Maui

About this time four years ago we left on our around the world adventure…much has changed since then, but our love of travel has not. We got to spend eight days in Maui at the beginning of October and we quickly fell back into our [good and] old ways. Here’s a little recap, mostly in photos with a little commentary, on our week.

Day/Night 1

This was the sunset we pretty much drove up to. After a long day of travel it was an awesome greeting to both the island of Maui and our accommodations on the west side of Maui.

 

Day 2
Oh yes, this girl can sleep and sleep and sleep! At about 82 degrees most days, it seemed Sage found her optimal sleeping temperature. It was also ideal for her favorite outfit which involves no clothes or shoes.

We spent Day 2 at Napili Beach, just out in front of our condo.

Day 3
We trekked down to Kaanapali Beach/Black Rock Beach where we snorkeled and got to see this cool creature!

The harbor in Lahaina was a great spot to watch sunset on Day 3.

Do you see the look in this girl’s eyes? That is the look of someone who is having ice cream and shaved ice for the first time. She couldn’t say “more, please” fast enough. I think she liked it. Don’t get used to it, kid! That was vacation–back to our normal food now. =)

Day 4
After our normal beautiful breakfast of pineapple and egg sandwiches, we ventured to the other side of the island. First stop was Iao Valley/Iao Needle for a hike in the lush forest.

Stop Two: Paia Flatbread Pizza restaurant which was AMAZING.
Stop Three: Komoda Bakery for malasadas and macadamia nut shortbread cookies. Yum!
Then we headed up the Haleakela Crater to check out the volcano. The clouds had covered the entire island, but once we passed 5000 feet it was clear and gorgeous! (The summit is at 10,000 feet)

Taking time for a little maternity session…

We parked the van (which, by the way, we reserved the “wild card” car and all they had when we arrived was a van. Of course it couldn’t have been a convertible!) and settled in, errr, rather, chased Sage around the parking lot, until the sun started setting.

Impromptu 10 second nap on the cement with her blankie.

Day 5

John gets to surf! The waves weren’t anything to write home about, but it was fun and Sage and I watched on the sidelines.

Sunset at Kaanapali Beach

 

Day 6
Fun times at Oneloa Beach. This was the only day that Sage actually wanted to get in the water. She would run into the waves and was laughing and having a great time. Most days getting her in the water was by force, but on this day for whatever reason she was in her beach baby element.

 

Day 7
Road to Hana day! Starting off with a pool-side breakfast is a great way to get the day going!

Swimming at Black Rock Beach–a great stop if you’re driving the road. There are several home fruit stands with bananas, avocado, passion fruit (my personal fave), etc as you drive down to the park.

Views of Black Rock Beach

And the road after Hana. This was, by far and away, one of our biggest highlights and favorites of the Road to Hana and really the whole trip. Coastline, secluded, sun setting, untouched, mountains, ocean… it was exactly our style. We saw maybe six other cars the whole time. Minus the seven miles of gravel it was incredible.

John’s favorite shot of this tree, above; Erin’s favorite shot, below.

This is how we roll: diaper and mis-matched shoes…oh yes.

And back to the Flatbread Pizza in Paia; followed by Ono Gelato. I could definitely relive this meal.

Day 8
Good morning! Spent the morning at Kapalua Beach, the afternoon napping and the evening…

…watching some sweet surf just north at Honolua Bay. It was awesome. Guys were getting barreled, every ride was a beauty, and we had a great seat for it all!

Last Maui sunset…

It was a GREAT trip. Maui is a super easy place to be a tourist, we loved being warm all the time, the beaches were beautiful, and we came home very relaxed.

Below are a few lists we made of various things. Mostly for our own reference in the future, or if you’re planning a trip to Maui, you might find some ideas for yourself!

Best Food – Meals
Paia Flatbread Pizza – ½ Sausage ½ Kailua Pork and the delicious salad
Fish & Chips from Hula Grill beachside
Betty’s Cafe (Lahaina) for breakfast – banana nut pancakes yum! & beautiful ocean view
The Fish Market in Honokowai (zero atmosphere, but fresh, delicious fish!)

Best Food – Snacks/Sweets
Malasadas and Mac Nut cookies from Komoda Bakery were quite tasty!
Roselani Kona Mud Pie Ice Cream
Pineapple, Apple Bananas, Passion Fruit
Local Boys Shave Ice (Green Apple, Pineapple, Passion Fruit w/ Vanilla ice cream)
Ono Gelato (passion fruit/goat cheese & chocolate macadamia)

Favorite Beaches
Black Rock @ Kaanapali – good snorkeling, good swimming, mellow waves
Oneloa Beach – Sage’s best day in the water!
Kapalua Beach – good snorkeling, good swimming, mellow waves
Napili Beach – honorable mention for view and location

Island Music
1810 –  (yes that is the name of the band) fun island music at Hula Grill

Trip Highlights
Hanging out/Sunset at Haleakela
Road past Hana
Watching big waves at Honolua Bay
Kapalua Coastal Trail
Dragon’s Teeth Point (?) in Kapalua – saw turtles and dolphins

Good times with Sage
Running into/Jumping waves
Splashing feet on the steps at the pool
Going up and down the stairs
Her love of pineapple (has the lip sores to prove it)
Calling out “pool, pool” every time we went by one but she didn’t like to actually get in the pool

Next time (or the time after that)
Gazebo Restaurant – get there EARLY (we got there at 7:15am and we didn’t get a seat when they opened at 7:30am)
Drive second half of Hana again
Stay in Hana area/Area between Paia and past Hana was awesome
Surf more/different locations (check the surf report)
Book Napili Surf early so we don’t have to switch rooms
Seek out less plate lunch (except we need to try Aloha Grill); eat more fish
Don’t worry about spending days on Napili Beach
Go to the beaches just north of Napili – fewer people!
Check out Honokeana Bay for turtles
Look for early bird specials (5pm dining discounts)
Explore southern area
Paddleboard