Road To Hana

A few days ago we woke up early to drive the road to Hana, which takes about 2-3 hours each way. It's one of the biggest attractions on the island of Maui, and people come from all over the world to experience it. I drove this route the first time I came to the island. The first time I did it the drive was bright and sunny from start to finish. But, this time was much different because it was raining when we got up, and it had been raining steadily for the past 2 days. It was so interesting to see the difference along the drive in comparison to the first time I was here.

It was incredibly foggy, yet 80 degrees. I felt so thrown off by this because back home in Massachusetts its only foggy when its cold out. I felt like someone was playing a strange joke on me. The views along the road weren't quite as clear obviously, but the vegetation was extremely lush and overgrown. I had never seen anything quite like it.

As we continued our drive we encountered mud slides that were so bad the road was down to one lane (because of all the rain over the past few days). I wish I had snapped a photo, but clearly I wasn't thinking. The road to Hana also has 49 or 50 bridges that one must drive over, and most of them have waterfalls, which offer some amazing views. Pictured above is one of my favorite ones I managed to take a photo of. The first time I saw this waterfall it was barely anything, however, the rain was so heavy that this thing was a monster. We could barely hear each other talking over the sound of the water crashing down. 

As we continued on our way we also made a stop at Waianapanapa State Park, which is home to this beautiful black sand beach. We walked down to the water and let the waves wash over our feet, but that was about it. I was quite hesitant to go swimming because there were signs everywhere warning about the undertow and the water being full of man-o-war.

The black sand beach also had this cool little cave that led down to the water. I had a moment to myself in it and enjoyed the crashing of the waves against the shore.

As we continued on our way we stopped by a small stand to purchase some slow roasted coconut chips. I did this the first time I came here so I made sure to bring plenty of cash to stock up since I knew this might be my last time here. There were also a few chickens roaming around the area as well as this fantastic rooster, who had a beautiful plumage. he was fairly friendly and let us get up close and personal with him at one point. We continued on and stopped for some Thai food at a small stand near the Red Sand Beach, however, the beach was inaccessible because of all the rain so we couldn't go. I was pretty disappointed because this was one of the most amazing places I have ever been.

Yet, after our disappointment we discovered something just as amazing. We stumbled upon a beautiful salt and pepper (black and white sand) beach. Hamoa Beach was truly stunning! This was hands down the most beautiful beach I have every set foot upon. The sand was super soft and the water clear as crystal. When I stood at chest deep I could still see my feet. The waves were also quite impressive here too, not quite as big as Baldwin Beach, but worthy of mention nonetheless.

I figured I would end this post with a picture of myself at Hamoa beach because this will most likely be the last major exploration for me here in Hawaii. It seems as though my time here is coming to an end at least for the moment, and I will be returning home soon. At first I had no intention of posting this picture because I hate being photographed. But, I decided to post it not only to prove I was there, but because of the very fact I don't like pictures of myself. As I examine the photo of myself I find appreciation in the fact that it is me in my simplest form. A mere man standing on the shore. A small glimpse at a moment in time. Some day this will be but a memory of time long ago. I am so thankful for to have had this opportunity to explore this place and myself; to have reconnected with friends I deeply missed, and to make a record of my travels.