Aloha and welcome to the island of Maui. There are many Hawaiian and Polynesian legends about the demi-god Maui and how he caught the sun over Haleakala with his net, or with his sister’s hair. Some legends say he did it so his mother could dry her tapa cloth and some say it was for his people … to have more daylight hours. Perhaps that is why “Lahaina” means “merciless sun.” If you have ever been to Lahaina, you would know that it almost never rains in there. Maui has the best climate all year round. If you want it really hot, come in the summer months, June through August. You are not likely to ever see rain. The water is about a perfect seventy-eight degrees Fahrenheit and as blue green and crystal clear as you could ever imagine it to be. You can swim, surf, snorkel, dive, whale watch (October through May) or just lay out on a beach. My favorite beaches are Kahekili (Airport Beach), Napili Bay Beach, Black Rock Beach at Kaanapali, and I really love the view at Kahana Beach and Honokowai Beach Park. D.T. Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay Beach are among the more popular beaches. If you should be on the other side in South Maui, Big Beach and Little Beach are a must to see.
However, let me please warn you about the Maui sun. It is strong and you will ruin your vacation if you don’t get your SPF 30 on before you are out and about Maui! I can’t tell you how many times I am standing in line at Safeway by dinner time and there are lobster-red couples and families raiding the first aid section for Sunburn Aftercare on their first day in Maui! Not a fun way to begin your vacation. Great Beach Getaways! Maui from $98.00!
One way to cool off from the Maui sun is with a Shave Ice. If you know anything about Hawaii these days you know this is Obama country . Even though our president is not from Maui, he was born in Oahu and loves to sit down with his two girls for a shave ice. Lorraine ‘s Shave Ice in Kahakuloa is worth the trip. Not only will you get the best Shave Ice and Banana Bread, but you will see a a village “time has forgotten.”
Now, I am not a Golf enthusiast, but Maui is the number-one destination for Golfers. Kaanapali and Kapalua not only have the Golf, but they have the shopping, beaches and Restaurants to keep your non-golf partners busy as well. If you head to the other side, Wailea has all that West Maui offers, but it has more of a “Fifth Avenue” tone. I am just a West Side girl!
When you are out and about Maui and you want to get out of the mainstream, heading upcountry is like taking a climb to heaven. Heading towards Haleakala, the crater, there are so many amazing views and places. There is an amazing Lavender Farm on the way, just take a deep breath and imagine all that purple, now if you could only see the view from that altitude! Kula is a beautiful town in the hills on that awesome mountain with great restaurants and cafes where you get fresh produce right from their gardens. Continue to Haleakala National Park and you will not be disappointed. Call and check the weather before you go. Legend has it that the Goddess Pele created Haleakala. Even to this day it is said that Pele reveals herself throughout the islands of Hawaii. Keep your eyes open!
What’s so special about Maui? Maui has beaches, mountains, ocean, great weather, golf, food, shopping, whales … did I mention “magic”?
