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East Maui should be approached as two separate day-trips: Upcountry Maui and Haleakala one day, and the slow, winding drive to Hana the second day. Lucky travelers who have time and can plan ahead may stay Upcountry one night and in Hana another night. Marathon drivers who don’t tire easily can rise about 3:30 a.m., drive to the top of Haleakala for the sunrise, then descend to Paia and make a round-trip journey to Hana all in one day. There will be very little time to savor the sights—but it can be done.
For those who can explore the east side of Maui leisurely, the rewards are many. Sunrise or sunset at the top of Haleakala—when the weather cooperates—offers a glorious view you’ll never forget. If you plan to return here someday, you can make advance plans with the National Park Service either to camp at Hosmer Grove or hike down to the bottom of Haleakala, where cabins are available (reservations must be made about a year or two in advance). If you plan to just visit the summit, take along extra warm clothes, perhaps a blanket and a thermos with your favorite hot beverage (it may be baking on the beach, but at 10,000 feet above sea level, some visitors refuse to step out of their cars when the sun’s not shining on Haleakala).
Likewise, a trip to Hana is best planned in advance. Ideally, Hana deserves a couple of days, and the accommodations can be high-end or inexpensive. There are a couple of luxurious hotels, as well as modest bed-and-breakfast operations where you can cook your own meals. Either way, Hana is a place to relax, slow down, take long strolls, soak in the ocean and read a book (preferably about things Hawaiian). One of the reasons Hana is “heavenly” is just because it’s so laid back
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Keanae Peninsula
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Tedeschi Vineyards
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click photos to enlarge
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Haleakala National Park
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Wailua House
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Hana Coastline
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View of Hana Highway from Keanae Peninsula
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 While touring the Hana Highway, drivers MUST PULL OVER to let following traffic pass (see map for further driving hints in this area).
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Enjoy the view of skilled surfers and windsurfers at world-famous Hookipa Beach Park, where sometimes-giant waves test these world-class athletes.
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Rest and relax for a moment at the Garden of Eden Arboretum and experience the peace and spectacular scenery of Maui’s north shore in a rain forest environment.
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Take time to visit Maui’s Winery, on Highway 37 in Ulupalakua, where you can sample award-winning wines and champagnes in the spectacular Upcountry setting of the Tedeschi Vineyards.
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Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kahanu Garden features extraordinary collections of cultural plants, breathtaking coastal vistas and monumental cultural remains. The Canoe Garden features plants brought by the first Hawaiian settlers, and Hale o Piilani Heiau is one of the largest religious temples throughout Polynesia.
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Gourmet cheese lovers will want to visit the Surfing Goat Dairy (be sure to ask where that unusual name came from), located in beautiful Upcountry Maui. Surrounded by a coconut grove and an orchard of fragrant citrus trees, the dairy offers a fun and educational tour called “From Milk to Cheese.” Sample the delicious goat cheese, play with the “kids” and pick up some gifts for back home.
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DRIVE GUIDES are provided free of charge by every rental car company in Hawaii.
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