While the road to Hana (Maui, Hawaii) most notably conjures up images of narrow, winding roads surrounded by lush vegetation and picturesque ocean views, visitors may find that smaller attractions along the road are worthy of as much attention as the scenery itself.

Earlier in the drive, on the main path, a sign points towards the Twin Peak Waterfalls, where a small fall trickles into a lagoon. However, the star attraction is neither the fall nor the picturesque stroll but the jump. Standing at the edge of the rocky cliff, those daring enough can grasp vines on an exhilarating climb to the top. From there, adventurers leap off, spending up to five seconds in the air before splashing into the refreshingly cold pool below. Those who are less inclined to have that adrenaline rush can jump off a lower-altitude rope or rock, for a less extreme but still thrilling experience. A tourist compared that to a milder, junior varsity version of the grand varsity leap.

A tranquil, secluded black sand beach is another pleasant stop on the road to Hana. Driving down the main path, travelers can catch an enticing glimpse of glimmering waves splashing upon a rocky shore. As it turns out, a turn onto what soon becomes a dirt path leads there.

Once there, the view is even more picturesque than from afar. Cerulean waves splash upon shiny pebbles, which gradually turn into finer black sand. Bamboo-covered cliffs encircle the beach, creating an atmosphere of seclusion. Though the view is spectacular, the pebbles are too large and uneven for walking and playing along the shoreline. However, the sand farther back, like a black-tinted version of traditional sand, is suitable for walks and for simply sitting and relaxing.

Additionally, a special treat of sea life may surprise visitors there. If they peer closely into the water, they might be lucky enough to catch sight of a turtle in the waves. Visitors, however, should be aware of the signs advising against swimming because of the lack of lifeguards and dangerous wave conditions.

Later on in the journey, beside the road rests a humble stand, a mini convenience store. Small and beige, it could easily be overlooked if not for the oversized red sign emblazoned with “Halfway to Hana” marking its location.

Despite the stand’s modest appearance, the goods carried by the shop are anything but. Carrying most famously homemade banana bread as well as seasonal fruits, shaved ice, and a variety of other treats and souvenirs, the stand is understandably a well-known favorite for weary or hungry travelers on the road.

The banana bread definitely deserves all its renown. Perfectly sweet and moist but not greasy or spongy like many commercial brands, this banana bread tastes fresh, healthy, and scrumptious. Even better, it is quite reasonably priced at six dollars for a small loaf.

Other refreshments there are likewise delicious. For instance, the pineapple slices there were slightly overpriced at two dollars for a quarter of a fruit, but they were incomparably juicy and sweet and well worth every cent. And the generous portions of shaved ice, costing four dollars without ice cream and five dollars with, were like sweet, icy heaven melting on the tongue.

Tourists are not the only ones who appreciate the stand. Shop owner Nita Chong has enjoyed the beauty of Hana when her family relocated there from Oahu in 1983 and started a shaved ice shop that later evolved into this general refreshment stand.

“I love Hana for its beauty and remoteness,” she said. “What I like about working here is the different people I see every day. It’s never monotonous.”

Visitors can rest assured that a wide variety of experiences are available on the long road to Hana. Whether tourists choose to enjoy slices of heavenly banana bread or to dive off cliffs, this famous scenic route will never bore.