Maui Diary: Backroads of the Valley Isle
Our Days on the Valley Isle
The journey begins on Maui, where red dirt roads, hidden coves, and oceanfront sunsets turn every mile into a story. These entries follow our first days in Hawaii as we learn the rhythm of the island.
Arrival in the Pacific
We woke up at 4 a.m. in Atlanta, GA, to catch our flight to Las Vegas. Pam said the flight was not as scary as she anticipated! Yeah, because we had turbulence for most of the 4-hour flight! The layover was just enough time for restroom breaks with a little time to stretch.
The six-hour flight from Vegas to Oahu was long. Our asses were flat and aching when we arrived. On a positive note, we sat with a native Hawaiian who was full of advice and helpful information.
On arrival in Honolulu, we were able to get on an earlier flight to Maui - barely! That was great because it meant we would arrive early enough to stop for necessities and get to our resort before dark. We arrived just in time to watch our first oceanfront sunset from our balcony!
Molokini’s Silent Depths
Our second started early for a 7:15 a.m. snorkel (https://aliinuimaui.com/signature-experiences/molokini-deluxe-snorkel/). Pam was content on the boat while I decided to give snorkeling a try. But motion sickness only got worse once I was in the open sea, bobbing in the swells. Back on board, the awesome crew began catering to my needs, and Pam saw that I had everything I needed.
We spent the rest of the snorkel on board. The ocean currents were smoother once we were inside the Molokini Crater. Ginger and meclizine started stabilizing things to the point I could take in some of the sights. The tour served as a moving reminder of the serene world that thrives far beneath our frantic everyday lives.
The afternoon we slipped into our natural rhythm of exploration. We traveled north of the OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort on the west coast of Maui. Discoveries included Nakalele Blowhole and beautiful ocean and rain forest scenes.
Every stop and turn held vibrant color
A slow morning prepped us for new sights. We were soon off to the center of the island to explore the Maui Pineapple Store. First, a sample for ourselves, then shopping and sending some back home! On to Makawao, a soulful little eclectic town, with as much diversity in shops as in people, and the best bakery in the state.
Rainbow Forest on the famed "Road to Hana" did not disappoint. Nor did Hoʻokipa Beach Park.
The day finished with Maui Nui Lū‘au! The feast was far more than a meal; it was a profound historical immersion. Seeing the divers plunge from jagged obsidian cliffs into the white foam as the sun faded was a breathtaking tribute to local courage. By the glow of torches and ancient carvings, we absorbed tales of celestial navigators who traversed the massive Pacific to settle these shores. The powerful sense of family and heritage was evident in every shared laugh and the deep, resonant heartbeat of the traditional drums.
Arts, shopping, and a little downtime
Our final day started with an art class where we made our own souvenir. Upon arrival in Pāʻia we grabbed some breakfast and did a little wondow shopping. Once at the art studio, we both selected turtle frames for our crushed glass and resin craft.
With our sun catchers drying in the back seat, we set off to recap some views and have a relaxing afternoon.
