drive for you, great, we're here to help you plan that perfect road trip down this beautiful stretch of highway.
We've actually split all the Hana Highway sights and stops off into their own area here on our website. It helps separate the Hana Highway sights from the rest of the spots on Maui. To get started planning your own trip along the Hana Highway, just click the link below to visit our 'Hana Highway Sights' page.
Points of Interest: Hana Highway Sights
Highway News: Road to Hana Closures & Updates
The Highway to Heaven...
When it comes to driving the Road to Hana on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Alaskan coastline. Couple that with black, red, and white sand beaches, a multitude of trails, and beautiful gardens and you’ve discovered the highway to heaven itself.
Hopefully you've already perused our articles about "Is the Hana Highway worth it?" and, if applicable, "Can I make the drive to the 'Ohe'o Gulch and back in a single day?" If not, you might want to check those articles. If the Hana Highway sounds like the drive for you, great, we're here to help you plan that perfect road trip down this beautiful stretch of highway.
We've actually split all the Hana Highway sights and stops off into their own area here on our website. It helps separate the Hana Highway sights from the rest of the spots on Maui. To get started planning your own trip along the Hana Highway, just click the link below to visit our 'Hana Highway Sights' page.
Points of Interest: Hana Highway Sights
Highway News: Road to Hana Closures & Updates
Location: Northeast Maui
Getting ever so closer to Hana Town we have one last major stop at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. On the makai side of the highway you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai‘anapanapa State Wayside Park. There should also be a road sign informing you of the location. Head down the road and look for the main parking area (to the left), near the cabins. From here a trail will lead you down to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa‘iloa Bay. Swimming is dangerous and should be avoided here. The beach is open to the ocean with no outside reef to break the force of the waves and current. You will see many warning signs in place because of this. Once you’re on the beach, you might be interested in exploring the cave opening off to your right. Though narrow at the entrance, it widens inside and takes you an open view of the ocean at the other end.
Getting ever so closer to Hana Town we have one last major stop at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. On the makai side of the highway you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai‘anapanapa State Wayside Park. There should also be a road sign informing you of the location. Head down the road and look for the main parking area (to the left), near the cabins. From here a trail will lead you down to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa‘iloa Bay. Swimming is dangerous and should be avoided here. The beach is open to the ocean with no outside reef to break the force of the waves and current. You will see many warning signs in place because of this. Once you’re on the beach, you might be interested in exploring the cave opening off to your right. Though narrow at the entrance, it widens inside and takes you an open view of the ocean at the other end.
Location: Southeast Maui
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele).
Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top.
On Highway 31, over a half mile past mile marker 51 beyond Hana town, you’ll come to a road on the makai side of the highway named Haneo‘o Road. The hill to your left is actually an eroding cinder cone known as Ka Iwi o Pele (the bones of Pele).
Driving down Haneo‘o Road, the rugged cliffs give way to a beautiful coastal view. As you continue down towards the shore you’ll notice ‘Alau Island offshore. From this vantage point it looks like a rather small island with a few trees perched on top.
Location: Upcountry Maui and Haleakala
The Haleakala National Park ranges through five distinctly different climates zones. The road to the Haleakala summit, known as the Haleakala Highway, holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance of 38 miles. The dormant volcano's vast moon-like crater floor with its towering cinder cones is an incredible wonder of Maui.
From the 10,023 foot summit, the Big Island of Hawaii can be seen off in the distance, usually with a peak or two poking above the clouds. One mile inside the park is the Visitors Center. In front of the Center, the rare Silversword can be viewed. This is a threatened species of plant that only grows above 6,000 feet. The plant can live for up to 50 years and blooming ends its lifecycle. Read more on our Silverswords of Hawaii article.
So what does Haleakala National Park have to offer as you head up Highway 378 towards the summit? Let's take a Mile by Mile look up the highway.
The Haleakala National Park ranges through five distinctly different climates zones. The road to the Haleakala summit, known as the Haleakala Highway, holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance of 38 miles. The dormant volcano's vast moon-like crater floor with its towering cinder cones is an incredible wonder of Maui.
From the 10,023 foot summit, the Big Island of Hawaii can be seen off in the distance, usually with a peak or two poking above the clouds. One mile inside the park is the Visitors Center. In front of the Center, the rare Silversword can be viewed. This is a threatened species of plant that only grows above 6,000 feet. The plant can live for up to 50 years and blooming ends its lifecycle. Read more on our Silverswords of Hawaii article.
So what does Haleakala National Park have to offer as you head up Highway 378 towards the summit? Let's take a Mile by Mile look up the highway.
Location: Iao Valley and Central Maui
Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,500 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor The traditional name is Kuka`emoku and it's known as the phallic stone of kanaloa (Hawaiian god of the ocean); thus the 'Iao Needle was once used as a natural altar. The name 'Iao is pronounced "EE-ow." The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants.
Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. It is said that when the battle was over, the stream was so damed with all the bodies that the water ran red with blood. The site was named Kepaniwai "damming of the waters." Nearby in the valley you'll find the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens.
Take Highway 32 (Kaahumanu Road) west out of Wailuku. This road turns into Highway 320 which lead directly to the 'Iao Valley State Park.
Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle. The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,500 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor The traditional name is Kuka`emoku and it's known as the phallic stone of kanaloa (Hawaiian god of the ocean); thus the 'Iao Needle was once used as a natural altar. The name 'Iao is pronounced "EE-ow." The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants.
Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. In 1790 King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. It is said that when the battle was over, the stream was so damed with all the bodies that the water ran red with blood. The site was named Kepaniwai "damming of the waters." Nearby in the valley you'll find the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens.
Take Highway 32 (Kaahumanu Road) west out of Wailuku. This road turns into Highway 320 which lead directly to the 'Iao Valley State Park.
Location: Northeast Maui
Just a few yards past mile marker 25 on the Hana Highway, around the bend from the previous stop, you should see a steep downhill turn off for Nahiku Road makai. The road is lush and surrounded by a jungle setting - even the trees have plants growing on them. With 300 inches of rain a year, no wonder Nahiku is a paradise for all things green. The road is lined with rubber trees, remnants from a plantation that went defunct nearly a hundred years ago. You’ll barely noticed passing Nahiku village except for the occasional house and a variety of abandoned vehicles, now property of the jungle around them.
At the end of the road (about 2.5 miles down) you’ll come to the gorgeous scenic bay at Opuhano Point. Looking to your left over Honolulunui Bay, the coastal views are some of the very best on the entire road to Hana, you can see all the way back to Wailua.
As you visually try to absorb all of the scenery, take a moment to listen too. Off to the right, near the small ledge where the waves pound the shore you’ll find thousands of pebbles being rolled back and forth in the surf. The harmonic sound of the rolling rocks is quite unique, mother nature’s own rock tumbler in action.
Update: Starting in late 2008, we have been hearing numerous reports about access being restricted to the Bay at the end of the road. You may encounter "Closed - Kapu" signs before the bridge or even further up the road. It is our suggestion that visitors now skip Nahiku Road as a stop along the Hana Highway. Nahiku Road isn't meant to cater to the masses, and its popularity amongst visitors has exploded in recent years. Like Helele‘ike‘oha Falls (Blue Pool) on 'Ula'ino Road, this spot has become a victim of too much publicity. We will be updating our 'Hana Highway - Mile by Mile' book to reflect this change.
Just a few yards past mile marker 25 on the Hana Highway, around the bend from the previous stop, you should see a steep downhill turn off for Nahiku Road makai. The road is lush and surrounded by a jungle setting - even the trees have plants growing on them. With 300 inches of rain a year, no wonder Nahiku is a paradise for all things green. The road is lined with rubber trees, remnants from a plantation that went defunct nearly a hundred years ago. You’ll barely noticed passing Nahiku village except for the occasional house and a variety of abandoned vehicles, now property of the jungle around them.
At the end of the road (about 2.5 miles down) you’ll come to the gorgeous scenic bay at Opuhano Point. Looking to your left over Honolulunui Bay, the coastal views are some of the very best on the entire road to Hana, you can see all the way back to Wailua.
As you visually try to absorb all of the scenery, take a moment to listen too. Off to the right, near the small ledge where the waves pound the shore you’ll find thousands of pebbles being rolled back and forth in the surf. The harmonic sound of the rolling rocks is quite unique, mother nature’s own rock tumbler in action.
Update: Starting in late 2008, we have been hearing numerous reports about access being restricted to the Bay at the end of the road. You may encounter "Closed - Kapu" signs before the bridge or even further up the road. It is our suggestion that visitors now skip Nahiku Road as a stop along the Hana Highway. Nahiku Road isn't meant to cater to the masses, and its popularity amongst visitors has exploded in recent years. Like Helele‘ike‘oha Falls (Blue Pool) on 'Ula'ino Road, this spot has become a victim of too much publicity. We will be updating our 'Hana Highway - Mile by Mile' book to reflect this change.
Location: Northwest Maui
Dragon’s Teeth is a good example of what can happen when forces of nature collide. As the lava from the West Mau‘i Volcano poured into the ocean, fierce wind and waves forced it back and it cooled into a formation that resembles great black teeth. Makalua-puna Point was created from one of the last lava flows on Maui. However, the lava is a little different from the rest of the lava on Maui - it is much lighter, denser, and fine-grained. The wind sweeping over the point caused the lava to harden in an upward fashion.
The jagged points of this formation look like dragon's teeth, thus the name. Honu (sea turtles) often swim close to shore, so peer over the edge and look for them. To get to Dragon’s Teeth take Honoapi’ilani Hwy northeast and turn left onto Office Road just past mile marker 30. At the end of Office Road take a right and park in the little parking lot. You’ll have to walk across the edge of a golf course to reach the teeth. As you walk, look to your right for a small plaque. This site is an ancient Hawaiian burial ground that was the subject of a huge controversy. The Ritz Carlton Hotel wanted the land for a beach front resort. They even began construction of the land before the Hawaiian community stepped in and put an end to it.
2009 Update This article in the Maui News may be of interest to some folks planning to visit this spot.
Dragon’s Teeth is a good example of what can happen when forces of nature collide. As the lava from the West Mau‘i Volcano poured into the ocean, fierce wind and waves forced it back and it cooled into a formation that resembles great black teeth. Makalua-puna Point was created from one of the last lava flows on Maui. However, the lava is a little different from the rest of the lava on Maui - it is much lighter, denser, and fine-grained. The wind sweeping over the point caused the lava to harden in an upward fashion.
The jagged points of this formation look like dragon's teeth, thus the name. Honu (sea turtles) often swim close to shore, so peer over the edge and look for them. To get to Dragon’s Teeth take Honoapi’ilani Hwy northeast and turn left onto Office Road just past mile marker 30. At the end of Office Road take a right and park in the little parking lot. You’ll have to walk across the edge of a golf course to reach the teeth. As you walk, look to your right for a small plaque. This site is an ancient Hawaiian burial ground that was the subject of a huge controversy. The Ritz Carlton Hotel wanted the land for a beach front resort. They even began construction of the land before the Hawaiian community stepped in and put an end to it.
2009 Update This article in the Maui News may be of interest to some folks planning to visit this spot.
Location: Upcountry Maui and Haleakala
About half a mile beyond mile marker 8 you’ll find our next stop on the mauka side of the road, Kula Botanical Gardens. Kula Botanical Gardens is home to nearly 2,000 species of indigenous Hawaiian flora and fauna. The true king of this garden is the showy protea. Established in 1968 by Warren and Helen McCord as a display garden for Warren's landscape architecture business, the garden has evolved into a tourist destination that draws thousands of visitors every year. We continue to be an entirely family owned and operated business and take pride in sharing our garden with you.
The garden is located on the slopes of Haleakala and encompasses 8 acres of colorful and unique plants, amazing rock formations, a covered bridge, waterfalls, koi pond, aviary and new attractions including the carved tiki exhibit. Kula Botanical Garden has hundreds of varieties of plants for you to enjoy and photograph. Plants are labeled with their botanical name, common name, and country of origin. Included in the garden is a collection of native Hawaiian plants. Children especially will enjoy the Jackson Chameleon exhibit, Nene geese, African Cranes, and Aviary.
About half a mile beyond mile marker 8 you’ll find our next stop on the mauka side of the road, Kula Botanical Gardens. Kula Botanical Gardens is home to nearly 2,000 species of indigenous Hawaiian flora and fauna. The true king of this garden is the showy protea. Established in 1968 by Warren and Helen McCord as a display garden for Warren's landscape architecture business, the garden has evolved into a tourist destination that draws thousands of visitors every year. We continue to be an entirely family owned and operated business and take pride in sharing our garden with you.
The garden is located on the slopes of Haleakala and encompasses 8 acres of colorful and unique plants, amazing rock formations, a covered bridge, waterfalls, koi pond, aviary and new attractions including the carved tiki exhibit. Kula Botanical Garden has hundreds of varieties of plants for you to enjoy and photograph. Plants are labeled with their botanical name, common name, and country of origin. Included in the garden is a collection of native Hawaiian plants. Children especially will enjoy the Jackson Chameleon exhibit, Nene geese, African Cranes, and Aviary.
Location: Upcountry Maui and Haleakala
Right before mile marker 9 on Highway 377, mauka side, you’ll see the turn off for Waipoli Road. Waipoli Road includes several switch backs up the side of Haleakala to Polipoli Springs State Park, an infrequently visited but very beautiful state park on Maui.
Polipoli Springs State Park is located around 6,200 feet above sea level in the Kula Forest Reserve and encompasses nearly ten-acres of recreational area. This Upcountry park offers amazing views of both Maui below and the neighboring islands of Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe. The towering trees, mature forest of redwoods, and other exotic native vegetation species such as plum, cypress, sugi, and ash are the highlights of the park. Several trails are also available.
Right before mile marker 9 on Highway 377, mauka side, you’ll see the turn off for Waipoli Road. Waipoli Road includes several switch backs up the side of Haleakala to Polipoli Springs State Park, an infrequently visited but very beautiful state park on Maui.
Polipoli Springs State Park is located around 6,200 feet above sea level in the Kula Forest Reserve and encompasses nearly ten-acres of recreational area. This Upcountry park offers amazing views of both Maui below and the neighboring islands of Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe. The towering trees, mature forest of redwoods, and other exotic native vegetation species such as plum, cypress, sugi, and ash are the highlights of the park. Several trails are also available.
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