For most Maui tourists, the 210 kilometer round trip to Hana is an all-day adventure. If you are staying in Kaanapali or Lahaina, it’s about a 50-kilometer drive to reach it.
I am going to give you a breakdown of what I feel is one the best beaches in Maui. You may feel differently.
The Hana side of Maui is considered the tropical side of the Island. This is a rain forest and rain can occur daily.
At the end of the Hana Highway, on the lush eastern coast of Maui, is the legendary Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, where tranquility is a way of life. The AAA Four Diamond luxury resort has long been known as a favorite Hawaiian vacation retreat for generations of travelers seeking a serene and enchanting escape.
If you are determined to go to beach trails around Hana Beach, ask at the Hotel Hana-Maui. And ask about conditions on the trail (which drops several stories down to the ocean rocks).
The trail down to this beach has loose footing and should be walked with caution. At the bottom of the trail here you will find a sign which states “use at your own risk”. Take a 15 minute walk down towards the ocean and then take a scenic walk towards the waterfalls. Be sure to bring a bathing suit so you can take a plunge! You can walk along the shore, but be cautious of the ocean at all times large waves can appear out of nowhere. Another short safari awaits just up the road at the Keanae Arboretum, which offers a tranquil stream and swimming pond, as well as an easy walk through lush gardens and into the rain forest.
You will first came to a very gravely area, but kept walking until you see the beach around the corner. The steep walk down from the road is very treacherous, and many accidents have occurred here. Many locals refuse to make the trip. In Hana proper, shopping and restaurants are close by (within walking distance). Hale Pau Hana has three buildings with a total of 77 units (70 one bedroom units, 6 two bedrooms units, and 1 three bedroom and den penthouse).
There are a ton of ocean activities including kayaking and sailing. The beach is very exposed to high surf during the winter. Swimming is poor except when the ocean is very calm. The path to the beach is slippery due to the crumbling cinder and pine needles from the ironwood trees.
The deep brown of the rocks that litter the shoreline, the white of the stretches of sands, the blue of the pristine ocean and the green of the trees, all elemental colors juxtapose to create an amazing ambiance. And there’s a Secret Beach which can be accessed by a 15 min hike from a trail at the end of a red dirt road off Kalihiwai Road. I heard rumors of a red rock beach, just a small “hike”.
More Hana Beaches right here - check the ALL out!
