MAUI - Everyone Can’t Be Wrong

The mere mention of it brings a mysticism, an aura, an idea that fills your mind with thoughts of majestic beaches (red, white or black) and stunning coastlines, hula dances and leis, and the most enjoyable of vacations. Pure serenity.

MAUI.

The ten days I spent in Hawai’i were divided between Maui and Kauai, giving me the perfect excuse to return in the future so I can visit Oahu and the Big Island (and then Molokai and Lanai). This article will focus solely on my adventures in Maui. Instead of a traditional “Things to do” or “Top 10” list, which can be readily found across the internet, I have chosen specific things that jumped out at me as “special.” This will be a three part series that begins in western (and southern…and even central, really) Maui.

MAUI - Part 1

DRIVE THE ISLAND - Not to be compared with the more popular, and more specific “Drive the Road to Hana” (though that is obviously a sizable part of this), the reasons behind driving the whole island are quite plentiful. Namely, the beauty isn’t relegated to the Hana Highway. The western loop is roughly 65 miles and would take between two and a half and three hours if you drove straight through (Google maps usually predicts about two and a half hours). BUT, you wouldn’t drive straight through because then you’d miss all of the fun.

• If you have kids or just need to stretch the legs after a long plane ride, then your first stop should be in Maalaea, to have lunch on the beach at Haycraft Park. This isn’t amazing or spectacular, per se, especially when compared to the rest of the things you will encounter on your trip. But that’s why it’s necessary- so you can truly appreciate the breathtaking grandeur that is Maui (To be fair to Haycraft Park, it’s pretty solid).

• As you follow Highway 30 along the water you will see numerous opportunities to get out to take amazing photos. DON’T! Reason being, those stunning photos are around every turn. Truthfully. This is what makes Hawai’i the destination that it is. The sign for Whale Lookout Point- yeah, pull off there. If it’s winter, you have a decent chance at catching sight of a whale. If not, your consolation prize is a gorgeous view of the bay. ALSO, a great place to watch the sun rise over Haleakala Volcano.

• Olawalu - Amazing place to camp. There are multiple options and they are all good. The beach is calm and the whole area is a perfect place to relax. Be careful when you camp on the beach, however, as even a little bit of rain can flood these campsites (Still, it’s more than worth it).

• Lahaina - There is something for everyone in Lahaina. You’ll definitely want to explore Front Street (Have to get that photo at the Banyan tree). Do your research to get the most of your time here. It truly is a wonderful city (village? town? It’s a little over ten thousand people so whatever you might call that).

• Kaanapali - The Kapalua coastal trail is worth your time. Makaluapuna Point is worth your time. (Also known as Dragon’s Teeth). I did it in sneakers but I would recommend doing the trek in tennis shoes. D.T. Fleming Park is a perfect place to have a picnic on the beach. Another excellent place to spend a couple days. There is so much to see and do. Once you leave Kaanapali to the north, however, is when things begin to change….dramatically…

Highway 30 ends and that means things are about to get a little more tricky; no, a little more….dangerous.

The Death Highway (Highway 340) - MAKE SURE TO DRIVE IT WEST TO EAST - I’ll be honest, I’m not sure most car rental agreements allow you to actually traverse this part of the island. Highway 340 takes over from Highway 30, and not too long after the two comfortable lanes merge into one nerve-wracking lane for people driving in both directions. This isn’t for the feint of heart. But, if you are cautious and aware you should have very little to fear…I think. Understand that it might take you a little bit longer than a normal drive, but once you get away from the points of congestion (which I only remember two), you are able to see a different side of Maui. What exactly?

• Epic views that truly have to be seen in person. Now, don’t take them in while you are driving. Because, you know, you’ll probably end up in a very bad situation.

• Nakalele Blowhole - A very cool area to just relax. While I wouldn’t tell someone to travel out there strictly to see this, if you are there you definitely should. Oh, put on a decent pair of shoes for this.

• Olivine Pools - First and foremost, be careful here. If the ocean is angry, my friend, then swimming in these pools is probably a bad idea. About ten to twelve minutes past Nakalele Blowhole, I was put onto this spot my a Maui local. There’s no sign or anything advising you where to stop but it is on Google Maps now so that’s a decent point of reference. I’ve heard these are incredibly dangerous but they were calm and inviting when I was there.

• Lastly, we get to Kahakuloa. A wonderful little town that is stuck in time. Stop at Lorraine’s Shaved Ice. Stop at Julie’s Best Banana Bread. Wander around the town for a little bit. See the church. The beach is pretty good as well. A cool final stop on the western loop of Maui. A definite must see.

Did I miss anything? Of course! The whole east side of the island (and Kauai). Don’t you worry, they’re coming soon.