Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
freshwater caves at Wai'anapanapa State Park
Hana has deep ties to its history. Before the arrival of Western explorers, it was a strong-
hold that was conquered and reconquered by the kings of Maui and those of the Big Island.
The most strategic and historically rich spot is Ka'uiki Hill, the remnant of a cinder cone
that dominates Hana Bay. It's said that the demigod Maui transformed his daughter's lover
into Ka'uiki Hill and turned her into the gentle rains that bathe it to this day.
Hana was already a plantation town in 1849 when sea captain George Wilfong started
producing sugar on 60 acres here. After sugar production faded out in the 1940s, San Fran-
cisco industrialist Paul Fagan bought 14,000 acres of what was to become the Hana Ranch.
Today, Hana's population, at 1,200, continues to be predominantly Hawaiian. Visitors will
enjoy a host of sights scattered throughout the community.
