Hana is one of those places on Maui that I never get bored of visiting. It is a remote a lush tropical paradise that has retained the Hawaiian culture and embraces you when you arrive. The community is built around a bay on the eastern shoreline of the island of Maui, accessible by a long, narrow and windy road on either direction or by the small Hana airport. There is a spirit in Hana, they call it "mana" in Hawaiian, meaning "life force." It seems as if this "mana" embraces the Hana community and protects it from over development for the time being. It is a strong community of families who have thrived for generations in the area. Many have worked at the Hotel Hana-Maui for decades - just check out the wall of photos of employees next to the concierge desk. 
Fishing, farming, ranching, hunting and traditional crafts are still part of the lifestyle in Hana. The Hana Ranch retains a presence both in town and just outside town along with Hasegawa General Store (a true historic staple out in Hana).
Fishing, farming, ranching, hunting and traditional crafts are still part of the lifestyle in Hana. The Hana Ranch retains a presence both in town and just outside town along with Hasegawa General Store (a true historic staple out in Hana). 
Hana is the home of many famous people, past and present and sometimes you will get a glimpse of them as they take their morning jog along the road or enjoy a beach mat next to you at Hamoa Beach. You never know who you may see in Hana....
One of the largest heiaus, or ancient Hawaiian temples, Kahanu Gardens, is found just before you arrive in Hana town and is a definite must see. It is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden System and you could easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the grounds and marveling at the enormous, hand built and wonderfully restored heiau.
Hana also harbors a stunning red sand beach, 
white sand beach and black sand beach just down the road at Waianapanapa State Park. The red sand beach has turned into a clothing optional beach so be prepared to see anything. The surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing is fun at Hamoa and Koki beach just be sure to check with the local surfers when you arrive on the conditions- the strong currents and surf can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.
white sand beach and black sand beach just down the road at Waianapanapa State Park. The red sand beach has turned into a clothing optional beach so be prepared to see anything. The surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing is fun at Hamoa and Koki beach just be sure to check with the local surfers when you arrive on the conditions- the strong currents and surf can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. 
Designated as a bird sanctuary, idyllic Alau Island capped with a few palm trees, sits just offshore of Koki beach. Hana Bay features the historic harbor and pier with a cute beach, picnic tables, Tutu's cafe and a 
short little hike along the shoreline that leads to a cave which was the birthplace of Queen Ka'ahumanu which is an historic site.
short little hike along the shoreline that leads to a cave which was the birthplace of Queen Ka'ahumanu which is an historic site. 
A few windy miles outside of town, Haleakala National Park dips down to the ocean and contains Oheo Gulch in the area of Kipahulu. This is the area where one of favorite trails winds through the bamboo forest to a 400 ft waterfall called Waimoku Falls and there are pools of water cascading down the hillside, ready for swimmers to take the chilly but refreshing plunge. You will have to pay the fee to enter the national park but it is worth the adventures you will have exploring, swimming, hiking and relaxing in the lush, tropical area.
You just gotta make the drive to Hana one day if you haven't already. Enjoy it, respect it and leave it as you found it, if not a little nicer.
A hui hou,
Aubrey
Some people are truly at ease in front of a lens and others are more reticent. 
Some days it is smooth and calm, revealing what lies beneath. 
These days I am more of a "land lubber," taking photos from the shoreline and getting out on the water every once in a while when my boating friends take pity on me.
I have dropped to my knees on a beach or two, dialing in my polarizing filter to capture the range of colors in the water with the r
The bamboo forest in Kipahulu is one of my favorite places to explore on this island. It is a few miles past the town of Hana and well worth the trip. Below the bamboo forest is what is commonly known to visitors as the Seven Sacred Pools. Funny thing is, there are actually more than seven pools and they aren't sacred. If you get up early and get out to Hana as the sun is just rising like a big orange egg on the horizon, it is well worth the trip. 
Every Spring on Maui, the rolling hills of upcountry are filled with vibrant purple blossoms of the Jacaranda trees. The tree blossoms stay on well into the summer, lending a lavender glow to the hillsides and roadways into Kula, Keokea, Pukalani and Makwao. It is truly a sight to behold especially when the light is just right on the trees in the early morning and evenings. The trees are native to India and the rural legend says were planted upcountry originally to draw visitors to the area and make a scenic byway.
.jpg)
