Unique Maui Destination for Your Vacation Part I

Looking for an unusual destination while you're on your Maui vacation? If you're one of those that prefers to avoid the more crowded tourist areas and take a trek to a place that most other visitors never see, Wai'anapanapa may be one of the spots you're looking for.

Maui consists of two mountains and a valley between them. The airport is located in this valley. If you head out to the far side of the larger of the two mountains (Haleakala), you will find yourself in the jungles of Hana. You'll want to pick up a good map to make sure you know where you are. The route is actually quite simple, but also long and incredibly windy. The trip isn't recommended for those who get carsick easily. You will also want a full tank of gas.

When you pass mile marker 32 on the way to Hana Town via the Hana Highway, you should see a gravel road leading down to Wai'anapanapa State Wayside Park. There should be a sign or two to help direct you.

If you head down the road toward the main parking area on the left, you will find a trail. To be safe, be sure not to leave exposed camera equipment lying around in your car, and don't forget to lock it (as a general rule for anywhere on the island). About that trail, you can follow it to Honokalani black sand beach, located in Pa'iloa Bay. Maui is well-known for its variety in beach sand color, boasting white, black and red sand beaches. White sand is made from bits of coral and shells, while black and red sand are made from lava rock.

Honokalani beach definitely provides more unusual scenery than the typical white sand and palm tree image of paradise normally associated to the island. You'll have to be there and see it to get a sense of how much more exotic it really is. As for the water, pay close attention to the conditions because while it can be beautifully calm, it is usually turbulent and not always safe for swimming, as the signs will tell you. There is no reef here to break or slow wave action, so waves are strong and so are the currents.

While you're on the beach, you may take the opportunity to explore the cave opening to the right. The entrance is narrow but the cave opens inside, leading you to a spot where you can enjoy an open view of the ocean on the other end. If you're a photographer, you'll have a field day with the interesting scenes you can capture here.

We'll tell you more about the lures of this unique Maui destination next week. Yes, there's more!

In the meantime, you may want to browse our Maui vacation rental condos or our home rentals. You do have the option to book your vacation online, but if you require our assistance, you'll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo and we'll see you next week!