Road to Hana

Sept 13-2010

Today is our 2nd anniversary, we decide to get up early and drive the road to Hana. On the way, we stop in Paia, at Charlies for a quick breakfast (recommended by Pawel, the man that rented us our car). We have the Eggs Benedict with Coconut Crusted Mahi-mahi, I think we will be stealing that recipe. It is a scenic drive across the northern coast. The road weaves in and out, over countless streams, one-lane bridges, and past misty waterfalls. This is a touristy thing to do here, and there are many topless Mustangs as we enjoy the drive in our rust bucket. The road leads us to some amazing hikes and scenic views.

Waikamoi Nature Trail

Bamboo Forest

Waikani Falls

We stop at Kahuna Gardens, which is closed, so we just walk in to get a few photos of Maui's largest hieau, Piilanihale. Hieaus are sacred Hawaiian religious structures, some were used for worship, and some were used for human sacrifice. This hieau is 50 feet high and covers an area as large as 2 football fields. It's amazing to see an ancient structure of such magnitude.

Piilanihale Heiau

Piilanihale Heiau

Ancient Tools at Kahunu Gardens

We get to Wainapanapa State Park, home of lava tubes, black sandy beaches, miles of a'a lava covered coast, and Julie and Nate for two nights. We settle into our sweetest tent spot yet, if you don't mind sleeping next to an ancient Honokalani Cemetery. The sun sets over Haleakala behind us, and we are suddenly on the dark side of the island. Time for writing blogs and listening to some tunes before bed, anything to keep our minds off the possibility of ghostly sitings. Redrum?