The Sunshine State Hawaii - Travel planning and arrival:
The trip to Hawaii was planned for 17 days, and started by flight from Frankfurt, with a stopover in Seattle to the island of Maui.
I booked six nights on Maui before heading to the main island Big Island for another nine nights.
For a trip to Hawaii, autumn is a good time to extend the summer/autumn.
Arrival on the island of Maui:
For the stay on Maui I have booked the Maui Seaside Hotel for six nights.
The location of the hotel is optimal. Just a five-minute drive from Maui Kahului Airport, it is a good base for exploring the island. For the duration of the stay I have additionally booked a standard rental car with pick-up and return at the airport.
Due to the time difference to Germany, you can reach the island of Maui in the best case late in the same evening. After picking up the rental car and checking in at the hotel, it was early time to sleep to start exploring the island the next morning.
The great anticipation of exploring the island in the sunshine was initially disappointed by tropical rain, but already around noon the sky cleared up and Maui showed its most beautiful side.
The Maui Seaside Hotel is a rather simple but well-kept hotel right by the sea.
For people who like to travel around and hike on the island, the accommodation is highly recommended. However, if you prefer to spend a pool holiday within the hotel complex, you will certainly find better alternatives on the island.
The breakfast included in the price is typically American and not particularly exceptional.
What to see on the island of Maui:
After breakfast we headed to Ho'okipa Lookout, one of the Maui surf spots, to get used to the Hawaiian climate and soak up some of the island state's typical flair.
Despite the morning rain, some surfers ventured into the water and pursued their sport. Ho'okipa Lookout is one of the best spots to watch surfing competitions or to observe sunsets. The lookout is located directly on the road to Hāna, Maui's most scenic route.
Around noon we continued to Wailea. The place is very modern and probably one of the most luxurious of the island. In the open-air mall there are small restaurants and cafés where you can refresh yourself for the afternoon.
After an afternoon walk across the beach of Weilea overlooking the neighbouring island Kahoʻolawe, it was time to go to Lāhainā, a place in the west of the island, for dinner.
The village of Lāhainā:
Located on the northwest coast of Maui, the town of Lāhainā is probably the busiest town on the island. In addition to a Hard Rock Café, there are a variety of other restaurants, bars and cafés.
After a detour to one of the bars for a Hawaiian cocktail, Lāhainā invites you to stroll through the streets of the city for a while.
You can watch dreamlike sunsets over the neighbouring island of Lanei from the village of Lāhainā, before going to have dinner.
Excursion to the Haleakalā:
The next morning started fantastically sunny and warm. The ideal day to go up the highest mountain on the island, the Haleakalā and explore the huge crater. The Haleakalā is the only volcano that was still active outside big Island.
Its crater, with a diameter of 34 kilometers, is one of the largest craters in the world and offers a dreamlike backdrop for hiking.
Arriving at the summit, 3055 meters above sea level, you have a fantastic view over the island and the neighbouring islands.
For the hike into the crater, warm clothing, sturdy footwear and appropriate sun protection are absolutely necessary.
Due to the altitude, one should also observe the lower oxygen in the air, and start the hike a bit more slowly.
The walk into the crater of Haleakali is breathtaking. The rocks on Maui's highest mountain can hardly be more colourful and multifaceted.
Narrow paths lead you through the fascinating crater landscape of Haleakalā's National Park. You can make the hikes self-responsible, but bookable guided tours are also possible. The Haleakalā is also an excellent destination for sunrise or sunset due to its altitude and mostly clear, dry air.
After returning from Haleakalā, we went to Lāhainā for having dinner. The Banyan Tree, was plucked in 1873 and is the oldest tree on the island.
From the beach there was again a wonderful sunset over Lanai to admire before the day came to an end.
The Pipiwai Trail:
The next day we took the road to Hāna where the start of the Pipiwai Trail is located, a 3.6-mile trail towards Waimoku Falls.
A ranch shop on the road to Hāna. In the Ulapaluka Ranch Burgers and grilled specialities are offered and Hawaiian wine can be tasted.
The hike is not too demanding, but leads through beautiful nature, primeval and bamboo forests.
After a few stone steps up through the jungle mauis, a fantastic view of the Waimoku Waterfall opens up from a distance.
The trail continues along wildflowers, gigantic sequoias and bamboo forest.
On the hike you can also pass the smaller Makahiku waterfalls. If you have some luck and are on the trail at the right time of year, you can also find ripe passion fruits along the way.
You are not allowed to enter after heavy rains. The danger of water falling down the mountain slopes should not be underestimated or ignored.
An old, half-grown bamboo hut. What do you think it was for?
The road to Hāna:
The road to Hāna is not only the most beautiful panoramic road of Maui, it offers even more.
On the way you will find a very well camouflaged, small but fine coffee shop. Here you can enjoy fresh Hawaiian coffee and take a break.
A surreal image, almost untouched nature on one side and rotting old vehicles right next door.
Ka'anapali Beach:
After the hike on the Pipiwai Trail and a coffee on the road to Hāna, it was time to go to the sea. The destination is Ka'anapali beach.
Ka'anapali Beach is just north of Lāhainā. The hotels and resorts there are also very well maintained and clean. The area makes a quiet impression and invites you to recover and relax.
The area around Ka'anapali is ideal for relaxing in an afternoon and walking along the beach. Sometimes you can also see tropical butterflies looking for food on the flowers of the shrubs.
Typical Hawaii – sun, beach, sea and surfboards.
Of course, not to forget the impressive sunsets overlooking the sea.
The Twin Falls Trail:
The Twin Falls Trail is also a recommended hiking trail on the road to Hāna. The trail is almost three kilometres long and can be walked all year round.
For the little hunger and thirst on the way, the Jungle truck offers a small selection of fruits and drinks at the parking lot of the Twin Fall Trail.
The warning at the entrance to the hiking trail should not be deterred. In nice, dry weather, the hiking trail is easy to master and not overly demanding.
Behind the gate, the trail offers magnificent flowers and lush tropical forest.
The trail is usually well-attended, but not overcrowded. It leads along the river to the waterfall.
Unfortunately still green and unripe, the small Hawaiian bananas that you can sometimes find on the trail.
A good and important note:
The landscape is appreciated, protected and only footprints are to be left.
Ho’okipa Lookout and Kīhei:
The last day on Maui was even quieter and relaxing. At the Ho'okipa Lookout a surf competition took place in really worth seeing surf. The wind has refreshed and whipped up the sea.
At the surf competition, the windsurfers showed their skills in the waves. Most of the time in Hawaii you can see the surfers without sails, who are waiting for the ideal wave and then glide on their boards towards the beach.
In the afternoon there was another cocktail in one of the Tiki Lounges near the beach.
At the time of the dinner in Kīhei there was another dreamlike sunset to say goodbye to the island of Maui. In the background you can see the neighbouring island of Kaho´olawe.
The flight to Big Island:
After 5 wonderful days on the island of Maui, the flight to Big Island the main island of Hawaii went. The time on Maui was a pleasure, except for a light rain shower there was pure sunshine.
The landscape, beaches and forests are simply wonderful to enjoy the time outdoors, hike and unwind.
With anticipation of what Big Island can offer, we boarded the plane.
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