Hiking Into Nature

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Wandering through bird filled pine forests to a tropical rainforest with waterfalls or a barren moon like crater there are so many landscapes to enjoy.

On Maui is one of the first frisbee golf courses in the state and possibly the country.  For those who are not quite sure about what that exactly is here is a bit of a brief.   This sport is where you go from tee to tee using a frisbee instead of a golfball.  The terrain is not well groomed like a golf course but it’s completely unspoiled nature.  You need to spin that frisbee around tree trunks over high grasses and across gullies.  If you get off the course the hike to get your disc back may take you a good bit of time but it’s always fun.  This course is set high up on the slopes of Haleakala just below the tree line.  You will wander through meadows and bush collecting your discs as you miss throw them or if they bounce off trees.  Bring a picnic and bring the family as kids will love wandering through this forest on a treasure hunt for the discs you are bound to loose or mis-throw.

Check out our little pice on hiking up Iao Valley.  It’s a great place to spend a morning and if you are quite adventurous you can continue up over the pass.  This route brings you out in south Maui above Lahaina.  Expect to spend a good 8 to 10 hours doing this hike.  Although it is not that long, it’s quite trek as the paths are overgrown and the terrain is very steep.  You will be doing some mountain climbing so be prepared for that.

One of the favorites for any serious hiker is the trails coming down the slopes of Haleakala.  There are many different routes depending on your skill level and time.  Starting at the top of the mountain the most spectacular hike is down through the crater and out the Kaupo Gap.  This takes only a couple days if you are quick.  The weather really changes often in Hawaii so be prepared for anything.  Being exposed in the crater on a wet windy days is never that much fun.   The other option through the crater is heading north and venturing down into Keanae but that is not as popular.   Many day hikers skip choose to follow the trails down the “front sides” towards Wailea or Haiku.   In all cases for a good portion of the hikes you will still be above the tree line.

Still in the National park but on the Hana side of the island is a wonderful short hike up the Oheo Gulch.  Following the creek that feeds the Seven Pools (Seven Sacred Pools) will take you past 200′ plus waterfalls, banyan trees and through the dark bamboo forest.  It takes only a few hours to go right to the top but it is well worth it.  Many people believe that if you hike down from the crater you can come out here but scaling down the 400′ waterfall at the end of this trail is not advised.

There are many Maui activities and tours related to hiking.  Many of the hiking turs from Kaanapali take you around the west Maui mountains.  There are very few tourists who venture out that way so it’s perfect for tour companies to provide services out to them.  You rarely meet anyone and the land is unspoiled, as far as Maui goes.

Check out some of the other sites to get more in-depth hiking spots as there are hundreds.  Wander along the Kings trail in Makena, adventure into Polipoli springs in Kula or find some of the ancient rock art above Lahaina.  The big thing now is to hike up through the forest and Zipline down.  It’s fun for most of the family and there are a few locations to do that particular activity on Maui but they are booked weeks ahead so plan early.  There are many hiking books in the local stores that can give you pinpoint directions of where to go, where to park and the difficulty rating of each of the hikes.  There is something for everyone.

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Parks and Playgrounds

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There is no doubt that a good park where children have a playground is alway a must while on vacation.  Children have their needs too when they are looking to get away and relax.  This playground, located in Kihei along the beach has not only a playground but a skatepark, an outdoor rollerskating rink, beach volleyball courts, tennis and basketball courts.  They also have lots of pinic areas spread throughout the park.

Our favorite thing to do in Kihei, is to hit the park and have a picnic.  There are plenty of great cafes and shops to pick up a great basket of good food.  Morning, noon or sunset, there is no bad time to hang out in this park.

The state of the parks and playgrounds in Maui is pretty good.  They are located in every little community or town.  Haiku has a big one, located near Giggle hill.  Kahului has several spread throughout the city.   Since there are no big amusement parks or other parks similar to that in Maui these parks are in pretty good condition and relatively new.  They are normally packed with children who are getting their yayas out.

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The Maui Bus Tour

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This is the only thing that is not free on the list.  The other things are free if you have the equipment and situated in the right spot to experience them.  Taking a bus tour is a great way to get around and see parts of the island.  It’s not the fancy bus tour that Valley Isle Excursions offers, although they do give a good deal for all that you see and do, not to mention the great meals and free drinks.

A bus tour is the most economical way to see the island and get around to different places.  Using the public transportation system and riding that around the island will give you the opportunity to see Maui beyond the beach.  Catch the bus as it travels through the towns of Kahului, Wailuku, Paia, Lahaina, Pukalani and Kihei to name just a few.  The bus can take you to all the major tourist attractions so you won’t miss a thing and the cost of riding the bus for your entire two week vacation is much less then what you would pay for a rental car for a day.

Check out the bus schedules and plan your days.  It’s also great as you will always have a designated driver too but be aware, they don’t have late routes so your day have to end a bit earlier if you are relying on the bus.

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People Watching

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There are not too many places to take in some good people watching on Maui.  It’s nothing like Venice, California where the freek show is on full display on the boardwalk.  There are small pockets of it, so after a short time you will be seeing the same thing over and over again.

Some of the best spot to people watch in Maui normally include a place in the sand or under a banyan tree.

In Lahaina, under the banyan tree, you can sit in the cool comfort of it’s shade and watch the tourists go by.  This gets a bit borning after awhile but in most cases there is always someone who is doing something interesting that captures your gaze for a while.

Of course the prime spot to people watch is down at the beach.  On many of the popular beaches there is always something going on for you to watch in a relaxed daze. With the backdrop of the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing, this is one free pasttime that just can’t be beat.

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Doing Beach Things

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There is nothing less expensive to do in Maui then go to the beach.  All you need is a towel and you are good to go.  There are no entrance fees or certain equipment you should have.  Heck, even on some beaches you don’t even need a swimsuit.  Lazying around in the sun on a beach is about the only thing left in life that is free, at least on Maui.

Depending on where you are on the island, there is not even the need to get into a vehicle to have a great beach.  With so many miles of great beaches, the one right outside the condo or hotel room is perfect for you.

On the beach, there are plenty of things to do besides laying on the a towel, soaking up the glorious sun rays.   There is paddle ball, beach volleyball, a type of bocci ball game, sandcastle building, picnicking, read a good book, meditating, exercise and whale watching if it’s the right time of year.  Also the best place to watch a great sunset is on the beach too.

Of course there is also all the swimming and bodysurfing too which is always fun.

In most cases you can spend your entire holiday on the beach and not spend a dime for any other entertainment or activities whatsoever.

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Snorkeling & Diving

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Now I am a snorkeler.  I just love it.  It’s one of my favorite things to do in Maui.  I know all the good quiet spots where I can enjoy the underwater life without having to deal with anyone else.  It’s a way to escape into another world.  I am a fish and not in a fish tank.  On Maui, on good days in the morning the water is clean and clear like an aquarium’s tank.

Since we live on the island we have our little spot that we enjoy checking out every few days to see our favorite underwater creatures.

I enjoy visiting the turtles off of Hookipa as they eat the seagrass at the edge of the surf break.

I go look for the eels to the right of Charley Young beach in Kihei.  There is also a few turtles who call in there and an incredible wall with a great variety of colorful coral.

Down at Makena Landing, out around the point, are some beautiful undersea caves with sleeping sharks and turtles.  Long tunnels to swim through and plenty of coral in a variety of colors.  Also there is a trench where the turtles use to head out to sea, almost like a road.

Snorkeling in Hawaii is one of the best things to do.  If you have a mask and snorkel already then its a great way to spend a lot of time exploring a world that we see very little of in our life.  The underwater world in Maui is full of life and wonder.

There are many places to explore underwater up and down the coast of Maui.  Off of just about any coast there is something interesting to see.  So when you are looking for a cheap or even free way to pass your days on Maui then snorkeling would be it.

You can hitchhike to some great spots along the Lahaina or Kihei coasts.  You don’t need to take those tours out to Molokini to get some great snorkeling in.

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Surfing The Waves & Wind

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Boogie Boarding, surf boarding and body surfing are some of the least expensive, cheapest things to do in Maui.  If you have the gear then you are good to go and everyone has a body so at least that is taken care of.

You can rent surf boards on a daily or weekly basis for a good price.  Most people don’t travel with surfboards unless they are pros.  Boogie boards are so cheap that you can probably buy a good one and resell it before you end your vacation and still pay less then what you would rent it for.

As for my personal favorite body surfing, you don’t need anything but a good swimsuit that will keep on in the rough tumbling of the waves.   There are some great beaches like Little Makena Beach where you can ride a wave a good ways.  Catching them is easy at that beach too.

When most people think of things to do in Maui the first thing that comes to mind is surfing.  Surfing the waves to be exact.  The beautiful reef breaks and strong uninterrrupted ocean brings some incredible waves.  Some of the biggest in the world if the conditions are right.  There are many surf breaks in Maui, Hawaii. Surfing is just a part of life here.  You know when a good set at the right angle is coming in locally because no work gets done on that side of the island.

There is more to just the standard board and a wave surfing.  You can surf the air too.  Windsurfing and kiteboarding are two things that are a must do in Hawaii, especially Maui.  The trade winds are blowing strong and steady in the afternoons which makes for some increadible conditions.

Looking out over the ocean above Hookipa on Maui’s north shore, the contrasting colors of the windsurfer’s colorful sails and the stark deep blue of the ocean keeps you captured in awe for hours.  The tricks these guys perform over big waves and the air time they get some days is amazing.

On the south side of the island, with the mountains blocking the strong winds would be a good place for a first timer to learn.  The ocean is calm in the morning which will go along way to improving your confidence with the gear.

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Hiking To A Waterfall

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 Hiking is another one of the best things to do in Maui.  It is always part of a top ten wherever we go in the world.  There is so much to see and do that you need to hike to that you should always enjoy the journey to it.  

Some of our favorite hikes on Maui can be quite long but we will go through some of the shorter ones as that is what appeals to most people.  Those looking to go on longer hikes they already know quite a bit about the area and have been planning it for a long time.  A long hike on Maui is one that takes you down from the summit of Haleakala and can take up to 2 days at least.

The short hikes we like to feature include a tramp up Oheo Gulch to the 400 foot waterfalls at the end of the trail.   The rock hopping good time up Iao Valley stream, lots of nude sunbathing happening here on nice days so be mindful of that.   The walks up to see the Hawaiian petroglyphs are always a nice challenge.   A walk through the bamboo forest is kind of boring after a while.   Going up to Polipoli hot springs takes a long time to get to and is often very foggy as it sits in the clouds most afternoons.  Going above Kula to the frisbee golf course is always a nice afternoon.  A trip along the coast following the kings trail through the lava fields is also nice when you have already hit the other places.

 

Hiking up a gulch to a waterfall is one of the most spiritual things you can do.  The sound of falling water gives the listener a bit of the energy that is generated by that falling water.  Some of the water is falling from heights over 400′ so it’s generating a bit of speed and force.  Even a little bit of water can sting from that height.  Be careful when standing under a waterfall because it’s not just water but stones and wood as well, especially if it’s raining further up the gulch.

Some of our most favorite hikes to waterfalls are around Maui’s backside.  This is the Kipahulu area and Oheo Gulch.  Way out there where there is a lot fewer people, you can enjoy a moment at a waterfall in peace and tranquility.   There are many waterfalls along Oheo Gulch to hike to depending on your time.  If you have plenty of time then I suggest going all the way up to the end but before you reach the end, there is a side stream.  Follow the path less travelled to the Queen’s bath which is a bit nicer I think.

Also along the backside of Maui a few miles down the road from Oheo Gulch are a number of unmarked gulches with steady streams.  Go up any of these and you will find some great spots to kick back and relax by a pool in a beautiful setting.

 

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