Foodies & Roadies: Aloha Maui!! -Day3

Anthony's Coffee Company

Today is the day for rainforests! Yes, we are headed to Hana to experience the infamous Road to Hana and we survived it!! SO after researching a lot on the net, my husband narrowed down on a few waterfalls for us to see. It is considered a very dangerous road with too many curves, and 56 bridges all made in the 1920s! On top of that, most of them are single lane bridges. Therefore we were in for some dangerous driving. It is suggested that we should take our own time and stay the night some where on the way and then return the next day., But we finished in one day, and it went quite well. We started off before sunrise to get breakfast at Paia’s Anthony’s Coffee house. They advertise a lot about their lunch box that they offer for the travel on the road to hana. So we decided we would try it. We had light breakfast at Anthony’s. Lunch consisted of a sandwich, chips, cookies and a drink each.

After getting a full tank of gas we were on our way to Hana. Our first brief stop was at Hookipa beach lookout. Hookipa has humongous waves. Surfers were way into the water riding the waves effortlessly. I always envy such a sport. Just going with the flow, but not being carried away.

The first thing you notice about this road to Hana is the greenery. The wonderful green rain forests all around you just hypnotizes you into a world completely unexpected. The most interesting thing I noticed was the different kinds of trees I could spot. From the tall oaks to the little shrubs, and even flower blooming trees. That splash of orange in the middle of plush green was eye catching and tough to put in words really. Probably my pics will help. We could always spot bright colors in the green background.

One of the old bridges

The next thing you notice on this road is the road itself! It’s the most curvy narrow road ever! Its supposed to have hundreds of curves around 620, and 59 bridges, 46 of which are single lane bridges, a reason why traffic can be a hassle on this road. You need an experienced driver here, or make sure you take turns to avoid strain. Keep in mind the slippery road cause it does rain quite often here. There are so many of these streams running all over that you may not see the curve ahead while trying to catch a quick glimpse of the lovely cascade. Most of the waterfalls do have some space to park your car but it is also possible there are already people at the spot and you may just have to skip the spot for your return journey.

Food it is said by many is scarce and that we need to carry some food and water. Water, I would agree, but not food really. There are quite a few local stalls you will find on this road, and a decent breakfast should do it. One stop you could make is this stall called Half Way To Hana. We had banana bread here. The most delicious one ever I guess!! The snack made us feel really good in this rainforest. It was definitely freshly made. Melts in your mouth and tastes like real banana!

Wailuku Falls

There are so many waterfalls that you will want to stop and have a glance at. We stopped for a quick picture here and there but headed straight to Oheo Gulch falls. But amongst the stops we made, like Keane Peninsula, Wainapanapa state park, I cant seriously pick one as the best. Every spot is so full of just natural beauty. There are also quite a few hiking trails on the way leading to many more falls, but we were hooked on doing trail called Pipiwai trail to the Waimoku falls, our last stop. Now to tell you about the Wainapanapa park, it’s a park that is home to the only black beach here. You will be surprised when you spot it. Words are not enough to describe what a great combination the blue sea, green trees and the black sand here make. Its more like black pebbles actually. Could make a good collection of lava rock. Yes these pebbles are actually lava rock. It is a must see beach even though you may not want to spread your beach towel out and sun bathe here. We tried our luck at this hidden trail on the other side of the entrance. It goes along the edge of the water and takes you to another rocky patch of the same beach. So you get a different angle of the same beach with the waves splashing on the black rock in front of you. A good photographer would get great frames with this spot I am sure! You can also camp here with reservation of course, there are trails that you need to be very careful about hiking, and fishing is allowed too. Check out the link at the end of this page for more details and contacts for reservation. By the way there are restrooms at this park visitor center…

Black sand beach at Wainapanapa State Park

Our next falls was supposed to be Blue Angel Falls. I know it sounds so good to hear! I couldn’t wait to see it. But, but, but, we had no luck here. The lonely, mud road that we were taking to reach the falls, was flooded in between by a stream! A normal occurrence, cause there were warning signs that read keep out if water touches red poles! And they definitely were wet! So we had to turn back…

Oheo Gulch, aka 7 sacred pools is in Haleakala National Park. Entrance is $10, and it is actually the falls that flow right into the ocean. The current was too high when we got there, and we were not allowed to take a dip in them. Yes, If you are lucky, and the water level is not too high, or the current is not too dangerous you are allowed to go and take a dip. We were unlucky here too. The path to the pools was closed with warning Do Not Enter RED signs! Well yes I almost forgot to tell you about these falls and the area around here. So Oheo Gulch is at the bottom, right at the ocean, but this water is flowing from a much higher spot, the Waimoku Falls. Now there are 2 trails, one that is 0.5mi that takes you to a lookout of the oheo Gulch, and a 2.0mi trail up the mountain to the Waimoku falls. I suggest you do both! If you are lucky(atleast luckier than us), you can swim in one of the pools, but otherwise also, you must take the 2mi trail up the mountain. It’s a sure shot, once in a….. I wouldn’t say lifetime, but, an experience you will always remember as one of your best. But please watch your step! It’s a rain forest, its full of trees, and shrubs, and stone, and not the least, slippery mud! So watch your step, watch for the peeks at the stream alongside and soak in the beauty this trail offers you.

Oheo Gulch (7 pools falls)

Makahiku Falls

As you begin your hike you first spot the Makahiku Falls. There is one official look out with a sign, but another if you dare to step onto some hanging rocks… It’s a normal waterfall(normal for what lies ahead on the trail) that splashes into the 7 pools. These pools are formed due to the step like formation of the black rock

View at the overlook

Walking ahead on the trail, you will spot a sign that says overlook. You look over, and you may not see much. Just some water flowing into a rocky cavern. But if you dare to watch your step and slowly climb down a few rocks, you will in fact find a trail with rocky steps leading to this amazing secret lookout of a waterfall at the cavern. Its an amazing sight with the waterfall right beside you, and the mist lightly splashing on your face and flowing into the dark cave… Please don’t miss this, My husband and I had an argument whether it was safe or not to go down there! Well I say its worth seeing, and you cannot miss it. But please be careful, not recommended for kids and older people who are not used to hiking or climbing also. As you hike ahead you will see a huge banyan tree. It’s a shock to see this tree all on its own in the middle of no where. This old tree is a land mark and those who would not like to tire themselves further can turn around after this point.

The Banyan Tree on the Pipiwai Trail

The next sign you see is on a gate that leads to the Waimoku falls. You shut the gate behind you and proceed ahead on the slippery trail. The next surprise you get is the beautiful bamboo forests. Two bridges take you over the gushing water, and you slowly emerge into this dense growth of bamboo. About 40 to 60ft tall, this stretch of bamboo blocks half the sunlight and most of it has a boardwalk through it making your hike simpler( but do watch out for the steps in between too they do camouflage). This was my favourite spot. Never saw anything like this. This rainforest had more and more surprises for us!!

The Bamboo forest

After you hike for about 15min amongst these tall shoots, you are suddenly back into the usual forest. And while you are wondering if you are on the right path, you see a stream flowing in front of you. Its not the end, the rest of the trail lies ahead! So we cross this little stream carefully, with or without shoes, holding on to whatever we can and there are 2 more to cross!! This experience could be a little scary, and dangerous, but with some help you definitely can do it, not so deal breaking as it seems, cause what you are going to see is like conquering a kingdom! While you are looking down to watch your step, you start hearing this roar of water, but nothing in sight. But right around the corner, you are suddenly in front of this gigantic face of rock, pouring down this magnificent waterfall, and spraying its mist all over you.

Waimoku Falls

Standing there in front of this beauty for 15min and just staring at it, I simply drenched in this feeling that it was all worth it. Made me feel glad I was with my husband and both of us could experience this together… ok, I wont get too romantic here now. Moving over, if you want to you could walk upto the falls in the water, but please use caution and go with friends. We did see a few people going up to it for pics but we didn’t dare to go. We just sat in front of it on the rocks with our feet in the cool water. We just could not leave. Not too many people can be accommodated in this area, so we cant really stay on unless we want to go onto the slippery rocks. We had to drag eachother out of there…

Our hike back was easier but it did take another hour. And the drive back home, was no less. Again, it was not me driving, and I could see how the exhaustion took a toll on my husband. So that’s why they say we must stay the night, now I understand!!

Whalers Village at night

Okay,… the evening Is not yet done friends, we still had to catch some dinner remember? So Hula Grill was the place for tonight. This restaurant is in Whaler’s Village, very close to our accommodation at the Royal Lahaina Resort. As directed at the reception, we started walking through the night, under a blanket of stars, along the beach. It was a 20min walk through a golf course, the Sheraton and then along the beach again to reach Hula Grill. Whaler's Village is like a mall with the whalers museum included. Many restaurants and stores for you to explore.

Hula Grill Restaurant

We were seated in the Barefoot Bar, a seating area with sand at our feet. The ambience was nice, there was a short wait but that was ok. Both of us were tired but managed to get a decent meal and drinks. Our drinks were Mai Tai and Ka’anapali Kooler for starters. Their ‘Barefoot creations’ are priced on the higher side but are worth a try. Starters in food were Crab and Macadamia nut Wontons with a spiciest shoyu and mustard dip, and Hawaiian ceviche. Both were something really good! Didn’t expect that flavor in them at all! I loved the wontons a lot and will definitely have more when I get the chance to! But beware the dip, it needs to be served with a fire extinguisher. But thanks to the hostess, she also brings us a sweet sauce that makes this dip milder...that’s all, milder!