Aloha it’s Friday April 13, 2012
Ahh – Friday the 13th. Who believes in superstitions anyway? Not Me 
I actually didn’t even realize that it was Friday the 13th until someone mentioned it while we were out and about in Maui.
We got a little bit of a late start today but we decided to make the best of it by hitting the “Hana Highway” better known as the “The Road to Hana“. We brought along with us our book called; ”Maui Revealed” which dedicates two chapters to “Hana Highway” Sights.
The road to Hana is without question the most famous and desired drive in all Hawai’i, the crown jewel of driving… If you’re in a hurry to get to Hana you’re missing the point.
After reading that we knew that we wanted to take our time and explore what we could on the road to Hana before sunset. Our first stop was at mile marker 2 which leads to Twin Falls – which is actually six or seven waterfalls. Before hitting the trail we stopped at a fruit stand to get some apple bananas. In the book they mention Twin Falls and say to avoid the trail for better opportunity; however; since we are vacationing in Maui longer than the regular vacationer we decided to give it a go.
Maui Day 3 Twin Falls
Just like the book said “Most people tend to spend to much time here” and we did – but you will soon see in the pictures below why we spent so much time here. As we were hiking up the trails we noticed “side trails” and fenced off area’s covered by bamboo and trees. Being the curious people that we are we wanted to explore the area’s that you are not supposed to. We did notice signs that said No Trespassing and we didn’t. But as soon as we saw a trail that veered off and didn’t have a No Trespassing sign – we started to explore.
What We Saw:
Broken down cars and miscellaneous items laying around. We were soon greeted by a shirtless man carrying a computer (weird – we are in a wooded area what does he need a computer for?) Anyway – he asked us ‘if we missed our turn”; Why yes we did! He gave us directions to the main trail to head toward the Twin Falls. We labeled him as the “gate keeper” of this mysterious community. Our book doesn’t not mention any community within Twin Falls and I couldn’t find anything on google – but I am determined to find out who they are. I am a very intrigued and curious person. If you have hiked the Twin Falls trail before and noticed this fenced off community please comment below – I would love to hear your theory on who lives back there.
Maui Day 3 Twin Falls
Back on track (BORING!) we headed to the waterfalls following all the other people who were not curious like us. We find ourselves at the first Twin Fall!
It was beautiful and the water felt amazing after hiking 30 minutes to get to to waterfall. However we did not go swimming (I wanted to) BUT we didn’t bring a towel – we left it back in the car. Note: Bring a small camelback bookbag with you. We will be doing this on future hikes.
Maui Day 3 Twin Falls
We started walking in the direction of where we came in and noticed another trail – so we took it. Not many people were walking this trail but it did lead to waterfall! But we could only see it from a distance. It appeared in order to actually get to the falls we would have to swim. I had my camera so there was NO way that I was going to be swimming.
So after spending almost two hours at mile marker 2 we headed back – stopping again at the fruit stand to get more apple bananas and back on the “Road to Hana“
Making a quick stop at the 4.5 mile marker to get an acai, strawberry, and banana smoothie at the must stop on hana highway the “Huelo Lookout Fruit Stand”.
Walking 20 feet or so we had a beautiful view of the ocean. This fruit stand sells all kinds of items from CD’s to Coconut Bras and of course fruits. (This pit stop is not listed in Maui Revealed – but it is a beautiful sight).
Maui Day 3 Huelo Lookout
Next stop 6/10th past mile marker 6 there was supposed to be a trail on the left hand side that leads to four waterfalls (we did not see it); however; we did see two VERY small trails on the right hand side. We started explore one of the trails. We ended up walking through tons of thick bamboo… really pretty sight. We found one small but powerful waterfall and no other trails. So back on the road we go.
Between the 9 and 10 mile markers… is the Waikamoi Nature Trail. Two nature loops – one about 10 minutes and the other about 30 – make a pleasant place to stretch your legs a bit, but it’s not a hugely compelling hike! – Maui Revealed
So we skipped those two trails (for now). The next time we drive ”The Road to Hana” we are going to get up a 5:30 am to get an early start. Next up on the trip was the Garden of Eden - which we also decided to skip because the sun was not shinning and we want to go to the garden when it’s nice and sunny out. Plus there was a $15 charge to get in. We figured if we are going to be charged to see the Garden of Eden we would do it when the sun is shinning and we can get awesome photos.
We stopped 8/10th past mile marker 10. We pulled off to the left hand side and looked for a telephone pole (Maui Revealed is an awesome book to have it you are planning on visiting the island). There was a path to the right (we a no trespassing sign) But hey the book mentioned it so in we go. Passing through a cut wired fence only walking a few feet to see the incredible 200 feet Lower Puohokamoa Falls. Stunning (as you can see in the picture below).
Maui Day 3 Lower Puohokamoa Falls
Our final stop on the road to hana was at mile marker 13. We walked across the street to get an amazing view of the Honomanu Bay and the Ocean.
Maui Day 3 view of the Honomanu Bay and the Ocean
We turned around and started heading home (mind you that to go about 13 miles it takes about 30 to 40 minutes). If you traveled it you know why!
Back at the condo we got ready for dinner. We wanted to go to Momma’s Fish House but by the time we got there it was an hour wait because we didn’t have reservations. We are not used to places taking reservations – we know for next time. So we head towards the town of Haiku.
We found a place called “Maui Kombucha” and enjoyed a nice up of Aura of Love Kombucha. We than headed to dinner at Lilikoi Grill.
We had an incredible waitress who offered her advice on what to order. We ended up getting the Brussels sprouts appetizer (which was sauteed in garlic). It was actually pretty good. I ordered the Hawai’ian pizza and Bryan ordered the Polhole Fern Salad with fresh Ahi Tuna. His salad was amazing. The Pohole Fern was so green and so delicious. Here is a little more information on Pohole Fern:
Pohole Fern
Rich, deep green Hawaiian pohole ferns, pronounced poh-HOH-lay, produce large fronds that range from three to six feet long. Vibrant green shoots unfurl from the coiled fernhead and are harvested from the interior when they are between 6 and 9 inches tall. This edible fern has a subtlety sweet and nutty flavor with a slightly chewy texture. Its taste has been compared to both okra and asparagus.
The Pohole Fern grows wild in the rain forests of eastern Maui. The Hawaiian rain forest’s tropical climate is credited for their flavor and succulent texture. Traditionally in old Hawaii Pohole Ferns were stored wrapped in tea leaves, a method used to keep produce fresh.
Day 3 in Maui – Hawaii
We had a great day exploring the road to hana and it ended with a delicious dinner at Lilikoi Grill. We will be going back to the grill to try the short ribs (they looked delicious). Our waitress also gave us tips on the road to hana and other beaches to go to. She was very helpful. She mentioned that we should check out the Twin Falls. I told her that we had done that earlier today. I asked her if she knew what the community was within the falls and she said “organic farmers”. Not quite sure what that meant but I am determined to find out.
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Great Story and Well told. Brought back memories of our trips to Maui. You should write a book too. Megan. Very Well Done!
Thanks Mike
I will be writing a book! Hopefully in the next year
Sounds like you hit the first spots on the road to Hana which are the more tourist heavy areas. To explore some really great spots for hiking up to waterfalls checking out the canyons past Oheo Gulch where there are very few if any people at all. There are old trails but in most cases you have to rock hop which is fun as well.
Yes we hit the first spots on the Hana Highway and are looking forward to checking out the rest of the road to Hana! Thank you for some tips
We will be getting up at dawn to do the Road to Hana 
from start to finish! Stay tuned for that post!