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There are no facilities here but it is a popular site with surfers and fishermen. Though the offshore currents are too strong for swimming, the scenery is absolutely terrific, with steep cliffs backing the bay, covered with an abundance of tropical foliage.

The lush patchwork of taro fields (see Poi) is the enduring characteristic of the peninsula. Standing out against the greenery is Ke’anae Congregational Church. Built of lava rock and coral mortar, it was the only building left standing after a tsunami (tidal wave) hit in 1946.

The church gets its name from a “miraculous” storm that, in 1860, pitched up the coral of the building’s construction on a nearby beach. Previously the rock had to be retrieved by hand from the ocean’s depths. A further miracle helpfully lapped up the leftover coral, clearing the beach again.

A branch of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, the 472 acres of Kahanu Gardens encompass breadfruit trees, coconut palms, and a host of other Pacific Island plants. The gardens are not merely beautiful, for they focus on plants most culturally valued by Polynesians.

The largest and bestpreserved heiau (religious site) in the state of Hawai’i, the 50-ft monument was built for (and possibly by) a 16th-century chief.

This is the only cave on Maui open to the public, though, like all other “caves” in Hawai’i, it is actually a lava tube. Dark and cool, there are stalactites and stalagmites as you might encounter in other caves, only here they are formed of lava.

Located within Wai’ānapanapa State Park, this pitch-black sand beach was formed by ancient volcanic action and is quite spectacular. Pa’iloa is surrounded by lava pinnacles, and the area is great for walks.

Steeped in history and crowned with mist, this volcanic point was a valued defensive site in Hawai’i’s warring past. Said to be the home of the demigod Māui, a small, red sand beach and a lighthouse now mark this prominent point on Hāna Bay.

The cultural center houses, through artifacts, books, and photographs, the history of Hāna’s people. The culture is palpably infused within the quilts, cooking utensils, instruments, fish hooks, coconut graters, stone lamps, and gourd bowls.

A famous landmark in this part of the world, the store was established almost 100 years ago. Selling life’s necessities, from groceries to fishing gear, its organic dried fruit, coffee, and macadamia nuts are all grown close by.