5 Best Instagram Moments on the
Road to Hana
LetsgoTRAVELMAUI's 2023
5 Best photo ops
| Road to Hana |
Your Instagram followers will love you!
Aloha Maui travelers! E Komo Mai (welcome!) to LetsgoTRAVELMAUI! We are back with another spectacular blog about The Road to Hana .Today's blog is a bit different because we are going to share our 5 Best Instagram Moments on the Road to Hana. These photo opportunities will be the envy of all your followers. We have traveled the Road to Hana and the back road to Hana too many times to count. Of course this blog should really be titled the "50 best Instagram Moments on the Road to Hana" as there are just too many wonderful and magical places to count.
We give you an insider's perspective of these 5 special and unique places that will make your trip unforgettable. If you have time we recommend staying a night or two in Hana so you won't feel so rushed trying to do all the "must-see" spots in one day. Remember it's Maui... slow down and enjoy the journey!
1. Enjoy Shave Ice in Paia Town
Located in Paia Town, stop for shave ice, local food mixed plates, freshly made ahi poke, locally made banana bread, and Maui souvenirs at Tobi's.
Tobi's Shave Ice doesn't just have Maui's favorite super tasty treat, but they also serve them in biodegradable cups! Another great thing about Tobi's is that it's like a one-stop-shop on Maui's North Shore. They have Hawaii's most famous dessert, local food plates, and some Maui made items like the famous Esky Flavor trucker hats.
Tobi's is an excellent spot for lunch and an afternoon treat, and you can park behind the storefront. Chill, North Shore vibes, tasty grinds, and friendly local service are top qualities of Tobi's in Paia. When at Tobi's, make sure to look at the 'Specials' board to see what's new and fresh. On any day of the week, you'll find shave ice, seared ahi plates, shoyu chicken, hot dogs, chili dogs, fresh ahi poke, acai bowls, coffee, and ice-cold refreshing bevies.
2. Keanae Peninsula
The entrance to the Keanae Peninsula is located just past the Keanae Arboretum on the makai (ocean) side of Hana Highway. Located at approximately mile marker 16, you'll find a snapshot of Old Hawaii, ecological and Hawaiian culture history, and breathtakingly gorgeous East Maui views.
Keanae is a traditional Hawaiian Village that's known for its taro fields. While driving down the road, you will see the historic Keanae Church - built-in 1856. It's one of the only remaining buildings that survived the Tsunami of 1946. Just nearby, visitors can purchase Maui snacks, and locally-made coconut candy at a food stand near the Keanae Congregational Church.
Keanae Congregational Church
The Keanae Arboretum is another fantastic location to explore before heading to the Peninsula. It's a great place to make a stop and stretch your legs from all the driving. The botanical gardens offer an opportunity to see over 150 varieties of tropical plants; native and non-native Hawaiian trees, hibiscus, papaya, taro, and ginger varieties.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/maui/keanae-arboretum-trail
3. Black Sand Beach
Waianapanapa is Maui's famous black sand beach. It's one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture and witness true natural beauty. If you plan ahead of time, you can also make reservations to camp at this Maui beach park.
Wai'anapanapa State Park is found at mile marker 32. Turn left onto Wai'anapanapa Road, and it will lead you to a big public parking lot. The drive down to the beach is through an old Hana neighborhood. More amenities include public restrooms and showers, picnic benches, and BBQ grills.
At Wainapanapa, you will see the most beautiful azure blue waters, a dramatic volcanic coastline, and the black sand beach. The tropical foliage is gorgeous, and visitors should follow all signage and walk only on the trails. Wainapanapa is also an ancient Hawaiian burial site with many archeological points of viewing.
Waianapanapa State Park, Maui, Hawaii
Not many people know there is a "secret cave" on the right side of this beach (as you stand on the beach looking out to the ocean). If you look at where the people are standing on the beach (in the video below)...right behind them is a large cavernous cave (at the base of the stairway).
4. Venus Pool
Aerial view of Venus Pool
This magical place used to be a secret before all the books about Maui exposed this precious gem. Located just after mile marker 48 (you pass through the town of Hana and continue out of town) and right before the bridge you will find a trail that takes you down to the pool. It's about a 15 minute easy hike.
Venus Pool - Always explore your surroundings before jumping in!
You will think you are trespassing as you traverse over farmers land (you are actually crossing the Hana Ranch property and they are gracious enough to allow the Maui travelers and locals to gain access) to get down to the pool. Just follow the worn path and it will lead you to the Venus Pool. When you get to the large round concrete pizza oven looking structure, it's just a few short steps under the trees, and out onto the bluff overlooking the beautiful pool. It's awesome to watch the ocean waves break at the shore and spill into the pool and continuously flush the pond!
Going early morning or late day is the best time to get there before all the tourists arrive. Watch your step when you "jump" in. Be smart and check out your surroundings before you take the plunge. There can be run off debris like palm tree branches, coconuts, etc.. floating in the water. Always know the depth of the pool where you are jumping. We want you to be safe, have fun and make it a memorable Maui experience!
5. Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo
Located in Kipahulu, Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo is situated in East Maui’s Haleakala National Park. The Seven Sacred Pools flow from a rainforest valley and cascade directly into the ocean. See the annotated aerial map below.
Before visiting, make sure to check the County of Maui website to ensure they are open to visitors. If the park is closed, you can still snap an Instagram worthy selfie from the bridge that’s suspended over the pools on the Hana Highway.
7 Sacred Pools Oheo Gulch from the bridge on the Hana Highway
Visiting the 7 Sacred Pools of Oheo is undoubtedly an amazing experience! The sight invokes ‘Maui mother nature’ at its finest with dramatic views that stretch from the mountains to the ocean.
Now that's an Instagram moment
If you plan ahead, guests can camp at the campsite within Haleakala National Park. Usually, there are many campsites available (busy during holidays and long weekends), and each is outfitted with a picnic table and a BBQ. There are also communal restrooms. Camping at 7 Sacred Pools is one of the best ways to experience this East Maui gem. You can fall asleep to a star-filled sky, and awake with the opportunity to swim in the pools without the busy afternoon tourist scene.
Aerial above 7 Sacred Pools - Oheo Gulch - Haleakala National Park
Hike the Pīpīwai Trail
(and feel the power of the 400' high Waimoku Falls)
If you have time for an awesome hike, we highly recommend you hike the 2 mile Pīpīwai Trail and get an Instagram photo you will cherish for years to come. The hike will reward you with the powerful and refreshing 400 foot Waimoku waterfall. The downdraft of the air from the water feels like a giant turbo air conditioner. The hike is a challenge but well worth it. You'll hike through a crackling bamboo forest (it's a bit freaky to hear the bamboo poles clacking against each other in the wind), traverse pedestrian bridges spanning huge pools, and do something healthy for your mind, body and soul!
Pīpīwai Trail - Bamboo forest
Famous Waimoku Falls - Hello Instagram followers
Pīpīwai Trail - a selfie moment at the Banyan tree
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