Hawaii: Maui
- Kaitlen Daigle
- Jul 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Right outside the cruise port in Maui was Whole Foods, so my brother and I went inside and ended up buying some pineapple. The funny part about this was outside Whole Foods there were a bunch of free-roaming chickens. Apparently, there are chickens everywhere on the island. After that, my brother and I found a spot to get boba. Then we hopped into our rental car and went to drive around Maui.
As we drove along to the coast, we spotted a lighthouse-looking thing and stopped to take a photo of it. Then we continued toward Lahaina. Sadly, Lahaina is the sight of a devastating fire that spread quickly destroying homes and taking lives in 2023. As of July 2024, they are still in the process of rebuilding and the area is blocked off by barricades and armed guards. So if you plan on visiting Lahaina soon, don't. The residents are still mourning and rebuilding and it will take some time to get Lahaina back up and running. We ended up finding a farmers market just outside of Lahaina and that's all we did in that area.
We continued on the road searching for a place to have a snack. I found a poolside bar, Cliff Dive Grill, at the Sheraton Maui Resort. While we were waiting for our food and drinks, my brother wanted to go put his feet in the water so I agreed to go with him. I was wearing sneakers, so I took off my shoes and started walking the path to the beach. I learned quickly that the ground is very hot but I was thinking its not that far, so I could endure it. Then I started walking on the sand and that was like walking on the surface of the sun. I started running, and I fell to my knees. Eventually, I made it to the water. Honestly, don't be dumb like me, wear some shoes until you get to the water.
After the snack and some burned feet, we headed toward Haleakala National Park. On our way up we stopped at the restaurant at the Kula Lodge for a drink. Their garden out the back was beautiful to walk around. There was a guy making pizzas in a pizza oven on the patio. I wish we would've gotten pizza, it smelled so good! We ordered Brussels sprouts and they were the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had. I definitely recommend stopping here.
We moved on to driving to the top of Haleakala to watch the sunset. Even if it's a warm day, it's a little chilly watching the sunset at the top, so I recommend bringing warmer clothes or a blanket if you are sitting outside. The sunset is worth it to see, especially if you don't want to worry about reservations and waking up early for the sunrise. We were there a little early, so we got a parking spot, and we played some cards till the sun went down. We drove back down the mountain and headed to the ship for the night.
The next morning we headed back to the base of Haleakala to zip line. My brother and I spent a couple of hours ziplining back and forth across a canyon. it was super fun. I've always wanted to go ziplining and this seemed like the perfect thing to do for my 30th birthday. Now I just want to go on more ziplines. There was a tea shop right next to the ziplining place, so we picked up some tea. After that, we headed back to the ship and on to the next island.
If you want to visit Maui, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Road to Hana: This scenic drive takes you along the rugged coastline of Maui, passing waterfalls, lush forests, and stunning ocean views. Highlights include the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch and the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park.
Haleakalā National Park: Visit the Haleakalā Crater, a dormant volcano, for breathtaking sunrise or sunset views above the clouds. You can also explore the park's diverse landscapes, from volcanic rock formations to lush rainforests.
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater: Take a boat tour to Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater, for some of Maui's best snorkeling. You'll encounter colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays.
Whale Watching: Maui is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, especially during the winter months (December to April). You can take a whale-watching tour from Lahaina or Ma'alaea Harbor for an up-close encounter with these majestic creatures.
Lahaina Town: Explore this historic whaling village, now a vibrant hub of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Don't miss the Banyan Tree, planted in 1873 and now shading an entire city block.
Road Trip along West Maui Loop: Drive around the northwestern coast of Maui, known as the West Maui Loop, for stunning views of cliffs, valleys, and the coastline. Highlights include the Nakalele Blowhole and the village of Kahakuloa.
Visit Upcountry Maui: Discover the scenic and cooler region of Upcountry Maui, known for its farms, ranches, and charming towns like Makawao. Visit the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm or enjoy a scenic drive along the Kula Highway.
Iao Valley State Park: Explore the lush Iao Valley, home to the iconic Iao Needle, a natural rock formation surrounded by emerald peaks and tropical rainforest. There are hiking trails offering stunning views of the valley.
Attend a Luau: Experience traditional Hawaiian culture at a luau, where you can enjoy a feast of Hawaiian cuisine, live music, hula dancing, and performances that showcase the history and traditions of the islands.
Sunset at Ka'anapali Beach: End your day by watching the sunset at Ka'anapali Beach, one of Maui's most famous stretches of sand. Relax on the beach or take a sunset cruise for unforgettable views of the sun dipping below the horizon.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Maui, I suggest you check out the Hawaii tourism website.
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