Fagan's Cross
A historic cross offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hana, Maui, reached via a rewarding moderate hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer people
Fagan's Cross
Best Time
Magical light, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cross offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hana, Maui, reached via a rewarding moderate hike.
"Spectacular views! A must hike when in Hana."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paved trail is a moderate hike. Be prepared for inclines and watch out for cow pies! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Go for Sunrise
An unbelievable sunrise experience with few people. Peaceful and spectacular views await. :sunriseovermountains:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Hana Views
Summit of the hike
Breathtaking vistas of Hana town, rolling hills, and the vast Pacific Ocean. A truly unforgettable sight.
The Iconic Cross
Summit platform
A towering 30-foot cross built from hand-cut stone, a striking monument with a peaceful aura.
Sunrise Spectacle
Summit
Witnessing the sunrise from this vantage point is an unforgettable, serene experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hike Smart for Stunning Views
Respect the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paved trail is a moderate hike. Be prepared for inclines and watch out for cow pies! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Go for Sunrise
An unbelievable sunrise experience with few people. Peaceful and spectacular views await. :sunriseovermountains:
🚗 Parking Access
Use the correct public access gate on the side for parking. Be mindful of private property. :car:
💧 Bring Water
The hike can be warm, especially mid-day. Stay hydrated for the best experience. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The paved trail is a moderate hike. Be prepared for inclines and watch out for cow pies! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Go for Sunrise
An unbelievable sunrise experience with few people. Peaceful and spectacular views await. :sunriseovermountains:
🚗 Parking Access
Use the correct public access gate on the side for parking. Be mindful of private property. :car:
💧 Bring Water
The hike can be warm, especially mid-day. Stay hydrated for the best experience. :droplet:
🧘 Find Inner Peace
Sit around the cross for a while; it's a very peaceful and serene spot for reflection. :lotus_position:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fagan's Cross for its spectacular panoramic views of Hana and the Pacific Ocean, calling the hike a rewarding and peaceful experience. The historical significance of the cross and the opportunity for quiet reflection are also highlighted as major draws. Some note the lack of information at the site and the presence of cows on the trail.
"I've seen the cross numerous times, always wanted to hike up but never got the chance until recently.
THE MAN:
The cross was constructed in 1962 by Takao Suda of Kihei, to honor Paul Fagan (1893-1960), a man whose hard work and drive put Hana on the world map with his efforts still felt till this day.
Mr. Fagan purchased the Hana Sugar Company in the 1930's. After the sugar industry died, he cleared the land of the crop and brought over cattle from Molokai, creating the Hana Ranch in 1944.
Soon after, he acquired the San Francisco Seals professional baseball team who were part of the now defunct Pacific Coast League.
Seeing the tourist industry taking off on Oahu, he wanted a piece of that pie and opened the Ka'uiki Inn, Hana's first hotel. The name later changed to Hotel Hana Maui and is now known as Travaasa Hana, still the only hotel in the area.
Mr. Fagan brought his San Francisco Seals team to Hana for training, along with national sports writers, who in turn publicized the town and his hotel to the world.
THE CROSS:
The hike up takes about 20 minutes or so, depending on your physical condition. The paved path starts out as a gradual incline but quickly turns challenging. You'll see guava and mango trees along the way, along with cows and cow pies, so be careful where you step!
The area looks almost heiau-like (ancient Hawaiian temple) but isn't one. An open and paved staging area greets you with the towering cross perched on a higher, alter-like platform flanked by tiki torches on either side and a smoothed lava rock floor below. The cross stands 30 feet high and is made out of numerous hand cut blocks of gray stone, stacked neatly like the Washington Monument. Views of Hana town, rolling hills of Haleakala and blue Pacific are second to none.
TIP:
Oddly there was no information posted about the cross at the site.
OVERALL:
Free and heart-healthy activity. Great views from Hana's version of the skyscraper observatory."
Maui World Travelers
"This is a moderate walk/hike on a paved trail. Please be aware of parking requirements and use correct public access (small gate on side). This walk was an unbelievable sunrise experience. There were only a couple other people and it was a great spot to sit quietly and reflect. I will never forget this beautiful view!"
Tani Wade
"A beautifully established cross. It takes a short hike to get to the top. I was worried about trespassing but it’s actually OKAY to hike it up on the road and not bother the cows. Great view once you get up. You’ll have all of Hana within sight. It’s so peaceful up there by yourself but running into another person who goes there at the same time is somewhat special."
Sam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fagan's Cross is located in Hana, Maui. The hike starts from a small gate on the side, accessible via public access. Parking is available nearby, but be sure to use the correct public access point to avoid trespassing.
Yes, there is parking available. Travelers recommend using the correct public access gate on the side for parking.
The trailhead is marked by a small gate on the side, indicating public access. It's a moderate walk from the parking area.
No, you cannot drive directly to Fagan's Cross. It requires a hike up a paved trail.
Public transport options to Hana are limited. It's generally recommended to have a rental car to explore Hana and reach Fagan's Cross.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fagan's Cross is a free attraction. It's a heart-healthy activity that offers great views without any cost.
Fagan's Cross is accessible at all hours, though visiting for sunrise or early morning is highly recommended for the best experience and fewer crowds.
No advance booking is required as Fagan's Cross is a free and open-access site.
The hike is moderate and paved, making it suitable for most ages. However, younger children might need supervision on the incline.
While generally open, it's important to be respectful of the peaceful nature of the site and avoid disturbing any local flora or fauna.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike up to Fagan's Cross typically takes about 20 minutes, depending on your physical condition.
The trail is paved and starts as a gradual incline, becoming more challenging as you ascend. Be mindful of cows and cow pies along the path.
From Fagan's Cross, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Hana town, the surrounding rolling hills, and the vast blue Pacific Ocean.
Yes, the cross was constructed in 1962 to honor Paul Fagan, a significant figure in Hana's development through his work with the Hana Sugar Company and Hana Ranch.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms at the summit of Fagan's Cross. It's advisable to use facilities before starting your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers magical light and a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour lighting.
You can capture stunning panoramic landscapes of Hana, the cross itself against the sky, and the expansive ocean views. Drone photography is also popular here.
There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and the peaceful nature of the site.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A tripod can be useful for sunrise shots. Drones are also used for aerial perspectives.
Drone photography is popular and offers unique aerial perspectives of the cross and the surrounding landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach kids about local history and the importance of respecting natural and historical sites. The open space at the top provides a good area for them to explore safely after the hike. Consider going earlier in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
Arriving early, especially for sunrise, ensures a solitary experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the quiet beauty. The historical significance of the cross adds another layer to the reflective atmosphere, making it a meaningful stop on your Maui adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Paul Fagan
Fagan's influence was far-reaching. He even brought his professional baseball team, the San Francisco Seals, to Hana for training, attracting national sports writers who helped publicize the town and his hotel. The cross, built in 1962, is a testament to his significant contributions and lasting impact on Hana's development.
Visiting Fagan's Cross offers a chance to connect with this history while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Hana. The hike itself is a rewarding experience, leading to a place of reflection and incredible views.
The Hike and the View
Upon reaching the summit, you're greeted by an open, paved staging area. The towering 30-foot cross, constructed from numerous hand-cut blocks of gray stone, stands proudly on a higher, altar-like platform. Flanked by tiki torches and set against a smoothed lava rock floor, the cross is an impressive sight.
The real reward, however, is the spectacular panoramic view. From this vantage point, you can see all of Hana town, the lush, rolling hills of Haleakala, and the endless blue Pacific Ocean. It's a truly breathtaking vista that makes the hike well worth the effort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit