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    The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 🌺

📍Sapphire Beach & Magen’s Bay

#stthomasvirginislands #stthomasusvi #usvi #usvirginislands #visitusvi
    Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on a budget ☝🏼

Although I have stayed in some nice hostels and tasted some delicious cheap street food throughout my life, this type of travel is for a VERY niche group of people.

So what about the rest of us? Those of us who love luxury travel and meaningful cultural experiences but also love comfort, security and convenience?

Here are a few of my favorite ways to luxury travel on a budget:

✔️Travel hacking flights.
✔️Using Google Flights to track down the cheapest flights.
✔️Booking 4/5-star hotels on Hotwire.
✔️Cruises (the newest addition to my budget travel tips)!

As always, I’m here to answer any budget travel questions you have (hmu in the comments or DMs). If you want to learn my exact strategy for how to travel on a budget, click the link in my bio. ✈️

#budgettravel #luxuryonabudget #travelonabudget #luxurytravel #travelreel
    I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the wind. 🌬

Where will the wind take us next? (Hint: it’s one of the biggest cities in the US!! 🌃)

#travelerlife #travelbloggers #travelblogger
    7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊 We were o 7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊

We were on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Of The Seas ship, and, let’s just say, there was no shortage of entertainment.

Between the free comedy shows, karaoke bars, Olympic-level figure skating, rock climbing, zip lining, surfing, pools, hot tubs, Broadway musicals and MORE, there’s no way you can be bored while on board.

Would you sail on Oasis? 🚢 

#royalcaribbean #oasisoftheseas #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #travelreel
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Where To Take Photos On The Road To Hana (With Map)

March 21, 2022

Where To Take Photos On The Road To Hana (With Map)

As the local Hawaiians say, the Road to Hana is a journey, not a destination. On your journey, you’ll pass jungle vines, towering waterfalls, perfectly turquoise water, otherworldly bamboo forests and even a massive volcano. Inevitably, you’ll want to take Road to Hana photos.

I’ve compiled a list of the 17 best photography spots for the journey, so you know exactly which spots are worth photographing and which you can enjoy off-grid.

Here’s exactly where to take photos on the Road to Hana (as well as some bonus Road to Hana photo tips at the end)!

1. Ho’okipa Lookout

Ho’okipa Beach is one of the first incredible sights to see on the Road to Hana.

Even though this lookout is particularly known for watching sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, the active teal waters (I’m talking 30-foot waves) and mountainous background also make an epic photography location.

In fact, I have to credit Ho’okipa Lookout for the top liked Road to Hana photos on my Instagram.

road to hana photos

2. Ho’okipa Beach

Adjacent to Ho’okipa Lookout is the iconic Ho’okipa Beach.

Besides the massive and somewhat terrifying 30-foot waves, this beach is notorious for its napping sea turtles.

Legally, you can’t get close to the turtles. But, if you want to see turtles on your Maui vacation, this is a location to do so.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amy Seder ☼ Travel + Fashion (@amyseder)

3. Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees, AKA The Painted Trees

Believe it or not, these trees aren’t painted by anyone other than God.

The bark of these famous rainbow eucalyptus trees peels off, revealing striking colors from the inside out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Clemens Kurek (@cochiseontherun)

4. Nahiku Landing

Next, Nahiku Landing, which solitics a 15-minute detour off the Road to Hana, proves worthy of an iconic photography spot by its crashing teal waves, legendary cliff views and palm tree haven.

While the temptation to spend this detour only taking pictures is plentiful, remember to take in the landscape here, too.

If you look closely, you’ll even see several distant cliffside waterfalls pouring into the Pacific.

road to hana photoshoot

5. Haleakala Crater (Road To Hana Photos)

Take your Road to Hana road trip from below sea level to above the clouds at Haleakala Crater.

Haleakala is Maui’s dormant volcano. The crater’s red dusty summits, silver extraterrestrial wildlife and airplane elevation shuttle you to a Mars-like, otherworldly place to take photos on the Road to Hana

Now, this Road to Hana stop does require a national park pass. But, with the pass, you’ll also be able to enter the Pipiwai Trail, Waimoku Falls and the Pools of ‘Ohe’o, which we’ll discuss next. Just be sure to purchase the 3-day park pass if you plan to visit these locations on separate days.

road to hana photo

6. Bamboo Forest On The Pipiwai Trail

Next on the list of where to take photos on the Road to Hana is the bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail.

This bamboo forest will quite literally make you forget that you are still inside the United States.

Technically, bamboo is not native to Maui, but the trees’ fast growth quickly built a lush Hawaiian forest when it was brought to the island. Now, we get to enjoy it!

Before you go, though, plan for the weather. If you plan on hiking Pipiwai when it is raining, be prepared to get really wet and really muddy. I go over how to prep more here.

road to hana photos
road to hana photoshoot

7. Waimoku Falls (Road To Hana Photos)

Waimoku Falls is an epic 400-foot waterfall hidden in the middle of the dense Hawaiian rainforest. It is a definite must-see spot in Maui.

However, there is quite a hike to the falls. The hike (on the Pipiwai Trail) is about 2.5-3 hours round trip if you plan to stop and take photos. Moreover, the trail is primarily made of uneven stairs, mud, rocks, tree roots and rotting fallen mangos.

Although you will get wet and muddy, guaranteed, I highly suggest visiting Pipiwai and Waimoku Falls after or during a heavy rain so that the waterfall is flowing full.

where to take pictures on the road to hana
road to hana maui photos

8. Pools Of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools)

Next, the Pools of ‘Ohe’o, more commonly known as the Seven Sacred Pools, are also located in Haleakala National Park, just like Pipiwai and Waimoku Falls.

Luckily, the Seven Sacred Pools only require a 10 minute walk from the parking lot that is mostly downhill.

If the waters are calm, you will probably get a chance to swim in the pools, so be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel.

road to hana maui pictures

9. Hana Highway

As you drive through the rough scenic terrain to all the iconic Road to Hana must-see spots, don’t forget to take in all of the beautiful roadside views as well.

Pull over, hop out of your car, eat a snack, embrace the salty breeze and take a few photos on Road to Hana’s Hana Highway.

road to hana photoshoot

10. Makapipi Falls

Similarly, one of the incredible Hana Highway pull-outs is Makapipi Falls.

As you can see, the massive Makapipi Falls runs right under the road. So, unless you’re intentionally looking for the waterfall, you will most likely drive right past it. Don’t!

Furthermore, if you have a drone, this is a great location for some aerial waterfall shots.

maui instagram spots
best photography spots in maui

11. Twin Falls (Road To Hana Photos)

Although Maui is home to many, many waterfall pools, Twin Falls is probably the most Instagrammed waterfall-fed pool of them all.

Naturally, I had to add these falls to this list of where to take photos on the Road to Hana.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sylwia (@sylwiaa_gr)

12. Kaihalulu Beach, AKA Red Sand Beach

By now, you’ve probably heard of Maui’s white sand and black sand beaches, but have you heard of the red sand beach?

Maui’s red sand beach, Kaihalulu Beach, boasts striking rust-colored sand that seeps into the stark blue ocean. These contrasting hues yield perfect Road to Hana photos — from up above or down below.

If you opt to go down below, note the hike is considered dangerous by locals. If you’re a seasoned hiker and feel equipped for the climb, be extra careful. Tourists have died trying to capture the “perfect” Road to Hana photo here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travel Often (@__traveloften)

13. Black Sand Beach At Wai’anapanapa State Park (Road To Hana Photos)

Black sand beaches are becoming increasingly popular on social media.

Why? Because of their insane uniqueness and beauty.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a drone. Wai’anapanapa State Park’s black sand beach will make for a perfect photo opportunity regardless of the camera angle.

where to take photos on the road to hana

14. Small Black Sand Beach At Wai’anapanapa State Park

While you’re visiting the iconic black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park, walk across the beach to the side opposite of the entrance staircase. There, you’ll see a small hiking trail tucked behind big black boulders. Take the two-minute hike on the trail, and you will be rewarded will a miniature black sand beach — most likely all to yourself.

I will caution you to bring shoes of some sort, though. This beach is made up of pebbles rather than soft sand.

road to hana photos

15. Paihi Falls

Next, Paihi Falls is situated deep in the jungle of Maui.

If you plan to complete the entire Road to Hana, you’ll eventually pass this tall, thin 50-foot waterfall.

You can walk right on the pool’s bridge to take your photos, but watch for cars. This bridge is very skinny and nonexclusive to pedestrian traffic.

road to hana photoshoot

16. Palapala Ho’omau Congregational Church, AKA Charles Lindbergh’s Grave

As the final resting place of the legendary Charles Lindbergh (the first man to pilot a solo transatlantic flight), Palapala Ho’omau is a hidden gem among the more well-known stops on the Road to Hana.

In the words of Charles Lindbergh himself, the land surrounding this church is “heaven on earth.”

When you look inland from the front of the church, you’ll see blue sky, Maui mountains, lush tropical foliage and, if you’re lucky, friendly horses.

road to hana photoshoot

17. Saint Joseph Church (Road To Hana Photos)

Last but not least, Saint Joseph Church.

Tucked behind a metal fence off the Road to Hana, just down the road from Charles Lindbergh’s grave, the grounds of Saint Joseph Church are free to visit.

This quaint church offers a huge green with both mountain and ocean views. You even may be able to spot a rainbow hanging over the steeple. Can you spot the fading rainbow in this Road to Hana picture?

road to hana maui pictures

Road To Hana Photo Tips

Bonus: Here are some Road to Hana photo tips from me, a professional travel photographer!

Road to Hana photo tips:

  1. Learn basic travel photography techniques.
  2. Understand your camera’s manual functions, even if you’re just using your iPhone.
  3. Buy camera gear if you want. Here’s all of the best budget camera gear for travel photography.
  4. Learn how to pose in travel photos (this one actually makes a big difference).
  5. Pack the perfect, foolproof Road to Hana outfit that is practical but still photogenic.

Looking for more Maui Instagram spots? Click here!

More On Maui, Hawaii

How To Pick A Foolproof Road To Hana Outfit
27 Maui Instagram Spots For Iconic Photos (With Map And Photos)
What To Pack For Maui During The Winter Months
The True Meaning Of Aloha

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Where To Take Photos On The Road To Hana (With Map)
Where To Take Photos On The Road To Hana (With Map)
Where To Take Photos On The Road To Hana (With Map)

By: Indigo Sahara

About Indigo Sahara

Indigo Sahara is a full-time travel blogger and photographer who has lived abroad twice, journeyed through 10+ countries and learned multiple languages. Since graduating with her master's degree, her goal now is to make travel accessible to all.

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We’re co-creators of our life. That means, if y We’re co-creators of our life.

That means, if you don’t like your life, you have the freedom and power to change it.

👉🏼 If you don’t like your job…
👉🏼 If you’re burnt out and tired…
👉🏼 If you want more joy in your life…
👉🏼 If you want to travel the world…

…You (and only you) can change your current circumstances. This may feel intimidating, but it’s actually completely liberating. Take a deep breath!

How will you make a happy life? 🤍

#inspirationalvideos #inspirationalthoughts #travelreel #travelreelsoninstagram #travelquotes
The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin The crystal clear waters of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 🌺

📍Sapphire Beach & Magen’s Bay

#stthomasvirginislands #stthomasusvi #usvi #usvirginislands #visitusvi
Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on Who says you need to stay in hostels to travel on a budget ☝🏼

Although I have stayed in some nice hostels and tasted some delicious cheap street food throughout my life, this type of travel is for a VERY niche group of people.

So what about the rest of us? Those of us who love luxury travel and meaningful cultural experiences but also love comfort, security and convenience?

Here are a few of my favorite ways to luxury travel on a budget:

✔️Travel hacking flights.
✔️Using Google Flights to track down the cheapest flights.
✔️Booking 4/5-star hotels on Hotwire.
✔️Cruises (the newest addition to my budget travel tips)!

As always, I’m here to answer any budget travel questions you have (hmu in the comments or DMs). If you want to learn my exact strategy for how to travel on a budget, click the link in my bio. ✈️

#budgettravel #luxuryonabudget #travelonabudget #luxurytravel #travelreel
I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the I hear “indigo” is the brightest color of the wind. 🌬

Where will the wind take us next? (Hint: it’s one of the biggest cities in the US!! 🌃)

#travelerlife #travelbloggers #travelblogger
7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊 We were o 7 days at sea with @royalcaribbean 🌊

We were on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Of The Seas ship, and, let’s just say, there was no shortage of entertainment.

Between the free comedy shows, karaoke bars, Olympic-level figure skating, rock climbing, zip lining, surfing, pools, hot tubs, Broadway musicals and MORE, there’s no way you can be bored while on board.

Would you sail on Oasis? 🚢 

#royalcaribbean #oasisoftheseas #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #travelreel

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