Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Backpacking on Maui

Blue Pools Waterfall in Hana - photo by Ron Dahlquist courtesy Hawaiian Tourism Authority

Would waking in the cool pacific breeze to the voices of native birds appeal to your traveling senses?  How about hiking up to a pristine waterfall or along rocky volcanc coastlines?  In spite of its celebrity and high-end appeal, Maui makes for an ideal backpacking adventure as only twenty-five percent of its land is developed. And there's plenty left to expolore and discover.

Though there are quite a few hostels available on Maui, the rates are still fairly high, in some instances not any less than selecct hotel/motel rates, so the best option for backpacking Maui may be tent camping at Wai‘anapanapa State Park in Hana at the end of Wai‘anapanapa Road off Hana Highway (Highway 360).  Of the two state parks on Maui, only Wai‘anapanapa offers showers and drinking water.  Services/Facilities: Restrooms, camping and lodging, outdoor showers, trash cans, drinking water, payphone.

Air service is available into Hana and connects from Honolulu.  Step off the plane in Hana and you are ready to go.  And if you're not ready to go it alone, check out Maui Hiking Safaris at http://www.mauihikingsafaris.com/ for safe, friendly, guided hikes.  But no matter how you decide to go about it, backpacking Maui could be the most scenic route to take.



Cheryl Bruedigam, Editor Guidebook America
www.guidebookamerica.com