The Heart of Old Hawaii
“Hana is heaven in the middle of nowhere, where you can unwind or enjoy time with each other by a campfire. There’s zero light pollution, so you can watch for shooting stars,” says Todd Hudson, local resident and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Maui. “The word ‘Hana’ has many different beautiful meanings in lots of languages, but to me — it’s a magical place to live.”
Known as “the heart of Old Hawaii,” Hana is a close-knit community seeped in history and culture. “In Hana, we ‘shaka’ everyone who passes by, and we sit and talk story,” says Hudson. “It’s a gracious place where you can get in touch with your soul.”
Beaches, parks and waterfalls
The community rests amid tropical rainforests, spectacular falls and stretches of unique beaches along its coastline. Wai'anapanapa State Park is a remote, scenic state park with cabins, camping sites, hiking trails, picnic areas and the striking Black Sand Beach.
Outdoor living is the ethos in Hana, which means residents can soak up the sun and surf at their leisure on Kaihalulu Beach or play sports at the Hana Ball Park. “Residents come play tennis on the weekends, or pick up ball on the fields, “Hudson says. “You’ll also gather at Hana Ball Park for graduation parties and all kinds of celebrations.”
Trading, fishing and local shops
“Hana residents are still self-sufficient like in old Hawaii,” says Hudson. “You can grow your own food, have cows, and people do a lot of fishing. Because it’s so remote, people living here share and trade all they have, from their vegetables to electric and roofing services.”
While Hana feels deliciously natural and secluded, it still offers a selection of life’s essentials, including local food, books and more at the 100-year-old-plus family-owned Hasegawa General Store. Hana isn’t the place to find a Starbucks on every corner, but there are authentic Hawaiian-style mahi-mahi sandwiches, poke bowls and fresh-catch tacos at popular food trucks like Kilo’s Kitchen and Da Fish Shack.
Shops are centered around Hana Highway, but there are also options along Uakea Road. Queen Kalahumanu Center Mall, Costco and Walmart are about 50 miles northwest of this community, and the drive takes about 2 hours if traffic permits.
Art, history and attractions
Hana holds the birthplace of Queen Kaahumanu and the island’s largest manmade lava-rock structure in the Kahanu Botanical Garden — an awe-inspiring National Historic Landmark. At the Hana-Maui Resort adjacent to Hana Ball Park, the 3,000-square-foot Hana Coast Gallery showcases an amazing collection of local artworks. And Wananalua Congregational Church has been in the area since the 1800s, showcasing Hana’s longstanding roots.
Hana Highway and Hana Airport
The main point of transportation in this community is Hana Highway, an outrageously scenic 64-mile road that connects Kahului to Hana. Hana Airport serves the residents and visitors of Hana, and Kahului Airport is about 50 miles northwest. There is a fire station and police department on the community’s southern side, conveniently located near heavily residential areas.
Million-dollar properties
Homes in this highly sought-after community go for upwards of $800,000. Vibrant beach houses dominate the architectural landscape and sit on parcels between a quarter and 10 acres, depending on location. More expansive homes on larger lots are generally on the northern end, while smaller homes on quarter-acre lots are further south. Like island neighborhoods, flood insurance is a must in Hana, and most homes are built on stilts to withstand the effects of tropical storms.
Hanna Elementary and High School
Kids attend Hana Hana Elementary & High School from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school has a C rating on Niche and proudly hosts the Hana Dragons, a unique 8-player football team that competes on shorter fields in a four-team league. Locals celebrate this athletic program with a heaping dose of community spirit.
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
