Banana bread, Pipiwai trail, Waianapanapa, itinerary advice

Question

We (husband and I and 14 yr old son) are planning to drive the road to Hana this spring break on 3/26 and would love feedback and advice! We will be traveling from Kaleialoha condos in Lahaina and are tentatively planning on leaving at around 6am and heading to the Pipiwai trail or Waianapanapa State Park first. Currently the 12:30-3 time slot is sold out at Waianapanapa, and I'm thinking we wouldn't make it for the 7-10 slot, so should we do the 10-12:30 and then do the Pipiwai trail and seven sacred pools afterward? These reservations make it very challenging! Also, my son is really wanting some of the famous Aunt Sandy's banana bread, but if we pass by there too early, is there another place to get yummy banana bread since it will probably be closed or sold out on our way back? Other stops we are thinking of making on our way back include Hanawi Falls, Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park, Ke'anae Arboretum, and Twin Falls. Would love to have the experience of swimming beneath a waterfall, weather permitting. Please let me know of you think these are good choices and doable in a day or if you have other suggestions. Thanks so much!

Answer

Your plan to drive the Road to Hana sounds wonderful, and you've already picked some great spots to visit! I can definitely offer some guidance on your itinerary and suggest a few tweaks to make sure you have enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Let's break down your itinerary, especially considering the reservation constraints and your must-see spots:

1. Waianapanapa State Park Reservation: Since you're planning to visit the park and the 12:30-3:00 slot is sold out, I’d recommend taking the 10:00-12:30 slot, as you’ve already considered. Waianapanapa is known for its stunning black sand beach, sea caves, and natural arches, so it's definitely worth a stop. Afterward, you can head to the Pipiwai Trail, but since you’ll be going to the trail later in the day, it will be more manageable and not too crowded. Keep in mind that the Road to Hana can be slow, so it's great to have flexibility with your stops.

2. Pipiwai Trail & Seven Sacred Pools: The Pipiwai Trail is a fantastic hike and a highlight of the Hana area. It’s about a 4-mile round trip and takes you through bamboo forests, past waterfalls, and ends at the stunning Waimoku Falls, which is 400 feet high! This will take you about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Since you plan to do this after Waianapanapa, be mindful of the time, as you may not get to the Seven Sacred Pools until late afternoon. The pools are great for a swim, but the weather and water conditions can affect accessibility, so check for advisories when you get there.

3. Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread: Aunt Sandy’s banana bread is a must-try, but you are right that they close early. I recommend trying to get there before noon, as the bread can sell out quickly, especially in the morning. However, if you’re planning to pass by early and miss out, here are a couple of other places you might consider for delicious banana bread:

Halfway to Hana (Hana Highway): This food stand is famous for its banana bread and also offers fresh fruit, smoothies, and snacks. They open early, so you may be able to stop here on your way to Hana if you leave early enough.
Hana Farms Roadside Stand: Another great spot for banana bread is Hana Farms, which has fresh, homemade banana bread and other local treats. It’s not on the way to Hana, but if you plan to stop here on your way back, it’s a fantastic option!

4. Stops on the Way Back: The stops you’ve mentioned are great choices and will give you a good mix of scenic views and outdoor adventures. Here’s some advice on those stops:

Hanawi Falls: This is a beautiful waterfall along the Road to Hana, and it’s a perfect photo opportunity. There’s a small pullout on the side of the road where you can stop and enjoy the view.
Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park: This stop is another lovely waterfall with a short trail that leads to a small waterfall and swimming area. Depending on weather conditions, swimming here is possible, though it’s less popular than the Seven Sacred Pools.
Ke'anae Arboretum: This is a peaceful stop where you can take a short walk through the tropical garden and enjoy views of the coastline. It’s a beautiful, quiet spot for a break and offers some nice photo opportunities.
Twin Falls: Twin Falls is a great place to stretch your legs, and it’s one of the first waterfalls you’ll encounter along the Road to Hana. It’s a popular stop, so it can be a bit crowded, but it’s an easy hike and a great spot for a quick dip if the water is clear and safe.

5. Weather Considerations for Swimming: As you mentioned, swimming beneath a waterfall sounds like an amazing experience, but it’s important to remember that the weather and water conditions can change quickly in this area. Always check for safety advisories before entering the water, especially after rain. The streams and waterfalls can become fast-moving, and the water can be cold and murky, so be cautious.

6. Is This Doable in a Day? Yes, it’s doable in a day, but it will be a long one! If you leave early at 6:00 AM, you should have enough time to make all of these stops, especially if you’re mindful of the time at each location. The drive itself takes about 2.5 to 3 hours one way, and with stops at Waianapanapa, Pipiwai Trail, and the other sites, you’ll likely spend the majority of the day on the Road to Hana. Keep an eye on the time and make sure you have a solid plan for lunch and snacks. I recommend packing lunch and plenty of water, as food options along the road are limited.

In summary, your itinerary looks fantastic! I’d just recommend being flexible with timing, especially with the reservation restrictions at Waianapanapa, and make sure you’re checking the weather for swimming safety. Enjoy your adventure on the Road to Hana—it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and you’re going to have a wonderful time!

Banana bread, Pipiwai trail, Waianapanapa, itinerary advice

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