The Hawaiian Beach Town Locals Hope Stays off Tourists’ Radar

It’s hard to imagine a trip to the Hawaiian Islands without throngs of tourists. And yet, in most cases, this doesn’t deter people because the islands are just so lovely. However, there is a hidden beach town on the island of Maui that might just be the ticket for those looking for a rural and uncrowded place to visit. 

What Makes This Hidden Coastal Town in Hawaii So Special

Although Hana may fly under the radar today, you may be surprised to learn how important the area has been to Maui’s history. An extremely fertile lay of land, this was one of the earliest settled areas on the island and has long carried ties to royalty due to its status as a summer residence for the ruling family. It was also a heavily battled area due to its close proximity to the Big Island and was actually controlled by opposing tribal forces in the mid-1700s. Later, as the area became more focused on agriculture and the sugar trade flourished, the famous Road to Hana was built. 

While the Road to Hana is extremely popular with tourists (and downright overcrowded at times), the town of Hana itself is not. This seems odd, as the name of the town itself is embedded in the famous drive. But locals appreciate the lack of tourism in this gorgeous little town, and many have regarded it as a slice of "real" Hawaii, with a close-knit community that carries deep connections to the landscapes around them.

The Best Things to Do in Hana, Hawaii

Of course, it's no surprise that the best things to do in Hana are related to nature. For a town on a group of islands known to be paradise, can there even be a different answer? In Hana’s case, the area feels unspoiled by overcrowding and an urban sprawl that affects bigger cities like Honolulu on O'ahu. The beaches in particular are quite unique, with the crescent-shaped Kaihalulu Beach containing red sand, and Honokalani Beach in Wai'ānapanapa State Park containing black sand (or, black pebbles to be more accurate). The state park and beach require reservations for tourists, but Kaihalulu Beach does not. The land around Kaihalulu Beach is disputed, so it's recommended to take pictures from afar rather than using the slippery (and somewhat dangerous) trail to the beach itself.

Outside of the beaches, there’s the one long road (the famous, beautiful, and popular Road to Hana) that connects this quiet beach town to the rest of Maui, and on either side, lush rainforest stretches in every direction with waterfalls dotting the hills and connecting streams to the ocean. Just off the road, you’ll find little roadside stands with local goods like fruits or banana bread (Hana Farms Roadside Stand is just one option). Then there are other places to visit, like the waterfalls and hiking trails in the neighboring Haleakalā National Park and the Pi'ilanihale Heiau, which happens to be the largest heiau (temple) in the entire state. 

Looking to visit Maui, but want something that feels more authentic to the aloha spirit and not overcrowded by tourists? Then, plan your trip to Hana using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner! And if there are other small towns in Hawaii that you love, let us know by filling out this nomination form. We'd love to hear from you.