Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kaihalulu Beach
Hana Bay
While anyone who frequents tiki bars will already know the name (from Hana Bay rum,
of course), the real
Hana Bay
is a laid-back crescent of gray sand smack in the middle
of Hana town. Tucked in the lee of Ka'uiki Head—a large promontory where Queen
Ka'ahumanu was born—Hana Bay is where the town's boat ramp is located and the out-
rigger canoe club holds practice. This is a working-class, community bay—it's also where
many confused visitors end up when they “can't find Hana.” Compared to neighboring
Hamoa Beach, Hana Bay is more utilitarian: a nice area for a picnic and stretching your
legs after the long drive. Swimming is calm but not spectacular.
Visitors lament that there aren't any nice beaches in Hana. Waterfalls, yes, but beaches, no.
This is a common misperception among those who made the mistake of turning around in
the town of Hana, thinking they had reached the final destination. As it just so happens, a
few miles past the town of Hana are two of the most stunning beaches you'll find in East
Maui, including one that consistently ranks as one of the top 10 in the United States.
Koki Beach
To reach Hana's two famous beaches, travel 1.5 miles past the center of town (Hana Ball-
park) and then make a left on Haneo'o Road. Going downhill, the first beach you'll come
to is
Koki Beach,
a favorite hangout of local surfers. Signs warn visitors that rip currents
can be strong; the water on most days is too choppy, so heed the advice. Koki gets windy
during the afternoon. On the left side of the beach, you can scramble over some rocks to
reach some hidden sections of sand. Access to these smaller beaches is only possible at
low tide, so most visitors stay on the main section of beach. The dark-red sand is a product
of a cinder cone known as Ka Iwi O Pele (“the bones of Pele”). According to legend, this
is where Pele, the volcano goddess, met her mortal end. Her bones were stacked high on
the shoreline before her spirit traveled southeast to the Big Island. The Koki shoreline was
hard hit during the tsunami of 1946. It makes for a great photo-op and is one of Hana's
most popular beaches.
