Okanagan Woman Magazine: Road to Hana

After four weeks in Maui, I have replenished my stores of Vitamin D and am still lucky enough to have another five weeks on this island paradise in front of me. Yet yesterday I felt sad.
That’s because my BFF of almost forty years, Lorna, had to fly home. Lorna and I have supported each other through career changes, marriages, split ups, raising our children, the loss of loved ones and every major (and minor) life event. And this past week, we shared the beauty of an outstanding week on Maui. Yesterday morning, knowing her departure was imminent, we wandered down to the beach and stood knee deep in the ocean while waves crashed around us. As it is with best friends, talking isn’t always necessary. We just soaked up the moment and appreciated all the past week had to offer.

Koki Beach

Dean and I had already been in Maui for 3 weeks by the time Lorna showed up and we’d been scoping out excursions and saving the best to share with her. Of course, how can you know what is the best until you experience it? So, based on the advice of brochures and locals, we planned our road trip to Hana for her arrival.

“It’s windy” all the brochures warn. They also say, “Plan to spend the day. Stay over if you can.” This is good advice. The actual distance to Hana is only about 50 miles from Kahului, but its 59 bridges (46 are one lane) and 620 curves make it slow going. We were on the road for a solid four hours (one direction), including stops for banana bread, fruit smoothies, roadside waterfalls, a closer look at a rainbow eucalyptus tree, a pee break, outstanding coastline views, a detour to stunning Koki Beach, eventually stopping at Haleakala National Park (Kipahulu trails area) home of the seven sacred pools and the Bamboo Forest.

It is almost 2 o’clock by the time we arrive at the Park and our goal is to see the Bamboo Forest. The seven sacred pools will have to wait for another day. We parked the car ($10 a car load) and set out for the Pipiwai Trail, past Makahiku waterfall (about 200 feet high) through the Bamboo Forest to the impressive 400 foot Waimoka Falls. Let me say this. Every step along this two mile (one way) hike – often uphill, uneven, muddy ground – is worth it. If you visit Maui, do not miss this opportunity. It is an experience I will always cherish, made even more exceptional because it was shared with my two best friends.