Hawaiian winters are mild in most areas. The rain may increase and you may see a slight dip in temperatures during those months. And, yes, there are some island areas that look like a winter wonderland due to the snow that caps the volcanic peaks. For the most part, however, the skies remain blue and the sun remains vibrant and warm. So, let’s chase the sun over on Maui for our winter weekend getaway. Have you ever heard of the “Road to Hana?” Here’s how to make the most of your visit to Wai'anapanapa State Park.
There are two types of camping accommodations in Wai'anapanapa, cabin or campervan. The cabins have a two-night minimum requirement and also requires that you make the reservations at least three days prior to checking-in. However, this campground should be reserved up to two months in advance due to the high demand. The cabins are one-bedroom but can sleep up to six people. You can bring your campervan, if you have one, as there are accommodations at this site. Complete details and reservations can be made on the DLNR page linked above.
You will be ready to stretch your legs if you just drove the “road to Hana,” so why not take a hike? The Ke Ala Loa o Maui/Piilani trail is a short three-mile, out-and-back hike along the coast through old lava fields. You will pass the cabins that are available for reservation as well as some gravesites and a distant heiau (temple). Along the trail, you will notice that some of the rocks are smooth and seem purposefully placed. These are a part of the “king’s highway,” named for Chief Pi’ilani who ruled Maui and under whose rule the highway was constructed. There are many photo opportunities on the trail but take a moment to enjoy the sound of the crashing waves and the native birds’ songs.
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Shore fishing is allowed at Wai'anapanapa State Park. You will need to bring your own gear and adhere to all the rules of the park. Remove all your trash, as well. You can find more information on the Department of Land and Natural Resources webpage.
Hunting is available in the Hana Forest Reserve, known as Unit A, which is less than five miles from the state park. This hunting reserve is open year-round. Here you can take feral pigs and feral goats by means of rifle, shotgun or archery. To obtain a hunting license in the State of Hawaii, you need to plan ahead. You can purchase your hunting license online, at the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s page.
A few miles from Wai'anapanapa sits a botanical garden that is well worth the drive and $10 entrance fee. If you are interested in botany, gardening, and how specific plants have transformed Hawaiian and Polynesian history then this is the place to be. This is no flower nursery with large and vibrant blooms everywhere you turn. The plants you will encounter here helped to disperse the Polynesian people throughout the Pacific Ocean. These are life-sustaining and life-saving plants such as hala, ‘ulu and ki—all of which are prevalent throughout these islands. Also here, you will see what is believed to be the largest man-made structure in Hawaii—Pi’ilanihale heiau, which would have served as a temple for religious activities. Today, the heiau is not accessible to visitors but you will, nonetheless be in awe just by looking at it.
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Located a short distance from Wai'anapanapa is a charming cultural center and museum. They do request a donation of $3 per person, a small fee to pay to learn more about the area’s history. In the museum, you can see authentic artifacts, many of which are Hawaiian implements that would have been used for cooking, fishing and other everyday uses. Also, on the grounds are the old courthouse, which is still in use for local matters. Kauhale village is a “replica of a pre-contact chief’s compound” and “consists of living quarters built in traditional style with thatched roofs, including a cooking house, an open meeting house, and a canoe house, which each contain interpretive panels with related imagery,” according to their website.
Stop by food truck Hana Grindz for some ‘ono grinds. Their most popular and beloved dishes are their fish tacos and shrimp banh mi. According to their website, the two tacos are stuffed with “2 Oz of Locally Caught Fish seasoned, seared, and served with pickled onions, and queso fresco, cumin-lime sour cream, and a slice of seasonal Hana avocado.” The banh mi is served with quinoa tabbouleh and kale slaw and the shrimp is farm raised, lemongrass seasoned then placed “on top of a French baguette served with Haiku-grown pickled daikon and carrots, Kamuela cucumbers, lemongrass aioli and Asian herbs” as stated on their site. This place will have you coming back for seconds.
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Another small food delight on the way to Wai'anapanapa specializes in tacos, spring rolls and pizza. They use locally-sourced food and cook with local fresh ingredients, which come through quite nicely. There are some peacocks that roam around and a nice sitting area. It is a good place to stop and relax. Not only is the atmosphere lush and spectacular but the fresh fruit smoothies will have your mouth watering. People gush over how “the portions are huge and the prices are very reasonable.” Definitely worth a stop!
See the hidden nature of East Maui on a glider. The half hour will give you views of the coastline, most of which is inaccessible and rugged. The full hour tour will take you up to view the crater of Haleakala, the dominating volcano on the island. From there, you will glide back to Hana Airport while seeing many areas that others don’t. It is an experience that will leave you inspired and with wonderful photographic evidence of having seen hidden Maui.
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