Find Your Own Private Getaway in Secluded Hana, Maui

There are very few places in the world that can claim the grandiose beauty and power of the Hawaiian islands. We often think of Hawaii as some sort of single unit, one magical paradise so alone out there in the Pacific Ocean. In actuality Hawaii is a series of wonderful paradises, separate worlds that each provide their own unique and exotic flavor.

Hana, located on Maui, the Valley Isle, is one of the most secluded, out of the way places in all of the islands. It is also one of the most beautiful. A tiny village of less than 1,000 people, it lies nestled at the northeastern tip of Maui, hidden from the rest of the island by gorgeous mountains.

There is only one road that leads to Hana, a 56 mile stretch from Kahului. The road, although a narrow and somewhat dangerous one as it passes through the mountains (“I Survived the Road to Hana” is a popular t-shirt slogan, although the only requirement to safe navigation is care) offers spectacular views: incredible cliffs, lush vegetation and an amazing number of waterfalls so close to your vehicle you can almost touch them.

The journey to Hana is only the beginning, however. Once you arrive in quiet, hidden Hana you feel as if you have stepped into another world. There is truly no other place like it on the place of this earth. Buried away beyond the mountains, you feel as if you have exited the high-paced world that we live in today and have stepped back to a simpler time, a wonderful paradise where time seems to no longer exist and all that surrounds you is beauty.

Everywhere you look in Hana is a feast for the eyes. The highlight of the area is Hamoa Beach, which novelist James Michener once described as the most perfect beach in the Pacific. Upon being there one would be hard-pressed to disagree with him. A crescent white sand beach, it lies nestled beneath a low-lying cliff, separated from the rest of the island. One must climb down a set of stone stairs in order to reach the beach. Gentle waves constantly come ashore, not large enough for surfing but perfect for swimming.