The Four Seasons of Maui
An island which has been voted by Conde Naste readers as the best island in the world an unprecedented 17 times, it’s no secret that Maui is one of the world’s foremost vacation destinations.
Despite the island’s popularity, however, there is one reason which constantly seems to pop up amongst visitors as to why Maui will always be a vacation destination instead of a permanent home:
“I absolutely love it here, but I just don’t think I could live without seasons.”
To be clear, just because children in Maui grow up learning that Santa Claus arrives in an outrigger canoe doesn’t mean that Maui doesn’t have four distinct seasons. I’ll repeat it again. Maui does have four seasons, and I’m not just talking about the hotel. Entirely noticeable, the only difference is that the four seasons of Maui are just a little different than those back on the Mainland.
Confused? Let’s compare.
Spring on the Mainland: Wildflowers and the first summer heat wave
Spring on Maui: Mangoes, Jacaranda, and the first south swell
Any Maui resident with a tin roof knows when mango season has suddenly arrived. It literally announces itself with a thud. Traditionally viewed as an indicator of summer, the first of Maui’s mangoes actually begin dropping to the ground sometime around early-April. By the time June rolls around the streets around Lahaina town are usually awash in squashed mango residue and every roadside stall from Kapalua to Kihei has a cardboard sign advertising fresh mangoes for sale.
Meanwhile, in the Upcountry areas of Makawao and Kula, the jacaranda trees during springtime begin to blossom with brilliant purple flowers and cover Haleakala highway in a blanket of violet. There are few things as relaxing as an early morning drive Upcountry when the sunlight hits the green of the pastures and the airy, purple flowers drift gently to the ground.
Finally, April or May is usually the time when the first waves begin to appear on the south shores of the island from Makena to Lahaina. Generated by hurricane-strength storms spinning east of New Zealand, the first of the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn storms create the waves which will become Maui’s first springtime waves.
Summer on the Mainland: BBQ, Beach, Long Days, Tubing on the lake
Summer On Maui: BBQ, Beach, Long(er) Days, Parasailing, Windsurfing
While Maui residents are known to hit the beach and BBQ during all seasons of the year, the arrival of the south swells seem to pack the roadside beach parks more than usual with informal gatherings awash in 12-packs, island tunes, and waxed up longboards. Although the days in Maui don’t fluctuate more than 1 ½ hours given its proximity to the equator, that extra hour is still enough to squeeze in a few more beers and a few more waves before the sun goes down.
Summer in Maui isn’t just seen onshore, however, as there’s also a marked difference as to what’s going on out in the water. On the west side of the island the most notable difference is the re-emergence of parasailing boats operating off of Lahaina and Kaanapali. Outlawed for five months of the year due to the arrival of the humpback whales, by the very first light of May 15 parasail canopies can be seen zipping up and down the coast in a circular whirlwind which will seemingly continue unabated until their legislatively-mandated departure on December 15.
Meanwhile, on the north shore of the island off of Paia and Kanaha Beach Park, the summer months bring a consistency in the northeasterly tradewinds which turn Maui into one of the premier windsurfing destinations on the entire planet. While the big wave windsurfing takes place during the winter months at nearby Ho’okipa Beach Park, windsurfers during the Maui summer can conceivably windsurf every day from May through October with little worry that the wind will fail to materialize during the warm afternoon hours.
Fall on the Mainland: College football and autumn leaves
Fall on Maui: College football and the first north swell at Honolua Bay
What? Just because we’re the most isolated archipelago in the world doesn’t mean we can’t follow college football. While the football action on the Mainland is still entertaining, the entire island instead rallies behind the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors who provide the closest thing to professional sports that the state will most likely ever have.
College athletics aside, what really ushers in fall is the arrival of the first north swell at Honolua Bay, an iconic right-point break which ranks as one of the top waves on the planet. When the first cold front of winter comes through sometime during October, the 10-15 ft. waves which arrive at Honolua are the result of the same cold front which will eventually drop snow on the Rockies and bring frost to the middle and eastern portions of the nation. In the same way that the first frost or dump of autumn leaves reminds you of what’s around the corner, surfers across the island see the first indicator of winter on the horizon and start waxing up their boards and strengthening their paddling muscles for the winter to come.
Winter on the Mainland: Snow and Skiing
Winter on Maui: Whale Watching and Tow-Surfing
Even though the first humpback whale of the season is usually spotted sometime during mid-October, whale season in Maui officially kicks off on December 15 and runs all the way until May 15. Despite the apparent length of this five-month long season, the peak months of prime whale watching season are the final two weeks of January through the end of March. During these ten weeks not only do hordes of whale watching boats shuttle a slew of visitors into the shallow waters of the Au’au Channel for a chance at glimpsing the protected species up close, but roadsides are also clogged with tourists and locals alike who pull over to get a glimpse of a mother and calf frolicking in the nearshore waters.
Meanwhile, over on the north shore, each winter the world’s best watermen flock to Maui for the chance to whip in to some of the largest waves on the planet at the big-wave, tow-surfing spot popularly known as “Jaws”. Even though there are only a handful of individuals on the island who are physically capable of undertaking such an extreme challenge, when a large north swell is looming on the horizon a buzz goes out throughout the island as to whether or not “Jaws” will be breaking. When it is, a crowd numbering in the hundreds can usually be found standing on top of a cliff in the middle of a pineapple field watching in awe as teams of professional surfers navigate the fury of the ocean.
With whales and waves dominating the winter in Hawaii, it’s only a matter of time before that first mango drops on your tin roof and you find yourself racing through the four seasons of Maui all over again.
Kyle Ellison is a freelance writer based in Maui, Hawaii who frequently finds himself in obscure international destinations. Over the course of traveling through 60 different countries, he has taken part in everything from climbing mountains in Borneo to eating clams while scuba diving in an underwater Vietnamese cave. Despite his penchant for novelty and adventure, the beautiful island of Maui will always be the corner of the world where he calls home. All of Kyle’s writing and adventures can be found by visiting his website, kylethevagabond.com. Kyle is also an ambassador and contributor to VacationRoost.
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5 of the Most “Christmassy” Places in the United States
There really isn’t a bad place to go for Christmas. Every town seems to have their own unique way of celebrating. Whether its town pageants, parades, or visits from Santa Claus, everywhere you go you can find various traditions and new, fun ways to celebrate the holidays. However, there are some towns that really go above and beyond the normal Christmas celebrations. Here is a list of 5 of the most “Christmassy” places in the United States:
Santa Claus, Indiana. Well this one is a no brainer. With the town being named after the jolly man who visits us once a year with treats and toys for all, it is impossible for this town not to be overwhelmed with all things Christmas. The town has lived up to the Christmas spirit one would expect and has been dubbed “America’s Christmas Hometown.”
McAdenville, North Carolina. This tiny town may be small, but its Christmas spirit is anything but. McAdenville, which is also known as Christmas Town USA, celebrates the holidays by transforming into the largest holiday light display in the United States. The town also celebrates with over 375 decorated trees and 200 wreaths throughout the town, as well as a life-size Nativity display. Hundreds of thousands of visitors make the trek every year to witness the Christmas spirit of this tiny town.
New York City, New York. From the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the holiday performances by the Radio City Rockettes, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in New York City. The city is also known for its incredible window displays and the Christmas lights and decorations that seem to cover the city from head to toe.
Stan Honda/ AFP/ Getty Images
Branson, Missouri. Branson may be known for its entertainment, but during Christmas this town becomes even more alive than usual. The city is most well known for its Festival of Lights. Drawing in about a million and a half visitors every year, this six week festival features amazing parades, bands, musicals, fountain displays, and a unique Christmas cattle drive.
Woodstock, Vermont. If you picture a 19th century Christmas with a horse and buggy trekking through the snow, then you also just happen to be picturing modern-day Christmas in Woodstock. This town is well known for its Wassail Weekend celebration that features Nordic-inspired culture and traditions with a strong emphasis on Christmas spirit.
Really no matter where you go, it is hard not to feel and witness the wonderful character of Christmas. However, if you are looking for a unique experience, take a vacation from your normal traditions and try celebrating the holidays in one of these Christmassy towns.
Safe Travels and Happy Holidays,
The VacationRoost Team
Why a Vacation is the Perfect Christmas Present
When I think back on past Christmas mornings, there are very few presents that I can remember. What I do remember are the Christmases where, after I was done tearing through my presents, I would look up on the tree and amongst the ornaments, I would notice plane tickets placed carefully on the tree. These were, and still are, my favorite Christmas presents. I can’t remember the toys that Santa Claus brought me or the abundance of clothes, accessories, and movies that I received. I do, however, clearly remember the excitement of finding out I was going to Hawaii or heading out west for a ski vacation. The memories that I have of my vacations are far better presents to me, than any physical gift I could receive. So, here are three reasons why giving someone a vacation is the perfect gift for this Christmas:
1) They can make it their own. There is nothing harder than trying to find the perfect gift. Will they like this color? Will this size fit them? Do they already have this? One of the great things about giving someone a vacation is that they can still make it their own. They can customize their vacation so it is absolutely perfect for them. Whether they want to lie on the beach all day and read a book or spend hours hiking in the beautiful mountains, what they do on their vacation is completely up to them. When giving someone a vacation, you never have to wonder if they will like it.
2) They will always remember it. If there is one thing vacations are, it’s memorable. No matter where it is you go or what you do on your trip, you never forget a vacation. While I can’t tell you any physical presents I received for Christmas when I was fourteen, I can easily remember every detail of traveling to the Cayman Islands and swimming with the Sting Rays. If you want to give someone a present they will never forget, a vacation is definitely the way to go.
3) They will love it. Honestly, who doesn’t want to go on a vacation? There is nothing better than escaping from the daily grind and exploring a new part of the world. Vacations are the perfect way to relax and giving a vacation, is the perfect way to surprise someone with a gift they are sure to love.
So, if you are still looking for the perfect Christmas present to give, look no further and start booking a vacation.
Safe Travels,
The VacationRoost Team
5 Places To Watch Maui’s Huge Surf
It’s no secret the North Shore of O’ahu is a mecca for big wave surfers. Regarded as the proving ground for some of the world’s best wave riders, surf breaks such as Pipeline and Waimea Bay hold such a mythical status among the global surf community that surfers and spectators flock to the area by the tens of thousands. From the safe vantage points of the cliffs and shorelines visitors watch as the world’s best throw themselves into warm-water barrels which break on the reef like an aquatic thunder.
Oahu isn’t the only place in Hawaii to watch nature’s fury come crashing ashore, however. Although the heavily-populated island boasts the Triple Crown surf contests and is idolized in popular culture, the neighboring island of Maui sees surf that is just as good—if not bigger—than the world-famous waves on Oahu. Furthermore, among the next generation of professional surfers coming out of Hawaii, a disproportionate number of the young guns making headlines have been raised on the island of Maui. The sport of tow-surfing was invented in Maui. The sport of kitesurfing was cultivated on Maui. So too, was stand-up paddleboarding. Now, in 2012, the limits of traditional paddle-surfing are being pushed to the limits off of Maui’s north shore by professional waterman who find themselves paddling into waves so large that even attempting to do so without the assistance of a jet-ski was unthinkable even two or three years ago. Maui, in many ways, is leading the charge in the progressive big-wave surfing arena, and should a large swell happen to hit the islands during your visit it’s quite a sight to behold.
Want to watch some of the world’s best during your time on the island? Here are five spots on the north shore of Maui perfect for viewing these “men who ride mountains”.
Peahi (Jaws)
A deep water trench which roars to life on the largest of northwest swells, Peahi is THE place to be for big wave viewing in Maui. Waves at Peahi can regularly be over 60 ft., and at one point surfer Pete Cabrinha set the world-record here for largest wave ever ridden by dropping into a towering, 70 ft. monster in January of 2004.
Watching the waves at Peahi, however, entails a bit of an undertaking. Drive east on Hana Highway through the town of Haiku, and when you reach Peahi Rd. (just after a large cemetery on your left), take a left, and then another left until the road becomes dirt. If you are in a rental car or a low-clearance vehicle you should consider parking at the top of the highway and simply walk down. Often times anyone with a large truck will offer free rides to the bottom of the hill for anyone who needs a lift. Once at the bottom throngs of spectators line a cliff in the middle of the pineapple fields which offers the best vantage point for looking out over the thundering surf. Visiting Jaws is a Maui experience entirely unto itself, although it’s important to understand that the wave only comes alive on a handful of days during the winter months of October and March.
Ho’okipa Beach Park
More accessible than Jaws and nearly as awe-inspiring, the surf at Ho’okipa can regularly reach over 20 feet on large winter swells and is frequented by intrepid local surfers and world-class windsurfers. Located off of Hana Highway about three miles past the town of Paia, the best vantage point for watching the surf at Ho’okipa is either from the lookout on the east end of the park or from the turnoff near the park’s exit. Occasionally the surf can get too rough here for any surfers to paddle out, but even when there are no people in the water the waves continue to crash against the shoreline like galloping white stallions exploding into the rocks. When the late afternoon light reflects off of the towering spray of the waves it creates a panorama worthy of watching for a few minutes—even if you have someplace to be.
Honolua Bay
Not only was the Honolua Surf Company clothing line named after this legendary bay, but the final stop of the women’s professional world tour of surfing was held here for a number of years. Like Ho’okipa the surf at Honolua can regularly reach over 20 feet in height, with the difference being that Honolua sits tucked inside of a cove that is protected from the offshore tradewinds. Consequently the wave is frequently clean and glassy, and on the best of days when all of the sections connect this spot offers up a peeling right-hand wave that is classified as one of the best in the world. Watch from the cliff top as large, barreling sections swallow some of the island’s best surfers only to see them reappear out of the foamball a solid ten to twelve seconds later.
To reach Honolua Bay, drive north on Honoapi’ilani Highway three miles past the resort complex of Kapalua. While there is a paved pullout on the side of the road which can get crowded, a better vantage point is to continue towards the other side of the valley and pull off on a dirt road into the pineapple field. This is where all of the surfers park, and the views from here sweep across the entire northwestern tip of the island.
Windmills
Only located about a mile from Honolua Bay, Windmills is somewhat of a secret spot which is only accessible to the island’s most advanced and competent surfers. Dubbed by many as “Maui’s Pipeline”, the moniker is in reference to the large, barreling left-hand wave that does its best impression of the famous Oahu surf spot. Though waves here can also reach over 20 feet in height, unlike Oahu’s Pipeline surfers here must scramble down a sketchy goat trail and time their entry off of jagged rocks. The consequences of a wipe-out at Windmills can often be severe, and many a surf movie has been shot at this instantly recognizable and tucked away location. Luckily for those standing along the cliff the thrill of watching these death-defying waves doesn’t come with the same set of consequences.
To reach Windmills continue a mile past Honolua Bay and keep an eye out for a dirt pullout on the left side of the road which is about five cars wide. Multiple vantage points line the cliff here, and if the surf is up and the waves are really pumping you’ll know this is the spot by simply passing it.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
While Kapalua’s D.T. Fleming Beach Park doesn’t see the same surf heights as some of the larger spots listed above, the waves can still reach well over 10 feet in height and the sandy shoreline makes for a comfortable vantage point from which to watch the waves roll in. There will usually be some surfers scattered among a horde of bodyboarders here, but occasionally the swell direction can be just right to offer some remarkable rides which you can witness from the comfort of one of Maui’s nicest beaches.
To get to D.T. Fleming Beach Park either drive half a mile past the Kapalua entrance off of Honoapi’ilani Highway, or simply walk down the beach path from the Ritz-Carlton hotel.
While the surfers themselves will always have the greatest vantage point of all involved, even spending a day watching the surf in Maui is another way this island provides adventure around every turn.
Kyle Ellison is a freelance writer based in Maui, Hawaii who frequently finds himself in obscure international destinations. Over the course of traveling through 60 different countries, he has taken part in everything from climbing mountains in Borneo to eating clams while scuba diving in an underwater Vietnamese cave. Despite his penchant for novelty and adventure, the beautiful island of Maui will always be the corner of the world where he calls home. All of Kyle’s writing and adventures can be found by visiting his website, kylethevagabond.com. Kyle is also an ambassador and contributor to VacationRoost.
Photo Credits:
Ho’okipa: LuxTonnere on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/luxtonnerre/2934753508/sizes/z/in/photostream/)
Honolua Bay: surfglassy on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/luxtonnerre/2934753508/sizes/z/in/photostream/)
Jaws: Jeff Rowley Big Wave Surfer on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffrowley/6799683583/sizes/z/in/photostream/)
Lake Powell October Adventure
This summer I had the opportunity to go on a vacation with some friends and experience houseboat life at Lake Powell. We had so much fun that we decided to head down for a fall trip as well. However, we decided to rough it this time around and just camp out by the water. Eight of us headed down from Salt Lake City to Bullfrog Marina with a speedboat, tents, some coolers, a bunch of Mountain House meals, and a hope for a great adventure.
Home sweet home.
Upon our arrival, the girls proceeded to lounge out by the boat ramp while the boys loaded up the speedboat with all of our gear, and set out to find our new home. When they finally found the “perfect” spot, they came back and picked us up and we set up camp. Nighttime was soon upon us and we realized that finding wood to build a fire was going to be well….. difficult to say the least. After a good couple of hours of searching, we finally found enough wood to build a fire (breathes sigh of relief). Next time I think we will be purchasing wood ahead of time :) We made our Mountain House meals (which are basically like astronaut food if you have never had them) and got rested to prepare ourselves for a crazy day of exploring and water activities.
Probably my favorite thing about Lake Powell is exploring. There are so many canyons and cool coves to explore. We found one cove where there was bright green grass surrounded by dark red rock that was absolutely beautiful and dream-like.
Exploring the Canyons
Considering it was October, the water was surprisingly warm and there wasn’t a soul in sight. We spent hours wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, and wakeskating on glassy water. We spent our nights hanging out by the fire and playing campfire games.
If you have never been to Lake Powell, I highly recommend it. It is such a beautiful, majestic, and peaceful area. There really is nothing quite like it. Not to mention, the feeling of eating a hamburger after surviving on freeze dried food for a couple of days is indescribable.
Cathing the Perfect Wave
5 ways to keep track of kids at an amusement park
While vacationing to busy amusement parks, it can be easy to lose your kids unless you set up a game plan of how to stay together. Here are 5 tips to keep track of your family so your trip can go as smooth as possible.
1. Meet up location
Right when you go to the amusement parks, instead of running to the first ride, make sure you take a minute to find a meeting point if someone gets lost. That location could be a specific bench toward the entrance of the park, a sign, food place, or shop. Make sure the surrounding area is safe and that everyone knows where that meeting location is.
2. Have a travel buddy
Make sure everyone in the family has a travel buddy. The adults should usually be paired with the smallest children to make sure they have an eye on them throughout the entire day. Tell each child who their buddy is and how they need to stick with them the whole day.
3. Walkie Talkies
If kids do not have cell phones to take into the park, walkie talkies can be a cheap and great way to keep track of everyone. You can buy walkie talkies in packs so you can easily communicate, especially if you are going to split ways.
4. Wear color or hat certain color
When my family went to Florida every year, we would all wear the same fluorescent shirt or sweatshirt so we could easily identify where everyone was. Our large family would exit a ride and all of the sudden it felt chaotic trying to huddle us all back together. Wearing the same color or hat helped my parents easily find us and helped the kids always locate the parents.
5. Bracelet with phone number
One idea I found on Pinterest was a bracelet you could make for your little ones with your phone number just in case they get lost.
Ten Tips for Driving Maui’s Famous “Road to Hana”
Perhaps one of the most beautiful—if not controversial—activities on Maui is driving the world famous road to Hana. Weaving its way for 52 miles, 600 curves, and 56 one-lane bridges, it’s the most loved and loathed stretch of road on the entire island.
As someone who has lived on the island of Maui for 23 years I consider Hana to be the best activity to do on the island. Then again, if a good book and a lounge chair are your idea of the perfect day, it’s probably best you just stay back at home. If you’ve already had enough sun-worshipping, however, and you’re looking to explore the adventurous side of Maui, then devoting a day towards experiencing Hana is an excursion which can’t be beat.
Many visitors you talk to, however, will tell you that driving the road to Hana was the worst part of their trip. It’s too curvy. I got car sick. Someone was on my butt the entire time. And there isn’t even anything to even see!
So, why the discrepancy?
Having worked in the Maui visitor industry for years and having watched tens of thousands of tourists include a Hana daytrip into their itinerary, I can confidently say there are only two reasons why people don’t enjoy their trip to Hana:
They don’t know what Hana is in the first place, and they go about it the wrong way.
Essentially, many of the problems regarding visiting Hana all boil down to a misunderstanding of the excursion, the venue, and how to plan the trip. Given the confusion, here is a list of ten tips for how to go about visiting Hana “the right way.”
1. Understand that Hana is not a destination, but a journey
Too frequently, visitors will race all the way to the sleepy village of Hana and are left saying only one thing: “This is it?”
Hana, with a population of only around 1,800 in the immediate town, is not exactly a very big town. A ballpark, a general store, the Travaasa hotel, and that’s about it. Hana is not a destination you drive to; it’s a place to get away from everywhere else. Turn off the TV, leave the smartphone at home, and forget that the world even exists for a couple of hours. Time ticks by slowly in Hana regardless of the world and all of her ills. Quite frankly, Hana doesn’t care.
2. Know that the “Road to Hana” doesn’t actually end at Hana
Technically the famous “Road to Hana” (at least the part which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places) is only 52-miles long and stretches between Kahului Airport and Hana. Along this scenic byway visitors will encounter highlights such as the north shore hippie hub of Paia, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Keanae Peninsula, bamboo forests, and countless roadside waterfalls and valleys.
But the road to Hana doesn’t end in Hana. In fact, many of Hana’s natural treasures lie in the ten miles beyond actual Hana town. Hamoa Beach, which is consistently voted as one of the top beaches in America, is a couple of miles past the town of Hana. So too is Waioka Pool, a brackish, hidden pool which sits right on the rocky coastline. Finally, 30 minutes beyond Hana town, the Pools of Ohe’o Gulch (also known as the “Seven Sacred Pools”) are arguably the best sight on the entire eastern flank of the island. A series of cascading waterfalls and pools which lead directly into the blue Pacific, a two-mile trail on the mountain side of the highway leads to the towering, 400 ft. Waimoku Falls.
3. Don’t drive back the same way you came in
Yes, your rental car contract tells you the road around the backside of the island is for 4WD vehicles only, but honestly, that’s just not true. Sure, there are parts which are bumpy, and yes, a few miles are dirt, but unless it’s dumping down torrential buckets of rain the road is passable in a regular 2WD vehicle. The benefit of wrapping all the way around the island is that you are graced with new views the entire way, and you get to see how the surroundings change from lush, tropical rainforest to the windswept, arid lava flows.
Granted, although the road isn’t 4WD it is incredibly narrow, and at many places the road is only wide enough for one vehicle. Drive slowly, honk your horn around corners, and be sure to take in the sweeping views which get more dramatic with every turn.
4. Don’t schedule a 4pm luau
Too many people try to squeeze Hana into half a day or end up feeling too rushed. Hana, as mentioned, is a place to escape from the rush, not add to it. If you’re planning a day trip to Hana, the best thing to do is simply block off an entire day, leave early (7am), and just see where the journey takes you.
5. Stop early, stop often
Going along with the notion that Hana is all about the journey, not the destination, be sure you stop early and often instead of just racing through to the “end”. Stop in the town of Paia for a morning stroll down Baldwin Beach or for breakfast at a tucked away café. Pick up a picnic lunch and then watch the waves break at the Ho’okipa Lookout. Stop and swim in waterfalls, hike through bamboo forests, and if you’re ever in need of a snack just pull off at any of the roadside stands for a loaf of banana bread or locally grown fruit.
If the guy behind you is on your tail, pull over and let him pass. Who cares? This is Hana, and there isn’t any rush.
6. Think hard before taking a van tour
There are many people out there who are uncomfortable driving on narrow, mountainous roads. If you question your ability to drive, then yes, you should probably consider taking a guided van tour. The tours are very informative and feature local guides who can provide insights into Hawaiian history, culture, and personal anecdotes which give humor to the lengthy drive.
The problem with taking a van tour, however, is that you are on someone else’s schedule. If you decide you want to go bodysurf at Hamoa Beach, you can’t. If you see a waterfall that you want to go swim under, you can’t. If you want to hike to Red Sand Beach, trek to Waimoku Falls, explore the caves at Wai’anapanapa, or any other Hana adventure, you’re woefully going to be called back to the van.
7. Bring a bathing suit and hiking shoes
Hana is more than just a photographer’s paradise; it’s also a land of adventure. Be sure to pack along the necessary wardrobe/equipment for your outdoor activity of choice.
8. Kapu means keep out
In the past couple of years there have been a handful of Maui guidebooks (one in particular) which have crossed the line of what is acceptable to publish. A number of previously ‘secret’ waterfalls and pools now see so many visitors (and their associated liability issues) that many landowners have simply cut off access to everyone—visitors and locals alike.
If you see a sign which says “kapu”, it’s a Hawaiian word which translates to “No Trespassing” or “Keep Out”. If you encounter a kapu sign, it’s best to simply move along and enjoy and spot which is more accessible to the public.
9. Don’t stay too long
While Hana can be tough to leave, a good day in Hana can be ruined by driving home in the dark—particularly if going out the back way. If you think driving on narrow, one-lane roads with precipitous drop-offs is difficult during the daylight hours, try doing it at night. Leaving by 4pm provides enough daylight to ensure a well-lit journey back home.
10. Consider staying overnight
Despite how enjoyable a day trip to Hana can be, the bottom line is that it’s still a really long day. Most locals opt to stay overnight, either camping at the Pools of Ohe’o, or staying in a bed and breakfast or the hotel back in town. In addition to not feeling rushed, those who opt to stay overnight can wake up and have beaches and swimming holes all to themselves before the throngs of day-tripping tourists arrive again the following day, usually beginning at 11am.
With these simple tips in hand an excursion to Hana can be one of the most enjoyable days of your trip, not one of the biggest nightmares.
Kyle Ellison is a freelance writer based in Maui, Hawaii who frequently finds himself in obscure international destinations. Over the course of traveling through 60 different countries, he has taken part in everything from climbing mountains in Borneo to eating clams while scuba diving in an underwater Vietnamese cave. Despite his penchant for novelty and adventure, the beautiful island of Maui will always be the corner of the world where he calls home. All of Kyle’s writing and adventures can be found by visiting his website, kylethevagabond.com. Kyle is also an ambassador and contributor to VacationRoost.
