Hawaii is a bucket list destination for almost every person in this world. Before we visited, we were under the impression that it was overrated and over hyped; that it was too touristy and commercialized, visiting it would leave us disappointed…. Boy!!! Were we proven wrong and how! Although we have not been to all the islands of Hawaii, from the experience and wonderful time we spent on Maui, all my misconceptions about this place have been replaced with so much love and appreciation- I will cherish the experience for lifetime.
For our first wedding anniversary we had plans to visit Mexico during thanksgiving 2018, but due to Athreya’s visa travel regulations we had to cancel our plan last minute. The only exotic place I could think of in US to celebrate our special occasion seemed like Hawaii, although we were not too excited about it since a lot of people had expressed their disappointment on how touristy and overpriced the place was. After our wonderful honeymoon in Maldives we had an impression nothing can beat that. (Still can’t – but both are different experiences) .
While booking flights we noticed that prices for November (even during thanksgiving), were way too cheaper than December holidays. So this could be a great time to visit if your budget is low. Here is another Thanksgiving/Christmas/year-end holidays itinerary of Maui, Hawaii –
Day 1: Fly into OGG ( Kahului Airport )
After landing around 2PM, we picked up our rental car and headed for our first Hawaiian lunch at Poi By The Pound. It was very different but nice. Recommend this place. After lunch we headed to our HomeAway stay at Maalaea. We chose this area for our week long stay since it was almost mid point to most places we wanted to visit on the island. Also, we wanted to stay away from the most touristy spots like Lahaina and Wailea (thats where all resorts are located). Tip: Stay in airbnb/homeaway/VRBO stays rather than resorts if you are more into exploring than relaxing. We settled in, took a good shower and then headed out for sunset views and early dinner. We just stopped at a beach close to our HomeAway to soak in our first Hawaiian sunset – it was serene and calm. Since it was thanksgiving that day we could not find many open restaurants. We had our dinner at Ohana Seafood Bar & Grill which was very average.
Day 2: Haleakala Sunrise – Kaanapali beach (Black Rock) Sunset
Since you are already jet lagged you do tend to wake up early in Hawaii. (4hours difference to C.S.T) To take advantage of this, we planned most of our early morning plans towards the beginning of the trip. To see Haleakala crater sunrise, we started around 4AM from our HomeAway (its about 1.5hours from Maalaea) , since it gets crowded soon. You will need permit(fee $1) to visit this place for sunrise which you can book in advance from here. Tip: It gets really cold once you are at the summit so please layer up. Reserve a spot at the view point and wait for the most dramatic sunrise ! There are many trails you can take- we did the Pā Ka’oao Trail and just went till the first overlook of Keonehe’ehe’e. If you want something different, then take one of the tours where they drop you up the summit for sunrise and then provide bikes to ride down the summit.
After sunrise we went back to our stay, freshened up and headed for lunch at Star Noodles. It is a great place but might have to wait for sometime. We later headed to Kaanapali Beach, one of the touristy beaches of Maui. Parking can be tricky here. Tip: Park at Whalers Village mall which has paid parking – but if you buy something at one of the shops or have dinner in any of the restaurants in the complex, you can get it validated. Although the beach covers a huge stretch , we walked to the Black Rock towards the north side of the beach where you can snorkel and cliff dive. If you are here wait till sunset to see Hawaiian sunset rituals with fire and drums while soaking in the last rays of sun for the day. We came back to our stay, took bath and then went for diner at Coconut’s Fish Cafe – Love love love their fish tacos.
Day 3: Molokini Crater Snorkeling and Nakalele Blowhole
Morning, we spent snorkeling at world famous Molokini Crater ( an extinct volcanic crater with thriving coral reef, home to more than 250 fish species ) and Turtle arches. We took the tour by Pacific Whale Foundation (just beside our HomeAway) who were professional and educational. After great hours over water we came back home and had lunch somewhere local( I don’t remember now!) In the evening we went to see the Nakalele Blowhole and Heart Shaped Rock. Tip: Wear good footwear since you will have to do a short but tricky hike to see them both. You can also visit Honolua Bay which is on the way if you have time. After sunset we spent sometime at one of the Lahaina Malls looking for souvenirs and had a quick dinner there.
My opinion on Snorkeling with Pacific Whale Foundation: The tour costs about 125$ per person which is honestly pricey but again, you are in Hawaii so that is a normal price for such activities. They are non-profit, staff were knowledgeable and provided an informational presentation on conservation of oceans. Waters at Molokini were crystal clear although we didn’t see as many fishes as we did in Maldives – for which our tour guide had a good explanation , which was valid. If you are looking for snorkeling experience then I highly recommend them.
Day 4: Road to Hana
We were contemplating whether to take bus tour or drive by our self on the road to Hana since during my research a lot of them had mentioned that the routes are very narrow and drive can be stressful. In the end Athreya convinced me to take rental car and I am glad we did that. Yes, the road is curvy with many one lane bridges, but it is also beautiful and fun to drive around. I would advice to start early – plan such that you start the stretch from Ho’okipa Beach Park (where road to Hana starts ) just after sunrise. Note: One disadvantage with taking rental cars on this road- it is not permitted to drive on the backside of road to Hana – around Kipahulu region where the roads are unpaved. Most rental companies warn you about it when you get your car. Now, nobody can stop you from using those roads but it is risky since not much help will be available in that area. However, tour buses do take this route . Most drivers visiting road to Hana drive out and back the roads or stay at Hana and return the next day. Also, we would advise against driving after dark since roads get more tricky at night.
First stop Garden of Eden – there is an entry fee to this Arboretum. It was an average experience for us- we would have skipped this one if had known better. After this we drove straight towards our end point the Hamoa Beach so we can trackback and see more places on our way back. We did stop at random places along the way for views, so we spent a lot more time than anticipated on the road. But hey that’s what road to Hana is all about – its the journey not the destination. We wanted to go till the Pipiwai Trail and ‘Ohe’o Gulch but we could not start as early as we had planned so we had to make Hamoa our farthest stop. We relaxed at Hamoa Beach and then went back to Hana for some local lunch. From there we came back to Waianapanapa State Park, one of my favorite spots on this road trip. Black sand beach at this park was so surreal. We hiked the coastal path enjoying the black sand, lava rocks and blue ocean. Tip:Don’t forget to notice the Sea Cave and Sea Arch while you are there. It was about an hour for sunset so we decided to head back. We had dinner at Paia Fish Market – food was amazing, a must try.
We missed a lot of planned spots on road to Hana. Like I said, you need to start early to fully explore this wonderful region of Maui. Some of the other spots that are worth visiting are: Twin Falls, Keanae Lookout, Upper Waikani Falls, Hāna Bay Beach Park, Wailua Falls.
Day 5: Helicopter Tour & Old Lahaina Luau
Started the day exploring West Maui and Molokai by air taking Air Maui Helicopter Tour. The tour starts at Kahului Heliport and flies over west Maui, cross over to Molokai – the neighbor island, hovering over most dramatic cliffs and close view of hidden waterfalls. It was like we were in a Jurassic park movie! I highly recommend this tour. Tip: Wear dark colored clothes that don’t reflect on the glass doors. After lunch we went to Kamaole Beach Park III to chill at the beach. For evening we had a special dinner reservation at Old Lahaina Luau.
If this is your first time in Hawaii, you must attend a Luau – a traditional Hawaiian feast with delicious food, lively music and of-course the hula. It was a great evening. We checked in around 5:30PM, enjoyed a beautiful sunset while strolling around the premises, witnessed the imu ceremony ( an underground oven used to cook delicious shredded kalua pork, a staple on any luau menu) and later enjoyed the most authentic Hawaiian dinner along with vibrant cultural performances from Hawaii and greater Polynesia.
Day 6: Iao Valley State Park , Waihee Ridge Trail & Makena Beach
Morning started with Iao Valley State Park, a small park with short hike to see the Valley and Iao Needle. From there we went north to hike the ridges of Waihee ( Waihee Ridge Trail). There are many amazing hiking trails in Maui. We opted this because of its unique ridge path and amazing ocean and mountain views. It is a moderate hike of about 4miles out and back that gains elevation around the end. Tip:Wear right shoes since some places can be muddy and rocky.
After a great hike we went to Da Kitchen for an amazing lunch and later headed to HomeAway for freshening up. For our last evening, we went to Makena Beach and enjoyed another spectacular sunset.
Day 7: Keawakapu Beach before you Fly Out
Our flight was in the late afternoon. Morning, we went to Keawakapu Beach near our HomeAway to enjoy some more time by the oceans. This beach was my personal favorite – I am not sure why. It might be because of the impressive mountains on the right, the picturesque black rock and the waves, the soothing palm trees around – I am not sure. We spent late morning here, strolling around the beach, taking in everything that Maui has to offer one last time. Later we checked out of our HomeStay and left to the airport with a heavy heart but with loads of memories!
Maui was a wonderful surprise for us and surpassed our expectations. Everything we had planned for – the tours we took, the food, the people, the places – everything was perfect. There are some more places to visit in Maui. If you are around for more days try to include them in your itinerary – Ho’okipa Beach Park, Olivine Pools, Honolua Bay, Kapalua Beach, Wailea Beach, Secret Cove Beach, Kapalua Coastal Trail, Lava Fields- Kings Trail.
We loved our Maui experience so much, we have been dying to go back and explore other islands of Hawaii and finally its happening! We are going to Oahu for Christmas 2019 (If you know me you know I am jumping with joy when I am typing this). Will have another blog describing if Hawaii still will remain our favorite island destination in North american continent. From what our Oahu itinerary looks like I think its going to be different but still wonderful and wanting to go back for more! Cant wait! Aloha until then.
TravelMutants 