We had one day in and around Hana before heading back to Wailuku. We started the day with the Haleakala National Park, about 10 miles past Hana. We were interested in an area called the "Seven Sacred Pools" (though the guide book says there are more than seven, and they were never considered sacred) that is cascading waterfalls and their swimming holes. We were able to hike a loop to the coast and past this area, though swimming was not allowed at that time due to the recent heavy rainfall.
We also hiked up to Waimoku Falls, which was 2 miles each way. About the time I was thinking that I don't really care for hiking after all, the uphill slog on a muddy trail became a boardwalk through a bamboo forest, shaded, cool, and musical when the wind blew. Waimoku Falls is 400 feet tall!
Back in Hana, we ate lunch at Nutcharee's Thai Food, which is apparently called Pranee's on the weekend. The food was excellent, and I especially enjoyed the iced, sweetened black tea with plenty of coconut milk on top. Alan ordered the spicy fried rice and I ordered the green curry.
After lunch, equipped with directions I did *not* get from our waitress, we found our way to Kaihalulu Beach, famous for its red sand. Since some of the trail had fallen away, we decided to turn back before reaching the main beach area. After all, we were heading to a beach later on.
Next, we headed to the Hana Lava Tubes. After paying up and receiving our flashlights, it was just 30 seconds down the path from the parking lot to the tube entrance. where we could wander a 0.25 mile section. The caves had lots of interesting plaques describing the eruption circa 960 AD, types of lava, rock, stalactites, etc. Apparently before the current landowner, cow bones from a slaughterhouse had washed into the tubes, and about 17,000 lbs had to be cleared out to make it accessible to the public.
Lastly, we visited Wai'anapanapa State Park to see its famous black sand beach at Pa'iloa Bay. We checked out some of the park's other attractions-- lava caves, sea arch, and blowhole (Though it was not blowing at the time), before taking a dip in the ocean and settling in to read a bit.
In the morning, we got an early start, taking the Road to Hana back to Wailuku. Once there, we decided to visit the 2014 Maui Fair, which was similar to any county or state fair, with food, rides, games to win prizes, flower and art exhibits, and livestock competitions. We walked around all the fair grounds, which was fun, but I think we were mostly there for the food. Alan had a funnel cake and I had the deep fried oreos!
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