Aloha-Part IV-Maui
From Hilo airport flew to Lahaina (Maui)
Got a rental car and drove the narrow, twisty road to Hana.
Tip:
- Find a place to stay in Hana for a least one night. Since there isn’t much in Hana, find your place to stay way in advance of your arrival. The gem of going to Hana is the drive there.
- Leave early. The road can take up to six hours (with stops along the way). Traffic is heavy and there are 56 one-way bridges.
- Pack a lunch and make sure you have water.
- Use Gypsy app to decide where to stop along the road to Hana.
Adventures:
Ke’anae Arboretum. Free and worth the stop, especially if you’re a tree lover like me. The giant Rainbow Eucalyptus are impressive. Short walk.
Warm banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s (we found on our own). Turn left after Mile Marker 16 on Keanae Road. It’s not cheap, but you’re on vacation.
Upper Waikani Falls also known as Three Bear. A trio of large waterfalls just past Mile Marker 19. We went past the bridge and found parking. Just be cautious walking back to the bridge for your viewing and pictures.
Hana: 2 nights
VRBO: Beautiful Hana-The Gem of Maui
Hana is very small (remember it’s not the destination but the drive to get here). Grocery stores are very small and there aren’t many places to eat so we picked up a few items from the grocery store and ate in.
Adventures:
Pipiwai trail in Haleakala National Park. If you’re up for a 4-mile hike with a 900 ft elevation gain, then definitely do this hike. You’ll see a gigantic Banyan tree and traverse through a bamboo forest. The trail ends at Waimoku Falls. Tennis shoes work but take a water bottle. alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/maui/waimoku-falls-via-pipiwai-trail?u=i
After our long hike we decided to visit Charles Lindbergh’s grave at Palapala Ho’omau Church. It’s located in the tiny cemetery behind the church.
Drive the narrow, twisty road back through Kahalui and on to Lahaina.
Lahaina: 5 nights
Got groceries at Costco and Safeway.
AirBnB: Gorgeous quiet Puamana-just steps to Ocean
You can’t see the water from the bungalow but a very short walk to the clubhouse with an ocean pool (cold water) and view of the ocean. We spent time sitting by the clubhouse, watching whales, and relaxing. Played cards and drank wine outside clubhouse.
The unit has a nice lanai where we had most of our meals and morning coffee.
Adventures:
- Pa’ako Beach (Secret Cove) located on Maui’s south shore, just south of popular Big Beach (Makena Beach).
Tip: If you pay for parking on your phone, it is cheaper than the machine in the parking lot. There was a nice attendant that helped us. Bring your picnic lunch and towels and enjoy your time on this pretty beach.
- Maui Adventure Cruises- whale watching. Wouldn’t recommend.
- PacWhale Eco-Adventures: Snorkel trip to Molokini and Turtle Arches. Water is cold but they do have wet suits. Since we’ve gone scuba diving in the Caribbean, we were a bit disappointed. Did see more whales than on our whale watching trip. Provided continental breakfast on ride out. www.pacificwhale.org/cruises/maui-snorkel
- Drove upcountry using our Gypsy app. Ate at Freshies. Pork sandwich is awesome. There is a glass blowing shop next door and worth a visit. www.freshiesmaui.com
- Sunset Cruise with Sail Maui. Highly recommend. Saw lots of whales, had a Mai Tai, and appetizers on board. Wish we’d done sunset cruises more than once. www.sailmaui.com
Dinner at Kimo’s Restaurant in downtown Lahaina. Coconut shrimp was delicious. www.opentable.com/kimos-restaurant-maui
As you’ve noticed we opted to skip a luau. We heard the food and drinks are mediocre and you are paying for the show. But most of the ones we found cost close to $200/person. If this is on your bucket list, make your reservations before you land in Hawai’i.
If you have suggestions, questions add them in the comment section.
Mahola