EAST MAUI: THE ROAD TO HANA - Maui: Including Molokai and Lanai - page 451

• Mile Marker 28.7: Beautiful view of a lava rock sea arch
• Mile Marker 27.3: Manawainui Bridge and gulch
From this point on, the road climbs in elevation through the rural communities of
Kahikinui and Kanaio before wrapping around to the Tedeschi Winery in Ulupalakua 13
miles later. If it's before 5pm, you can toast to your success at the winery, although you
won't find any real restaurants or gasoline until you get to Grandma's Coffee House in
Keokea another 5.2 miles past Ulupalakua.
Congratulations! You've just survived the drive around the “back” of the island. When
you make it back to your hotel at night, it will truly feel as if you've journeyed to the end
of the earth.
Beaches
There isn't a single stretch of sand in all of East Maui that is home to a condo or resort.
Beaches remain windswept, undeveloped, and rural. Due to the easterly trade winds, there
isn't much snorkeling along east shore beaches. The water can be rough due to exposed
and choppy ocean conditions. Bodysurfing replaces scuba diving, windsurfing replaces
kayaking. Mornings offer the calmest conditions, perfect for a jog, a quick dip, or a chance
to quiet your head and commune with nature.
PA'IA
MM Baldwin Beach
Not enough visitors spend time at long, wide, and mostly empty Baldwin Beach, which
is a mistake. You have a better chance of finding a drum circle or guitar jam than walking
past an oceanfront lu'au. This is a popular local bodysurfing spot, although the waves can
get large during winter. Baldwin is at its best in the morning before the afternoon trade
winds pick up, and there's no better place on the island for enjoying a morning stroll. The
best way to kick off a trip to Hana is to arrive in Pa'ia around 7am, grab a coffee in town
from Anthony's, and spend 30 minutes walking the length of Baldwin, the turquoise water
and white sand creating a reflective amphitheater of calm.
At the far western end of the beach (the side farthest from Pa'ia) is a small cove known
as Baby Beach, where a fringing reef creates a natural pool perfect for wading with young
ones. Instead of walking the length of Baldwin, you can also access Baby Beach by turning