Okanagan Woman Magazine

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Week One in Review - A Picture Paints a Thousand Words


I had good intentions when I came to Maui … intentions that I would blog regularly, but the fact is, this island, for me, has been about 'doing' and sitting at my computer to write has definitely taken a back seat.  Despite the relatively small size of the island, there is no shortage of things to be ‘doing’.  We’ve been on the ‘Valley Isle’ now for 34 days and in that time, we have been snorkeling (on several occasions), kayaking, whale watching, wine tasting, visiting volcanoes, art galleries, and funky towns.  We’ve driven crazy, curvy roads, hiked to waterfalls through bamboo forests, and I still have a long list of “want to do’s.”

Since a picture paints a thousand words, here is the first week – in photos:

November 13 - arrived late the night before, so on our first day, the priority was stocking up on supplies.
On November 14th, we visited Lahaina, home to one of the largest banyan trees in the United States. It was imported from India and planted in front of the Lahaina Courthouse and Lahaina Harbor on 1873, this sprawling tree along Front Street is the size of an entire city block and stands more than 60-feet high. (Source: GoHawaii.com)

November 15 - Adding to our grocery supply with local produce at the Kihei Farmer's Market





































On November 16th, we took a trip upcountry to Surfing Goat Dairy. Then we carried on to the rustic Paniolo town of Makawao, and then on to Maui's Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch
Makawao

Maui's Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch
A change of scenery. Upcountry Road to Winery
Coming from the Okanagan, one of Canada's premiere wine destinations, we had to check out Maui's only commercial winery. The drive up offers wonderful views, and a complete change of landscape. Wines here include sparkling, pineapple, grape and a unique raspberry dessert wine.  






























On November 18th, we headed out to the resort community and beautiful beaches of Wailea. In front of the five star resorts, there is beautiful boardwalk (actually, it's a sidewalk) that meanders along the coast line. Start at Ulau Beach Park and walk 1.6 miles to the Fairmont Kea Lani.  On your right is the ocean, and on your left multi-million dollar view properties.  Along the way are beautiful sandy beaches, a beachfront view into some of the island's high end hotel/resorts, and a kiosk to treat yourself to an icecream or lemonade! It's an easy 3.2 mile round trip walk. You will be stopping lots to take photographs!



 The beaches in front of the hotels are accessible to the public, with lots of free parking.

Aloha! Tomorrow's post - Week Two in Pics!








Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Road to Hana

After four weeks in Maui, I have replenished my stores of Vitamin D and am still lucky enough to have another five weeks on this island paradise in front of me.  Yet yesterday I felt sad.
That’s because my BFF of almost forty years, Lorna, had to fly home. Lorna and I have supported each other through career changes, marriages, split ups, raising our children, the loss of loved ones and every major (and minor) life event.  And this past week, we shared the beauty of an outstanding week on Maui.  Yesterday morning, knowing her departure was imminent, we wandered down to the beach and stood knee deep in the ocean while waves crashed around us.  As it is with best friends, talking isn’t always necessary.  We just soaked up the moment and appreciated all the past week had to offer.  


Koki Beach
Dean and I had already been in Maui for 3 weeks by the time Lorna showed up and we’d been scoping out excursions and saving the best to share with her.  Of course, how can you know what is the best until you experience it? So, based on the advice of brochures and locals, we planned our road trip to Hana for her arrival.

 “It’s windy” all the brochures warn.  They also say, “Plan to spend the day. Stay over if you can.”  This is good advice.  The actual distance to Hana is only about 50 miles from Kahului, but its 59 bridges (46 are one lane) and 620 curves make it slow going.  We were on the road for a solid four hours (one direction), including stops for banana bread, fruit smoothies, roadside waterfalls, a closer look at a rainbow eucalyptus tree, a pee break, outstanding coastline views, a detour to stunning Koki Beach, eventually stopping at Haleakala National Park (Kipahulu trails area) home of the seven sacred pools and the Bamboo Forest. 

It is almost 2 o’clock by the time we arrive at the Park and our goal is to see the Bamboo Forest.  The seven sacred pools will have to wait for another day.  We parked the car ($10 a car load) and set out for the Pipiwai Trail, past  Makahiku waterfall (about 200 feet high) through the Bamboo Forest to the impressive 400 foot Waimoka Falls. Let me say this.  Every step along this two mile (one way) hike – often uphill, uneven, muddy ground – is worth it.  If you visit Maui, do not miss this opportunity.  It is an experience I will always cherish, made even more exceptional because it was shared with my two best friends.

Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree
 Close up 












Lorna says Good-bye!

But I am strong; I shall carry on the journey! :-)