Hana, Maui County, Hawaii
Hana, which means ‘labor’ in Hawaiian, is a small and quiet town located at the end of Hana Highway. Built in 1946, Hotel Hana-Maui is a world famous retreat for movie stars and wealthy patrons alike. Some of the best botanical gardens and historic churches can be found within Hana, as well as a cultural center too. If you head west from Hana, off route 31, you will find Palapala Ho’omau Church, where legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh is buried. Head north of Hana and you will find Waianapanapa State Park. Camping, showers, and barbecue facilities can be found in this locale. This wild region also offers some great coastal walks, sandy beaches, and historical sites.
Hana’s 52 mile drive from Maui is absolutely breathtaking. You will find some of the most incredible views in the world, with lush greenery against deep blue ocean. There are a few beaches along the coast as well. Red Sand Beach (the sand is really red!) is a just short walk away where you will find peacefulness just by looking at the tall cliffs. Some treacherous surf can be found along the end of Hana Town but if you walk a few miles south you will find Hamoa Beach which is safe for swimming.
Contrary to what other people think, Hawaii is not only a place where you can soak up the sun and bathe in the surf. With all of its beaches, plantations, and museums, Hawaii has another side that is getting attention. Found in the eastern part of Maui, you can find a similar, yet different kind of paradise. Imagine a place where the flowers abound, where the majesty of antiquity meets the colorful glamor of nature. Now, imagine, a place called Hana.
In native Hawaiian language, Hana means 'labor.' When you look at it, the name really fits. Hana is a lush, tropical environment where you see nature in her different sides. To some, they are familiar with its flowers, foliages, and different kinds of blooms -- the giving and nurturing aspect of nature in its full display. Yet, for others, they see the majestic anger with tall, imposing cliffs and its ominous and treacherous surf. Nature has been very busy in Hana, indeed.
Small and quietly isolated from the activities of Hawaii, Hana has become a favorite relaxing place for the rich and famous, for the celebrities and politicians from different parts of the world. To reach Hana, one must first travel through the winding Hana Highway, which stretches a long way across the northern shoreline of Maui.
About 709 Hana locals and residents are lucky to call Hana their home. These people are composed of Hawaiian natives, Caucasians, Asians, Latinos or Hispanics, African Americans, plus a host of other races.
Hana's History
It was during the 14th century that Hana was known as east Maui's prime or capital. Their chief, Piilani, was able to conquer other areas nearby, uniting the whole island under his rule. It was also during his reign when Hana's famous and impressive landmarks were built. Among them were fish ponds, trails, and the largest temple in all of Hawaii, the Piilanihale Heiau. Soon, however, Hana was lost as Hawaii island's chief led an invasion to annex Hana. Only in the 18th century did the kingdom of Hana return to its original inhabitants, under its new king, Kahekili.
As the Westerners came to Hana, the village became more focused on agriculture. In 1846, George Wilfong came to Hana to start a sugar cane plantation and mill with his purchase of a spread of land. As he wasn't able to find workers among the local residents, Wifong hired Chinese immigrants who arrived in 1852. Soon, more plantations followed until sugar production became the primary source of income in Hana. Unfortunately, by the 1940s, they were unable to maintain the hold on the sugar trade as Maui's western side was able to dominate the trade. This left Hana no choice but to shut down the mills.
The next enterprise on the island was a ranch hotel. This was built by Paul Fagan, a businessman of San Francisco. After acquiring 14,000 acres of the land, he started the Puu o Hoku Hotel and ranch on Molokai. Today, after renovations on its structure, it is now named the Hana-Maui Hotel, an upscale retreat, which is a favorite of tourists and locals alike.
Hana's Attractions
When visiting Hana, there are several places of notable interest that you can choose from. Among them is the Fagan Memorial Cross. Built in honor of Paul Fagan, who have helped the lives of residents by providing jobs, the memorial cross is erected on a spot, which has the best view of the village.
Like the other places in Maui, Hana also has its own share of spectacular beaches. Among these are the Hamoa Beach, the Koki Beach, the Kaihalulu Beach, and the Wainapanapa Beach. All have beautiful, fine sands, and clear waters that no tourist could ever resist.
There are also historic churches around Hana. Among them is the Palapala Ho’omau Church, burial area of known aviator Charles Lindbergh. Afterwards, try to go to the Hasegawa General Store, which is the island's oldest family-owned establishment. Built in 1910 by the Hasegawa family, you can browse around or buy something to take back as a souvenir of your stay in Hana. For a better appreciation of their culture, visit the Hana Cultural Center and Museum or the Kauhale O Hana to see artifacts and models of houses and gardens during the early days of Hawaii.
For those who prefer the outdoors, there are numbers of parks and gardens to explore. Visit the Haleakala National Park, Wailua Falls, Kahanu National Tropical Botanical Garden, or the Hana Maui Botanical Gardens. All are impressive, but the most famous is the Kahanu National Tropical Botanical Garden, which features 122 acres of plant collection of Pacific island flora, which grows amid the black lava flows.
Hana's Economy
With its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, lush tropical scenery, and historical and cultural landmarks, tourists are drawn to Maui. The village of Hana is no exception. Tourism is its main source of income, providing most of its residents numerous jobs in hotels, restaurants, museums, and parks. This is followed closely by agriculture, particularly by jobs in ranching and farming. More than half of its population depends on the numerous guests of Hana for their wages. However, Hana's economy is finding itself in dire straits.
During the era of Paul Fagan, Hana's tourism economy was flourishing. With his hotel being frequented by businessmen and rich celebrities, more and more people came to Hana. His ideas of improving the village worked, and he acquired more property to continue building more business opportunities for the local residents. After his death, the corporation changed hands several times until the Keola Hana-Maui, Inc. purchased them. Soon, the new owners came up with an idea to rezone a large portion of the area and build golf courses and condominium units. Their company's idea was to urbanize and develop the majority of Hana. The residents of Hana protested and the local government decided to deny their proposals for additional re-zoning.
As Keola could not push through with its project, it negotiated with different multi-national corporations for them to sell the properties. Unfortunately, if these new investors were to have their way, further commercialism could destroy the pristine features of Hana. With almost half of the businesses and land in Hana under the ownership and control of Keola Hana Maui, Inc., Hana's residents may soon be experiencing a shortage of jobs.
Hana Statistics:
Population: 709Households: 191
Median resident age: 30.7 years
Median household income: $50,833
Median house value: $231,300
Land area: 2.2 square miles
Elevation: 98 feet
Latitude: 20°46'N
Longitude: 155°59'W
Zip code: 96713
County: Maui
