Maui Mischief

I recently took a trip to Maui, and get this...I didn't have to pay for my hotel OR the airfare! It was amazing. Ironically I'm headed there on my honey moon next winter but I couldn't pass up an offer like this one. I was invited by my friend Emily. She had originally planned this trip with her boyfriend but they broke up two months before the trip! Yours truly took full advantage!

So this is the view from our hotel. We stayed at the Ka'anapali Beach Club Resort...I think. There were like 4 different Ka'anapali hotels and I never got the name right to the one we were in.

Now....instead of me rambling on for pages about my trip, how about I give you a little traveler's guide to the island and what I found to be some MUST SEE spots.

1) Snorkeling Honolua Bay

Of course, as in any tropical area, you MUST go snorkeling. Afraid of the ocean? Me too, but once you swim next to a green sea turtle or a manta-ray you think differently. ;) I took a tour on the Teralani. They also do sunset dinner cruises if you're interested. On your snorkeling trip they provide food and beverages, including alcohol if you are feelin saucy! On my trip I swam with TWO sea turtles! However, I was so occupied with them I completely missed my shot at swimming with a manta-ray. ;)

2) Road Trip Kahaluki Highway (HWY 30)

The whole drive itself provides so many picture opportunities it is unbelievable. This is a shot from the small town of Kahakuloa. If you ask anyone who lives on the island, this is the major spot on the island. There's a woman here who sells the best  banana bread in the state! People come from all over the islands for it. Here's a picture of her hut.

Just after Honolua Bay, the road turns into one lane. With numerous curves it's tough to know who's coming around the corner but it is still navigable. Just up the road from this hut there's a gift shop that is a must to check out. The lady there sells art from artists all over the state. It's incredible and a must see.

3) Swinging Bridges

                                        

This is a hike towards the end of the Kahaluki Highway. It's located in the back of a neighborhood. The locals there charge $6 for parking. Fair enough considering people are constantly driving through their area and backyards. It also keeps them from breaking into your car. ;) It's a short hike but there are 2 bridges. At the end is a man-made water fall where most people take a swim. This is a must do hike!

4) Mt. Haleakala

 Standing at 10,023 ft, this is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. There's two ways to get here. Either rent a car or do a tour. They offer tours at sunset and sunrise and they will drive you up to the top and then you have the option to ride a bike back down. We chose to drive. There is also a turn off at around 8,000 something feet where you have the option of hiking the summit as well. This is a MUST see for sure!

5) Road to Hana

With over 650 curves and 71 land bridges, the Road to Hana is one of the most fun and exhilarating drives. There's not a lot to see off the highway but the drive is absolutely breath taking! On the 50 mile stretch of highway you'll drive past majestic waterfalls and pass a few trails. The town of Hana is small and quaint and definitely worth touring around. Along the road however, there are a few places that I need to definitely point out....

6) Waianapanapa State Park

This park is home to lava caves, black sand beaches and magnificent blowholes. This is a go to place for sure. There's hiking around the park as well as camping. The photos speak for themselves:

6) Mt. Haleakala State Park

Not only is the mountain itself a must see, but so is a hike at the base of the mountain. There's a hike known as "The Seven Sacred Pools". Starting at the ocean, where there's waterfalls to swim under as well as pools, you follow a trail that takes to you look outs of several water falls and their respective pools. Hence the name. As you pass these pools, the first awesome thing you will come to is a HUGE banyan tree. Definitely worth a climb. Once you get your childhood indulgence out of the way and you cross a few more waterfalls, you enter an epic bamboo forest! Walking through the forest is amazing because of all the sounds you hear as you walk through it. Once you think you'll be lost in bamboo forever, you come to a couple river crossings. Before you know you it you are standing toe to toe with the ginormous (I have no idea how high it is) Waimoku Falls. Here's some pictures of our hike.

7) Lahaina

Last but not least, the heartbeat of Maui; Lahaina. This place was once a fishermans' town but is now the spot to go for nightlife, shopping and entertainment! Not much else to say other than for you to check it out if you ever hit the island!

*picture was taken from downtown Lahaina

Hope you enjoyed it! Mahalo ;)