- Hana, located southeast of Maui, is a secluded town known for its slow pace and old-world Hawaiian charm.
- Hana offers a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience, far from the crowds and commercialism of the most popular tourist destinations.
- Visitors are encouraged to support local businesses and respect the cultural heritage of the community.
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HANA, Maui — Growing Up HawaiiI would laugh if someone asked me a “pristine and uncrowded” place to visit in the islands.
This is because you would have a hard time finding it. While there are plenty of heavenly experiences in Hawaii – from white sand beaches to epic waterfalls – there's no shortage of tourists either. By now, must-see places are already on everyone's itinerary and tourist hotspots like Waikiki and Kaanapali have become a mini-metropolis. (As for secret spots, they are reserved for locals.)
Then I went to Hana and now I've changed my mind.
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Located southeast of Maui, Hana is a former sugar plantation and cattle ranching town that is one of the last places still functioning at the slow pace of old Hawaii. Surrounded by rainforests and volcanic coastlines, this secluded haven has one of the the smallest populations in the state, with only 731 residents and little development.
There are no rows of resorts, high-end stores or big chains here, just a grocery store and a general store. Instead, locals sell the extra avocados and bananas from their trees at roadside stands with a pot nearby to leave payment on an honor system. White sand is exchanged for dark lava rock sand and steep cliffs. And yes, you will lose cell service in some parts of the city.
“I love Hana because it’s a big ohana (family),” said Hana-Maui Resort sales and event planning manager Kaukaohulani Morton, whose family goes back generations at Hana. “It’s not just a close-knit community of people, everyone is family.”
Hana has preserved its small-town character thanks to its remote location: there is no major airport service in the United States, and road access is limited to the winding Hana Highway. Some brave tourists make the drive for hours, but most don't end up staying overnight, leading to a quieter Hawaii experience.
Where to stay in Hana
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There is only one major resort in Hana but you won't be disappointed. Opened for the first time in 1946, the Hana Maui Resorta Destination by Hyatt hotel, is a charming establishment. Situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean, it has around 74 plantation-style bungalows spread across 75 acres, blending in perfectly with the lush landscape. No crowded elevators or skyscrapers here. There's also a restaurant, an indoor/outdoor spa, a yoga studio and an infinity pool. Since the property faces east, the sunrises are spectacular.
You can also camp at Waianapanapa State Park or stay in one of the smaller B&Bs.
What to do in Hana
In a place brimming with raw natural beauty like Hana, the best way to truly experience it is to explore the outdoors.
- Waianapanapa State Park is the jewel of Hana with 122 acres of wild landscapes like sea caves, stone arches and forests of hala trees to show visitors what Hawaii looks like when left untouched. Relax on the famous black sand beach or hike the six miles of trails past ancient sites and pictographs. Reservations are required for non-residents and can be made online.
- Kahanu Garden offers a peaceful retreat and insight into Hawaiian culture. “You’ll probably feel like you’re traveling back in time because the land is so sacred,” Morton said. This ethnobotanical garden features plants important in Hawaiian culture, ancient houses and preserved tombs, as well as the Piilanihale Heiau, the largest ancient structure in Polynesia that was once the residence of the 16th-century native Hawaiian chief Piilani. You can book a guided tour ($30 for adults, free for children under 12) or go on your own ($18 for adults, free for children under 12.)
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In Hawaii, you obviously have to go to the beach. Flanked by cliffs, the crescent-shaped Hamoa Beach is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. Then there's the famous Hana Bay, the “gathering place for all the locals,” according to Morton.
- Eat local. Food trucks abound in Hana, from Thai cuisine to coffee to poke bowls made with freshly caught fish. If you like sweets, you're in luck. Since banana trees flourish in Hana, the town is famous for its banana bread. Stop by Hana Farms and grab a loaf of one of the many varieties.
- Hike to the Fagan Cross. Paul Fagan, the Californian who opened the Hana-Maui Resort (Kauiki Inn at the time), is remembered by a giant cross placed atop a hill in front of the resort in 1960. Travel the 1.5 miles on the paved road. trail for panoramic views of the Hana coastline.
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How to get to Hana
Part of Hana's appeal and lack of development comes from her inaccessibleness. Travelers can fly into Kahului Airport on a major airline, then drive two to four hours along the 64.6-mile Road to Hana, built in 1926 when there were only narrow paths and horse trails. The road is notoriously winding and dangerous, but it's a destination in its own right, offering waterfalls, viewpoints, natural pools and food stalls.
If you want to avoid the long trip, Hana-Maui Resort also partners with Mokulele Airlines – the only airline that serves the area – to charter guests directly to Hana Airport. The 45-minute flight from Honolulu to Hana is scenic as you fly over Molokai's cliffs, waterfalls and Kalaupapa, the historic park and isolated village where lepers were quarantined in the 1800s. Once in Hana, you You can rent a Jeep directly at the resort.
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How to be a respectful visitor to Hawaii
When you visit Hana, you can feel how intimate the community is and how proud of its cultural heritage. Being a respectful visitor will not only give you a better travel experience, but also support the community that makes Hana so special.
Be open-minded and don't be afraid to engage in conversations with locals about life here and what is appropriate to do, Morton said. As you explore, pay attention to the signs and remember that you are in someone else's home. “If a sign says it, no tourist will respect it,” she said.
Above all, think about where your money is going. “If you're going to come to Hana, don't just come to Hana, use our restrooms, leave your trash and then leave, come to Hana and support our local businesses,” Morton said. “Eat at food trucks, establishments, shop local and stay if you can, because any support to our economy is really important.”
