Iao Valley State Monument Unveils New Reservation System: Aloha Efficiency!
Hey there, fellow island explorers! Brace yourselves for some epic news straight from the heart of Maui: Iao Valley State Monument is about to make a triumphant comeback, and they've got a reservation system in tow! Cue the hula dancers and fire up the ukuleles because this is one announcement you won't want to miss!
Picture this: you, wandering through the lush valley, surrounded by towering cliffs, vibrant rainforest, and a river that could make even the most seasoned surfer go green with envy. We're talking nature at its finest, folks! But hold your coconuts, because we've got a little twist this time around. The folks at Iao Valley are introducing a reservation system, so you can plan your adventure like a true island VIP!
Read moreRoad to Hana
(This page is a work in progress)
Paia Town | First Stop
Paia is the last town you pass before starting your trip clockwise to Hana. Lots of people choose to pull over here for coffee, gas, and a snack from Mana Foods. This store is recognized for its wide variety of local, organic products and is the perfect place to pick up some goodies for your trip.
Ho’okepa Beach Park | Mile Marker #9
Surf Park - Basking Green Sea Turtles
From the bluff, Ho'okipa is a great spot to stop and watch some of the best surfing in Maui. In the winter, the waves can get pretty massive here. Maui is Mecca to windsurfers and Kiteboarders due to consistent wind. DO NOT SURF HERE unless you are very experienced and are able to go with a local.
Twin Falls | Mile Marker #2
Just past Paia, Twin Falls is a good place to stop if you’ve started the drive early. (Otherwise, you may want to skip it in favor of bigger, more impressive waterfalls later on.) The hike to the waterfall is easy and beautiful, and there’s a farm stand selling coconut water, banana bread, and smoothies at the entrance. It’s definitely worth a quick peek.
Kaulanapueo Church | Mile Marker 3.5
The very first stop on the Road to Hana was the Kaulanapueo Church built in 1853. At 8:45 in the morning, we were the only ones there, besides the spirits buried in the quaint cemetery, some dating back to 1940. The Protestant churches doors were locked, but the stop was worth a peak around the grounds.
Heolo Lookout Mile Marker #4/5
Fruit and Smoothies
Waikamoi Ridge Trail | Mile Marker #9.5
This is a nice hike with a picnic area. It has 2 loops. One takes about 10 minutes and the other takes about half an hour. Waikamoi Trail can sometimes be muddy, but it's a pretty hike through the trees.
Garden Of Eden Arboretum | Mile Marker #10
Stroll the impeccably-kept grounds, which offer ocean views and all kinds of photo ops — including a 100-year-old mango tree! In addition to the botanical garden, guests can explore a local art gallery, an enchanted forest, and a bird-feeding area. The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Insider Scoop: Great for people with limited mobility or families. For the more adventurous,
Kaumahina State Wayside Park | Mile Marker #12
This wayside park on the way to Hana boasts a lookout point with a beautiful view of Maui's North coast. Apart from the view, the park offers bathrooms, a picnic area, and various trails meandering through the forest.
Keanae Peninsula & Arboretum | Mile Marker #16
Ke'anae has an interesting history, some beautiful views, and an excellent arboretum. The coastline is rocky and exposed to the elements, so you won't find any swimming opportunities here. The people of Ke'anae grow taro, bananas, yams, and other crops much like their Hawaiian ancestors.
Insider Scoop: Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is awesome: https://auntysandys.com/
Halfway to Hana Stand | Mile Marker #17
The Half Way to Hana stand is a great place to take and enjoy their famous Banana Bread. Half Way to Hana bakes their own banana bread made from bananas grown right there on the property. The shack also offers lunch options. ATM on site.
Wailua Valley State Wayside | Mile Marker #18
Another historically rich community can be seen from the Wailua Overlook. This is a great spot to have a picnic and watch the views of both Wailua on the ocean and also the Ko'olau Gap in the mountains. It's easy to miss this little turnout, and there's only room for 3-4 cars.
Upper Waikani Falls | Mile Marker #19
AKA 3 Bears, there's enough room for 2-3 cars, but it's a no-parking zone. Once a few cars park, 6-7 more park behind it and take up most of the road becoming a hazard. There is, however, a turnout further up the road where you can park and walk down. The walk is a little hairy because there isn't a path.
Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park | Mile Marker #22 | Restroomroom
Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park. Here you'll find a paved trail to several small falls and a picnic area. A larger falls can also be accessed upstream via a dirt trail. If you decide to go, use caution crossing the viaduct and be prepared for mud. Mongooses (yes that's plural) also hang out at the park. You may have already seen them streaking across the road. Some bright soul imported them to kill the rats that the sailors brought here on their boats. Well, they killed the ground rats and most of the ground birds but left the tree rats. They are now found on every island except Kaua'i.The little creatures run around this area gathering food left over from picnics. You are also likely to see the wild Jungle Foul (chickens) that frequent the area (that is, if the mongooses haven't gotten to them yet)..
Hanawi Falls | Mile Marker #24
Some beautiful falls along a bridge can be found at Hanawai Falls. Most of the time, only the right side flows, but when the flow is heavy, you'll find more falls to the left. Make sure to park in safe areas off the road.
Nahiku Marketplace | Mile Marker #29
By now, you’re probably ready for lunch. Be sure to check out the Nahiku Marketplace. This little roadside market has beautiful gifts like handmade jewelry, clothing, and artwork. It’s also a lovely place to enjoy a meal; you’ll find several food trucks selling everything from kalua pork tacos to Thai food. Don’t forget to buy a bag of toasted coconut chips from Coconut Willy!
Lava Tube Kahanu Garden | Mile Marker #31
The Hana Lava Tube, also known as Ka’Eleku Caverns, provides a wonderful adventure for families and couples alike. Self-guided cave tours are available seven days per week and take about 40 minutes. Plus, the handrails and comfortable temperature make this activity fun, safe, and easy for visitors of all ages.
Also off of 'Ula'ino Road, drive a bit further and on the right you'll see the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. They have the only accessible view of Pi'ilanihale Heiau, which is the largest Temple in Hawaii. This ancient temple took hundreds of years to complete and sprawls over 3 acres. This is a MUST SEE!
How to Get There: Around the 31-mile marker, turn left on ‘Ula’ino Road and drive for less than half a mile. On the left, you’ll see a place to get flashlights for the massiv9*e lava tube!
Wai’anapanapa State Park | Mile Marker #32
The most popular Road to Hana stop (besides Hana Town) is Wai’anapanapa State Park. Between the sea caves, hiking trails, and a stunning black sand beach, you can easily spend an entire day here. We recommend hiking the loop trail and taking a refreshing dip in the ocean before continuing your journey to Hana.
Hana Town | Mile Marker #34
Historic Sophia’s Church marks your arrival into Hana, where the pastures roll right up to the main street. Hana is considered “Real Hawaii” by many and has remained relatively unchanged compared to the rest of the island’s development. The town is quiet, beautiful, and full of history. Some of our favorite attractions include:
- Red Sand Beach
- Hana Beach Park
- Hana Cultural Center & Museum
- Hale Piilani, the state’s largest Hawaiian temple
- Hasegawa General Store and Hana Ranch Store
- Ka’uiki Restaurant
- Hana Hotel Spa
Charles Lindbergh’s Grave* - Palapala Ho'omau Church Mile Marker 41
The burial ground of prominent aviator, inventor, explorer, author, and activist Charles Lindbergh. In 1927, Lindbergh became the first person to make a
non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
Wailua Falls | Mile Marker #45
Wailua Falls is Maui’s most photographed waterfall and is an absolute must-see. Cascading 80 feet down the side of a lush jungle, this is one of the island’s most accessible and majestic falls. Feel free to admire it from the road or take a dip in the plunge pool below.
Hamoa Beach | Mile Marker #50
Consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Hamoa Beach is surrounded by shady trees and sea cliffs. It’s a few miles past Hana and offers a secluded oasis away from the crowds. Guests enjoy swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding in the turquoise waves, and restrooms and showers are available. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty; you’re responsible for the safety of your family and yourself!
Huli Huli Chicken -
Koki Beach | Mile Marker #51
Is seeing a red sand beach on your bucket list? You’re in luck! Koki Beach is less than a mile from Hamoa and is famous for its dark, red sand. It’s a favorite spot for local surfers, but we don’t recommend swimming here. There are no lifeguards and the water has high waves and frequent rip tides.
Haleakala Nat. Park | Pipiwai Trail | Waimoku Falls | 7 Sacred Pools | Mile Marker #51
The Pipiwai Trail is located in southeast Maui. It’s within Haleakala National Park in the area called Kipahulu. The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile (round trip) hike that takes about 2 hours to complete. If you want to linger in the forest, you could spend up to 4 hours on this trail exploring the terrain and not be bored.
The Seven Sacred Pools within the ‘Ohe’o Gulch are mesmerizing natural wonders of Haleakala National Park. A short hike leads you to numerous freshwater pools that are fed by flowing waterfalls. It’s a wonderful place to swim and cool off when the water levels are high – just be sure to comply with signs and be cautious when swimming or hiking in any stream in the Hana district.
Kaupo General Store | Mile Marker #35 Highway (Highway 31)
This remote little general store is the only stop on the back-road to Hana for refreshments. It's full of character in the beautifully remote Kaupo area of Maui. Like a step back in time.
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HI Sessions: Kimie Minor - New Day
Singer-songwriter Kimié Miner manages to create an inimitable musical style that dresses the listener in a flowing mu’umu’u on a cool beach, easily mistaken for paradise. Growing up on an island surrounded by the ocean was a formative experience for Kimié, and an experience that can be distinctly heard through her work. Her melodies embody a loose, down-to-earth feel, and her lyrics create a universal imagery that transcends ethnicity, gender, age, and musical genre.
Read moreWorld Class: Maui Brewing Company
If you are passionate about beer and love visiting craft breweries, then Maui Brews in Kihei is a must stop for you. Maui Brewing Co. is the largest brewery in Hawai‘i, capable of almost 100,000 barrels out of its facility in Kīhei. In addition to the uncompromising quality, this is one of the most forward-thinking businesses you will find anywhere. In 2017 they won a national small business award. Maui Brews's commitment to sustainability is second to none. Their entire plant runs off of renewable energy and has the capacity to run completely off the grid. they resent won a prestigious 2018 AIA Design Award for Interior Architecture.
Not only do they have great beer, but their food is also excellent as well. Check out their menu
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Read moreMele Kalikimaka Medley by Kapena
The Delima Ohana was nice enough to provide us for some Christmas cheer which we can now share with you! It is that time of year, so kick off your slippers and feel the cool trade winds blow. Mele Kalikimaka to you!
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Discover the captivating beauty of Maui through the lens of Kevin Peterson Photography. With over thirty years of photography experience, Kevin is a seasoned professional who specializes in portrait photography for families and couples. His artistry captures the essence of life's most precious moments, creating stunning visual narratives that will be cherished for a lifetime. Operating on the enchanting island of Maui, Kevin's passion for photography and his deep understanding of the island's landscapes and culture ensure that every image he captures is a work of art. Whether it's a family gathering, a romantic engagement, or a destination wedding, trust Kevin Peterson to turn your special moments into timeless memories on the magical island of Maui.
Preserve the love and connection of your family with Kevin's exceptional family portrait experience on the beautiful island of Maui. With his keen eye for capturing authentic emotions and genuine interactions, Kevin creates timeless portraits that reflect the unique dynamics and personalities of your loved ones. From stunning beaches to lush tropical landscapes, Kevin knows the perfect locations to create a backdrop that complements your family's style and vision. With a relaxed and fun approach, he ensures that every family member feels comfortable and at ease, resulting in natural and captivating photographs. Let Kevin document your family's journey and create lasting memories that will be treasured for generations to come.
Free Session Promo: Kevin is thrilled to offer a complimentary 30-minute family portrait mini-session on the breathtaking island of Maui. This exclusive promotional offer allows you to capture beautiful moments with your loved ones without breaking the bank. During this session, Kevin's expertise and creative vision will shine as he effortlessly guides your family through natural poses and interactions. Whether it's a candid shot or a group portrait, these mini-sessions are designed to capture the essence of your family's bond in a fun and relaxed setting. Don't miss this opportunity to create cherished memories while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Maui. Book your free 30-minute family portrait mini-session today and let Kevin turn your moments into lasting treasures.
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Kevin Peterson: Travel Director
Corporate Incentive Programs, Meetings and Special Events
My Maui story is not unique. Maui first captured my heart on a college backpacking trip. Many years later, while on vacation following the sale of my business, I decided to open the next chapter in my life on a magical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. When I first started as a Travel Director, it was a side-gig, as I was involved in an internet business startup. I became affectionately known on Maui as the "Dinearound King" and I also helped out at the airport and advancing activities. Over time, my TD business grew and by the time the Dot Com bubble had burst, I was a full-time travel director working on programs on all of the Hawaiian Islands
It was exciting times in the industry, the nineties were booming, the incentive travel industry was booming. The scale and the budgets of the programs were incredible and a normal day at the airport saw multiple 500 pax, 1000 pax groups coming into OGG each and every day. the dynamics of the times provided me with a unique opportunity to gain a unique experience in the industry that would today be impossible to duplicate. What drew me most to the business was the camaraderie and the friendships that I developed. I've built scores of lifelong friendships in the biz and it is really the people that I love most about Travel Director work. In the late nineties, the scale and the budgets of the programs were on another level from what we generally see in the industry today. Over the years I have worked on hundreds of meetings and events in venues in Hawaii, across the United States as well as internationally.
Over the last twenty years, I have developed event management skills and logistical expertise working on high budget corporate incentive programs. I have experience working programs at most of the major resorts on Maui, Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai and Lanai. I have worked more than 80 incentive programs with 500+ guests and at least 30 incentive programs of 1000+ guests. All totaled Kevin worked on more than 400 corporate incentive programs, meeting and amenity experiences. In 2001, I expanded my business both nationally and internationally. In 2007, I relocated to Costa Rica to manage the Eco Preservation Society the organizations Eco-Tourism and Volunteer programs, keep my foot in the door in the Meetings and Incentive business back home. Kevin's forte is managing complex transportation movements (7000 guests). I have extensive experience managing large transportation movements, particularly at the Maui International Airport (Still all the same porters). In addition, I have extensive experience with VIP and Celebrity Service, Hospitality Desk (up to 1000 guests), Tour Sales, Golf Coordinator, Food and Beverage Lead (up to 3000 guests), Expo and Display Lead, Dinearound coordinator.
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