We enjoyed the holidays with family in California. No Facebook, Instagram or blog. Our flight to Honolulu was uneventful. Tickets were booked long before we decided which islands to visit so we had a morning in Oahu before flying to Maui. We were meeting Kim, Erin and Gillian for New Years. They arrived before us only to discovered that our rooms had been given away. We were rebooked at the historic Royal Hawaiian aka the “Pink Palace of the Pacific.” What a luxurious hotel. It was a little crowded but we woke up early (because of jetleg) and enjoyed an early morning swim in the ocean. Even more fun was unexpectedly seeing friends from our Brooklyn days.
Maui is second largest Hawaiian Island is known for its stunning natural beauty. We stayed in Lahaina Shores Beach Resort.
Our room overlooked the ocean and was just steps from the beach and a short walk to the historic downtown.
With six of us traveling together; the pace slowed down. Most of our time was at the beach, the pool or strolling into to shops and cafes. We especially enjoyed Cafe Cafe and Belle Surf Cafe for our morning coffee and breakfast.
For New Year’s Eve we stayed up late for a boat ride to watch fireworks. Despite bad food and 2000s pop music, the non-stop display of fireworks for over an hour was spectacular to watch. We enjoyed the display and did not capture it with a photo.
We hired a guide to explore one of the many waterfalls and swimming pools. Christian led us on a muddy and moderately challenging hike—in a good way.
We climbed up rocks (and a rickety old ladder), swam between waterfalls and jumped off rocks.
Kaley and Erin even used a rope swing. We were all covered in mud and wet when we got back into the van.
We capped the evening with some live music and hot chocolate while waiting for our table at Flatbreads—the same pizza restaurant as the one a few blocks from our home in Somerville.
We recognized the name but did not think it was the same until we saw the menu.
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Our final day was a long and amazing drive on the Road to Hana. The legendary road is only 52 miles from Kahului, however the drive took us at least ten hours to complete since it has many narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views. We read there are 620 curves and 59 bridges. Even with Dramamine, Sunshine had to sit in the front seat.
Our first stop was to watch the surfers and giant sea turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park. The waves were larger than normal and the turtles were lumbering up to shore.
Twin Falls had a crowded parking lot but we were alone at the falls for most of our time. Access to to the falls was easy, albeit muddy.
Maui is known for banana bread.
We had read about Aunt Sandy’s and decided it was worth the extra drive. Kaley said it could not be better than the one we make at home. Both are different and delicious.
A little farther down the road was a spectacular view point. We almost missed it had it not been for a bathroom break before driving on.
The stop at Wainapanapa State Park was spectacular!
We watched birds, viewed natural stone arches, explored an ancient lava cave/tube and walked the small majestic black sand beach. The waves crashing down and the sparkle of the sand was magical.
Our final stop was the iconic 80 foot Wailua Falls—about thirty minute past Hana.
After a quick swim, Ian drove the curvy road back to Lahaina—in the dark. We could return many times and see something different each visit.
