Travels in Maui - Seven Sacred Pools and Black Sand Beach: Day 5
This is Day 5 of our Maui adventure, to read Day 1, go here.
Seven Sacred pools, Hana, Maui, Hawaii
There isn't a lot to say on a day like today. There's just so much to do. There's so much to explore. Go out the front door and see where the roads take you.
Wailua Falls 
Moo 
Koki Beach Park off Hanee Road 
Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park 
Black Sand Beach is just a short trip from Hana and a beautiful experience.
There are, what appears to be, many farms and plantations near Hana and many of them have signs up offering access to their botanical gardens. The price tag on some of these self-toured gardens was between $10-$30 per person and bit more than we wanted to pay. After driving around to see what all of the farms offered, we finally found a location that was within our budget (in regards to walking around a garden on a farm).
We cannot speak in regards to the other botanical gardens but as to the one we visited, it is not for the faint of heart. The grounds are unkempt and spider webs are everywhere. Your only guide is a small piece of paper with a crudely drawn map of the garden area.
Of course, with perseverance and determination, many gems can be found in the rough. It just takes a bit of searching.
After a long day of traveling you will need to fill up food. Be mindful of your times as locations in Hana close extra early. Choice number one is Braddah Hutt's BBQ Grill, open from 10am to 2pm or when they sell out of food. It's a simple food truck set up in front of a home. No fancy dining table or anything but the food is great.
Warning: The place will be crowded with tour buses in the afternoon and most days is sold out of food shortly after.
Their fish tacos are highly recommended!
Braddah Hutt's BBQ Grill 
Fish tacos with pineapple caper salsa 
BBQ Chicken with rice and macaroni salad.
The second choice is Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food. It is open from Tuesday to Friday at 10:30am to 4pm. Thai food by Pranee is on the same location but on the different days - Saturday through Monday. Almost identical menu with tiny differences. Apparently, the owners used to work together and had a falling out so they split the days to continue the business.
Unfortunately, Nutcharee's does not taste like authentic Thai food. Their egg rolls are store-bought. Their food was ok, not that great.
Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food
Pad Thai noodles, Nutcharee's special curry and egg rolls.
Their pad Thai noodles were bland, and lacked seasoning and flavor. Their noodles were overcooked and soggy. Nutcharee's special curry was supposed to come with a side of salad but it was just chopped romaine leaves with no dressing.
You can also stock up on snacks, drinks and delicious home made banana bread at one of the many road side vendors that dot Hana highway. The varieties are a treat and the breads we had were fresh and delicious.
The south east side of Maui isn't about the dining experience. Food is fuel to keep you energized for all the exploring there is to be done. If you can, stock up on water and snacks before heading away from the main towns and make sure you have lots of fuel.
This would be our last day in Hana. Tomorrow we would set off for Paia.
To continue to Day 6, go here.
Warning: The place will be crowded with tour buses in the afternoon and most days is sold out of food shortly after.
Their fish tacos are highly recommended!
The second choice is Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food. It is open from Tuesday to Friday at 10:30am to 4pm. Thai food by Pranee is on the same location but on the different days - Saturday through Monday. Almost identical menu with tiny differences. Apparently, the owners used to work together and had a falling out so they split the days to continue the business.
Unfortunately, Nutcharee's does not taste like authentic Thai food. Their egg rolls are store-bought. Their food was ok, not that great.
Their pad Thai noodles were bland, and lacked seasoning and flavor. Their noodles were overcooked and soggy. Nutcharee's special curry was supposed to come with a side of salad but it was just chopped romaine leaves with no dressing.
You can also stock up on snacks, drinks and delicious home made banana bread at one of the many road side vendors that dot Hana highway. The varieties are a treat and the breads we had were fresh and delicious.
This would be our last day in Hana. Tomorrow we would set off for Paia.
To continue to Day 6, go here.
