Mt. Haleakala
This is quite possibly my favorite place on earth. Whether you scale this 10,000 ft volcano on a bicycle (for the crazies!) or drive to the top at 4 a.m. to watch the sunrise, the view is breathtaking. This time around, we drove the windy rode to the top to catch a sunset. With clouds above and below me, and a huge mass of water as far as my little eyes could see, it was quite apparent how ginormous this world really is.
Whale Watching
Although To See a Whale Breach is marked off of everyone else’s bucket list that was aboard Ocean Intrigue on Dec.6, it is left unchecked on mine. I am still kicking myself for missing it! I had my camera up to my eye trying to take a picture of a whale spouting when I heard hoops and hollers all around me. By the time I brought my camera down and looked in the direction that everyone else’s eyes were fixed, the whale was submerged. I did however see several spouts and managed to capture the tail of this whale as it took a dive.
Relaxed on the Beach and Played in the Sand
Maui is known for it’s beaches and for good reason! They are gorgeous. I love sitting in the sand, watching the waves roll in while listening to the sounds of the ocean. It’s so soothing. Playing in the sand is also fun, even more so now that we have a babe! Building a Sandman (woman in this case) has become a fun tradition of ours.
The Big Banyan Tree & Shopping Front Street in Lahaina
Can you believe this is one tree?? After making our way through the maze of branches, we shopped the stores of Front Street and enjoyed lunch in an open restaurant where birds accompanied us, munching on floor crumbs.
Iao Needle
Although I stayed in the car with a tired little girl, Aaron walked the short trail to an overlook and took this picture of Iao Needle. Towering 1200 feet high, this landmark is part of Iao Valley, a state park rich in history. In 1790 a great battle took place, such a bloody one that dead bodies are said to have plugged up Iao Stream!
Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning, local artisans, crafters, vendors, and farmers come together for a morning market. I love coming here for souvenirs. There is so much variety and the prices are right! This is also a great place to find and try tropical fruit!
A Scenic Drive Around West Maui Mountains
This is a gorgeous drive along the coast if you don’t mind narrow roads, being on the edge of cliffs and lots of turns! And if you like banana bread, you will definitely want to stop at a roadside stand and purchase some fresh made. We devoured the banana pineapple bread we bought. Also, be on the lookout for coconut trees. Along this drive is where my friend Clay found the coconut I gave away.
Drive to Hana and Waimoku Falls Hike
The road to Hana is famous for being a very windy one with lots of one way bridges and sharp curves. It is a worthwhile ride though if you like waterfalls, beaches, and rain forests. And if you survive, you may as well continue on to hike to Waimoku Falls. It is one of my favorite hikes! After seeing and maybe swimming in the Seven Sacred Pools, you’ll come upon a banyan tree, cross a few bridges, pass through a bamboo forest, and see a few waterfalls along the way-but none are as tall and impressive as Waimoku Falls.
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