While watching the Travel Channel’s “Hawaii’s Top Ten Beaches” yesterday I was inspired to put together a gallery from our trip to Maui last July. I know it’s been long overdue. After looking through the pictures I miss Hawaii so much! We didn’t go for long but we had a great time during our short stay. Let’s see if I can pick some of my fave shots.
We arrived in Maui in the late afternoon and after checking into our hotel we decided to take a drive down the southwest coast. I strategically selected our hotel away from the tourist zones of Lahaina and Kanaapali. We stayed in Kihei to be closer to the nicer and less crowded beaches down south. It’s also where you can find the locals hanging out. We came across this unnamed little beach and soaked in the fact that we were really in Maui. There were only about three other people at this beach at the time. It felt like a backyard beach. Loved it!
Next stop was Big Beach in Makena which was one of my must-go-to destinations. Seriously, we had the beach to ourselves! Then again dusk was approaching and people were heading out. Over the rock wall behind me is Little Beach, a nude beach =). Apparently, it’s illegal to go nude in Hawaii but people do it anyway. We decided to climb over to the other side to check it out. Check out the sunset that is.
Isn’t the sunset beautiful? It was totally worth the awkwardness after this random guy decides to stop in front of us (maybe even on purpose) with nothing on but a half shirt to view the sunset as well. His asset was nothing to be flaunting >.<
A view from Kula Lodge where we stopped for breakfast on our way up to Hakeakala. They say it’s a must-do to go to Hakeakala for the sunsets and sunrises, but I couldn’t get myself to wake up so early and I did not want us to drive back down after dark.
We were up there with the clouds! Do not be fooled by the blue skies. It was extremely code and windy. I hear it even snows up there!
Then back to the beach we go! Big Beach is my favorite beach on the island. It’s the only undeveloped white sand beach in Maui. We took the opportunity to have a little fun with a “swimsuit edition” shoot, hehe 
Since we were in Maui we can’t not take the journey down to Hana that I’ve been hearing about. I personally think the scenic drive was overrated. Maui is definitely scenic, but I’m already used to having that around here in the great northwest. I really wanted to hike underneath the bamboo forest though so we didn’t have a choice but to drive to the very end of the journey. I have to warn you that if you get car or motion sickness easily then you probably don’t want to make this trip. It’s brutal!
The town of Hana.
One of the many waterfalls along the way.
One of many roadside banana bread stands. I was bummed we didn’t come across cane juice to fulfill by cravings though.
The amazing banyan tree along the Pipiwai trail.
The famous bamboo forest. It was amazing!!
Below we reached the final destination. This was only half of the waterfall since I couldn’t capture it all in my camera. It was also quite treacherous to get to.
I stayed behind if you couldn’t tell.
Seung likes doing crazy stuff like this.
Be prepared to get rained on in this region of Maui. Mt. Haleakala keeps the south pretty moist and wet all year long.
After our bamboo forest adventure we descended back down to the coast for a beautiful stroll along Maui’s rugged and breathtaking south coast. It was nice to finally escape the mosquito infested forest and enjoy a sandwich with a view.
The Seven Sacred Pools. On a nicer day you can swim in it. On this day there was a flash flood warning due to the sudden downpour of rain.
My favorite stop on our way back. Beautiful coastal scenery, blue ocean, black sand, lava tube, blow hole and sun!
Good times in Maui! You can check out the rest of the pictures here.
