I had always said that one day I would visit Hawaii. Steep prices for hotels and airfare seemed to deter me from pulling the trigger. After all, my splurges tend to revolve around high end backpacking gear, good pairs of trail runners, and occasionally a gourmet meal out. I would consider myself to be somewhat frugal, and a vacation in Hawaii had been out of my price range. But after hearing of a great deal on airfare, from my daughter, who was invited to Maui with a friend, I decided why not. My boyfriend joining me for what would be a Maui adventure together. Here are a few of the highlights of my trip.
Day 1 + 2
It was my first ever trip to Lahaina, Hawaii. We arrived on the plane from LAX to Maui’s Kahalui airport, on New Years Eve at the height of tourist season. The plane was jam packed. After leaving the airport that evening, our first thought was Hawaiian food. We close by the airport at a popular casual restaurant to pick up some dinner, to eat back at our hotel. We were starving and some traditional Hawaiian food sounded like it would hit the spot. After an incredibly long wait in a parking lot was filled with wild roaming chickens, were on our way to Lahaina.
Welcome to Hawaii.
We checked into our hotel, which was surrounded with beautiful flowers. We had plans to attend some New Year’s festivities. There would be plenty of fireworks here. Hawaii knows how to party.
The following day we decided to explore the historic town of Lahaina. We decided we might checked out the historic downtown.
We ventured past the the Old Lahaina Store, old post office, and the old fort.
This tells of the history of the Old Fort, which was erected of lava rock. In Hawaii you make the most of what you have got.
It was warm and sunny of this side of the island, and apparently it likes to stay that way, since it is the drier side, receiving less rain.
Of course we had to check out the famous Banyan tree by the harbor, and wander around beneath its enormous outstretched branches, marveling at its gaping root system.
Hard to believe this tree grew this much since 1982.
Then stopped for lunch at the Cool Cat, and it was delicious. Highly recommended if your in Lahaina!
The remainder of Day 2 was spent by the beach, relaxing, adjusting to the warm tropical temperatures. That is why you go to Hawaii after all, to just relax, so that’s what we did, before heading to the fireworks to watch mortars explode.
Day 3
The following day we set out to explore the windswept sea cliffs of west Maui, driving on past the golf courses into uncharted territory.
Thankfully we had alltrails downloaded to help navigate to a few of the trails. Our first stop was at the famous blowhole, but finding it was true of a challenge. We had no phone service here, so we struggled a bit.
We thought we were there, but had parked further away. This made our hike longer, and less crowded.
However, we got to see a much smaller second blowhole on our hike .
The road grew narrow along the northwest side of Maui, and eventually turned into a one lane road.
We were truly in the rugged countryside of Maui. We would pass a waterfall, and cows grazing in fields.
There was a quaint small town with a church perched on the cliff which we passed. Few people lived in the area, but cars packed with tourists were passing on through.
We scouted out loaf of banana bread, but came up empty handed.
After a few harrowing turns, and close calls with other vehicles, we safely exited the 2 lane road back in civilization.
We would head south again, to reconnect with the road into Lahaina, concluding Day 3, but not before having a delicious dinner.
Day 4
We simply had to see the eastern end of the island, after hearing of waterfalls, swimming holes, cliff jumping, and of course more banana bread. We started a little late in the day on the Road to Hana.
The first stop was a store by the famous surf break Jaws. It was definitely not breaking that day, and driving there would have taken a very long time, on a heavily rutted road. So we opted to simply take a few photos by this surfboard fence, of retired “guns,” designed for the big waves. It felt pretty special, to be there as a surfer.
Next we trekked along the Road to Hana, at 20 mph, passed several waterfalls, and eventually came to the turn off for some famous Banana Bread, at Aunt Sandy’s. We got in line and paid, and were told to wait 30 minutes. After which we returned, to be told they gave ours away, and asked if we would like anything else? A good samaritan gave us some of theirs. We accepted Aunt Sandy’s offer and tried something else. Don’t go near closing time.
Just because you see bananas and smell bananas, there may be no bananas, or banana bread coming home with you.
Hawaii is like a giant rock was squeezed, like a sponge, and water came out. It’s pretty mystical and hard to explain it.
The lava rock beach here was pretty neat, with the multiple waterfalls cascading into the ocean, in the distance.
The day had dragged on, and we had not seen nearly all we would have liked, feeling like we just drove a lot. We were very exhausted at this point from being in the car too long. We stopped at a local food stand for banana bread and coffee. About 30 minutes later we were finally in Hana, and stopped at a food stand with picnic tables. We got some poke, and a burger.
Cliff Jumping
Next we continued on to the famous cliff jumping spot. We found the trail, climbed over a cattle fence, and arrived around 3:30. We had just enough time to make a few jumps, and swim around. This was my second time cliff jumping, and I did the highest one. I paid for it later with bruised ribs, where I hurt for weeks after.
The next stop was Wailua Falls, which was powerful, and exhilarating to swim around in. The falls were flowing very fast, and the spray was everywhere in a fine mist.
Dark had officially set in, as we made the decision to continue the island circle. The road became rutted, and treacherous at times, but we made it back to an actual town, about 9pm.
Day 5
The next day was a beach day for me, where I went snorkeling.
My boyfriend was going golfing with a friend, and his friend’s Dad who lives in town. But we had a wonderful morning at the beach before all that.
My daughter was staying close to her best friend, in some condos so I went for a swim and snorkel over there, at this peaceful little cove, while she paddleboarded around
After golf and snorkeling, we drove into downtown Lahaina for dinner. We were early enough to snag a spot at the famous Star Noodle bar there. It was absolutely delicious.
We were inspired by the fresh limes being juiced there for our drinks, with a hand crank juicer. So we ended up promptly buying one after the trip to juice our own citrus back at home.
We we headed south afterward and stopped at a scenic viewpoint.
But then happened to spot hundreds of whales migrating and breaching off shore, at another overlook further south.
This was a really special moment, and was completely unplanned. That’s why I love exploring without any particular itinerary, because it allows for something unexpected, like a pod of whales.
It was a beautiful drive. We tried to visit Leodas Bakery for their famous pie on the way back to Lahaina, but it was closed. So we vowed to go back.
The last thing I had to do on Maui was surf of course.
So I rented the best board I could find, and headed to a popular beginner spot, just south of Lahaina.
I caught a few waves here at the beach park, and headed on in.
The spot I surfed had small waves, but there was some big surf on its way.
We had dinner in downtown Lahaina again at a cool oceanfront seafood place, which was delicious.
I had to try at least one Mai Tai, it is Hawaii after all.
Day 6
The trip was coming to a close, and we decided we needed to do another hike, so we chose to check out the Lahaina Pali trail.
We passed a roadside tiki shop on the way.
This would be the longest hike of the trip. I had scoured the maps on alltrails, and the longest hikes on the island are in the volcanic crater. I would not be going there this visit though.
So this was a 5 mile hike uphill. It was very hot on this day, and about 80 degrees at 9am.
The sun was really intense here, and I was definitely feeling it, even in the early morning.
This is where we started our hike, after parking by the road.
We began hiking up this road, not realizing we could have parked a bit closer to the trailhead.
The views of the coastline and Mount Haleakala from here were amazing.
The trail climbs about 1500 feet, but we would not be going that far.
I noticed this small native tree, struggling to get started in the harsh environment.
The trail was characteristic red volcanic soil and lava rock the whole way.
This is about as far as we went, but it still had amazing views, from one of the many false summits.
We did not make it all the way up, since we were exhausted that day. We needed to save energy for our luau later on that evening.
We headed back to the hotel to get ready for the Luau.
I will say it was a magical ending to a trip long in the making. Thank you Maui for your good memories.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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