The sleepy village of Hana, Maui is well-off the beaten path for most visitors.  Although it gets its fair share of day trippers, by end of day, the lights dim and the dark sky plays host to brilliant stars and romantic moonlight.

Hana is accessible via State highway 360, the infamous Hana Highway; and, by commuter plane from Kahului (Mokulele Airways).  The long and winding road, about 53 miles, takes approximately 2 hours to drive.  The flight from Kahului, about 20 minutes.

Hana town has two general stores, Hasegawa’s and The Hana Store.  Both carry a good selection of grocery items, beer and wine, hardware, etc.  The stores are open daily until 7:30 pm.  There is one gas station, Hana Chevron which is open daily until at least 7:30 pm.

There are two restaurants, the Hana Ranch Restaurant and the dining room at Travaasa Hotel Hana.  Both serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Best to call for precise times and for reservations.  There are also numerous street vendors with food stalls ranging from local style plate lunches to Thai and Mexican food.  You’ll see these as you make your way through the village.

When you’re ready to hit the beach, Hamoa is generally regarded as Hana’s best.  It is located approximately 2 miles south of the town center.  Another beautiful beach in the same area is Koki Beach, although noted for it’s treacherous riptide.  The black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park is stunning and is also the start of some beautiful coastal hiking.

For sightseeing, be sure to visit Kahanu Gardens which is part of the National Botanical Gardens of the Pacific.  Here you will find Hawai’i’s largest ancient temple, Pi’ilanihale.  A visit to Hana would not be complete without journeying south to Haleakala National Park-Kipahulu Division.  The famed “Seven Sacred Pools”–more accurately called Ohe’o Gulch, offers exquisite bamboo forests and fresh water pools and waterfalls along a 2+ mile hike.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a drive around the “backside” of Haleakala, through the village of Kaupo and onward to Ulupalakua is worth the effort for a glimpse of the dry-side of the island.  The seascapes and mountain vistas are remarkable.

Hana is definitely the place to slow down and take life one day at a time.  There are no fast food franchises, no malls, no traffic lights…  It truly is the last Hawaiian place and the heart of old Hawaii.