Thursday, January 12, 2012

Beautiful Hana



We were fortunate enough to spend a night in beautiful Hana this week. For those of you familiar with the infamous Road to Hana on Maui, you know it is breathtaking scenery and very dramatic driving. It is constant switchbacks reduced to one lane in some parts. Couple that with often impatient, or extremely slow, tourists, and you can see why a relaxing night in Hana might be just the ticket. No need to do that road twice in one day!



We booked spa treatments at the Travass Hotel and proceeded to take our time getting there. It is about a 2.5 hour drive from Paia Town to the little hamlet of Hana. It certainly is reminiscent of "old Hawaii." It is small and sleepy, warm-hearted, and welcoming. The only place to eat, however, is at the hotel or one of the many vendors along the highway that may serve fruit smoothies or BBQ from their little road-side stands. The only restaurant in town was closed for renovation. 



Not to worry, the hotel had everything we needed - and then some. The Travel Channel was there filming the hotel, so watch for it to come up if you're interested in Hana.

I came away with three little shell and gemstone necklaces, two of which will make perfect gifts, and my husband was able to have his first lesson on his new ukulele that was his Christmas gift from Santa. I had a wonderful deep moisturizing facial (to help prepare me for my trip home to the "land of dry" on Saturday.) My husband had a massage, and came away happy as a clam, and relaxed for the next leg of our journey.



We proceeded around the back side of the island and found the most beautiful pools and waterfalls right next to the road! The journey ended in very dry country covered in lava. From desert to rain forest - that's Maui.

It was the perfect little get-a-way. We'll miss the ocean and the warm gentle breezes, that's for sure. My husband will miss the kayack.



But Lucy's sweet little furry face has been missed, so there's reason to go home. That is the only bad part about coming to Maui - we can't stuff our lab under the seat to bring along with us.


19 comments:

Gemel said...

What a piece of paradise, one to add to my list of places to see.

pam said...

Oh it is beautiful, but I'd be missing that sweet face too!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Oh, Nancy. Looks like a most beautiful place to visit. I would have a hard time leaving those waterfalls and natural pools. Glad you had fun.

Brian Miller said...

wow sounds like a great trip nancy...it is good to come home...

DJan said...

What a lovely place! Everyone deserves a getaway now and then. This one looks perfect. But as others have said, that sweet doggie probably missed you as much as you missed him! Your pictures took me right there with you.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful....lovely place...but oh that road....smiles

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Seems like I traded the responsibility of children for dogs and now I can't leave home!! Those falls look fabulous, the road would make me a little crazy!

CrazyCris said...

Gorgeous! Sounds like you guys are having a great holiday! Perfect start to the new year! :o)

Stella Jones said...

Nothing would induce me to travel on that road at the side of the mountain. I've had breathless moments like that in Tennessee and for someone who comes from the Lowlands, it is very scary. Your holiday sounds wonderful though, nevertheless.

R. J. said...

Maui looks like a beautiful paradise to visit. Gorgeous photos.

Trish and Rob MacGregor said...

Stunning! I can't wait to get there.

kate i said...

It looks absolutely amazing and I'm so glad you're feeling better now and able to really enjoy your holiday. I've been to all the other islands except for Maui so hope to get there later this year. I love "laid back", so Hana sounds perfect. Lucy will be doing the wiggle dance when you get home...nothing compares to the greeting of a dog that's over the moon happy to see you!

Leilani Tresise said...

Hana! the retreat for angels! beautiful pictures!!

ds said...

That is some road--and nowhere to go if someone's coming from the opposite direction! Glad you had such a wonderful time.

Rob-bear said...

1. Looks like a truly delightful place.
2. Seems you've been having a wonderful time.
3. What present did you take home for Lucy?

Pat said...

Looks like a beautiful, peaceful place to cleanse the body AND mind!

Nancy said...

Rob-bear - She was right at the door - we just brought ourselves, but it seemed to be enough, :-)

Trish and Rob MacGregor said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Trish and Rob MacGregor said...

oops - I copied and pasted it! Cute!