Ho’okipa Beach

Sam had to use the bathroom so instead of braving the port-a-potty at the overlook we opted to head to the beach facility instead. It was a great decision as we were treated to 30-40 Green Hawaiian sea turtles on the beach. They were making their way up to settle in for the night. They must come here often (probably every night) because there were signs and barriers keeping people away.

This juvenile was away from the rest. It looks like it has an eye issue so perhaps that’s why it was on a different spot.

We watched a few make their way up the beach. It’s a slow trek as their flippers are not very well suited for land.

Ho’okipa Lookout

We pulled over for one more ocean view on this side of the island. It was fun to watch the surfers!

Back on the Hana Highway

This time we were on the outside and encountered locals commuting home from work. A much different experience than the drive out with the slow and cautious tourists! Many pick up trucks and other large vehicles. The big trucks definitely believe that might makes right and everyone gets out of their way.

It was an intense experience for everyone!

Back to Pua’a Kaa Falls

Sam wanted to try the cliff jump and swim in the pool so we stopped at the falls and put on swim suits. There were several people jumping so we asked a local and he took her up. 

She climbed to the ledge and did not hesitate!

Hana Farms

We were looking for some treats and most places close around 4. I guess they figure that the tourists will tackle the drive back early and afternoon business will be slow. We ended up at Hana Farms and are so glad we did. The fresh baked banana bread and cookie along with pineapple soda and lilikoi/ hibiscus soda was amazing!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

The biggest cookie ever! Chocolate chip with macadamia nuts.

Hana Bay

The beach in the town of Hana is black sand. It’s much finer than the red sand beach and nice for a walk.

Fun for drawing too!

Koki Beach

It turns out that Huli Huli Chicken is on one of the red sand beaches at this end of the island. That was also on the list of things we had to see so we got double with just one stop!

The red sand is the result of the crumbling red cinder cone nearby. As we learned, several trips ago, sand is designated by size, not material. The beaches here come in all colors!

Huli Huli Chicken

We saw signs for this place and liked the name. It got good ratings so we decided to stop for lunch. Then we found out that Gordon Ramsay was here for one of his National Geographic shows! The food was delicious, so we know we picked well!

Huli means turn in Hawaiian. They cook the chickens whole, douse them with a secret sauce, and turn them while they are on the grill. The result is amazing!

O’heo Gorge

We went exploring to see the waterfall and the seven pools. The water seemed low, and we could not find exactly 7, but it was beautiful nonetheless.

This is the view from the bridge that crosses the gorge above the waterfall.

Banyan Tree

We love banyan trees.

Makahiku Falls

We hiked the half mile up to see the falls.

Kipahulu District

This sliver of the park starts at the volcano and includes a bit of coast where the O’heo gulch drains into the ocean.

There are numerous rebuilt and remnants of native buildings here. It was once a very large settlement.

Haleakalā National Park

It’s the road less traveled so this was the best sign we got. And- like most of the day there really wasn’t a place to pull over and take a picture.

Strange and unusual plants

This was was distinct and interesting. It is a shampoo ginger plant.

Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees

We read about these in National Geographic. We hadn’t thought about them until we started seeing the trees on our drive today. They are extremely unique!

Tree Cave

At this turnout, they found a cave that went under the tree roots.

They had to go, exploring… It’s a good thing phones have flashlights!

Turns out it is a pass-through. They came out on the backside of the tree.

Another turnout

The trees and flowers are incredible! 

Pua’a Kaa Falls

This was a nice star with a waterfall. There were people jumping, and Sam decided she wanted to go back and try. She’s definitely the risk taker in the family!

We don’t know him, but we were impressed by his jump!

Overlook

We stopped at a number of overlooks where the road is just barely wide enough to park a car and allow traffic to pass. The views are beautiful, but it’s hard to see very far because of the lush vegetation.

The Road to Hana

Today’s adventure was the road to Hana. It’s 50 miles of narrow winding road that follows the coastline to the town of Hana. There are too many one lane bridges, waterfalls, and breathtaking views to count.

Much of the road is in a rainforest in the vegetation is incredible. Plants and flowers like we have never seen!