vsur la route de Hana

The road to Hana has many must-see stops that are not always easy to spot. Plan in advance which ones you want to see, leaving time for breaks, so that your day is not a race against time. Driving in the direction of Paia towards Hana, we find in order:

Twin falls where you can swim, the Waikamoi nature trail forest walk and the Puhokamoa falls viewpoint.

Then come the Keanae Arboretum for an introduction to the local flora and the Keanae Overlook. You can take a break and go down to the peninsula of the same name and watch the waves breaking. Another possibility is to stop at a small café just after the Keanae Overlook, which offers beautiful views and is a great place to stop.

On the side of the road you will see the Waikani Falls or the waterfalls of the Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park accessible in a few steps, before discovering the Lava Tube where the water has sculpted the rock and going on to the beautiful Kahanu Garden.

Finally, just before arriving in Hana, Waianapapa State Park offers beautiful black sand beaches and hiking trails. You can choose your stops based on your budget, time and preference for walking or swimming.

The day before, check the weather. The road is often rainy and you should avoid going if showers are forecast; the show would be spoiled and some paths are dangerous. Remember to refuel in Paia.