DK Travel : Maui : Places of interest

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Nākālele Point (Blowhole)

This is the most northerly point on Maui and the site of Hawai’i’s first lighthouse. When the surf is just right, sea water is forced as high as 100 ft into the air through a hole in the shoreline lava tube here. The blowhole is a short walk down the hill from the road, but be very careful because the waves and geysers are unpredictable.
Palapala Ho’omau Church

The Palapala Ho’omau Church stands eight miles past Hāna town on the makai (ocean) side of the road. Famed American aviator Charles Lindbergh helped repair the church, following its decline into a state of dilapidation. Lindbergh also chose the church for his final resting place. He designed his own grave, which can be seen behind the church marked with river stones.
Pā’ia Town

Once a large and busy sugar plantation town, the mill and residential camps that surrounded it are gone. Now Pā’ia, which straddles Hāna Highway, bustles with boutiques, shops, a health food store, an artisans’ cooperative, and casual eateries. Technically, the road to Hāna really begins here, and it’s wise to pick up a picnic and fill the car before embarking on the long and winding road.
Pi’ilanihale Heiau

Thanks to an extensive restoration, many stone walls and platforms of this heiau (temple) are complete and provide a fascinating look at one of the largest of these traditional religious sites in Hawai’i. The platforms and huge stone walls, some more than 50 ft high, are surrounded by Kahanu Gardens. The gardens contain culturally important plants including the world’s largest collection of breadfruit trees (120 varieties), one of Hawai’i’s last undisturbed native hala (pandanus) forests, and varieties of coconut, banana, vanilla, and ’awa (kava).
Pu’u Kukui

One of the wettest places on earth, Pu’u Kukui is the highest point in the West Maui Mountains, and also the proper name of the entire range. The region is home to more rare native plants and birds than anywhere else in Hawai’i. Inhabitants include the ’Eke Silversword, which is found only in this mountain range and wild i’iwi birds, extinct in most of the rest of the island chain. Access to this 8,600-acre private preserve is granted by the Kapalua Nature Society, which uses a lottery system to choose just 12 hikers per year.
Pu’u Ōla’i

This 360-ft tall, red-hued cinder cone was formed by Haleakalā’s last eruption in the late 1700s. It separates Oneloa from “Little Beach,” which, partly because of its sheltered location, is a popular clothingoptional beach. However, you should be aware that nudity on public beaches is technically illegal in Hawai’i.
St. Joseph’s Church

Located off of Highway 450 at mile marker 11, this small rural church was built in 1876 by Belgian priest Father Damien, who was best known for his work at the Hansen’s disease settlement on Kalaupapa (see Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Moloka’i). Standing outside, and often draped with flower lei in tribute, is a statue of Damien. The door to the church is always unlocked, and visitors are welcome to enter.
Sugar Cane Train

Railroads traversed the landscape of Hawai’i during the plantation era, with steam locomotives pulling trains that hauled sugar cane from the fields to the mills. The first of these in West Maui began operating around 1890 and continued until 1950, when it was replaced by trucks. The Lahaina Kā’anapali & Pacific Railroad (affectionately called the Sugar Train) is an authentic reproduction of the trains that ran through the fields of West Maui, but these days it carries passengers instead of sugar. Its six-mile route runs between Lahaina and Kā’anapali, crossing a curved wooden viaduct that offers panoramic views.
Tedeschi Winery

Free daily tours and tastings are held at Tedeschi, Maui’s only winery. Established in 1974, Tedeschi produces sparkling, red, and blush wines, along with its most famous product, a sweet pineapple wine called Maui Blanc.
The Road to Hāna

Famed as one of the world’s most scenic drives, Hāna Highway follows the coastline from Kahului, winding through rain forests dotted with the bright orange blossoms of African tulip trees and huge bamboo thickets waving in the breeze. The route passes waterfalls tumbling into pools and wends among trees laden with banana, mango, and mountain apple. Keep your windows open to experience the heady fragrances. (see The Road to Hāna)

Roadside fruit stand