Hi, we're leaving for Maui in 2 weeks, this is going to be our second visit. We loved the wild, uncommercial feel of Hana on our last visit and decided to stay at Hotel Hana Maui this time.
Could some one please recommend some hikes and other activities around that area, we've already hiked to the falls in the park past Hana and loved it.
Also, would really appreciate some recommendations for where to get surfing lessons.
Mahalo!

I remember doing a spectacular coastal hike in Waianapanapa State Park It was around a five mile hike with gorgeous views and terrain.
-Bill

In Hana, the best activities are no activities. We spent a week there last year and we didn't do too much. I like Hamoa Beach. You can hike Waianapanapa. You can really soend an entire day exploring the state park. There is the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku and Makahiku Falls. Is this the hike did before, perhaps? Beyond Hana, in Kaupo, you can pick up the Pi`ilani Trail and hike the six miles or so unitl it connects with the Hoapili Trail to Makena. A much more challenging hike begins at the same point but goes up Haleakala on the Kaupo Gap Trail. I've not done this one yet.

There are also lava caves and there is at least one tour operator in Hana who specializes in lava tube tours.

I used to really enjoy the red sand beach at Kaihalulu, but the last time we were there it was way too crowded and overrun with people with kids. What used to be a nice, secluded, quiet beach turned into round one of a shouting match between a group who brought their kids there and then confronted those who were sunbathing au naturale for offending them and their precious offspring. I guess the authors of the dreaded book failed to mention that this is a popular clothing optional location and that the hike is a bit dangerous, with loose cinders and steep drop-offs and not really for kids.

I don't know of any surf instructors in Hana, unless you can find someone at Hamoa who will give you a lesson. I have taken private lessons with a dude in Pa`ia, but there are planty surf schools operating in Kihei and Lahaina. Personally, I am having a hard time distinguishing one surf school from the other after watching them give lessons. Some instructors are more patient with kids, but it seems to me that this is based more the indivdual instructor, not who signs his checks. And I have noticed that the instructors change employers regularly. An intriductory lesson is pertty much the same no matter where you take it. I would recommend you take a private lesson though. the cost is not much different and you will get more bang for your buck.

thanks here_today, yes we did the hike to Waimoku (THAT was the name!) falls last year. Also spent some time at the red sand beach which was interesting (our first such experience!) How do you get to Pi`ilani trailhead and how long would the hike take approximately? Any waterfalls along this way?
It would be great to get a lesson in
Pa`ia, is there a surf shop there that rents boards?
Bill-thanks for the tip, will try that hike too.

Oh, and any good off shore snorkelling spots around Hana? or if not which would be the nearest?
thanks

If you go to the ranger station at `Ohe`o Gulch, they will have a brochue on hiking in Kipahulu that will show you the King's trail. Stop and get that and ask the ranger about the conditions. We've been really dry, so unless a Pacific storm blows in between now and then, conditions should be fine. There will be no waterfalls--this is a desert hike. Take lots of water. I love this area, btu I am a from SoCal, so I enjoy a good barren desert hike.

I am not big on snorkeling, but I have heard that both Waianapanapa and Kaihalulu are good snorkeling spots in east Maui. I've seen people snorkeling at Hamoa as well, but I have no idea if this is a good spot or not. I've also heard there is good snorkeling at the lighthouse at Hana Bay, but the currents there can be dangerous. I am not sure I would try it.

In Pa`ia there are plenty surf shops--it's a surf town! We are partial to Hi-Tech and Hana Hwy Surf Shop.

Are you staying the whole time in Hana?

here_today,
I don't want to hijack this thread, but...Wow! It sounds like many of the attractions around Hana are getting ruined or at least spoiled. Your post here was the second time in a few days you mentioned places around Hana being "overrun". I have not been to the Hana area in around 10 years. If I went back today and visited all of those wonderful hidden treasures would it be that much different? By the way, thanks for all of your well informed posts on this forum. They are very welcome!
-Bill

I think you would be surprised at how different things are from 10 years ago. Alas, places that were once hidden from the average tourist are now on the daily event schedule. Once, to get to a place like Kaihalulu you had to have some inside info, and many secret places were only shared with those who you felt would also respect the area. Now these places are easy to find and seem to be on a visitor checklist of some kind, where they hurry from one page of the guide book to the next. The last time we spent the day in Hana we spent a good amount of time just sitting and watching what looked a forced march, with parents rushing cranky kids in and out of the car at various places, rushing to get to the next one. Sadly, this is not what a trip to Hana should be about. It should be about exploring, taking one's time, enjoying the natural beauty and smelling the plumeria, so to speak.

I recently read an article that told how many cars travel the Hana Hwy to east Maui each day. I forget the exact figure, but it was a lot. But, when anyone asks if they should go to Hana, I always tell them YES! It is an experience I think everyone who comes here should have. It's a double-edged sword--I complain about the traffic and the number of people, but then I encourage everyone to see it for themselves.

We have found that the visitors come in the middle of the day, and we have learned to enjoy our favorite places very early or very late in the day.

here_today, thanks for all the great advice, we're lucky to have you on this forum.
yes, we plan to stay in Hana the whole time. any tips on any evening/nighttime activities in Hana? we do plan just to take it easy and explore, my wife and I are avid backpackers and fanatical about environmental protection so any "secrets" you can share will be safe with us!
You know that cross on the hill above hotel Hana Maui? the walk up there is quite nice, any trails leading out that way?
Thanks again for all your help.

Is a 4X4 an absolute must for the Hwy 31 loop past Hana / Kaupo ?

I spent a week in Hana last year, and it was not long enough. We have a weekend planned for October and I am trying to convince DH we need more time, but he has this work ethic that prevents him from just telling clients he's taking some days off! Damn him!

Nightime activities include Monday night karaoake at the Hana Ranch Restaurant or live entertainment at the Paniolo Lounge at the Hotel. You will have to eat either at the Ranch Restaurant of the dining room at the hotel, but be warned that Friday at the hotel night is a buffet that is hit or miss. There is hula on Friday though. Wed is pizza night at the Ranch Restaurant. If you want to any groceries you can pick them before heading to Hana, or pick them up at the Ranch Market. They are not that expensive, but the selection is very, very limited. They do have lots of local food, like local-grown, grass, pineapple and lilikoi-fed beef and upcountry produce. You can barbque at Hana Bay if you feel like that sort of thing. Eat at Tutu's snack bar. DH love the loco moco there, I eat the garden or taro burgers.

I asked some friends in Hana abut surf lessons and they told me the hotel can arrange for surf lessons for you. D'oh! The hotel can arange for everything for you. I have had a massage there and I felt it was a bit weak. The massuese was way too gentle for a lomi-lomi, but he was really young and I think he didn't have a lot of experience.

You can hike up to Fagan's Cross, but access is gated, so be sure to go the front desk first.

Here is something else for you. Unfortunately, you will miss the monthy guided tour. We are doing it in September, as have appointments next week, and will be off-island in Aug. http://www.kipahulu.org/

A very good book you migth want to bring with you is Day Hikes on Maui : 55 Great Hikes. It has quite a few hikes around east Maui.

You do not need a 4W drive. Rent a convertible!

Have fun! I am so jealous.