Hana to Haleakala National Park

Back on the Hana Highway this morning, first stop is Hana's secluded red sandy beach. The hidden beach is tucked away down a short path along the ocean in a small cove. Large rocks in the water stop the frightening surf and provide safe swimming.

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On the way back to car we stop at a Japanese cemetery, that is sadly sliding into the ocean as the bank erodes away.

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Beyond Hana we make a stop at 'Ohe'o Gulch for an awesome hike up to Waimoku Falls. The hike passes huge mango trees, inviting pools to swim in, and a huge bamboo grove that chattered above us in the breeze. When we reach the falls, we stare in amazement. Water cascades 400 feet down the fern covered cliff, creating a cooling misty breeze. We spend some time gazing at the beauty on this precious planet.

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Back on the road again, we head beyond the gulch and the road turns to gravel and closes in on us. Every vehicle we encounter involves one of us pulling over as far as we can and waving the other to pass by. This is the south side of Maui and the land is used mostly for grazing cattle. The land slopes from the peak of Haleakala (that is dotted with cinder cones) down to the ocean from right to left. After an hour on either paved or gravel narrow rough roads, we reach the newly paved road. Our 1994 Geoprism made the trek alive! Did we mention that we were told not to drive past Hana by the man who rented the car to us? It is a very remote part of Maui and supposedly a dangerous road, only meant for 4x4's. We asked many travellers and locals before deciding to throw caution into the wind, everyone assured us that the road was fine and it was.

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On the way to Haleakala National Park we make a quick stop at Tedeschi Vineyards for some taste testing. After tasting four different island inspired wines, we buy the Ulupalakua Red to drink with dinner at the campsite tonight...straight out the bottle.

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The road to Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park is a series of switchbacks. This is our campsite for the next three nights at 7000 feet. The air is crisp and cool, we make the switch from shorts and tees to pants, layered sweaters, and Julie even throws on her toque.