Five Days in Maui
I am currently sipping on a green + pineapple smoothie (in Knoxville, TN...) hoping it will bring me back to Maui's blue waves and endless colorful sunsets. Maui was the perfect island to round out our trip to Hawaii. Previous weeks were spent exploring Kauai and tent camping around the Big Island. We loved getting dirty (and soaked) in our tent but relief and flash flood warnings at our first scheduled campsite in Maui inspired us to hit the refresh button with an unplanned Airbnb near Wailea, Maui. The northwest side of the island is where I would say most people stay when visiting Maui. However, Wailea or the nearby town of Kihei offered a great homebase for exploring the entire island. Not sure I would recommend booking an Airbnb in Maui at the last minute, pretty sure we lucked out on availability due to the time of year (and yes, might have also been due to the heavy weather expected to hit during our trip). But you cannot control the weather. And you always have the choice to turn negative circumstances into positive experiences. So we decided to ditch our plans for camping, put on our "PMA" (positive mental attitude) and enjoy the little apartment we rented near the coast. Afterall, Maui makes it quite challenging for anyone to stay upset for long...
Sunset in Maui
Activities:
Hike the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku - 4 mile hike in Haleakala National Park through a bamboo forest to a 200' waterfall.
Hike the Waihe'e Ridge Trail - 4 mile hike to a lookout with beautiful views along the entire trail.
Walk the Coastal Trail to Oneloa Bay near Kapalua - the Kapalua area is crowded, this trail is 1-3 miles depending on your route, stop for a swim or body surfing session on the less crowded Oneloa Beach.
Drive the road to Hana - it is curvy and exciting, start in Paia, stop wherever feels right. We liked exploring Wai'anapanapa State Park's lava tubes and Haleakala National Park. After the NP, continue driving the southern route. Most people will turn around and go back the same way the came but the southern route of the Road to Hana is definitely a hidden gem!
Food/Drink:
- Kohola Brewery - super chill taproom with great beers, try their Red Sand Ale and Talk Story.
Maui Brewing Co - we visited their main facility in Kihei. Take a tour (sign up ahead of time) and check their food truck schedule for decent grub, good beer and a relaxing vibe. Bonus: usually have live music on their deck.
Coconut's Fish Cafe - tacos are fantastic (the mango salsa is their secret).
The Mill House - beautiful restaurant, super fresh ingredients and mountain views, very Hawaii. They serve lunch and dinner andddd have a decent HH menu too.
The Monkey Pod - we didn't make it to this one but word on the street is their Mai Tai's are worth a visit. Food also looks delish!
Waihe'e Ridge Trail (I spot a Dylan, can you)?
Beach time at Oneloa Bay
Dylan in his happy place
The Road to Hana. This picture is on the southern route which most will tell you to avoid but clearly you want to take the road less traveled...
Made a stop at Wai'anapanapa State Park
Lava cave at Wai'anapanapa State Park
Along the Road to Hana
Beer thirty at Kohola Brewery