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Profile of Hana, Maui - Maui's Last Hawaiian Place

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Hana Bay as Seen from Fagan's Cross

In Hana town, the pastures roll right up to the main street. The social centers are the baseball field and the two churches, where, on Sunday mornings, the hymns ring out in the old Hawaiian language and visitors are greeted with fresh flower lei. Hana is truly Maui's "Last Hawaiian Place."

Places to Stay:

The Hotel Hana-Maui, fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation, is tucked among the trees with broad green lawns yawning down to the ocean. You'll find gourmet food, spa facilities and a full menu of vacation activities, from hula lessons to horseback riding.

There are also inexpensive bed and breakfast inns, vacation home rentals and a small resort condominium whose swimming pool is fed by pure mountain streams tumbling from the forests of the old volcano that dominates this end of Maui.

Fagan Memorial Cross:

Paul Fagan was the San Francisco financier who built the original Hotel Hana-Maui. It was Maui's first resort.

After a 30-minute walk up the hill above town you'll find a huge cross erected by the people of Hana in his memory. Once you reach the memorial you can look down upon picturesque Hana Town and Hana Bay. You will find the trailhead directly across the road from the Hotel Hana-Maui.

Hana Bay:

Hana Bay with its long black sand beach is the gathering place for locals on the weekend where you're likely to see local clubs with their outrigger canoes practicing in the late afternoon.

It's a great place for a picnic. You can bring your own or buy a delicious local-style lunch from Tutu's Snack Shop at the Hana Pier. You'll also find a picnic pavilion and restrooms.

Hana Coast Gallery:

The Hana Coast Gallery has become the largest gallery of Hawaiian Arts in the state of Hawaii and a showcase for the fine art and master crafts that reflect the beauty and heritage of the Hawaiian culture.

Considered a cultural gem by Hawaiians and visitors, the gallery features every known fine art and craft medium, including works from exotic Hawaiian woods. It is located adjacent to the Hotel Hana-Maui.

Hana Cultural Center & Museum:

Among the artifacts and memorabilia in this small museum is a collection of compelling photographic portraits of Hana's people. It is also home to a small display of ancient Hawaiian artifacts, stone tools, shells, and a collection of antique Chinese and Japanese bottles. and a beautiful example of the traditional Hawaiian quilt.

Next door is Hana's original jail and court house which was refurbished in 1989 to look much like it did in the 19th century.

Hana Ranch Restaurant:

Newly restored, the Hana Ranch Restaurant is located in the village center and is open for lunch daily and dinners several nights a week. It offers indoor dining in a more casual atmosphere or you can just eat outside in the picnic area. This is a favorite of both hotel guests and the local community. Steaks, ribs and fresh fish are classic dinner fare. Take-out is also available for burgers, salads and more.

Hasegawa General Store:

Established in 1910, the Hasegawa General Store is Hana's oldest family owned business. It has been immortalized in song, burned to the ground in 1990 and quickly rebuilt in 1991.

Now, three generations of the Hasegawa family run and operates this popular store in which you can find virtually anything you might need or want. In it you'll find the only ATM in Hana.

After passing Hotel Hana Maui, you will see Hasegawa General store on the left hand side.

Red Sand Beach:

Kaihalulu Beach is one of Hawaii's prettiest beaches, but it is difficult to reach.

The remains of a caved-in cinder cone have created the beautiful cove in which this crescent-shaped beach is found.

Because it is hard to reach, it remains one of Hawaii's few remaining clothing optional beaches. Swimming and snorkeling are excellent. The water is calm and clear. You can find photos and a full description in our feature Nude Beaches in Hawaii.

Down the Road:

Just down the road from town is the Kīpahulu section of Haleakalā National Park. This is the site of the famous Pools of ʻOheʻo where waterfalls spill into tiered pools leading to the sea. Rangers are on hand to conduct nature walks and advise about the many hiking trails through forests of bamboo, past roaring cascades into the green heart of the island.

Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, who saw most of the world and then fell in love with Hana, is buried near Kīpahulu in the yard of a little country church. His epitaph reads, in part: "If I take the wings of morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea..."

Hana is an anachronism in the 21st century: a place where tradition is alive and aloha is a way of life, where strangers are welcomed and hospitality is as prevalent as nature.