Hana Coast Agricultural Tourism and Eco-Recreation Guide
Participate in these educational and recreational activities
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1. Hana Gardenland Botanical Gardens. Take self-guided educational tours along grassy pathways winding through the gardens. Through Gardenland's emphasis on Ag-tourism, visitors learn about the agricultural biodiversity of the Hana Coast bioregion.
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2. Kahanu Gardens, National Tropical Botanical Garden. These 464 acres on scenic Honomaele Bay have been the home of native Hawaiians for 800 years. Kahanu Garden has a high quality collection of native plants. The brochure for the self-guided walk explains the relationship between the Hawaiian people and the plants they used. Features the impressive Hale O Piilani Heiau. Heiau is the Hawaiian word for sacred spot, and Piilani Heiau is believed to be the largest remaining ancient structure in Hawaii. Located down Ulaino Road less than 1 mile. M-F 10A-2P.
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3. Tunnel through Hana Lava Tubes at Ka'eleku Caverns. Journey back in time into an underground world unchanged for 30,000 years, through an enormous volcanic cavern system (18th largest in the world). Plus, wander through the Red Ti Botanical Garden Maze. Across the road from Hana Gardenland on Ulaino Road. Self-Guided Cave Tours M-S 10:30A-3:30P. Call 808-248-7308. www.mauicave.com.
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4. Blue Pool. This freshwater pool is mentioned in some guidebooks, but accessed across private lands, is not recommended at this time. No road signs or facilities.
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5. Walk along the ocean at Waianapanapa State Park - Black Sands Beach. One of the most beautiful coastlines in Hawaii. Enjoy volcanic black sands beach, surrounded by half submerged lava tubes, blow holes and caves. Visit a famous mythological fresh water cave. Great place for a picnic lunch, with rest rooms and showers. Walk along the ocean on the King's Road toward Hana town for 2 miles. The entrance to Waianapanapa Park is 1 mile past Hana Gardenland toward Hana Town.
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6. Hana Town. Just 3.5 miles and 7 minutes from Hana Gardenland. This small town offers the Hana-Maui Resort, Hasagawa's store, two restaurants, the Hana Cultural Museum, historical buildings, churches and Hana Bay. Walk to Red Sands Beach.
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7. Swim and Snorkle at Kaihalulu - Red Sands Beach. Near the center of town, past the baseball field and behind Hana Community Center, is a path along the ocean shorline around the edge of the cinder cone to Red Sands Beach, composed of finely ground red cinders. The beach is actually in the caldera of a very old cinder cone with a striking red cliff backdrop. A lava rock barrier protects the beach from waves.
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8. Swim at Hamoa - White Sands Beach. One of the most picturesque beaches in Hawaii, 2.5 miles past Hana town on the way to Kipahulu. Take the road on the left to Hamoa about 1.5 miles. Park along the road and walk down the steps to this small cove beach surrounded by sea cliffs with native vegetation. The beach property is owned by the Hotel Hana-Maui Resort, and most of the facilities are for the guests. The Resort allows the public to use the rest rooms, showers and picnic tables.
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9. Swim at Waioka Pond (Venus Pool). Hang out on smooth rocks and swim in this warm freshwater pool mixed with salt water alongside the ocean. No road signs or facilities. Directions to this private spot are available on request.
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10. Kipahulu 'Ohana Cultural Interpretive Hike and Taro Patch Tour. Join Native Hawaiian guides from the Kipahulu 'Ohana on a hike through history in the Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park, visiting sites representing several eras, arriving at the inspiring beauty of Kapahu Living Farm, where traditional lo'i kalo (taro patches) have been restored to active production with taro and other culturally important plants. Make online guided tour reservations at www.Kipahulu.org.
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11. Swim in the Pools of Ohe'o (The Seven Sacred Pools). Drive to Kipahulu, Haleakala National Park, 20 minutes past Hana on County Road 31. Park at the National Park and take a five minute walk down to Ohe'o Gulch along the stream. Waterfalls cascade into these popular pools for swimming and sunbathing.
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12. Hike up the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls. Walk up from the parking lot at Haleakala Park along the cascading stream for 2 miles passing through an ancient taro farm, guava tree groves and incredible bamboo forest to the spectacular 400 foot high Waimoku Falls. This fabulous hike and constantly changing scenery cannot be missed.
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13. Whispering Winds Bamboo. This organic farm is dedicated to Creating a Culture of Bamboo here on Maui, which will advance sustainability and ecological agriculture on the Hawaiian Islands. Whispering Winds specializes in 41 non-invasive, clumping tropical bamboo species. Located in Kipahulu about a mile after Haleakala Park. Contact whisperingwindsbamboo.com 808 248 7561 for tour information.
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14. Laulima Farms Stand. About one mile past Haleakala Park is the charming and educational Laulima Organic Farm Stand. Laulima grows a diverse variety of crops, like breadfruit, coffee, sugar cane, lilikoi, herbs, and unusual tropicals like ice cream bean. The stand sells pressed-to-order cane juice, coffee drinks made from their own beans and sweetened with cane juice, and delicious baked goods made from their fruit. A great place for refreshment after visiting Haleakala Park. Open daily 10A-5P.
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