“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Ernest Hemingway's often quoted reflection captures the spirit of the Road to Hana - the journey itself is more rewarding than the destination. From Go Hawaii (at this link),
Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hana, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului, however the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it's fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views.
The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. The road leads you through flourishing rain forests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the lovely views, so get an early start and take your time on your drive.
We planned an entire day to soak up the coastline, waterfalls, and even unexpected sights ...
... such as this spider weaving its web!
Despite its windy roads, we found pullovers to take photographs of the gorgeous seascapes.
We exclusively used MAUI REVEALED as our guidebook. Written by locals, this amusing travel guide directed us to an unmarked lava tube ....
... that provide plenty of adventure ...
... and ultimately lead to a tropical paradise!
I have a new promotion for April - CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH. I will select one US reader, one Canadian reader, and one International reader from all my blogs posts in April at SOS ALOHA, THE READING REVIEWER, and ALOHA ON MY MIND. The US winner can select up to 10 books (to fill up a small flat rate box) from my current convention stash to make room for new books coming from RT 2012. The Canadian and International readers can select one book, too!
CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH is open through Monday, April 30, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, May 1.
Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hana, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului, however the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it's fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views.
The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 620 curves and 59 bridges. The road leads you through flourishing rain forests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the lovely views, so get an early start and take your time on your drive.
We planned an entire day to soak up the coastline, waterfalls, and even unexpected sights ...
... such as this spider weaving its web!
Despite its windy roads, we found pullovers to take photographs of the gorgeous seascapes.
We exclusively used MAUI REVEALED as our guidebook. Written by locals, this amusing travel guide directed us to an unmarked lava tube ....
... that provide plenty of adventure ...
The banyan tree forced an opening in the lava tube. Seeds, water, and sunshine followed to create a rain forest!
What is your favorite sight from Mother Nature - coastline? waterfall? mysterious cave? rain forest? One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs will win a book choice from my convention stash. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, April 7, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 8.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
CLEAN OUT MY CONVENTION STASH is open through Monday, April 30, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, May 1.
Mine is the waterfall. I'm hoping to see Victoria Falls in person one day.
ReplyDeleteI love coast lines where there are arches created by wave action.
ReplyDeleteThat lava tube looks like a fun place for the boys to play! I love beaches, waterfalls, rivers...
ReplyDeleteWow, Kim! Another wonderful set of pictures. I loved the cove one so much I captured it and made it my background on my phone. Now whenever I press the home button, it's like a moment of ahhhh.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to choose a favorite sight from mother nature I'd have to go with coastline. There's something about the colors, textures, smells and even the taste of the salt in the air that makes me feel grounded and at home.
i love waterfall
ReplyDeleteMy favourites to see are waterfalls and coastlines. Great pictures, Kim, and the lava tube looks very interesting and it sounds like a good adventure to go find it in the first place :)
ReplyDeleteI love driving through the Atchafalaya Swamp on I-10 in Louisiana, between Baton Rouge and Breaux Bridge. There is water, wildlife and foliage on both sides of the road. It’s just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Kim. Thanks.
I don't think I have one favorite. There seems to be marvels to see all around us. The problem is taking the time to really see.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a favourite either. I like them all.
ReplyDeleteSea to Sky highway in British Columbia is breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteThe mountains, water, and eagles flying, wow.
Your pictures are the same gorgeous.
I enjoyed looking out at both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It's an amazing sight!
ReplyDeleteThat's so hard to pick! I've seen some amazing waterfalls in my travels, as well as some absolutely gorgeous coastline on the east coast - haven't been to the west coast. Have visited some great caves in NY - still have to do Carlsbad.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I would be a nervous wreck if I were to travel The Hana Highway - as beautiful as it is. Fantastic pics, Kim
Great pics, love waterfalls from yosmite and wheni was in Hawaii
ReplyDeleteKimh
I'd say waterfalls.
ReplyDeleteI would say beautiful waterfalls and forrests. They are both so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI did not realize that you had a third blog till just now. I came to check out this one also. I don't even have time for one blog, let alone 3. congrats to you.
Thanks for the another great giveaway. Love the convention stash giveaway.
christinebails@yahoo.com
The pics are stunning Kim ! The coastline is the one for me it just seems so peacefull !
ReplyDeleteI like forests. Forests and small creeks that you can sit beside and put your feet into.
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures Kim, thank you for sharing them.I love the coastline and waterfalls. Just so peaceful and magical.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
We have many favorites on the road to Hana. The rain forest itself is amazing with the colors, variety of plant species and the slight rain. After spending many years in BC, the rain is different in Maui and it's warmth is wonderful to experience.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! The south side of Maui along the Road to Hana is a decidely different landscape, less forested and more rocky. Did you drive the Road to Hana full circle?
ReplyDelete