Maui Photo Album - October 2008
Friday - Road to Hana
Friday morning, we checked out of the Sheraton Maui (which wasn't a great experience, by the way - but the rest of the day was good enough to overcome it!), stopped for some breakfast, and headed on the famous Road to Hana. We were blessed to be able to spend the night in Hana, so we were able to take the road slowly, enjoying more of the waterfalls, green areas, mountain views, and crashing waves than people who drive out to Hana and back again in just one day.
This picture of a cup from the Maui Coffee Roasters is for Angela. In the background, you can see Matt texting Brian about it. :)
Ho'okipa Beach Park
We didn't see that many awesome surfers on this trip - I think it was the wrong time of year, but here are a few pictures.
While Matt photographed the surfers, I caught the panorama looking back towards West Maui.
First Stop - I think this was near Maliko Gulch?
I think this is an irrigation ditch. Pretty, though.
There were some really strange trees in this area - those green & orange marks are not paint.
The Road to Hanna is on the wet side of the island, which is clearly evident considering how green everything is.
Waikamoi Nature Trail
Puohokamoa Falls
We climbed over a bunch of boulders in the stream to get to this waterfall.
Some local teenagers (and a few tourists, maybe) were jumping off the top of the waterfall. They were very careful about where they jumped.
Along the Road
I think this is the Kaulanapueo Church in Huelo. Built in 1853.
You can see a bit of the road winding thru the coastline.
Ke'anae Peninsula
We stopped in Ke'anae and bought some hot-from-the-oven banana bread. I've had some good banana bread over the years, but this was probably the best ever. Rich, moist, delicious. Mmmm... My mouth waters just thinking about it!
Past the banana bread stand, we found a little park, rimmed in volcanic rock. The waves seem to just crash constantly here, making it a great place for photos.
I've developed an interest in taking pictures of polynesian churches. I'm not really sure why - probably stems from our honeymoon trip. This one, like most, was very small and didn't look too active, but was still in a beautiful setting.
Wailua Valley State Wayside
The Road to Hanna is mostly 2-lane, with 1-lane bridges. You can see a bit of the road here.
Looking down into the valley - at another little church.
Pua'a Ka'a State Park
Another Waterfall
I should have taken pictures of the guidebook each time we stopped at a waterfall, since after a while, they all look alike. :)
Hotel Hana Maui
Matt told me we were staying at this hotel, and I'd even looked at their website - but I thought we were staying in their basic room. Imagine my surprise when we were delivered to this cottage by a golf cart! We had our own little cottage by the sea in Hana. Good work, Matt!!
This is our deck - looking down the hill to the sea.
There's really not much to do in Hana - a weird general store, local teens playing basketball, and the restaurant at the hotel. We opted for the restaurant. On Friday nights they have a Hawaiian music show and special dinner. We didn't know what to expect (another faux-looking luau with odd foods and girls in coconut bras?) - but were pleasantly surprised to find a nice show featuring Hawaiian music and dance, all performed by members of the Hotel Hana Maui staff and their families. The performers included 4-generations from the same family: great-grandma playing the ukulele, grandma & mom dancing, and even the little granddaughter danced. It was remarkably authentic and heart-felt.