Olivine Pools
by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl
Last week I wrote about a hike we took while on the road to Hana, upon a recommendation by Maui Revealed. We also followed their recommendation and explored the fascinating, natural Olivine Pools on Maui’s upper West coast, the best natural swimming pool on Maui.
by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl
After many days in a hotel, on a beautiful beach, believe it or not, we were ready to explore the island of Maui. With the help of my favorite Hawaiian guide book, Maui Revealed, we hit the Road to Hana, intending to find a nice waterfall hike. And boy, did we ever!
Crocs shop, Lahaina, Hawaii
by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl
Walking up Front Street in downtown Lahaina, I came upon the mecca for Croc lovers – the Crocs Shop on Front Street. If you are a devotee of these shoes, or if you are totally new to the concept, this is definitely the place to learn more.
Crocs are made out of Croslite and are very popular in the medical field – the ergonomically certified clogs stay super comfortable for long periods of time. Over the last few years, Crocs have found a new following in beach and water enthusiasts, as lightweight shoes well suited to outdoor activities.
I usually buy my Crocs online or through local department stores, but lately I have been having trouble finding a great selection. The Front Street store nips that problem in the bud!
With helpful sales staff, I tried on many of the styles I had been looking at, including the new high heel Havana and the casual Capri flip flop. My kids were fitted quickly with styles that made them happy, and spent the rest of the time checking out Jibbitz, jewelry for Crocs. My daughter found cute little Hula girls for her crocs, while my son decided on a “hang loose” Jibbitz for his new Crocs.
The Crocs Shop on Front Street is a great place to stop while visiting downtown Lahaina!
Crocs
855 Front St # B
Lahaina, HI 96761-2366
phone (808) 667-7080
www.crocs.com
by Gudrun Enger, Kitchen Gadget Girl
One of our fun adventures in Maui, Hawaii, was a visit to the Surfing Goat Dairy, high up in the Upcountry of the island. In a place where pineapples reign supreme, it seemed incongruous to find a working dairy and cheese making operation. Read More »
by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut
Perhaps even more than gorgeous beaches, bronzed surfers, and swaying palm trees, the image most associated with Honolulu is Diamond Head Crater, so it is no surprise that its unmistakable profile is immediately recognizable to most visitors the moment they set foot on Waikiki Beach. What does surprise many, however, is that it is possible to climb to the top of this extinct volcanic cone.
Aerial view of Diamond Head Crater, courtesy of Bill D'Agostino at http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamdag/256593314/
The 0.8 mile switchback trail to the summit climbs the inside slope of Diamond Head, ascending 560 feet from the crater floor. Although the hike is is steep and moderately strenuous, it is well worth the effort as it provides a fascinating glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. When the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, harbor defense was one of the first concerns and Diamond Head’s elevation provided the best location for an outlook. In 1908 a trail was carved to the top, and by 1911 Fort Ruger had been built at the summit. Eventually, a 580-foot tunnel was dug through the crater wall to provide easier access to the Fort. Today, visitors drive through this tunnel, park inside the crater, and hike the very same path that was used to gain access to the Fort.
View of Diamond Head from overlook on Round Top Road, courtesy of Chad Podoski at http://www.flickr.com/photos/chadpodoski/217976946/
The trail begins as a relatively level improved concrete walkway but soon changes to a natural tuff surface with many switchbacks. All along the trail, interpretive signs explain that the crater was formed when the now extinct volcano exploded about 300,000 years ago. Ancient Hawaiians called it Laeahi, which translates to “brow of the tuna,” an obvious reference to its resemblance to the fish. It’s current name derives from British sailors who, in the 1800’s, believed calcite crystals found in the lava rock were diamonds.
Sketch of the hiking path courtesy of Dept. of Land & Natural Resources, Hawaii.
After passing a lookout point that doubles as a rest stop, the trail takes a steep upward ascent via two stairways (74 and 99 steps) and two tunnels. Upon emerging from the second tunnel, a shorter spiral staircase and a fourth set of metal stairs provides access to the observation deck at the very top, rewarding those who persevere with spectacular vistas to Waikiki in one direction, and to the leeward side of the island in the opposite direction.
View toward Waikiki from the top of Diamond Head, courtesy of dgrice at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgrice/390810021/
Climbing to the top takes between 1.5 and two hours and it can be a dusty, hot hike, so be sure to carry sufficient water, wear appropriate shoes, and use sunblock. The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:30 p.m. and the gates are locked at 6:00 p.m. daily. Diamond Head State Monument opens at 6 am. each day and the entrance fee is $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians. Visitors to Oahu will discover the island offers a vertiable treasure trove of attractions and outdoor activities, as well as providing accommodations for all budgets.
The Lagoon at Maui Tropical Plantation
by Tamara Rice of The Rice Paper
It may not be the best plantation on the island, but the Maui Tropical Plantation in Hawaii is a good enough distraction for an hour or two before you head out to the real attraction of the island: the beaches.
When we did our own little walking tour of the the Maui Tropical Plantation–it’s completely free to wander around–we were able to enjoy a little wildlife and an amazing view of the mountains beyond. The 60-acre plantation not only has a few ducks and caged monkeys, they have a coffee tasting room (you can’t skip this part), a restaurant (which didn’t appear to be open during our visit) and a shop (with prices set just a tad higher than in nearby towns).
A Bit of Wildlife at the Maui Tropical Plantation
In fact, for those who can’t get to Maui, but want to check out the goodies at the Maui Tropical Plantation, you can buy some items on line.
For those who would prefer to be guided on their tour of the plantation (and driven around in a little tram), there is a special tour, which costs $14 for adults and $5 for children. Maybe if you need a longer distraction and prefer to get the details while sitting down, this would be the way to go.
The highlight of our tour–besides the coffee tasting–was probably the little green lizard we caught on the path and stared at for a good ten minutes before letting him go.
Sure, we have plenty of lizards back home, but this was an exotic lizard and he was green (bright green!).
You just have to appreciate the little things. Even in Hawaii.
The Glorious Grounds of the Plantation
Photos by Tamara Rice and Robert aka Bob (Flickr.com)
Beauty Along the Road
by Tamara Rice of The Rice Paper
Now that I’ve spilled the beans on Maui’s Seven Sacred Pools, I should probably explain one of the most talked-about Maui attractions, which is the road you’ll take to get there: The Road to Hana.
Love it or hate it, it’s a memorable drive. Recently Maui reopened the more user-friendly freeway of the island (it suffered terrible damage during an earthquake and was shut down for far too long). However, the Road to Hana is a sight to behold and–provided you are not prone to car-sickness–makes for a great excursion.
When we braved the drive in a rental car–because what else would we be driving in Maui–my husband was designated the driver, our most-likely-to-lose-his-lunch friend got the other front seat, and my girlfriend and I were stuck in the back. Was it a long drive? Yes. Did it make our friend sitting shotgun want to puke? Yes. But did we have fun?
I think it depends on who you ask.
One thing we all agreed on: It was beautiful. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls and shores and jungles I’ve ever seen.
So, if you think you’d like to brave the road next time you’re on Maui, check out the five best tip lists for driving the Road to Hana before you do.
The Winding Road to Hana
1. Paradise-Found-in-Maui.com’s fabulous Road to Hana tip list.
2. What Maui’s rental car folks at AlohaRents.com want you to know about the drive, given you might be in one of their cars.
3. A tip list from the people at MauiInformationGuide.com, along with a great list of landmarks along the way.
4. A list with tons of user feedback from the award-winning site GoVisitHawaii.com.
5. Last but not least, tips and landmark notes from Hawaiilogue.com.
Photos by Tamara Rice and Wiedz (Flickr.com)
by Tamara Rice of The Rice Paper
Inside Maui’s Haleakala National Park is a beautiful treasure known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Referring to the area as seven pools may not be quite accurate, as there are more than that, but the allure of the “sacred” has been hooking tourists since Maui began promoting it as such in the 1940s. Technically, the lush area is the Ohe’o Gulch along the Kipahulu coastal area of the park.
After traveling the gorgeous and winding Road to Hana to get there (an adventure which I’ll chronicle in a later blog post), paying a small parking fee to enter the park, and gratefully enjoying their restrooms–which were remarkably clean, considering–we were happy to feel a warm ocean breeze on our faces as we headed down the marked Pipiwai Trail.
The Trail to the Pools
Hikers on the Pipiwai Trail to the pools are privy to a variety of Hawaii’s most beautiful plants and trees, including an enormous Banyan tree, until finally the path opens up to the gulch, where various levels of rock create waterfalls and pools as water weaves its way to the ocean.
Maui's Seven Sacred Pools
It’s loud (these are waterfalls, after all) and it can be quite cold (we’re talking about rocks), but we climbed down for the best view and waded in the pools all the same, enjoying the enchanting surroundings of nature.
In years past, tourists–even some friends of mine–have been allowed to jump from the various falls. However, the Haleakala National Park rangers have put a stop to it for safety reasons (i.e., sharp rocks and shallow water equal bad accidents). So, don’t get any ideas.
While it wasn’t exactly sacred–don’t let these cleverly shot pictures fool you, there were people everywhere–it’s truly one of the most beautiful sites in all of Maui.
We drove. We hiked. We saw. And it was worth the effort.
Photos by Nathan Rice
by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut
Byodo-In, a replica of a 900 year old temple of the same name near Kyoto, Japan, was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii
When I visited the Byodo-In Buddhist Temple on the island of Oahu, it was a somewhat off-the-beaten-track attraction that did not draw large crowds. Over the past couple of years its popularity has grown because its location was used during the filming of the TV series “Lost.” Even so, I suspect that not even hordes of tourists could detract from the spirituality of this amazing landmark.
Bridge leading to the main Byoodo-In Buddhist Temple
Built in the 1960’s to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant workers in Hawaii, Byodo-In is a replica of the 900-year-old temple of the same name in Japan. The grounds are exquisitely landscaped, featuring traditional Japanese gardens, Koi ponds, and graceful bridges over burbling streams. The first structure that visitors encounter is a small open-air pagoda sheltering a three-ton brass Peace Bell. Ringing the bell is said to bring happiness, blessings, and a long life, while ridding the mind and body of evil spirits.
The nine-foot tall Lotus Buddha is painted in black lacquer and decorated with gold leaf
The Lotus Buddha, so named because he sits upon a lotus flower, dominates the inside of the temple, as it is the largest wooden Buddha carved in more than 900 years. Worshippers light incense and prostrate before this black lacquer and gold leaf Buddha, leaving offerings of flowers or food at the base of the statue in hopes that their prayers will be answered.
Byodo-In is located on the eastern side of the island of Oahu, in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, overlooking the small town of Kaneʻohe. Just the scenery along the way is worth making the trip. On the inland side, lush green mountains soar to dizzying heights, their sawtooth-topped peaks often ringed by low-lying clouds. Offshore, tiny emerald isles float on aquamarine waters that are almost always placid on this windward side of the island. Many families combine a trip to the temple with other activities, such as snorkeling in Hanauma Bay or kayaking to Chinaman’s Hat, a conical-shaped island named after the straw coolie hats used by immigrant workers. Byodo-In is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and admission is $2 per person.
Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel
One wouldn’t think of Hawaii as being a place where lavender is grown and harvested. Usually one thinks of lavender as being a French product, but Ali’I Lavender Farm on the Island of Maui, is a relaxing surprise in the Upcountry of Kula.
Ali'i Kula in Maui's Upcountry
My senses were delighted when I drove up the farm road and could begin to smell the lavender in the air. It immediately relaxed me and took away any stresses that were bothering me. My eyes were pleasured at the sight that greeted me when I turned a bend. There were fields and fields of flowers that were hidden in the mountains.
I was a bit early for a walking tour, but the gift shop and small café beckoned. Culinary treated tempted my appetite and I indulged in a few moments of quite, overlooking the gardens, enjoying a lavender scone topped with lavender butter and lilikoi lavender jelly. I washed it down with lavender tea, but lavender coffee was also available. I almost didn’t want to leave my little haven in the mountains to take the tour.
Lavender Treats at Alii Kula Lavender Farm
I attached myself to a small tour group, led by Cookie, who led us around trails and walkways, introducing us to various types of lavender plants. She would make small cuttings, handing a sample of each plant to the group members. The smell was amazing. By the time we reached the end of the tour, we each had a small lavender bouquet to take with us.
Children love walking through the gardens at Alii Kula Lavender Farm
Of course, the tour ended near the gift shop, but oh, what a gift shop! The handmade lavender soaps, the edible lavender souvenirs, the home and garden items were just begging me to purchase them. There wasn’t much room in my suitcase for take home items, but fortunately the Ali’I Kula gift shop ships to the mainland.
If you find yourself on the Island of Maui, in Hawaii, I strongly recommend taking some time away from your hotel to explore the delights the island has to offer.
Photos by Shannon Hurst Lane
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