DK Travel : Maui : East Maui

East Maui is the stuff of travel posters –lush and tropical with cascading waterfalls, refreshing pools tucked into mountainside crevices, luxuriant foliage, and the most brilliant flowers. Almost equal to what it possesses, however, is what it does not – no resort developments, no modern housing complexes, no fast food joints, and no need to hurry. The only town, Hāna, is reached by way of a serpentine road (an attraction in itself), with panoramic ocean views and many wayside parks.

For an East Maui itinerary, (see The Road to Hāna)

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Garden of Eden Arboretum

The Garden of Eden is filled with native and indigenous species as well as exotic plants, trees, and birds from the South Pacific and tropical rain forests of the world. Botanical labels identify more than 500 plants, including the most extensive collection of ti plants in Hawai’i. Visitors can picnic, stroll, hike, or just breathe in the flowers’ aromas in these 26 acres of gardens and arboretum.
Hāna Coast Gallery

Charming Patrick Robinson has run this gallery for years and is extremely knowledgeable about the excellent local artists represented. Paintings, prints, furniture, jewelry, etc.
Hāna Cultural Center

The Hāna Cultural Center and its museum has displays of artifacts from the district, including stone implements, kapa cloth, quilts, and an extensive shell collection. (see Hāna Cultural Center)
Hāna Ranch Restaurant

Opposite the bank and post office in what passes for the hub of Hāna town, the Ranch offers hearty servings of wholesome food in a fittingly rustic setting.
Hāna Ranch Store

Hāna’s other store focuses mostly on foodstuffs, including delicious roasted, ready-for-apicnic chickens.
Hasegawa General Store

Immortalized in song, you really CAN get just about anything at Harry Hasegawa’s wonderful, old-fashioned general store. A must-stop, even if you don’t need anything.
Hotel Hāna-Maui Dining Room

The dining room at Hāna-Maui offers Pacific Island cuisine, featuring fresh fish and locally grown produce. It has a majestic view of Hāna Bay.
Huialoha Church

Standing next to Mokulau Beach on a desolate and beautiful stretch of coast, Huialoha Church was saved from ruin by members of the communities of Hāna, Kīpahulu, and Kaupō. It was built in 1859 in a style reminiscent of New England churches, with white walls and a prim steeple.
Kaupo Store

“In the middle of nowhere” is one way to describe the whereabouts of this convenience store and “museum.” Eight miles past Seven Pools (’Ohe’o Gulch) heading toward ’Ulupalakua is the actual location.
Kau’iki Hill

This large cinder cone, which in ancient Hawai’i provided fortification against invaders, today guards Hāna Bay. The hill and its beach are deep red in color due to the iron-rich lava that forms the cone. A cave at its base was the birthplace of Queen Ka’ahumanu (see Kau’iki Hill).

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Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $20
- $20–$30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- over $60