Maui

We spent ten days exploring Maui with Nora, using windy Maalaea as our base. The location was convenient for walking to Maalaea Harbor, the Maui Ocean Center, and the boardwalk at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, although the nearly constant wind might make us choose a different area next time. We still enjoyed our beach walks, sunsets by the seawall, fresh fruit from the Kihei Farmers Market, and relaxed evenings at the condo.

Snorkeling was a major part of the trip. We explored Palauea Beach, Ulua Beach, Ahihi Cove, and Po'olenalena Beach, where we found beautiful fish, eels, plenty of turtles, and even a turtle cleaning station. Hearing whales singing underwater at Palauea and nearly colliding with a turtle at Ulua were especially memorable. Our boat trip to Molokini Crater had wonderfully clear water, but the badly bleached and dying coral was sad to see, and we found much better snorkeling along Maui's beaches.

Away from the water, Maui gave us some great drives and hikes. We crossed the lava fields on the Hoapili Trail, watched the sunset from Haleakala National Park, explored 'Iao Valley, and survived the beautiful but white-knuckle drive around Highway 340. The Road to Hana was another highlight, especially our rainy 4.6-mile hike to spectacular 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Maui was windy, occasionally crowded, and its coral bleaching was troubling, but it was still a very good trip filled with turtles, tropical fish, waterfalls, mountain views, and memorable adventures.