The Road to Hana - "It's All About the Journey" in Maui, Hawaii

As with nearly all of life's experiences, it's mostly about the journey, not the destination. The road to Hana, Hawaii is no different.

The journey along Hana Highway starts as you depart Paia town (see previous blogs) which is the last city before the adventures begin.

The distance from Paia town to Hana, Hawaii is approximately 50 miles along highway 360. There are more than 600 curves (mostly hairpin turns), 54 bridges and numerous scenic lookouts. Plan on spending about 4 hours on the road to Hana (each way).

There are several options when traveling to Hana. Valley Isle Excursions is the most popular coach service tour company. There are also detailed maps, phone apps and guided CDs that will highlight popular sites such was Twin Falls (located at Mile Marker 2) or the Garden of Eden (mile marker 10.5).

Ho'olawa Valley has several waterfalls and a beautiful tranquil stream near the entrance of the hiking trail (Twin Falls). The gravel trail forks - both paths reveal much about the past Hawaiian agricultural history within a beautiful rainforest.

Many guidebooks discourage the Twin Falls stop; however, Nomand's Lens has visited this beautiful valley several times for a brief hiking excursion from Paia town (separate from a drive to Hana). Agree, spending too much time at Twin Falls is probably not the best start to the long journey to Hana, but the beauty and history of Maui are evident along these paths.

The twist and turns of Hana Highway are filled with known and unexpected treasures. Nomad's Lens suggest that you stop often, drive slowly and enjoy the Aloha spirit weaved within the fabric of this wonderful landscape.

Upper Puohokamoa Falls is located just past Mile Marker 11 but can be viewed from the Garden of Eden. The $15 per person charge to enter the Garden of Eden is well worth it - there are captivating views only seen from this natural park.

There are more than 700 varieties of plants including several types of Ti plants.

Cordyline fruticosa (ti plants) are flowering evergreen plants that are members of the Asparagus family. Unlike asparagus, ti plants are toxic and potentially fatal if consumed by cats or dogs. Thought to bring good fortune, ti plants are abundant in the Garden of Eden.

The bamboo forest (mile marker 6.5) is truly a hidden gem with wonderful hiking trails, waterfalls, and freshwater swimming hole.

Ti plants were brought to the islands of Hawaii by Polynesians who considered them to have 'divine powers'. Ti plants are common around Hawaiian homes as they are thought to bring good luck.

The Garden of Eden, located at 10600 Hana Highway (mile marker 10.5) consist of 26 acres of beautiful landscape, picnic areas and breathtaking views of waterfalls and the north Maui coast.

The captivating views and tranquil garden and trails will give you a peaceful reprieve from the twist and turns of Hana Highway.

There are several places to pull off of the main highway and enjoy rugged northeast coastal views.

There are several places to explore in Hana. Stroll along the black sand beach and rocky shores of Hana Bay Beach and Park.

The black sand beaches of Hana Bay Beach and Wainapanapa State Park are perfect places to stop, picnic or swim before venturing back along Hana Highway or continuing the journey east of Hana and back around the unpaved rugged roads along the southeast Maui coast.

Hana is truly an authentic Hawaiian village with a total population of slightly more than 1200 persons.

Enjoy the quiet beach, park, and views from Barefoot Cafe. Service is a little slow, but the local dishes are delicious.

If you're adventurous (and have a 4 wheel drive vehicle) continue along the rugged volcanic southeast coast. A word of caution, many of the roads are cliff side with steep drop-offs. Nomad's Lens suggest that most tourists reverse their route and return to Paia town via Hana Highway.

Don't forget to mention Nomad's Len at the Barefoot Cafe.

Mahalo!