Visit to Maui, Hawaii

Visit to Maui, Hawaii 13th to 19th Feb’08This was our first trip to Hawaii and though Hawaii was in our radar for a long time, we had not imagined that we could do it so soon. It all started when we saw that the tickets were $300 around our anniversary and then we started planning around the week. (To watch the pictures copy and paste following on your browser http://picasaweb.google.com/vineet0511/Hawaii?authkey=NEOosihIreA)
I had not imagined that Maui is as pretty inside as on its beaches. So those planning a trip note to spend time inside the island as well. Though a trip to Hawaii is always memorable, this will perhaps be more for us as there were many things we did for the first time. 8 key highlights of our trip:
- Snorkeling is absolutely wonderful. If you think you know how yellow looks on black, you don’t. If you know how orange shades on green, you are kidding yourself. The colors of the wonderful fish in sparking water cannot be replicated in imagination or Corel draw, can just only be experienced. I need not spend too many words trying to explain it as I will not succeed. Only two pieces of advice: go with your loved ones as this is something to be shared with while you are experiencing it and secondly, you need not even know swimming well to be able to do it. We wore a life jacket and were just fine. Kaanapali Beach was the best.
- Haleakala Sunrise – if there is something close to heavenly, it could be this. Watching the sun rise at 10,000 feet at the Haleakala mountain summit. Yes, you have to wake up at 4.00AM, but it is absolutely worth it. Try to be there 45 minutes before sunrise to see how the horizon changes colors as the sun is closing up for the rise. On the day that I went, I could see the horizon clearly and the clouds below, not interrupting the view.
- Whale Watching –At this time of the year, there are so many of them and so close to the shores that you may do away with binoculars. These magnificent mammals with the signature tails are fun to watch. On our trip with the pacific foundation whale tours which I recommend highly, we must have seen at least a couple of dozen whales in two hours. And to our pleasant surprise, there came dolphins from no where pacing near the bow of the boat and flipping once in a while to draw attention. According to Rupali, if they could speak, what they were really trying to say is, “Look at us, not the boring whales!” These playful things fill you with joy.
- Hiking at Haleakala – With Mishti on the back-pack, we could hike 5 miles up to the Waimoku water falls and the 7 pools. The hike was pleasurable, a little tiring with her but pretty ok if you are on your own. The highlight is the bamboo forest that comes on the way.
- A night in the cabin – We rented a cabin at the Waianapanapa State Park. We wanted to have a rustic experience. The cabin is pretty ok with Refrigerator, stove, indoor toilets and running water. It is the best deal is Maui at $45 a night. Be prepared for mosquitoes.
- Luau – this is another way to spend a romantic evening in Maui, the Luau – the local dinner and dance of Hawaii. The performers were pretty talented - good-looking and sexy as well, especially in their provocative attire. The man performing the fire dance was really good and most group dances had good music and graceful movements. However, the one at Hyatt that we went for, is not worth its price.
- Drive up to Lahaina from Kahului via the north route is picturesque. It is perhaps as good as the much talked about Hana drive but less crowded and steeper with many single lane stretches. You should do it, if you have time and stop by to eat the banana breads and local organic fruits.
- Finally, if you renting a car, rent an SUV. It is worth it on the winding mountainous roads of Maui. We were lucky to put our hands on a brand new Ford Escape, just out of the showroom, having run only 6 miles.

Low points of the trip were the small accident (only a scratch on the passenger side) while I was backing up from parking. The rental agency and GEICO are settling it and will let us know how it finally impacted our budget! Next was the food. If you are an Indian not so accustomed to cold meats, I would recommend you carry a few MTRs and other ready to eat stuff on this and similar trips abroad. Since most places provide for a microwave and a few utensils, it is easy to cook. Hana, especially, is so laid back that there is practically only one restaurant open for dinner where the average cost is $30-$50 per person. Also, Frommer’s probably do not have the best recommendations on food and beaches. Their 2008 edition is not updated in many places. Look at other travel guide books, or better still, talk to me!
Grand Canyon is next on agenda this summer! Will keep you posted.