Stretching for 68 unforgettable miles and more than 600 curves from Kahului to Kipahulu, the road is in view of miles of dazzling waterfalls, rugged cliffs set against vast ocean expanses, lush rainforests, secluded black sand beaches, and historic sites such as the grave of aviator Charles A. Lindbergh.
Area Attractions in Hana
Haleakala Sunrise
One of Maui’s most memorable experiences is seeing the Haleakala sunrise or sunset from almost 10,000 feet above sea level, and like anything worthwhile, it takes some planning. Here are a few tips to make the most of your Haleakala expedition.
Depending where you get started from on Maui, it can take you up to two hours to drive the Haleakala Highway (HI 37) and then up the winding Haleakala Crater Road leading to the summit of Haleakala. It’s an early wake-up call, but the reward is well worth it. Drive past the Park Visitors Center at 7,000 feet to get to the Haleakala Visitors Center at 9,740 feet. Try to arrive at the Haleakala Visitor Center no later than a half hour before the sun rises — earlier for a good spot. In the summer the sun rises as early as 5:38 AM, in the winter as late as 6:55 AM. The color of the sky and clouds before daybreak are stunning.
The Bamboo Forest & Pipiwai Trail
On the mountainside of Oheo Gulch, you’ll find unique hiking trails that give way to ocean views, freshwater pools, lush bamboo forests, and bridges along waterfalls. Reach Waimoku Falls at the end of your 2-mile hike.
Black Sand Beach
Visit Wainapanapa State Park, located on the outskirts of Hana, to see Black Sand Beach—a beach formed by volcanic materials over the course of a millennia. The natural structures, caves, and impressive coastline views are among the most beautiful on the island.
Hana Lava Tube
Reopening at a future date, the Hana Lava Tube is one of the island’s most incredible geologic wonders—and the 18th largest lava tube on Earth—where a cavernous maze created by volcanic lava offers an educational adventure for the whole family. Guided tours are available for all ages.
Road to Hana
Exclusive Experiences at Ritz Carlton Kapalua Resort
Gliding alongside tropical fish in crystal-clear water. Horseback riding in pineapple fields. Soaring over the Haleakala Crater in a helicopter. The opportunities to experience Maui are as varied as they are exciting. Located north of Ka’anapali Beach and Lahaina Town and neighboring DT Fleming Beach and Kapalua Bay, this oceanfront hotel offers both seclusion and convenient access to activities including surfing, jet-skiing, seasonal whale-watching, hiking and championship golf.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua offers something for every guest. Ocean-view tennis, luxurious poolside cabanas, sound healing meditation, surfing and trail hikes are among the resort’s activities.
Beaches
Kapalua resort’s six bays are all within a 10-minute drive and offer beautiful beaches home to colorful wildlife and opportunities for snorkeling, sunbathing, surfing and other water-based activities.
Pools
A 20,000-sq.-ft. deck, filled with cabanas and umbrella-shaded daybeds, surrounds the resort’s massive three-tiered pool. From the comfort of the 24-hour heated pool, guests can order food and beverages from Olu Poolside directly through the Marriott App between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Cabanas
The resort offers poolside and beachfront cabanas and chairs with umbrellas. Services begin from $25 per day. Poolside cabanas can accommodate up to eight guests and include a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, Bluetooth speaker and other amenities and services.
Hiking
Kapalua’s miles of trails run along the coastline and amid the mountains offering spectacular scenery and views along the way.
Mahana Ridge Trail
This 20-mile roundtrip hike is strenuous, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mokupe’a and Honokahua Gulches. The path travels through former coffee and pineapple fields.
Village Walking Trails
This collection of six trails ranges from moderate to difficult and follows the former cart path of the Village Golf Course and features panoramic views and a hidden lake.
Coastal Trail
This 1.76-mile coastal trail runs along the ocean from Kapalua Bay Beach to DT Fleming Beach, passing through the sand dunes of Oneloa Bay and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
Resort Spa Rituals Rooted in Maui Traditions
Inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions, therapies at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua embrace indigenous plants and customs for a holistic approach to wellness. Lush gardens create a tranquil outdoor setting where guests can unwind before or after a therapy, and they infuse treatment spaces, both indoors and out, with a sense of calm.
Explore a full menu of services showcasing local botanicals and herbs cultivated in the resort garden. The Tropical Awa Nui Journey, for example, blends sea salt with herbs in a detoxifying exfoliation scrub, while the Deep Cleansing Organic Facial incorporates essences of fruits, vegetables and herbs in its vitamin-rich applications.
Couples massages, makeup and nail services, men’s treatments and an array of tempting enhancements like Maui Vera Sunburn Relief are also available at this Maui spa where restoration is a centuries-old practice.
