Part 1 - Aloha, from cotton candy rainbows, to afternoon sparkles of gentle rain, to heartland rainforest, and turquoise clear water on a sunny day... Mahalo!
As soon I landed in OGG, grabbed my luggage and took a quick train ride to pick up a rental for the duration of my stay on Maui Island. Maximum speed limit 45 mph, so no rush!
I rented a car so that way I can enjoy the sites of the coastal road around the Island. Just beautiful, clear views of the ocean and seeing different horizons of what this magnificent place has to offer, gave me arousement. Rainforest, combination of different tropical trees, flowers all over the Island, on trees and on the ground. Everywhere, it literally has this air fragrance of romance and gentleness. Hibiscus, bird of paradise, orchids and plumerias are one of my favs by far.
2 days stayed in Kihei, very touristy part of South Maui. This section of the island is easy to get around, very family oriented, beautiful clean beaches, parks by the ocean with volleyball nets, grilling and fantastic sunset views. Food trucks are very common as form of serving local foods, freshly made dishes with catch of the day. Rooster singing in the early morning, chickens just walking around the streets in their natural habitat.
After 2 days, drove to West side : Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua, the wild West per say, side of Maui and stayed for about 7 days at this part of the island.
Breakfast at Cane and Canoe, at the Montage Kapalua Bay Resort, absolutely phenomenal Portuguese influence on the American style cuisine. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice and malasadas are must try. The restaurant has a spectacular garden, pool and ocean front view, with access to walk down a trail to visit the private beach.
I decided to take a walk and follow a trail which lead me to Ritz Carlton Resort pathway and beach trails further West. It started to rain but I kept waking. The mix of pine tress, tangled up in these tropical palms just felt so mysterious and amazement. As I returned to my car, decided to drive further West, made couple stops at secluded beaches, where surfers were waiting for the perfect waives.
Sunset was already down and the rainforest getting dark...it was time to go back to the hotel.
Front street is where the fun is. Many local gift shops, boutiques, galleries, mini gourmet places to eat, boat tour rides, locals live music and night life, with so so much more to offer. Most intriguing, a cool down shade area, a Banyan Tree, swirling in the air about 60ft high. I have yet to learn about this tree. A must try while on Front Street, a local grown fresh Pineapple fruit store. Did you know that Pineapples actually grow in leafy plant on the ground, not on actual tree? Little did I know...
Took a submarine tour which was some-what enjoyable, for some reason I was expecting to see more colorful fish. However, the whole experience of sub-merging about 130ft below the ocean surface with reaching seabed plus seeing Sponge Boob, is incredible.
On my last day, decided to visit the peek of Iao Needle State Monument. Hiked for about 1 mile deep into the mystical rainforest and enjoyed quiet time by the Wailuku stream river that leads into the Pacific Ocean.
To be continued...Part 2 coming up.
Much love and enjoy the ride.
Gasija
Journal 014
Visit season: Spring, March 2o22