Our Favorite Places to Explore in Hana

From lush, tropical waterfalls to pristine, secluded beaches, Hana is one of the last regions on Maui that truly feels like Old Hawaii. There are, however, so many natural wonders to explore that it's often hard to choose what to do once you get there. 

Fortunately, there are a couple Island Sotheby's International Realty agents that know the quaint town like the back of their hands. With years of experience selling real estate and spending time in the area, we asked agents Dan Omer and Megan Bouhey for some insider knowledge on their top picks in Hana town: 

Hamoa Beach

Hamoa Beach by Dan Omer.

Dan Omer, who has been selling real estate for nearly 40 years, said there are ample opportunities for surfing, fishing and diving at Hana at secluded and tropical beaches that range from Hana Bay to Koki Beach. But Hamoa Beach is undoubtedly one of Maui's finest.

"Just being able to take in the beauty of the area is incredible," Omer said.

The world-famous is one of Maui’s most pristine beaches. A local favorite for swimming, surfing and lounging on the sand, the black-sand beach is the perfect place to enjoy a picturesque day on Maui's most eastern shore. Agent Megan Bouhey, whose ancestors helped start cattle ranches on the lush slopes of the Hana coast, also agrees.

“I just love the black sand and being able to play in the waves, and there's lot of trees to find cover under,” said Bouhey. 

Kahanu Gardens

Kahanu Gardens and Pi'ilanihale Heiau are a favorite of Omer's, which are located about 10 minutes west of Hana town. Omer said anyone interested in learning more about Hana's rich cultural heritage should visit the site, which is home to the largest heiau in the islands.

"Most people don't realize this, but the Bishop Museum has estimated that the population in the Hana area was somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 in the 1500s," said Omer. 

The garden spans more than 400 acres, and is home to several species of native flora and fauna. In addition to offering an insight to the Hana of past centuries, there's also an unrivaled ocean view, Omer said. < 

"The scenery there is spectacular," said Omer.  "The heiau is very special."

Fagan’s Cross Hike

Perched atop of the summit of Lyon Hill in the midst of the rolling hills in Hana Ranch, the panoramic views from Fagan’s Cross span from Hana town to the pasturelands in the east.

The Hana coastline just east of Fagan's Cross. 

Once in Hana, it's hard to miss the outline of Fagan's Cross in the rolling hills above the Travaasa Maui hotel. Built from lava rocks, Fagan’s Cross was constructed in the 1960s to celebrate the one of the founders of cattle ranching in Hana - Paul Fagan, who is one of Bouhey's ancestors. The hike is paved the entire way from the bottom near the resort, and ends at the top of the hill where you can view all of Hana town.

“I usually have a baby strapped to my back so it’s another 30 pounds - it's a work out," said Bouhey. “But it always feels so special going up there."