Maui and the Road to Hana
There are few drives in the world as legendary as Maui’s Road to Hana, and after experiencing it for ourselves, it’s easy to understand why. What began as a short family getaway quickly became one of the most memorable adventures of our Hawaiian vacation. Around every bend, the island revealed another breathtaking scene—lush emerald rainforests, towering bamboo groves, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastal cliffs where the turquoise Pacific crashed against ancient lava rock.
The Road to Hana is about far more than reaching a destination. It’s about slowing down, embracing the journey, and discovering the hidden treasures scattered along the way. We explored the striking black sands of Waiʻānapanapa State Park, admired the tranquil beauty of the Seven Sacred Pools at ʻOheʻo Gulch, and found countless scenic overlooks that seemed almost too beautiful to be real.
With more than 600 curves and dozens of one-lane bridges, the drive itself is an adventure, but every mile rewards you with another unforgettable view. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking through tropical forests, or simply pulling over to soak in the scenery, the Road to Hana offers an authentic glimpse into the natural beauty that makes Maui one of the most enchanting islands in the world.
Come along as we share our favorite stops,and the unforgettable moments that made this journey one we’ll never forget.
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Traditionally, a Loco Moco begins with a generous bed of steamed white rice topped with a juicy hamburger patty, a perfectly cooked fried egg, and a rich, savory brown gravy poured over the entire dish. Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
The dish is believed to have originated in Hilo on the Big Island in the late 1940s when a group of local teenagers wanted an inexpensive meal that would fill them up after school. The owners of the Lincoln Grill responded by combining rice, a hamburger patty, and gravy into a single plate. An egg was added later, and the Loco Moco was born. Today, nearly every restaurant, diner, and local café throughout Hawaii offers its own unique version.
Rather than offering a typical tourist experience, the café focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that showcase the flavors of the island. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs used in their dishes are grown nearby, making every meal feel as fresh as the scenery surrounding it. Whether you’re stopping for breakfast, lunch, or simply a refreshing smoothie, you’ll quickly appreciate the emphasis on quality and sustainability.
The peaceful, open-air setting provides a welcome break from the road. Surrounded by tropical greenery and the slower pace of Hana, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the simple pleasures of island life. Friendly service and generous portions only add to the experience, making it easy to understand why both locals and visitors speak so highly of this charming café.
If you’re planning a drive along the Road to Hana, consider making Hana Harvest Café more than just a quick stop for a meal. Take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor the flavors of Maui. It’s the kind of place that reminds you some of the best travel experiences aren’t found at famous landmarks—they’re discovered around a table, sharing good food in an unforgettable setting.
Some of the best memories came from the unplanned stops. A quick pullout became an incredible photo opportunity, and a short walk often revealed a view we would have missed if we had been in a hurry.
“How much you wanna make a bet I can throw a coconut over them mountains?… Yeah… Coach woulda put me in fourth quarter, we would’ve been state champions. No doubt. No doubt in my mind.”
Rebecca is only smiling for the camera. She is really terrified of every sort of bird.
The historic Wananalua Congregational Church has stood in the heart of Hana since 1858. Built from lava rock and surrounded by swaying palms, it’s a quiet reminder of Maui’s rich history and enduring island spirit.
One of the countless waterfalls that make the Road to Hana so unforgettable. Around nearly every bend, another breathtaking cascade reminds you why this journey is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Hana was every bit as charming as we’d hoped—a quiet little town where time seems to slow down. But as we began the drive back, I couldn’t help but realize that Hana wasn’t really the highlight of the day. It was everything that led us there: the waterfalls around every bend, the lush rainforests, the roadside fruit stands, the breathtaking coastal views, and the countless moments that made us pull over and simply take it all in. Life has a way of teaching the same lesson. We spend so much time focused on reaching our destination that we sometimes forget to appreciate the journey. If the Road to Hana taught us anything, it’s that some of life’s greatest memories are made along the way, not just at the finish line.
Happy travels,
Big John
Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America.
The Paumalu Bunker Hiking Trail on Oahu’s North Shore
For the most part, only locals with intimate knowledge of the North Shore are familiar with the Paumalu Bunker that overlooks the Banzai pipeline on Sunset Beach. However, most mainlanders can easily describe the legendary conditions out on the Banzai Pipeline of Sunset Beach. The Banzai Pipeline is a famous surf reef break off of Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea. The pipeline hosts some off the most gnarly surfing competitions in all of North America. With waves reaching as high as 20 feet in the winter months, it is no wonder that surfers and non-surfers alike flock to this sandy shore to see surfing professionals risk life and limb for the glory of the sport.
Since I am by no means a serious surfer, and I did not wish to go to my watery grave on any Pacific Island, I chose to participate in a much-lesser known excursion in the area involving dry land – the Paumalu Bunker Hiking Trail.
The island of Oahu is littered with numerous bunkers and pillboxes which defended her coastlines during WWII. Most of these defensive positions, if not all, have become popular hiking spots on the island.
Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America and tagged Banyan trees, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu, Paumalu Bunker.
Hiking Up the Lanikai Pillbox Trail with Precious Cargo
The precious little girl you see pictured below is Selah, and not unlike her daddy, she loves a good adventure. Selah has completed many hikes in the Aloha State, most of which she did while perched high on her daddy’s back. As with most hikes, the Lanikai Pillbox trail being no exception, I like keeping her up high where she can navigate the terrain. Her daddy has a habit of sometimes stumbling off the designated path and getting lost.
The Lanikai Pillbox hike on Kaiwa Ridge is one of the most popular hikes on all of Oahu and well worth the effort despite it being heavily trafficked. This moderate hike, located near the beautiful community of Kailua, is 2.9 kilometers long and offers hikers an abundance of wild flowers and spectacular views. The Lanikai Pillbox hike trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Aside for the rare occurrence, the hike is easily accessible 365 days a year.
(more…)Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America.
The Historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel
In all of Oahu, there is perhaps nothing more iconic than the luxurious Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach. Opening its doors on February 1, 1927, the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” has been receiving guests for close to a century now. Patrons of the hotel have included everybody from military personnel on R&R during the Second World War, to glamourous Hollywood stars looking for some Hawaiian fun under the sun. In my eyes, there have been no visitors more noteworthy than my very own daughter, Selah Mattie. She had a ball exploring the hotel’s grand halls and corridors while creating a small bit of mischief along the way. Luckily, that rambunctious two-year-old had her daddy close by to help navigate her path.
The iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel is one of the most recognizable man-made features on Oahu.
(more…)Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged Hawaii, Oahu, pink hotel, Pink Palace of the Pacific, Royal Hawaiian hotel, Waikiki.
Outrigger Canoe Paddling in Pearl Harbor
Outrigger canoeing has been a part of Hawaii’s history and culture since ancient times; and in my opinion, there is truly no better way to experience Hawaii than from the seat of one of these canoes. I had the privilege of getting my oars wet for the first time when I, along with a team of my coworkers, recently met at Rainbow Bay Marina in Honolulu. The Rainbow Bay Marina is a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facility for military members and their families stationed on the island of Oahu. The marina, located just outside the Arizona Memorial on Pearl Harbor, offers a variety of boats and other activities for fun times on the water.
These canoes weigh roughly 900 pounds each!
One of the most challenging things about outrigger canoes is just getting the crafts launched into the water. We were lucky that we had a pretty large paddling crew to all lend a hand. These canoes weigh roughly 900 pounds each! (more…)
Posted in Adventure Fitness, Hawaii, North America and tagged Hawaii, Oahu, outrigger canoe, pearl harbor.