DESTINATION

Hāna

Kamehameha's favored wife, Ka‘ahumanu, was born in a cave at the foot of Ka‘uiki Hill, a cinder cone formed during one of Maui's most recent volcanic eruptions. The cave is marked by a plaque near the lighthouse and can be seen from a short trail that begins at Hāna Bay's pier and ends at scenic Red Sand Beach. Blanketed with burnt-red cinder from Ka‘uiki Hill, this remote pocket beach is a popular clothing-optional spot. Note: The trail to the beach is steep and slippery, and no lifeguards are available; visitors should exercise caution. State law officially prohibits nudity on public beaches.

Before World War II Hāna was a busy sugar port. After the war, cane fields gave way to pasture for beef cattle and the town developed into a trade center for surrounding ranches.

Established in 1910, the Hasegawa General Store in the center of town is one of few stores of its type remaining in the islands. Wananalua Congregational Church was built in 1838 of lava rock held together by a cement of pulverized coral rock. The 119-acre Hāna Airport is about 3 miles northwest of town.

Below Hāna, CR 31 follows the coast to the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch in Haleakalā National Park. Rental car contracts prohibit driving beyond the ‘Ohe‘o Gulch on Pi‘ilani Hwy. (CR 31). West of Kīpahulu this road is not recommended for travel, particularly in wet weather. The road is narrow and has sharp curves; a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be necessary after heavy rains. Washouts may be encountered between Kīpahulu and ‘Ulupalakua Ranch during the rainy seasons.