Maui Town Guide

Hana

Hana is a remote East Maui town reached by the Road to Hana, known for rainforest scenery, Hawaiian history, quiet beaches, taro patches and a slower rural setting.

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Hana, Maui

Hana, which means "labor" in the Hawaiian language, is a small, isolated, tropical paradise located on the eastern tip of Maui at the end of the popular Road to Hana (Hana Highway). This sleepy village is characterized by lush greenery, botanical gardens and historical sites and churches.

In 1768, Queen Ka'ahumanu (King Kamehameha's wife and, after his death, Hawaii's ruling monarch until 1832) was born here in a cave of Ka'uiki Hill. In 1849, the first sugar plantation in Hana was raised by George Wilfong, a sea captain. Wilfong hired Chinese laborers to work in his field when he was unable to hire native workers. By 1883, six other sugar plantations were already operating in Hana.

In the 1930s, Paul Fagan helped revive the town when he built a 14,000-acre ranch hotel. Originally called Pu'u o Haka Hotel, it is now known as Travaasa Hana. The Fagan Memorial Cross, which provides the best vantage view of the town, was erected in his honor. The burial place of the aviator Charles Lindbergh, the Palapala Ho'omau Church, is located west of Hana.

Key Features

Remote East Maui town reached by the Road to Hana
Known for rainforest scenery, waterfalls, beaches and a slower rural pace
Hana has deep Hawaiian roots and long-standing East Maui community ties
Nearby places include Hana Bay, Wai'anapanapa State Park, Hamoa Beach and Koki Beach
The area is shaped by rain, taro patches, coastal valleys and quiet country roads
Local food stands, small shops and low-rise lodging keep the town different from resort districts
Hana is a natural overnight choice for travelers who want more time on the East Maui coast
Population: 1,526 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96713

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hana often treated differently from other Maui towns?

Hana is remote, rural and reached by a long winding road, so it has kept a quieter East Maui character than the busier resort areas.

What is Hana's connection to Hawaiian history?

Hana and the surrounding East Maui coast have long-standing Hawaiian communities, cultural sites, taro-growing areas and stories connected with chiefs, families and traditional land divisions.

Why does Hana look so green?

East Maui receives more rain than South and West Maui, which supports rainforest, waterfalls, tropical plants and the green valleys seen along the road into town.

How is Hana different from Paia or Lahaina?

Paia has a busier North Shore surf-town feel, and Lahaina is known for historic waterfront streets. Hana is quieter, more rural and more connected with East Maui's rainforest coast.

What makes Hana worth more than a quick turnaround?

Hana has beaches, gardens, cultural places, local food, rain-soaked scenery and nearby coastal stops that are easier to appreciate when the visit is not rushed.