In paradise I lei...🌺 Part 2
Maui, the second most visited and second largest island of Hawaii is often referred to as the “Valley Isle” because of its unique geography that is made up of two volcanoes with a bridge of flat land in between them. It is also known as a surfer’s paradise, primarily due to its ocean’s sizeable waves. Like Oahu, Maui offers boundless of unique experiences to everyone visiting. Maui is synonymous to Molokini Crater, Road to Hana, Mt. Haleakala, Iao Valley, and the largest banyan tree in the country.
The Molokini Crater is a crescent shaped island in the middle of the ocean, located approximately 3 miles from the southwestern coast, that is the ruins of a volcano said to have erupted some 230,000 years ago. Its crystal-clear water is home to an abundant variety of marine life which makes snorkeling and diving very popular activities in the crater. Setting foot on the island itself is strictly prohibited being a protected bird sanctuary. Visitors are only allowed within the waters and the way to get there is through a boat tour. You can choose from a number of tour operators offering daily trips that would normally include meals, beverages and basic gears. Going early in the morning will give you better visibility and a calmer sea.
One obligatory thing to do when in Maui is navigating the Road to Hana – long and winding with 620 curves, 59 one-lane bridges, picturesque views, flourishing rainforests, lush waterfalls, dramatic landscapes, stunning seascapes, and did I mention… heart-stopping cliffs!!! I strongly recommend to leave the driving to the pros. This will allow you to just concentrate on enjoying the sceneries, frequently pulling over and capturing stunning moments along the way without having to worry about maneuvering or parking. Bring some towels, a swimsuit and extra dry clothes as there will be plenty of swimming opportunities along the way. Don’t you dare forget your cameras or you will regret it for the rest of your life. Remember, if there is no photo to show, it never happened.
An experience you wouldn’t want to pass on is witnessing a sunrise or a sunset at Mt. Haleakala. We had to drive an hour and 45 minutes on a narrow curvy road at 2:30 am to climb 10,023 feet in an ice cold temperature to witness the most stunning and dramatic sunrise we’ve ever seen, and so glad we did. It was such a surreal feeling from where we were to watch the sun, in all its sublime glory, slowly take off and soar, until it finally reaches its peak… a process of nature that is completely mind-blowing. Remember to bring a nice warm jacket as it could get really frosty at the summit. We didn’t pack for any (why would you when you know you’re headed in a warm tropical destination?) so we brought blankets from our hotel... thanks to a visitor’s review, or we would have frozen alive.
Iao Valley is a state park in central Maui that is considered to be sacred. Legends have it that the remains of the highest chiefs were hidden in some secret places in the valley. There’s a hiking trail that’s about 0.6 mile leading to a lookout point that allows visitors to view the breathtaking scenery and a stream where they can take a refreshing dip. Make sure to check the weather before going as flash floods are common in Maui.
One of the largest banyan trees you’ll ever see managed to make its home in Maui. The tree was a gift from Indian missionaries and was planted in 1873. It’s a quarter of a mile in circumference, covering an entire city block and standing up to 60 ft in the air. It has 16 trunks, all interconnected. My jaw dropped when I saw it as it is truly a sight to behold.
While in the island, you may also wanna check on the Maui Tropical Plantation, a fun and family friendly attraction with beautiful grounds. They have a zipline tour that soars over a rich and charming landscape surrounded by refreshing views of mountains and coastlines. The course is pretty easy and is suitable for anyone, 5 years or older. For those who are too scared to try, they’re free to walk around the property, enjoy a meal at the café, shop at the country market or look into some handmade products created by local artisans at the Malama Studio.
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