Hamakualoa (Haʻikū) Trip Idea | Go Hawaii
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Hamakualoa (Haʻikū)

Welcome to Hamakualoa

(Haʻikū)

Moku are traditional land divisions used throughout the Hawaiian Islands for centuries. Each moku has smaller land divisions, like ahupua‘a (land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea). These traditional land divisions are reflections of ancestral values of resource management and sustainability. They continue to guide us toward more regenerative ways to enjoy our island home.

THE MOKU OF HAMAKUALOA

You will pass through many moku along the famous Hāna Highway. After passing Pāʻia and its moku, Hamakuapoko, you’ll then reach Hamakualoa. One of its more renowned towns is Haʻikū, where a history of sugar plantations can still be seen today. The Haʻikū Sugar Company, once the largest sugar plantation in Hawaiʻi, established its sugar mill and surrounding town in Hamakualoa during the mid-1800s. While sugar production no longer drives the local economy, its legacy endures through a substantial water diversion system that continues to deliver water to various parts of Maui. It is a constant reminder for kamaʻāina (residents) and malihini (visitors) to mālama (care for) Maui’s most precious resource - wai (water).

 
Kakahiaka (Morning)

Foodies Breakfast 8:00 AM
Begin your day at Baked on Maui (808-575-7836), a local favorite nestled in the Pa‘uwela Cannery. This bakery starts its ovens at midnight to ensure fresh baked goods every morning. Known for their breakfast plates featuring fresh, local ingredients, they promise “aloha in every bite.” For the hungry traveler, order “The Mops” – a hearty breakfast sandwich named after the Pidgin (Hawai‘i Creole English) term “mop” which means to “eat voraciously.” If you prefer a lighter start, don’t worry– their menu offers a range of choices, including vegetarian options.
375 W Kuiaha Road, Haiku, HI 96708

Shoppers Shopping 10:00 AM
Next stop - Da Kine Hawaii’s flagship store in Pa‘uwela Cannery (808-242-5788). Founded on Maui in 1979, Da Kine has evolved into a global brand offering high-performance apparel and accessories for surfing, windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, cycling, and fishing. The name “Da kine” is a Pidgin (Hawai‘i Creole English) term meaning “anything” or literally “the kind.” While there, gear up for your upcoming adventures - perhaps invest in hiking equipment or a small cooler for a picnic.
375 W Kuiaha Rd, #40, Haiku, HI 96708
Haiku Shopping Aloha soap Maui
Awakea (Midday)

Foodies Prepare for a Picnic 11:00 AM
Next, stock up for your picnic at the Pauwela Store (808-575-9955), a family-owned organic grocery. This local gem offers an assortment of grab-and-go lunch items, fresh produce, healthy snacks, and various beverages. While shopping, look for locally manufactured canned drinks - its easy to spot. Check for horizontal rings at the top of the can and the Ball logo on the back. These features indicate that the Ball Corporation in Hawai‘i canned the beverage using a method dating back to World War II.
375 W Kuiaha Rd, Haiku, HI 96708
ʻAuinalā (Afternoon)

Outdoor Adventurers Hiking and Picnic 12:00 PM
With your cooler packed, it’s time for a hike to Pa‘uwela Point Lighthouse. Start by parking at the Hā‘ikū Community Center (808-572-8122) and ensure you’re prepared:
-> Wear sturdy hiking shoes or tabis
-> Apply reef-safe sunscreen
-> Wear a hat ring plenty of drinking water
-> Pack your small cooler with snacks.

The 1.5-mile hike should take about one hour, but we recommend taking your time. Stop halfway mark fora picnic and enjoy the breathtakingocean views. To help keep the picture-perfect scene pristine, please remember take all your trash with you.
Ahiahi (Evening)

Foodies Dinner 5:00 PM
After your hike and lunch, it’s time for an early dinner at Nuka (808-575-2939) on Ha‘ikū Road. Nuka is created in the process of polishing brown rice into white rice. The process creates a nutritious ‘embryo’ rice with the taste, texture, and digestibility of white rice. The restaurant then uses the nuka to create their nukazuke, a salty, tangy, probiotic-rich pickle. The bran is then mixed with water, salt, and kelp, and turned into a pickling bed, where vegetables can be fermented for varying periods. Executive Sushi Chef Hiro Takanashi believes food tastes best when prepared simply, and supporting local farms and fishermen is a priority at this precisely curated dining experience.
780 Haiku Road, Haiku, HI 96708