Just Another Day in Paradise

Walking along the beach

On our second full day in Maui, I was ready to do some exploring of the island. I took an early morning walk along the beach (which is feet from the Villa) enjoying the quiet, and splashing in the water. The water is surprisingly warm. I am used to the Pacific Ocean in Southern California which feels quite cold to me. But here, the water is cool and refreshing without the initial shock to your skin.

After breakfast, a group of us decided to visit Lahaina which is a 45-minute drive north of where we are staying in Kihei. Lahaina is definitely a place for the tourists with its hundreds of shops and restaurants along the ocean. It reminded me of Seaport village in San Diego, but with more local shops and points of interest.


There were a number of historic sites, but I wasn't really able to visit any except the Banyan Tree which is an amazing tree. It came from India and was planted in 1873. It spans a city block with at least 16 trunks which are actually aerial roots that support the sprawling branches. This majestic and expansive type of fig tree offers cool shade for the weary as it stands guard in front of the old courthouse.

Joe having a Lava Flow

Banyan Tree

We ate lunch at Kimo's a local restaurant and enjoyed the view, food, and Hula Pie for dessert. Then it was back on the road for a 25-mile drive further north to find the Nakalele Blowhole. We drove the windy roads up and down the mountain with amazing views of sapphire blue ocean and emerald green surf. When we arrived, we were are the top of a steep hill, with an adventurous hike down the rocks to get to the blowhole. The brave took the hike down, while some of us watched from a distance. There was a sign posted near the top of the hill that said,

Nakalele Blowhole

"Warning: Stay clear of blowhole. You can be sucked in and killed. It's not a water park." The blowhole is an opening in the rock over the ocean. When the waves come in the water is forced up the hole making a geyser-like spray that goes into the air about 100 feet or so. Even from a distance, it is impressive. Those who went all the way down got soaking wet from the spray.

I had hoped to get back to Kihei to go to the Sugar Museum, but it was a pretty long trip back, so the Sugar Museum was postponed for another day. There is much to do here, but often all you want to do is sit on the balcony and watch the ocean. I could get used to this!

View from our bedroom

Read my son David's perspective here: http://favoritesonsspiels.blogspot.com/