The road to Hana, Maui is a narrow serpentine path through some of the most magnificent scenery on Earth. A two-lane band of asphalt, it would be impossible to border the edge of paradise more precisely than with the Hana Highway.
At times such as these, there is only one response a driving enthusiast can offer - time put on the shades, drop the top and rev up an all-American engine for a romp to remember under the Hawaiian sun.
The 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible comes equipped with a potent 4.0-litre SOHC V6 engine. Horsepower is rated as 210 @ 5,300 rpm with torque coming in at 240 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm.
Fitted with sequential multi-port fuel injection, the V6 runs on regular unleaded fuel. Our vehicle is equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission. Shifting between second, third and fourth gear dozens of times while driving the Hana Highway, fuel usage proves better than expected. Over the course of a fun-filled week, we top up only once.
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Sunlight glistens sporadically through the dense growth trees as 235/ 50WR18.0 rear rubber hooks up on the rain slick highway. It is impossible to tell from one moment to the next if the road ahead is wet or dry. Water bounces off a rock face to my immediate right, plunging downward with a violent roar to the ocean 300 metres below.
Inside, the Mustang Convertible surrounds our passing with 21st century trimmings wrapped in a 70’s retro shell. Chrome dials tally our excessive bursts of speed, retreating equally fast as we move between gears.
Power front bucket seats make near infinite adjustment possible. They hold us securely in place as we roll the steering wheel back and forth in tune with the changing landscape. Our time to Hana from the unofficial start of the highway is one hour and twenty five minutes.
Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa resides at the farthest edge of paradise. Not far down the road, world-renowned Hamoa Beach awaits. Here, a private lounge and change area are reserved for hotel guests. Celebrated author James Michener once referred to the beaches of Hana as heavenly. He had good reason to do so; the scenery is flawless.
Time stands still at Hotel Hana-Maui. Any yearning you may still have for the busyness of everyday life quickly evaporates with the soulful rush of ocean waves crashing against lava rock and sand. All rooms are television and radio free. A total of 47 suites and cottages define this luxurious destination. Our Deluxe Ocean View suite with hot tub offers spectacular views of the surrounding lush countryside.
Standard amenities include a kitchen with seating for six, couch and chair overlooking the deck plus a king-size bed. The double sink bathroom adjacent to the main room features a reclining tub, separate shower and dressing area. Floors are immersed in warm hardwood, with oversized ceiling fans adding to the tropical appeal.
Dining takes place in one of three extraordinary locations. The Paniolo Bar quenches with casual fare, while across the highway; Hana Ranch is a favourite among hotel guests. A consistent Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient, Ka’uiki restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner. Looking outwards toward Hana Bay, it provides the perfect setting to enjoy our five-course dining extravaganza topped off with a traditional Hawaiian dance.
The Honua Spa at Hotel Hana-Maui, a perennial Condé Nast Traveler Gold List winner, invites guests to embrace balance and health. Organic massage therapies include the Hawaiian Lomilomi and Lokahi Four-handed massage. Body wraps and facials round out a spectacular menu of treatments available in a truly unique spa setting.
Relaxed, rejuvenated and revved up once again, we are determined to improve on our original time driving the Hana Highway. Anything over one hour is considered mediocre by the locals. With roads fairly slick from the previous evening’s thunderstorm, I salivate at the impending challenge.
Pointing the Ford Mustang Convertible due west, I push hard on the accelerator, revelling in the sweet rhythm of tight corners and split-second vehicle control. Fifty-nine minutes later we’re back where it all began three days earlier. A little American muscle and a good pair of sunglasses go a long way toward building a lifetime of memories.
Where to Stay
Hotel Hana Maui
5031 Hana Hwy
Hana, Maui, HI 96713
www.hotelhanamaui.com
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