This is what paradise looks like.

A visit to Maui is not complete without traveling the Road to Hana, or the Hana Highway, which offers some of the most gorgeous scenic views of the Hawaiian Islands. Even though this legendary road is only 52 miles (84 km) long from Kahului to Hana, it takes the average driver around three hours and can be quite a challenge to navigate, because of how narrow and winding it is. There are about 620 sharp curves and 59 bridges, 46 of which are one-lane bridges. I’d read that the road can take such a toll on one’s nerves, that it’s also known as the “Divorce Highway,” because the stress from driving on the road has caused quite a few arguments among couples (although thankfully, that was not the case for us). It’s also not a course you should undertake if you are prone to carsickness because of how windy it is. Sounds awful, doesn’t it? Well, we were told that it was well worth all the inconveniences, because there are so many stunning scenic views along the way; everyone who had been to Maui encouraged us to go on the Road to Hana, so we knew it was not to be missed during our time there. We at first questioned our own sanity for taking a toddler on such a long, treacherous trip, but we hoped for the best and planned to dedicate Day 6 of our trip to the Road to Hana. Because most people make frequent stops to hike and check out the breathtaking sights along the way, it is advised to dedicate a whole day to the excursion (the three hours mentioned above is driving time only). We’re so glad that we did make the effort to go, though, because we were treated to some of the most incredible views, and we were able to see for ourselves why they call it Heavenly Hana!

We left Kihei in the morning, so it took us over an hour to get to the start of the Road to Hana in Kahului. Towards the beginning, I was getting so carsick from all the winding roads that I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to handle the whole trip. Thankfully, the motion sickness subsided for me after the first half hour.

Halfway to Hana in Keanae
Stopping at Halfway to Hana in Keanae

 

Dan and Mio, moments before Dan injured himself badly while trying to protect Mio.
Mio taking a much-needed break from the car. This was actually moments before Dan injured himself badly in the knee when he tripped and protected Mio from the fall.

 

A stop along the Road to Hana
A view along the Road to Hana.

 

We made a stop at the Hana Lava Tube, which is also known as the Ka’eleku Caverns. It’s one of the world’s largest lava tubes, and you can explore 1/3 mile of unusual underground formations that were created by an ancient subterranean river of lava! Liquid rock flowing through the passages one thousand years ago has cooled into myriads of beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone.

Descending into the cave.
Dan is excited to go into the lava tube. Mio, not so much.

 

Descending into the caverns.
Descending into the caverns. The cow skull is there because cattle ranchers used to dispose of the remains of slaughtered cattle in this lava tube.

 

Entering the Ka'eleku Cave.
Entering the Ka’eleku Cavern.

 
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