pot of gold

Upper Waikana Falls

Stone Stacking

The Road to Hana is a 64.4-mile stretch of amazing and beautiful sites and sounds of Mother Nature, including beaches, waterfalls, trails, woods and wildlife. The winding road has 59 bridges, of which 46 are one-lane roads that the locals have chosen to preserve rather than widen.

While it had inclement weather prior to our arrival, we were blessed with sunny weather, except for the day that we had planned to drive the Road to Hana. Others probably changed their plans that day, and while we debated on whether to continue with our plans, we were left with the choice of do or don't as it was our last full day on the island. Learning from law of attraction and gratitude, I noted that it would generally be less crowded, and at the end of any rainstorm is a rainbow. 

While many opt for tour books or tour guides, GyPSy Guide provides a self-guided tour based on GPS, a benefit of today's modern technology. Our stops were limited to the bursts of drizzle. In addition to the lushness during our drive, the thunderous waterfalls were rumbling, in some cases spilling onto the roads and bridges. The guide took us through the history of Hawaii from its initial discovery by the Tahitians to its statehood in the United States, including its evolution from indigenous religious polytheistic and animistic beliefs with a social hierarchy to the introduction of Christianity. 

While there is nothing magical about the town of Hana, representing one of the older traditional towns of Maui, the Road to Hana is more about the awe-inspiring journey to Hana, with the vast detours and adventures one can choose to embark to see nature in all its glory and the wildlife like monk seals and sea turtles.

Although the day was getting long, the guide suggested we go past Hana to see the 7 Sacred Pools, a misnomer for marketing purposes. As we were approaching the turn to Hana, the break in the clouds seemed to be calling us to 'Ohe'o Gulch where the pools can be found. As we climbed up the rocky trail towards the sea cliff, the universe reminded us that there is a rainbow waiting for all of us. Life is about the poles, to appreciate the highs, one must muster through the lows. Yet, in seeing the beauty throughout our journey to Hana, it was difficult for me to see the rainfall as anything but part of the beauty of Mother Nature.