Many locals make their home in Hana and the environs. In order to preserve Hawaiian culture, Hana has fought a long and good battle against overdevelopment. Be considerate.

Zip Codes in East Maui: 96713

1. The Road to Hana:  Enjoy amazing views, walk under waterfalls, rest on black sand beaches, stop for banana bread at a road side stand, picnic in a bamboo forest, pull over to let the cows go by.....
2. East Maui Taro Festival: 
   
3.  Farmers' Markets: For a taste of local flavor, check out one of East Maui's farmers' markets. You'll find fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, as well as handmade crafts and jewelry.
4. Haleakala National Park: The East entrance is just past Hana, near Kipahulu and offers some amazing hikes, bamboo forests and more.
5. Several Churches dating back to the early 1800s
6. Charles Lindbergh's grave site
7. Local Art and a collection of Herb Kanes work at the Hana Coast Gallery

Welcome to East Maui, where adventure awaits and boredom takes a permanent vacation! Grab your reef-safe sunscreen and your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, East Maui has something for everyone

Things to do for the Adventure Seeker in East Maui

Road to Hana:

Strap on your seatbelt and get ready for a wild ride along the famous Road to Hana. This scenic route takes you through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and over narrow bridges. Just be sure to bring some snacks, because there aren't many places to stop for food.

Waterfalls:

East Maui is known for its stunning waterfalls, and you won't want to miss them. Some of the most popular include Wailua Falls, Twin Falls, and Seven Sacred Pools. Just be sure to bring your camera, because these waterfalls are Instagram-worthy.

Wai'anapanapa State Park:

East Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park. This stunning park also boasts sea caves, and rocky cliffs. Visitors can swim in the clear blue water, explore the caves, or hike along the coastline. To get there, take the Hana Highway and look for signs to the park as you approach Hana from Paia. 

Haleakala National Park:

 If you're an early riser, head to Haleakala National Park for a sunrise that will take your breath away. This stunning park is home to the dormant Haleakala volcano, which towers over 10,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can hike through the otherworldly landscape of the crater, or watch the sunrise from the summit.. The park also offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and stargazing at night.

Bamboo Forest Hike:

For a more adventurous hike, head to the Bamboo Forest (a few miles beyond the town of Hana). This trail takes you through a dense forest of towering bamboo, with streams and waterfalls along the way.  You might even spot some rare birds and insects along the way. To get there, follow the Hana Highway and look for signs to the trailhead.

Things to do for History Buffs in East Maui

Charles Lindbergh's Grave:

Located in the town of Kipahulu, Charles Lindbergh's grave is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts. Lindbergh, the famous pilot who made the first solo transatlantic flight, spent his last years in Maui and was buried here in 1974. To get there, take the Hana Highway and look for signs to the grave site.

Churches:

East Maui is home to a variety of historic churches, many of which date back to the 19th century. 

Wananalua Congregational Church in Hana:

Corner of Hana Highway approaching Hana and across from HOTEL HANA

Built in 1832 and still an active part of the community, the Wananalua Congressional Church is the oldest Church in Hana and hosts Kings Chapel and other services, local concerts and more.

Palapala Ho'omau Church in Kipahulu

 0.2 miles south of mile marker 41 on Hana Highway.

Built in 1857 and not to be confused with St. Paul's Church which is viewable from the highway, the Palapala Ho'omau Church is home to Charles Lindbergh's gravesite. It also famous for a window painting of a Polynesian Christ adorned in the red-and-yellow capes made of feathers that were reserved for members of the highest Hawaiian royalty.  (to the right - Makai (ocean) side St- of the alter)

Huialoha Church in Kaupo

About 10 miles south oof Kipahulu...  Built in 1859. Access is difficult, please be respectful of private property.

Kaupo,  a remote, sparsely populated, sustainable ranching community is a district of ancient Hawaii of Maui island.  Completed in 1854 The Huialoha Church was built by hand using coral from the ocean baked in an imu and made into mortar, rocks and lumber from the forest above.  It has undergone several major repairs thru the years.

St Joseph's Church in Kaupo

 Built in 1862.  A turnstile at the roadside property entrance allows access by visitors and the local community at all times.

St Joseph's is located on a promontory high above the sea with a spectacular view of Hawaii's Big Island on a clear day. Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds where, the Church building, the walls of the former stone-construction Rectory, as well as that of a cistern used many years ago

Things to do for Art lovers in East Maui

HANA COAST GALLERY

One of the top art galleries in the state, Frommer's magazine called the gallery "the main reason to go to Hana." A spacious, 3,000-sf space it has an amazing collection of Herb Kane works, (Herb Kane was one of the most influential Hawaiian artists and devoted his life to studying Polynesian culture and history). In addition you'll find  paintings, sculptures, featherworks, glass, stoneworks, etc from many other artists.

Where to find Food in East Maui

East Maui is rural .Dining options exist in Hana (restaurants) and on the way (road side stands, food trucks and markets).

East Maui Taro Festival:This annual festival takes place in the town of Hana in April. and celebrates the staple crop of Hawaii, taro. Visitors can sample traditional taro dishes, watch hula performances, and participate in workshops on taro farming and preparation

Hana has a few dining options, ranging from casual to upscale. Here are a few of the most popular

• Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill:11:00am-2:30PM M-F
  This roadside stand serves up some of the best barbecue on the island. Try the pulled pork or the beef brisket, and don't forget the macaroni salad. jJust about a mile past the world-famous Hasegawa General Store - Look for the sign that says LAST FOOD STOP
• Hana Ranch Restaurant:11AM 9PM
  Located in the historic Hana Ranch House at Hana-Maui Weston Hotel, this restaurant offers farm-to-table cuisine in a beautiful setting. Try the grass-fed beef or the fresh catch of the day.
• Thai Food by Pranee:10:30AM-4PM
  This unassuming restaurant serves up some of the best Thai food on the island. Try the pad thai or the green curry, and don't forget to ask for extra spice if you like it hot.
• Hana Farms: This farm-to-table cafe serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and smoothies using fresh ingredients grown on the farm. Try the grilled cheese with tomato jam or the acai bowl

Where to Stay in East Maui

How do I find Vacation Rentals in the East Maui and Book Directly with the Host?

At this time our website has no legal vacation rentals available in East Maui. Should you have a legal, permitted rental we would love to take a look and if appropriate, add it to our site. CONTACT US

There are some legal bed and breakfast and vacation rentals here but many of those you find searching on line are not permitted. Be aware that Maui is serious about closing down illegal rentals so if you don't want to run the risk of finding the accommodation you rented padlocked, use due diligence.

The historic Hana-Maui Resort is a luxurious but expensive retreat. It may be the only accommodation in East Maui with A/C and TVs in rooms.

Many of the locals make their home here. In order to preserve Hawaiian culture, Hana has fought a long and good battle against overdevelopment. Please be considerate.

Though most people make this a one day trip, If your goal is to experience the "historic Maui", we suggest you spend the night.  Hire a guide and have them help you explore in the morning before the road and waterfalls get over run with visitors.  

If you only have time for a one day trip, spare the stress and HIRE A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE - you'll get the most out of your time - learn some history of the region, hike the best spots, miss most of the tourists and picnic for lunch in places you have only dreamed of.

Rent a Car - yes, you can do this trip in your own rental car and even complete your trip back to Wailuku without back tracking. We have done this but there is a lot of stress involved the drive - even finding a place to park near a water fall that you have to hike into can get you in trouble. 

Fly: - yup - it's a 15 min plane ride (a bit longer for helicopter with some touring too) from Kahulu to Hana Airport. For a truly relaxing stay combined with great info and safe adventure, stay 2 nites and hire a guide in Hana and hit waterfalls, caves, hikes and historical sites in the area. Fly home or drive back on the Road to Hana (yes you can rent a car in Hana but plan well ahead). Your favorite stops won't yet be crowed going in this direction in the AM

These days when respect for land and people is key to understanding and experiencing Maui, we suggest you hire a local - not just any local but a professional who can help you experience East Maui without inadvertently getting in trouble on private land.

The East Side of Maui, especially heading up Haleakala,  is known for torrential rains. Flash floods wash out roads regularly and the winds whip the surf across the road in many places.  Maui has many micro climates.