Maui, HI | Travaasa Hana

No matter which side of the island you visit, Maui has a certain magic about it. Yet somehow Hana rises above all other destinations for anyone looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of the larger tourist areas. Driving the famous Road to Hana makes for a truly memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I recommend taking the "illegal" south road to Hana with sweeping vistas and only the occasional sight of another human being. It's not for the timid due to sharp curves and steep drop-offs, which is why car rental companies don't allow you to go this route. But rules are made to be broken and this adventure will be one you'll never forget. Conversely, it's better to drive out on the regular Road to Hana because you'll be going against most of the bumper-to-bumper traffic the other direction. Then on your second visit to Travaasa Hana (you'll definitely want to come back) take a tiny plane on Mokulele Airlines for some of the most awe-inspiring views of the island and its many waterfalls. Fares are surprisingly affordable and the 30-ish minute flight sure beats the much longer drive.

As for the property itself, this "experiential resort" puts guests in touch with the island in unique ways, from culinary classes to local customs galore, including lei-making, net fishing and ukulele lessons. Split into two sections, one side of the resort features a more traditional hotel-style setup, but the ocean bungalows merge luxury accommodations and tropical touches. Go to bed with the doors open and fall asleep to the gentle breezes and sound of the ocean waves just outside your door. Travaasa offers a la carte room pricing, as well as inclusive packages that include meals, a daily spa credit, and a variety of experiences from sunrise to sunset. 
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travaasa.com

5 Reasons to Visit Travaasa Hana

Sunrise
​​Most of the island's hotels and resorts are located on the west side of Maui where sunsets are epic. But the ability to catch sunrise is something truly unique to Hana and something that is well worth rising early to see. Brew a cup of coffee, grab a blanket and perch yourself on a cliff overlooking the Pacific at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sunrise. It's easily one of the most serene and beautiful experiences of my life and I'm confident you'll agree.

Ocean Bungalows Pool with Adjacent Bar
​​Ocean views, a spacious jacuzzi and bar service all combine to make this the pool on the property at which to escape. On one vacation here, I never encountered a single child, but on the next one, the pool had several rowdy kids from one family. So it's not guaranteed that you won't encounter children, but the secluded nature, lack of a water-park atmosphere and higher price of Travaasa equate to not many parents bringing their little ones. My only wish is that the resort would offer adults-only hours in the early morning and late evening, just as a trade-off for those who want a little serenity.

Nearby Beaches
​Being perched on a cliff, the resort has views unlike almost any other part of the island with waves crashing against the black, jagged rocks below. However, if you truly want a beach retreat (and of course you do because you're on Maui), you can take a leisurely 15-minute walk to nearby Hana Bay Beach Park, drive to Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach (Travaasa offers rental car service) or ask how to get to the red sand beach, a secluded, breathtaking site in a cove protected from waves. Plan to pack in and out because this is truly isolated. Though clothing-optional, you're more likely to see people wearing swimsuits. The sometimes treacherous hike isn't kid-friendly at all, but I've seen parents hike in with babies, so go figure. Early or late arrival during the day will almost guarantee a little time completely to yourself, though.

The Spa
​The minimum age requirement here is 16, so relaxation and tranquility go without saying, but the spa rituals take that euphoria to entirely new levels. Separate men's and women's locker rooms each feature a steam room, cold plunge pool, as well as indoor and outdoor showers, robes, slippers, towels and grooming amenities. The lava rock whirlpool overlooks Hana Bay.

The Adventures
​You can enjoy a huge list of daily activities, for which you sign up the day before. Most are free (yoga, coconut husking, net and pole fishing, Hawaiian spear throwing, and hula lessons among them), but you can also pay for other experiences, including horseback riding, outrigger canoeing, standup paddle boarding, and a cacao farm tour and tasting. If you have access to a car, 12 miles away you'll find the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park with tons of hiking options in the bamboo forest and along the dramatic coastline.