A Tropical Oasis on Maui for the Whole Family: Hana, Hawai'i

Beaches

Hamoa Beach: Walk down a flight of stairs to reach one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A bucolic, sandy beach, this spot is ideal for dogs and kids. Shorebreak can get a bit rough so just be aware. Pack a lunch and a boogie board and enjoy the light waves. You can easily stay here all day or multiple days if staying locally. There are bathrooms and showers available. Parking can be a bit difficult so be prepared to walk a bit.

Wai’anapanapa State Park: Not to be missed, visit Maui’s only black sand beach, Paiola Beach, nestled on 122 acres. At this sacred location, you’ll find secret caves, a hidden swimming hole, beautiful coastline and lava arch formations. Kids will love the black sand and the different caves to explore. There are hiking trails if you venture away from the beach. This park requires reservations which can be made here

Koki Beach: A beautiful crescent-shaped, red sand beach just down the road from Hamoa Beach. In the summer months, it is a good surf spot for experienced surfers. This beach is not ideal for swimming due to strong currents. If you have kids, stop and take a look but do not allow them in the water. Be sure to hit up Huli Huli Chicken while there. There are no bathrooms or showers.

Hiking

Hike to Fagan’s Cross: This is a medium-level, short hike to the top of Pu’u o Kahaula. Your efforts will be rewarded with one of the best coastal views.

Pools of Ohe’o or Seven Sacred Pools: Located in Haleakala National Park, there is an easy 0.6-mile hike to the seven sacred pools. Be sure to check ahead of time if the pools are open for swimming. Either way be sure to check this park out. Each car is charged a $30 entry fee which is good for three days. Pipiwai Trail is located here as well.

Pipiwai Trail: Also located within Haleakala National Park, this is a 4-mile hike with views of the pools, waterfalls, bamboo forest and jungle. It all ends at the base of Waimoku Falls. Though the hike is a bit challenging, I was able to do it with young kids. The bamboo forest is not to be missed if that’s as far as you can make it.

Sightseeing & Adventure

Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree Grove: On the road to Hana at mile marker 7, you can see a beautiful grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees. These trees shed their bark throughout the year revealing an array of colors. Kids and adults will love seeing these fairytale trees. It’s almost like a treasure hunt.

Hana Ranch Trail Rides: Enjoy a trail ride along Hana’s coast where you get to see the ocean and mountains. You’ll ride on private coastal land among horses and cattle. This is a ride perfect for beginner or advanced riders. They take great care of their horses so there are a few restrictions like weight and height. Book through Hana-Maui Resort.

Hana Lava Tube: This is a fun, family-friendly excursion. The out-and-back subterranean hike takes about 40 minutes. It’s dark and there are some steep stairs, but there are handrails throughout. After your cave exploration, head to the onsite Red Ti Botanical maze. Entrance is $15 for ages 6+.

Hana Ranch Restaurant - Part of the Hana-Maui Resort, this is the only fine dining establishment in Hana. It has the casual atmosphere you would expect from Hana. All that is required is some sandals and a cover up. The menu revolves around locally sourced Hawaiian fusion. The fresh fish dishes are not to be missed, but there is a Keiki menu for the younger palate. Not to be missed is the Hana Ranch Mai Tai which is topped off with a passion fruit foam.

Huli Huli Chicken - Located at Koki Beach, this thatch hut stand offers some of the best chicken you will ever taste. My kids could not get enough of it. If you’re going to stop for a bite in Hana, this is the place to go. Grab a plate, grab some views and enjoy paradise.

Hana Farms Roadside Stand - Here you can find anything from banana bread, pastries, local produce and goods and woodfired pizza! It’s open-air dining with live music on Friday nights. They also stay open until 8pm on Friday and Saturday! Hana shuts down early so this is late night dining. It is a great place for kids to eat and run around.

Thai Food by Pranee - Located across from Hana Ball Park near Hana Bay, this Thai food truck offers mouthwatering food. They open at 11am and closing time varies usually pre dinner. Be sure to try the Drunken Noodles and Opaka Mango Salad. Pranee is an insider's secret when it comes to Hana food.

Shaka Pops -After a day at the beach, nothing hits like a popsicle made from locally grown fruit. If you’re spending a few days in Hana, be sure to get yourself and the kids some of Shaka’s pops. She has many flavors but some of my favorites are Lava Flow, Passion Orange Guava and Mango Cream. She has no set location, but she usually sets up her cart/stand on Hana Hwy near Hana Ranch.

Hasegawa General Store - If you’re looking to pick up items for your stay such as snacks, drinks including alcohol, sunscreen, fishing rods or souvenirs, then visit Hasegawa. It is a historic landmark. You can also get cash from their ATM.

Hana Ranch Store- If you’re staying in town, this is your grocery store. Selections are limited, but you can definitely find plenty of options to make a home cooked meal, though prices are at a premium. They have local style fast food available. You never know what will be available but that’s part of the adventure. They do sell alcohol here.

Hana Food Truck Lot- Located at 5260 Hana Hwy by Hasegawa General Store and the only gas station in town, you’ll find an enclave of food trucks. Hours vary for each truck but you can find different culinary options: Da Fish Shack which focuses on locally caught seafood; I Lava Tacos Taqueria Hana for some of the best mexican food on the island; Best of the Rest focuses on Hawaiian style plates like chicken katsu and BBQ pork with side of ride and salad; My Titas Cafe is one of your only options for getting your caffeine fix, so if you have kids, prioritize this for all your coffee needs.