Maui, Hawaii
9/09/2016Next destination: Maui, Hawaii
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While traveling can be fun, it can also be quite stressful from time to time especially when your entire trip is based on spontaneity. We definitely learned this the hard way when we landed in Maui...
but now looking back on it, Maui was my favourite part of Hawaii.
WHERE WE STAYED:
PLACES TO SEE:
but now looking back on it, Maui was my favourite part of Hawaii.
WHERE WE STAYED:
Banana Boat Hostel, 310 N Market St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
Due to our traveling mishap, we had no other choice but to check into the closest hostel to the airport. It was a welcoming hostel with friendly staff that were super helpful. However, the location of the hostel was a bit dark and ghetto for our liking so we decided to trek out more west of the island closer to the coast line to enjoy more of the beach front.
This is where we ended up at our next hostel.
This is where we ended up at our next hostel.
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| Tiki Hale Hostel |
Tiki Hale Hostel, 545 E Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Located in Lahaina, a more trendy and young area of Maui & best part is, the beach is our backyard!
Amazing hostel, definitely on the list of the top hostels I have ever stayed at. The hospitality of this place is beyond expectation. The people working and staying there were super rad as well. Got to meet people from all over the globe. Definitely turned our mishap into an amazing experience.
PLACES TO SEE:
Haleakala Sunrise
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Possibly one of the most memorable experience during this trip is seeing the Haleakala sunrise at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. You are literally head above the clouds. It is not everyday that you get to experience but it is so worthwhile. It takes nearly two hours to drive the winding road towards the summit so it is definitely an early wake up call but it is so rewarding. Ideally, you would aim to arrive 30 minutes before sunrise.
So bring warm clothes and a blanket! Even though, you are in Hawaii - it does get cold at higher altitude. & you will get hungry so pack some snacks and breakfast.
Staying beyond Sunrise
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After the sunrise, you can either drive back down or stay and venture the many trails. Being at such high altitude, some may find it difficult to breath so take your time. It is quite a strenuous hike. This was probably one of the most tiring day yet, we were pooped by the evening when we got back to the hostel!
Surfing
Snorkel with the sea turtles at BLACK ROCK
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A snorkeling secret!
Located at one of the top beaches of world - Kaanapali Beach. Not only great spot for snorkeling but it is also great for cliff jumping, if you can build up the courage to jump. If you are anything like me who took me nearly 10 minutes standing at the edge before managing to jump after many contemplations of turning around... Nonetheless, I would highly recommend it.
Located at one of the top beaches of world - Kaanapali Beach. Not only great spot for snorkeling but it is also great for cliff jumping, if you can build up the courage to jump. If you are anything like me who took me nearly 10 minutes standing at the edge before managing to jump after many contemplations of turning around... Nonetheless, I would highly recommend it.
As for snorkeling, it is quite a popular place for snorkelers especially closer to the shore. However, we discover this little private beach just around the Black Rock. The current is a bit strong so be advise BUT it is a great spot to see numerous fish and to actually swim with the cute sea turtles.
[Honestly, I will never forget the moment where this baby sea turtles swam right in front of face. Had a bit of a stare off for what felt like 5 minutes but was probably only seconds... until I scared it off and it swam beneath me.]
[Honestly, I will never forget the moment where this baby sea turtles swam right in front of face. Had a bit of a stare off for what felt like 5 minutes but was probably only seconds... until I scared it off and it swam beneath me.]
Road to Hana
One of my favourite part of Maui. The only way to fully enjoy the beautiful nature of Hawaii is to rent a car and drive along the coast of the islands. This 104km drive is beyond words. Connecting route 36 to route 360 with about 620 curves along the 360. Driving along narrow dirt roads can be scary at times not knowing who is around the corner. Definitely keeps you on your toes the entire time.
There is so many stops to be made along the way.
Mile Marker #2: Twin falls
Unfortunately, we could not make it to the twin falls. It was closed off due to the heavy rain they got during the storm.
Mile Marker #32: Wai'anapanapa State Park
The contrast between the black sand and surrounding environment makes it so picturesque.
Hard to capture through an image but it is so unreal. We probably spent most of our time at this stop.
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Bamboo Forest, Pipiwai Trail
Many, many hikes later - finally made it to this magical one leading to the beautiful Bamboo forest. It is breath-taking.
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Well this blog post is quite lengthy. So I will end this here.
Back to Honolulu to catch our flight back home to Toronto.
This trip definitely brought us closer while pushing many boundaries but nonetheless, one of our favourite destination thus far. We will be back another time to check out the other islands.
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