As much as I love to travel and as much as I love to talk about it, life has a funny way of getting in the way of the very things we enjoy most. The important thing is, I have finally gotten back to sharing this "love" of mine and hope that you will continue to follow me on my varied journeys and experiences.
Next stop, Hawaii.
I consider myself pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to visit the island of Maui in Hawaii three times with my most recent visit having been for my birthday in February of 2013. We stayed at the Royal Lahaina Resort where we had a comfortable and relaxing stay. Perfectly situated up on a hill in the popular area of Kanaapali and only minutes from the old town of Lahaina, we found ourselves also conveniently close to golf courses and Whalers Village, an upscale shopping mall.
In the heart of the quaint village of Lahaina sits a "wonder" of the world itself, a banyan tree. When the Banyan Tree was first planted, it was just eight feet tall. Today it reaches a height of close to sixty feet and spreads out to cover over a two hundred foot area. The Banyan Tree has grown so large by dropping roots from its branches and then these roots become additional trunks over the process of time. It is hard to get a decent picture of the Banyan Tree because it is so huge. The Banyan Tree shades two thirds of the two acre area that is Courthouse Square in downtown Lahaina.
A trip to Maui is not complete without a trip on the "Road to Hana." A full day excursion takes you up and down many winding roads that lead you to Hana. Several stops along the way feature some of the most breathtaking views of the island, ancient churches and amazing waterfalls formed naturally on the side of the mountains. Once in Hana, you will visit black sand beaches which were formed from lava (a true sight to be seen) and the naturally made Seven Sacred Pools which is spectacular in its own right.
A trip to Maui is not complete without a trip on the "Road to Hana." A full day excursion takes you up and down many winding roads that lead you to Hana. Several stops along the way feature some of the most breathtaking views of the island, ancient churches and amazing waterfalls formed naturally on the side of the mountains. Once in Hana, you will visit black sand beaches which were formed from lava (a true sight to be seen) and the naturally made Seven Sacred Pools which is spectacular in its own right.
Finally, I would be remise if I didn't mention another natural wonder that's worthy of a visit, Haleakala National Park, a crater of the Haleakala volcano that remains a dormant volcano still today. You will find yourself driving up 10,000 feet above sea level to reach its peak surpassing the clouds themselves along the way. But be prepared at the significant drop in temperature as you reach the peak so bring warm clothes (which is hard to imagine when you're typically in 70 to 80 degree weather down below).
Maui is a beautiful, lush island not overcome by the hardscape of hotels. In fact, unlike Waikiki beach which is lined with high-rises, Maui's natural beauty and landscape is preserved by implementing height restrictions to the many hotels that dot the island. A well-balanced approach between natural preservation and tourism.
There is really much to see and enjoy on this beautiful island so if you ever have a chance to visit, it is definitely a destination that won't disappoint. Thank you for sharing in my story. It is always fun to reminisce and share. Please continue to follow me on some more of my adventures coming soon.
There is really much to see and enjoy on this beautiful island so if you ever have a chance to visit, it is definitely a destination that won't disappoint. Thank you for sharing in my story. It is always fun to reminisce and share. Please continue to follow me on some more of my adventures coming soon.
