The Road to Hana
Thursday, March 20th, 2008What is all this talk about the Road to Hana? 
If you don’t already know, driving the Road to Hana is one of the best things to do in all of Maui. Personally, I don’t like to drive at all, but never the less, you’ll find me making the journey at least once a year. Why, you ask? The sights and smells of the lush rainforest and it’s many waterfalls and coastal views make the Hana Highway one of the best drives in the world. Where else can you pull off a jungle road to swim under a waterfall while watching the ocean crash in front of you? The Road to Hana is magical for many reasons, and this is why you’ll find so many people taking advantage of the excursion.
What’s the best way to see the Road to Hana? Get up EARLY and make the drive with an open mind and patient demeanor. Passengers will get the most out of this trip, so taking turns from driving are important. The best way to do Hana is by taking a Road to Hana Tour. Knowledgeable locals guide these tours from air-conditioned luxury vans. Everyone along for the ride is able to enjoy the uninterrupted views.
If you’re driving it yourself, make certain to prepare for the journey. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll enjoy the trip. Some of the many Road to Hana tips to consider include getting rest the night before, leaving early, bringing bug spray, filling your gas tank, and bringing a camera. If you drive yourself, think about buying a Road to Hana CD. These helpful CD’s will guide you to the best of the Road to Hana.
Drive safe and have fun!
Located across from the big whale at Kalama Beach Park, Wokstar is a small casual open-air restaurant serving affordably-priced delicious meals off of South Kihei Road. Next door to Life’s A Beach, Wokstar offers a healthy alternative to the many over-priced restaurants around Maui. Impressed equally by the quality of the food as we were with the professional attentive service, we recommend this Maui restaurant to everyone we meet. A Maui-Must-Do! 
Located halfway between Maalaea and Lahaina next to the Olowalu General Store, Chez Paul’s Restaurant Francais is one not to miss. This extraordinary restaurant has first-class French Cuisine and tremendous wines too. Lunch and dinner are both incredibly satisfying with Hors D’Oeuvres such as cappuccino of lobster bisque with cognac and entrees like Shoyu and Grand Marnier carmalized pacific salmon with citrus beurre blanc. Chez Paul is a great spot to stop at on the way to or from Lahaina. It’s only a short scenic drive from Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kihei, and Maalaea. Chez Paul has quickly become Boss Frog’s favorite restaurant on the island.
Stella Blues Cafe’s theme was highly influenced by the Grateful Dead and their contemporaries in the Music scene. It’s an attractive restaurant with a full bar and savoury meals. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Kihei next to the Long’s Shopping Center, Stella Blues has inspired live music and enticing food. After your first meal here, you’ll see why this restaurant a local favorite. 
Having recently won 3 medals at the World Beer Cup, Maui Brewing Co. has garnered world recognition for it’s handcrafted beers. Their Lagers and Ales are the best in Hawaii! You can enjoy them at their location on Maui, in Kahana. Enjoy the warm and inviting ambiance as well as delicious fine foods. Unlike other “Hawaiian beers”, Maui Brewing Co.’s packaged microbrews are genuinely Hawaiian-Made. 
Located on Kaanapali Beach in Whalers Village, the Hula Grill is well known for it’s menu of fresh Hawaiian fish, traditional feasts, delicious pupus and dim sum. With both casual and fine dining, this authentic restaurant is perfect for the whole family. They have an equally excellent menu for both lunch and dinner. Hula Grill has some of the best live music on the island. You’ll soon know why this is a popular spot on the Upper West Side of Maui.
If you’re in search of a quality lunch or dinner on the South side, you’ll want to try Cafe O’Lei. A local favorite for years, this restaurant does not disappoint. Their sushi is fresh and dilectable as well as all of their regular entrees. Without a doubt, Cafe O’Lei is one of the best restaurants in Kihei. You’ll find it unopposingly located upstairs on the North side of the Rainbow Mall.
You can find Bubba Gump’s Restaurant located on the North end of Front Street in Lahaina. This informal family restaurant offers a cheerful atmosphere with lunch and dinner served daily. Themed from the hit Tom Hank’s movie Forrest Gump, Bubba serves up a large menu of seafood and steak entrees with, of course, lots of shrimp. If you’re looking for a bright, colorful, and fun dining experience, look no further than Bubba Gump Restaurant on the water.