Maui Information - Communities

Hana, also know as Heavenly Hana, is the Hawaii that most people imagine when they dream of Hawaii. Waterfalls, lush rain forests, tropical flowers, blue pools, black-sand beaches and sweeping views are all to be found here.

Lying on Maui's eastern coast, Hana Town is nestled between rolling green hills and Hana Bay, Hana's harbor. This area is rich in Hawaiian history and was a stronghold fought over by the kings of Maui and the Big Island.

In 1849 George Wilfong, by all accounts a cantankerous sea captain, started the first sugar plantation in Hana and by the turn of the 20th century other crops, such as rubber, wheat and pineapple were booming in this region.

After World War II, Paul Fagan, who had purchased Hana Sugar Co. realized that sugar production in Hana, as well as other crops, were no longer feasible and turned his fields into rich grass pastures suitable for cattle ranching on what is now known as the Hana Ranch.

Today, native Hawaiians of the Hana region continue to uphold many of the traditional cultural practices and ways of life which are celebrated in gatherings such as the Taro Festival held every March. Quiet, remote and beautiful, Hana remains a treasured and unique community on Maui and in the Hawaiian Islands.

Hana Real Estate

Hana, affectionately called “Heavenly Hana”, is separated from the rest of Maui by a long and winding road with one lane bridges and spectacular views. Residents of Hana and the other small communities located on the east side of Maui (Keanae, Nahiku, Kipahalu and Kaupo) hold tight to the unspoiled natural beauty of their area and the old Hawaii style of life of true aloha.

There’s usually not a lot of inventory in Hana and the surrounding town yet occasionally one can find an old plantation style dwelling in need of TLC for $500,000 - $600,000 or the rare retreat property with acreage, views and a somewhat heftier price tag.

Hana is a lifestyle choice – slow and easy…Hawaiian style.

Hana Weather

Hana receives over 90 inches of rain a year. This abundant rainfall feeds Hana's waterfalls which in turn brings water to much of the rest of the island. It also helps produce some of the most abundant fruit and flower crops to be found in Hawaii. The temperature is similar to many of Maui's coastal towns, ranging from 76-89 between winter and summer with night time temperatures dipping about 10-15 degrees.

Hana Beaches

Wai'anapanapa State Park

Located 4 miles before Hana, this breathtaking park contains Holokalani, the famous Black Sand Beach. This is an excellent park for hiking, (swimming is not recommended due to the strong powerful currents and waves). Trails lead down to the beach, formed by tiny black pebbles, and along the lava cliffs where the deep blue ocean waves crash up, creating blow holes and lava bridges. This path is part of the ancient King's Highway, a Hawaiian footpath, that used to circle the entire island. This stretch is 3 miles long and leads to the town of Hana. Facilities include bathrooms, showers and cabins that can be reserved for overnight camping. (See Katrina's Top Maui Tips for reservation information.)

Hamoa Beach

James Michener said of Hamoa, "Paradoxically, the only beach I have ever seen that looks like the South Pacific was in the North Pacific -- Hamoa Beach . . . a beach so perfectly formed that I wonder at its comparative obscurity." This tropical, crescent shaped beach is used by the Hotel Hana-Maui for their guests but is open to anyone who wants to enjoy the long stretch of white sand and shaded picnic areas. Currents can be strong here with calmer water found usually along the left side. Facilities include showers and restrooms.