If you head out of Pa’ia on highway 36 going east, you will find that you are already on Hana Highway as the name is changed and so are the mile markers after you drive past mile marker 16. You will notice that the mile markers begin at 0 and start up again, this is where Hana Highway really starts.
The most popular sights from Pa’ia to Ke’anea are as numerous as there are cars that travel this highway every day. As you travel east, you will find that around mile marker 2 there are several cars parked with tourist out enjoying the first falls on the drive. You can get to the Twin Falls by choosing smaller roads or a few trails that will take you up close and personal to around seven waterfalls.
Go on past mile marker 3 for about ½ mile, here you will notice a road sign that is faded by has the words Hawaii Visitors Bureau. This off road leads you to Kaulanapueo Church, which is still in use today. The church was built in 1853 and is an awesome glimpse into the unique architecture that dominated the 19 th century. The area around the church is known as Huelo; here is where you can find a few nice bed and breakfast and other vacation homes. The scenery is so breath-taking you may decide to stay right here for the night if you can find a room.
Past mile marker 5, you will notice a dirt turnout. Another great place to park and visit four more waterfalls. Here you will find different dirt trails leading you to the magnificent falls for a quiet break.
Smack in the middle of mile marker 9 and 10, is the Waikamoi Nature Trail. A nice 10 minute or 30 minute hike awaits you and your family. This hike is great for kids and others that are not extreme hikers.
Mile Marker 10 at times has Waikamoi Stream and a nice waterfall, but this has a lot to do if there has been rain recently. This stream will more than likely be dry as you pass by, if not jump out and take a picture, as you may never see it flowing again.
Next stop on the Hana Highway is The Garden of Eden. The Garden of Eden is an arboretum and botanical garden that is well maintained and lives up to its name. The charge is $ 7.50 per person and you can choose from driving or walking to view the beautiful garden.
When you are almost upon mile marker 11, you will see a dirt path and a fence. This dirt path will lead you to the majestic Lower Puohokamoa Falls. The path is fine going to falls but once you start up it is not for inexperienced hikers. On up the Hana Highway just past mile marker 11 is the Upper Puohokamoa Falls. There are more falls between this mile marker and 12, which are the Haipua’ena Falls. To see these falls you will have to park your car on the far side of the bridge and take the trail to the falls, it is a very short walk.
Finally, at mile marker 12 you will find Kaumahina State Wayside where you can take a rest and visit the porta-potties. All along this stretch of highway from mile marker 12 almost to Ke’anea you will find many turnouts so you can get out stretch and enjoy the awesome views. Take your time, stop enjoy the sights and remember is you find a place to use a port-pottie you better, since they are few and far between.
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