How to Spend 48 Hours in Hana for an Unforgettable Time

So, you’re planning a vacation in paradise, also known as Maui. And you’ve decided, and rightly so, to dedicate some of that precious vacation time to Hana. Hana is a quiet town in east Maui that is not, as of yet, overrun by tourists. But with the modernization of well, everything, it won’t be able to hold onto its off-the-beaten-path status for long. So it’s a good idea to go now!

How do you make the best use of your time in Hana? What should you do with your precious 48 hours? Well, you’re in the right place, because whether you’re planning your honeymoon, or going on a trip with the kids, this article will fill you in on the best ways to spend two days in Hana for a truly unforgettable time.

The Road to Hana

If you’ve already experienced the Road to Hana, then it’s ok if you’d instead fly there for this trip. But, if you haven’t completed the Road to Hana, then you absolutely must do it. This is a drive that should be on everyone’s bucket list, and you can even join one of the road to Hana tours to make sure you get the most out of it.

You’ll embark on a path that will take you over 59 bridges and through lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. You’ll see deep pools of opulent aquamarine, and stunning landscapes that you’ve only seen in movies and on postcards.

The Road to Hana is 64.4 miles (103.6 km) and has earned the reputation as one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. It typically takes two to four hours, depending on how many stops you make and how cautious a driver you are. There are some challenging turns, so please do err on the side of caution.

Hiking

If you are a hiking enthusiast, then you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven in Hana. You should make sure to head to Oheo Gulch, ten miles south of Hana. This park is full of trails that make it considered one of the best places to hike in Maui. The hidden treasure of these trails are the Seven Sacred Pools, seven swimming holes set in a stunning landscape, consisting of an idyllic lush green valley carved out over millions of years by the rainforest stream and waterfalls.

Beaches

You’re in Hawaii after all, so you need to head to the beach. You can’t go back to the mainland without a tan, not after bragging for weeks to your coworkers about your upcoming trip to Hawaii. Some of the beaches you should check out are:

• Wainapanapa State Park: Black volcanic pebbles create a stunning contrast with the seafoam and cerulean of the crashing waves. This isn’t the best place for laying out a towel but if you love exploring it’s perfect! Make sure to check out the park guidelines before going, so you can make sure to respect this treasured area.
• Hamoa Beach: Let the stress of work, kids, or just life in general roll away on the black and white sand of what some call Maui’s best beach.
• Hana Bay: Hana bay is considered by some to be one of the best places to go snorkeling on Maui. It’s a stunning black sand beach, protected by large waves, so ideal for beginners.

Around town

Hana is a wild wonderland that is more than worth exploring, but the cultural side is equally as enchanting. Make sure to hit up these spots while you’re in Hana, to make the most of your 48 hours:

• Travaasa Hana: Head to the oldest resort in Maui, and treat your taste buds to traditional Hawaiian cuisine and authentic rustic charm.
• Cultural activities: You can go to the Hana Cultural Center, to learn about the history of Hana and see some old artifacts. Additionally, the Travaasa Hana has ukulele lessons and lei making. Oh, and you absolutely must enjoy a Luau!
• Hasegawa General Store: What’s a vacation without a bit of kitsch? This charming store was established in 1910 and is to this day a family-owned business. You can find everything from fishing gear to coffee and macadamia nuts.

If you’re headed to Maui, it’s more than worth a stop in Hana, and 48 hours is all you need to experience the natural and cultural beauty of this Hawaiian gem. Remember, if you haven’t done it before, make sure to take the Road to Hana. When you get there, carve out time to relax on the beach and recuperate so you can get a fresh start when you head home.