Magic in Maui, Hawaii
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
9th September 2016
Maui – Is another Hawaiian island that is serenely scenic, just like its little sibling Oahu. Maui is the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian Islands and depending on which parts of the island you’re exploring, you’ll notice the stark contrast from one area to the next. Such as the heavily dense forest drive along the Road-to-Hana to the bare and wintry chills of the Haleakala Crater summit. Maui is made for adventurers, nature lovers, explorers, who crave the hikes in the quest of discovering more.
Just like Oahu, I would recommend the same for Maui - hire a Jeep Wrangler and download the Shaka app. If you’re visiting Maui and not planning to hire a car, then there’s no point visiting at all. Maui is one of those islands you’re going to want to get out and explore on your own terms and time. Otherwise, you won’t be seeing the best of what Maui has to offer.
There are a number of hotels in Maui, spread sporadically along the West and South coasts of the island. That means more space and bigger and better pools! So where do you stay? There’s a charming historical seaside town called Lahaina and staying a short drive from there is not a bad idea. In this area you’ll find great restaurants and bars as well as small unique shops.
There’s always plenty to do on these Hawaiian islands. However, there are two things you’d be a fool to miss while you’re in Maui – One is the Road-to-Hana and the other is Haleakala Crater. This is where the Shaka app comes in real handy. Not only will it be your own personal digital tour guide, it knows where all the best and secret stops are, that aren’t obvious just driving along.
The 105 kilometre drive along the Road-to-Hana comes highly recommended. That’s because this majestic drive through stretches of winding cliff-side roads, with thick lush greenery every inch along the way, rounded bends that catch the ocean views and the tranquil sounds of flowing falls is absolutely divine and an experience in itself.
Although the drive non-stop one-way takes about 3 hours, it can take about 8-9 hours with brief occasional stops. Don’t forget you’ll want to get back before nightfall as the curvaceous drive after dark isn’t as fun and can be dangerous. On our drive we stopped frequently, only because we simply didn’t know what was worthwhile and not. I wish we had made a lot less stops and spent more time at the beaches along the drive instead. So let me break it down for you, so that you get the most out of your scenic drive.
Waterfalls are aplenty along the Road-to-Hana and after a couple they all sort of become the same. In my opinion stopping at one of the falls for a swim and a few photos is enough, because there’s better sights to come further along the drive. The first waterfall you’ll come across is the Twin Falls. This is the most convenient stop to check out a waterfall, because there’s plenty of road side parking available, unlike the others on the way. The secret to finding Twin Falls, is not to hike far from the roadside. The falls can be found behind the trees with a short descent down.
Keanae Peninsula – You can’t swim here as the waves crash into the rocks along the shore. But it’s a great pit stop for a photo and some banana bread! A roadside stand called ‘Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread’ sells freshly baked banana bread. It comes hot out of the oven and is fragrantly fluffy and delicious!
Another food stop to make on the way is for ‘Coconut Glen’s’ homemade organic vegan ice-cream. There are a variety of flavours to choose from, but try something different like the ginger and lemongrass flavour. Not flavours you’ll associate with ice-cream, but surprisingly so good!
Black Sand Beach – It’s exactly what its name suggests, the sand here is jet black! An abrupt contrast from the beaches we’re used to, but beautiful all the same. This beach is nestled cosily between a plethora of greenery, tucked nicely away from any unnatural commotion. A masked paradise with unconventional coloured sand – gorgeous!
Red Sand Beach – a short drive from Hana Town, located in a secluded location. So secret locals have been asked by authorities not to give directions when asked… The chances of finding this beach without any directions is zero! Hence, you need the Shaka app.
The first part of getting to this beach feels like you’re trespassing on private property, a place you have no business being. The walk will take you through grass and tall claustrophobic scrubs, opening up to a haven of sweeping ocean views. But you still have a little way to hike and trust me you’ll know when you’ve reached it.
As you round that corner you’ll be awe struck by the magnificence of the mystically hidden cove. Mesmerising in all its bounteous red earthy sand and enchanting water of a cool turquoise blue. Unusual and fascinating shades of colour, all too fitting for an undisclosed beach sanctuary. The steep uphill and downhill climbs can be dangerous, so be very careful!
Narrowing it down to only these stops, in my opinion are the best along the Road-to-Hana. This will free up your time to appreciate and enjoy the most beautiful stops this drive has to offer. So now you won’t have to think about racing to each and every destination and making it to the end before you have to head back again.
Hike down to the beach
The Haleakala Crater is another destination in Maui that can’t go unseen. The drive above the clouds is nothing short of spectacular and a bit surreal. A stop to make before reaching the peak of the summit is at Leleiwi Overlook. Take a short 5 minute walk along the trail surrounded by grassland until you reach the end and stumble across what looks like the end of the world. A birds-eye-view into the center of the crater. Deep brown and reddish earth, reminiscent to a Mars I’ve never seen or been to!
Come time for sunset make your way to the peak of the summit and find a place to nestle yourself, to shield from the icy crisp winds. Once you’re comfy there’s only one thing to do, watch the sun recede for the day below the horizon of clouds, while it lights up the scope of the sky all hues of warmth – truly sunset from a different perspective.
Although the sun will be gone for the day, the beauty isn’t over. Stay and wait for the complete darkness of nightfall, where the night sky will be dusted in the brilliant sparkle of bright milky stars. Star gazing from heights of over 10,000 feet, takes it to another level – I call it magic!
Now to the all-important affair of food. Many of the great places can be found in the port town of Lahaina. Acai bowls are all the rage and that’s because they’re delicious and healthy. Don’t go pass Baya Bowls, a small stand located at 741 Wainee St. Lanaina. Her bowls are absolutely delicious and hey who says they’re only for breakfast!
Fleetwood on Front Street, owned by the rock icon Mick Fleetwood deserves a visit. This place also has a rooftop if you fancy sitting outside. They serve up food packed with bursting flavours and have live music performances that electrify the dining senses.
Most dinner cruises don’t peak my interest. However, the ‘Captains Sunset Dinner Sail’ by Sail Trilogy is the best I’ve experienced set amongst the rest. An intimate dinner for two, arranged at a table personalised for you. A multiple course dinner served on a luxury sail boat with viewpoints of Maui in the distance, while the sun sets below the sea plains. Unquestionably, dinner served in style and absolute comfort.
A perfectly situated restaurant about 30 minutes from Lahaina Town is Mill House Dining. This restaurant is situated within Maui’s Tropical Plantation. Making it a farm-to-table dining experience with the freshest ingredients sourced just strides away. The views while dining are pretty spectacular and the food is pretty good too. If you’re interested in seeing more of the plantation, you can take the guided tram tour of the grounds.
Photo Credit: Si Creative Photography
There is certainly a lot of magic happening in Maui and while tropical islands are all the same in certain aspects, they also come with their own uniqueness that’s like no other. Don’t miss out on the Road-to-Hana drive and seeing the sunset at Haleakala Crater. Both enchanting and hypnotic in their own ways, you’d be a fool to miss either of them. These two havens make up what Maui’s about – there’s no illusions here, it’s really magic.
CLICK HERE to read about Oahu – Hawaii