Private: Trip to Hana & All the Way Around

As your journey begins, we pass the swaying Jurassic grasses of Maui's sugar cane fields. Stories of Maui's plantation era will bring this area to life. Our first stop is Hookipa Beach Park to take in a bird's eye view of this world class surfing and wind surfing hot spot. Walk down to visit the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking on the shoreline. Then transition to the rolling countryside of Huelo which gives way to thick bamboo forest. We stop at the vibrantly colored rainbow eucalyptus for some tree hugging before traveling deeper into the winding turns of the Road to Hana. Along this shady curving road, we see streams and waterfalls packed with ferns, moss, fruit trees, birds and bamboo. We may stop for a swim in waterfall pool (depends on strength of flow). Then visit fruit stands for shave ice & Maui's famous Banana Bread. Drive down to the Keanae Peninsula, site of a traditional Hawaiian village, known for its taro fields. Tended by mahiai (cultivators) in the same fashion as their Hawaiian ancestors. There we will visit an original stone missionary church built in 1856, the lone building to survive the devastating tsunami of 1946. Wailua, the village next door, is our next stop. It brings us to the best waterfall the road has to offer, a grand, three-tiered falls named Waikani. If you wish, we can take a short, adventurous trail to the base of the falls for pictures & swimming. Next, we head to an underground path through an ancient lava flow. With the use of headlamps, we observe many interesting features making it a must-see for those interested in caves, geology & Hawaiian mythology. Here, we learn about Pele, the Goddess of Fire, creator of the Hawaiian Islands and a well-known deity often referred to as Ka wahine ai honua, the earth-eating woman. Do you believe in dessert before lunch? If yes, then we will park at Coconut Glens to fully explore the culinary delights of candy & ice cream made from Maui coconuts. As we glide closer to Hana town, we stop at Waianapanapa Beach Park. The translation for Waianapanapa is glistening water or water flashing rainbow hues. The name is perfect as the powerful contrast between the black, pebble lava field and the deep blue-greens of the ocean are dazzling. A path leads us to a naturally made lava arch and powerful blowhole. The cove-shaped black sand beach opens to a cave on the east side that can be traveled through to the ocean. Here we can dip in the sea, swim through the caves or just enjoy the glorious tropical beauty at this world famous Maui beach park. Next, is the Nahiku Marketplace, a mini-village of tropical delights. This is a great place to enjoy local-style cuisines such as smoked fish, coconut shrimp or baked ulu (breadfruit)so delicious! Find a variety of locally made gifts, including rare shell and semi precious stone jewelry, spiritual icons, woodwork, glass art, paintings and more. Following Nahiku is Hana town. An area once favored by the Alii (royalty) and the seat of power for the entire island in the 15th Century. Learn about the metamorphosis of this native fishing village through the plantation era ending in modern time. Just beyond Hana, the road becomes narrow and rugged. The dripping jungle of Kipahulu gives way to the barren lava fields of Maui's hidden side; the road less traveled. The leeward part of Haleakala is exposed; grass and shrubs scattered over jagged lava rock. We see canyon formations where the ferocious wind has carved its way into the land. In this area, Maui's most recent lava flow is still exposed and cinder cones are still in tact. Observe the stark contrast between the wet & dry sides of the volcano. Next, we climb up high on the shoulder of the mountain to get a bird's eye view of Maui's coastline and outer lying islands. As we round the corner and head northwest through the elevated countryside, we refresh and celebrate with wine tasting at Tedeschi Winery. This vineyard is located on a historic royal estate and is a perfect place to take a sip of wine while reveling in the day's journey & magic. Then, as the sun sets, relax, reflect, or nap as we take you down the mountain back towards our original starting point.