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:
Banana Boat Hostel, 310 N Market St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA

PLACES TO SEE:
Haleakala Sunrise

Summit of Haleakala
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


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

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.


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.


   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.

DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT

one of the many historical site in Oahu, Hawaii. An ancient crater created through a volcanic eruption where it ascends 560 feet from the crater floor to the top of the summit.

Located at the eastern edge of the Waikiki's coastline

Trail: Diamond Head Summit Trail

Length of trail: 1.3 km, one way

Approximately, 1.5 - 2 hours leisurely hike

The hike up the summit is quite strenuous and steep, consisting of a few flights of stairs BUT the view is totally worth it.

Just make sure you pack plenty of water and wear proper feet attire.

 NORTH SHORE

 HALEIWA ALI'I BEACH PARK

One of the stops along the road towards North Shore. The most surreal experience with massive sea turtles washing up shore at your feet. Not to mention, they are so adorable.

WAIKIKI

beautiful beach front neighbourhood located along the south shore of the island, where we stayed for majority of our visit in Oahu. Tourist hot spot for beach bumming, what we did best!

Where we stayed: Waikiki Beachside Hostel

A walking distance to the many attractions around Waikiki. Air conditioned rooms, which was necessary in the Hawaiian heat. Great way to meet new people from all over the globe.