Maui, A Delightful Destination

This is an exciting Aquarium that showcases ocean life in a way that is rare for landlubbers like me to see. After viewing the fish, corals, and ocean life... the gift shop is the place for great gifts in a wide range of prices and beautiful selection. I loved that gift shop!

There is so much of interest in Maui that a good guide book would be really helpful. Not everyone can be toured around by a friend who lives on the island and likes to show the best of Maui to visitors (like I was privileged to experience).

It would be a crying shame if you visited Maui and never ventured along the Hana Road. Breath taking scenery and death defying hairpin turns in a tropical forest of waterfalls, lush greenery, and stops for small hikes.

Remember when driving (if you don't take a tour bus) to use Island etiquette and allow the other driver right of way, giving the hang loose hand signal at bridges, etc. Courtesy is always appreciated, but on Hana Road it is a safety measure. The shaka sign shows "Aloha Spirit," a gesture of friendship and understanding- like "Aloha itself. You honk before taking the turns to alert oncoming drivers.

Not very many places for eating, so eat before going or take your own snacks along. There are fruit stands at certain junctures.

The scenery is unbelievably gorgeous. People find their way along "Mile Markers", and a map of desired sites to see and stop at is a good thing. Be sure to include Ke'anae Arboretum on your list, it is free and holds many interesting specimens of trees.

Pick any beach in Maui and it is an experience of bliss, but whether it is the black sand in the south or the sugar sand of the west, or the North Shore wild surf beaches, every view is of the deepest blue water imaginable and a day in paradise.

Visiting a beach is my idea of what is the absolute most fun for a vacation. So my bias is to implore you to get to the nearest beach and enjoy the sand, sun, and the ocean. Save the shopping and dining for in between a great day at the beach. Well, maybe not everyday of the vacation, but most days!

North Shore
I don't surf, so I spent little time on the North Shore. Beaches found there are named, "Baldwin Beach, Ho'okipa Beach, Paia Bay, Tavares Bay, Kanaha Beach Park", and others. Those who love these beaches do so because they are far from resorts, the chance to find a 50-foot monster wave, and watch the surfers brave enough to ride these waves.

Hawaii, Honolua Bay, Maui
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South Kihei
I love the beaches of Kihei, that is where I saw native Hawaiians having their cookouts and a general good time. Kalama Beach Park is where I went to eat my luscious sandwich from nearby organic food place, joys place. Don't miss trying out their food ( also now available at the Kahului Whole Foods (which wasn't there yet at my visit). I shopped at the Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods, which was perfect. Their Tahitian Limeade is the perfect Hawaiian refreshment.

There are a line of very nice beach parks in this area. I thought they seemed family-friendly.

Wear a beach wrap dress

Polo Beach and Makena
Further south, past Wailea and the famous shops is Polo Beach. I didn't discover it until almost time to return home. A very lovely beach with nice facilities and parking. I would have liked to have visited it more often during my visit. Further south yet, is Makena, with Big Beach, and the black sand beach. At this point you have to turn back around since the roads beyond this area are unsafe to travel- prohibited by the rental car company.

Be sure to wear hat, shades, and coverup, since the tropical sun is intense. And turn your body to expose different sides... I got a little overcooked on one side while talking with my friend one afternoon.

Kaanapali - Black Rock Beach is where my daughter and her friend went snorkeling. It is a nice beach next to resorts with great eating and shopping places nearby. This beach was much more crowded than any of the web photos usually show; it is a very popular place.
Snorkeling Secrets

More Maui fun! 'Ohe'o Gulch on the Hana Highway. The Seven Sacred Pools are beautiful to see, flowering plants, and stone steps ... at the time I was there there was no swimming allowed.

They are part of the Haleakala National Park. Many people drive up the Haleakala mountain to view the dawn rise. We attempted that, but my friend wasn't well that day and had to turn back. Dress as for a cold fall day with a jacket for this trip if you take it. The elevation makes the temperatures much cooler than you might expect. Many beautiful lookouts on the roadway to the top.

Driving up the mountain can be a long trip, with many curving turns ( but none as sharp or difficult as the ones on the Hana road).

About the Seven Sacred Pools, in the Kipahulu District

photo by jongela