Tag Archives: Hawaii

Day 35 – Hiking Upcountry…on private land

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Yes, it is private land, 6,000 feet up in elevation and not open to the public, but fortunately for me, my friend Kathy has access to it, so along with her two dogs, Lilly and Picasso, we headed up late one afternoon.

Hiked all the way up the hill, and beyond.

If unable to view video, click HERE

 

We were hoping for a grand sunset, but as you can see from the photos, the clouds settled in, which held a beauty all its own.

 

It was a lovely hike; ended up needing the hooded sweatshirt I took with. The cabins are from a time long ago, though they are still used as hunting cabins. What a great place to hideout and write! (I can dream.)

Sorry I can’t tell you where it is, but there are so many other wonderful places to hike on the island that I’m sure missing out on this one will be all right with everyone.

It was mellow and peaceful and reminded me of something I’d read by Maui’s slam poet, Kealoha (translation: “The Love”), about the need for adults to incorporate recess & playing back into their lives. In fact the article was so moving to me that I went online and sent him an email, thanking him for his inspiring words. For more about him, here is a link to his website, http://www.kealohapoetry.com

Kealoha is an internationally acclaimed poet and storyteller who has performed throughout the world — from the White House to the `Iolani Palace, from Brazil to Switzerland. 

As I write this weeks posting, it is my wish that my weekly outings are encourage others to go out and have fun…do not just live vicariously through me. Take the time for recess, like you did when you were a kid. It doesn’t have to be a daylong event, just jump around, swing your arms in the air and smile from deep inside.

Until next week ~ Aloha

 

 

Day 33 – Hiking Wai’anapanapa, Hana Maui

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A few hours in Hana and its essence seeped into my pores. The days following the hike I experienced a sense of serenity that I have not felt after any of the other hikes I have gone on so far.

If you are unable to view the video, click HERE

The song on the video is my new anthem! Thank you Jason Mraz; Living in the Moment, is available on iTunes.

My friend Rayne and I did the Wai`anapanapa Coast Hike (pronounced, why-a-nah-pah-nah-pah). I just looked the word up in my Hawaiian language dictionary and it means “glistening water” which is the perfect name for it.

From my house it is about an hours drive east (depending on how many waterfalls you stop to admire along the way). It was the perfect day for the hike, sunny, light trade winds, and with all of the rain we have had, the waterfalls were going off.

The park is just before you enter Hana, you turn into it at the 32-mile marker. We parked at the Black Sands beach parking lot, walked the paved pathway which transitions into a dirt trail, which changes into a lava rock trail. I do want to mention that if you decide to do this hike, you need to look for the “hikers” sign (see photo); or you’ll end up on a loop that only takes you on a 10-minute walk. We thought it rather funny that starting out there are two hikers shown on the sign, but coming back, after a strenuous hike, from the other direction only one is shown on the sign…and it’s right before the cemetery. (OK, guess you had to be there.)

If you see this sign you are hiking in the right direction

 

The hikers sign is up near a small cemetery where a very hefty mongoose lives. Have to admit, the mongooses on our side of the island appear to be malnourished in comparison.

Mongoose

 

 

 

I’m very happy that I recently bought hiking boots. The trail reminded me of the King’s Highway Steven and I hiked last winter; on that one I wore tennis shoes and it was hard on my ankles.

 

 

This hike was fantastic. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, with a small Hala tree grove, dramatic sea cliffs, and a view of a side of Haleakala that I rarely get to see. Round trip it is about 7 miles, so take water and a snack.

Even if you aren’t into as intense of a hike as we went on, the Wai`anapanapa State Park offers the Black Sand beach, a freshwater cave (which we didn’t take the time to venture into) restrooms, showers, picnic facilities, camping area as well as cabins (the cabins need to be booked well in advance), and you are only a short drive from Hana.

Looking forward to my next Hana adventure!

 

Reminder – EARTH DAY is this Sunday, the 22nd of April. We only have one Earth; lets respect her! http://www.earthday.org/programs

 

 

 

 

For more info on Wai’anapanapa and other Hawaii State Parks  click here - http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm

For info on Heavenly Hana  http://www.hanamaui.com

A bit of info about my friend Rayne:
Tav Rayne has been an Integrated Healing practitioner with great success for over 10 years.  Most recently Rayne has founded OpenSource Healing <http://www.opensourcehealing.com/blog> , an online resource for those interested in learning about and receiving a heart-centred approach to integrated healing. enlightenarts.com <http://enlightenarts.com>

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Day 28 – Petroglyphs at Olowalu Cultural Reserve on Maui

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Olowalu Cultural Reserve, located at the base of West Maui Mountains, is much more than a place to view ancient petroglyphs.

Click here to view video on YouTube – http://youtu.be/givyXL-TAb4

Since last weeks posting, along with flash flood warnings state wide, Oahu had a tornado…yes, a tornado, as well as a waterspout over the ocean. It also had hale the size of large marbles and golf balls. Like the rest of the islands Maui is soaked to the bone, so we’ve postponed our hike until the trail has a chance to dry out. Maybe next week. I’ll be ready!

It actually worked out well, in that we are both tired this week (too much work), so instead of hiking we headed over to the one and only bookstore on island. Since Borders went belly-up, Barnes & Noble in Lahaina is it! It may not sound like a fun day off to all of you, but we love going to bookstores and now days it’s not very convenient. (Depending on traffic it can take up to an hour to get there from our house.)

Over the years, I’ve probably driven past the Olowalu General Store a thousand times, and 80% of those times I’ve flashed on the petroglyphs that are carved into the rocks a few meters off of the highway.

This week we finally took the time to stop and check them out, and learned that the reserve is not just set up to protect the petroglyphs (which unfortunately have been vandalized over the years).

 

Here is a quote from their website:

“Olowalu Cultural Reserve was founded in 1999 as a community based, non-profit organization with the purpose of supporting and promoting the revitalization of traditional Hawaiian culture by providing cultural and educational experiences for Hawaii residents and visitors alike.  The centerpiece of this effort is the Olowalu Ahupua’a which consists of seventy-four acres of land running from the base of the West Maui mountains to the ocean at Olowalu, Maui.  This land once held a thriving, sustainable native Hawaiian Village and as such is rich in historical resources including numerous significant archaeological and cultural sites.  It has been set aside and designated as a Cultural Reserve for the purpose of a culturally sensitive “sanctuary” providing a glimpse into Hawaii’s past making it an ideal environment for programs aimed at restoring and revitalizing Hawaiian customs and practices.”

Please click on their site to learn more - http://www.olowaluculturalreserve.com/

There is a small parking lot near the Olowalu Reserve sign; from there it is a very short walk on a gravel road, to view the petroglyphs. As you saw on the video, there is a sign marking the area. You are no longer allowed to climb up and view them close-up, which makes it a bit difficult to see the smaller designs. (At times I wasn’t sure which were from 200 years ago, and which were created by the current day idiots that are oblivious of the gift their ancestor’s had left behind.)

Olowalu Fruit Stand - road to the petroglyphs is just to the right of it.

If you want a bit more of a walk, I recommend that you park right off of the highway on the far side of the open-air market, or behind it—not directly in front of the Olowalu Grocery Store.

We were back on the road in a half an hour…but with a new awareness of the islands history.

By the way, at the bookstore we picked up The Hunger Games Trilogy. Already finished the first book and I see why it has been made into a movie.

 The chant on video is by Tia Carrere & Daniel Ho - Wakea, He Nani – Available at iTunes & Amazon.com

Day 26 – Wailea Coastal Walk

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Yikes, I’m at the halfway point of learning how to have fun – 26 days to go. :)

After a week of rain here in Haiku, I decided to head over to the sun and enjoy the Wailea side of the island.

 Depending on the time of year, you may see whales, turtles, or movie stars.                  Music by Donald Kaulia                                                                                                    Click here to view on YouTube – WAILEA COASTAL WALK

The Wailea Coastal Walk is perfect place to stroll, jog, or power walk along the south shore of Maui. Starting at the Keawakapu Beach, it is 3 miles round trip. (Though we normally park at the Shops of Wailea and cut through the Marriot Hotel.)

On one side of the path you have the beautiful Pacific Ocean and on the other some of the most luxurious resorts that you can find on Maui.

Al Schwartz - Four Seasons Resort

Depending on the day of the week, the different hotels showcase Maui artists; it’s a great venue, where you can meet the artists as well as purchase their creations. Everyone is welcome to stroll through the lobbies and check them out.

Cathy Detrick - Four Seasons Resort

After passing the Kea Lani Resort you’ll come to the end of the walkway; there is a public restroom, picnic table and bar-b-q. You’ll see a short trail through the trees that leads to a lovely beach.

 

Just above the restrooms is a public parking lot; so you have the option of starting at this end of the coastal walk.

Cameron Nelson - Four Seasons Resort

 

 

By the way, if you get hungry, at the Shops of Wailea you’ll find a number of restaurants, as well as at the hotels.

Ingrid Boutin - Kea Lani Resort

 

And be sure to jump in the ocean, the water is great! During the whale season, go under water and listen to their song.

 

 

 

The Wailea Artist Venues include:

Steven Lee Smeltzer - Four Seasons Resort

 Four Seasons Resort – Daily 8:00 am – 1:30 pm   (Of course the Four Seasons is my favorite; you’ll find Steven there every Saturday :) )

Grand Wailea – Tues & Fri  9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Wailea Beach Marriott – Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays   8:00 am – 2:00pm

The Kea Lani Resort – Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

(Each artist displays their art just one day a week)

 

 

 

For more information on Maui artists go to

Art Guide Maui http://www.artguidemaui.com/

And when on island, be sure to pick up a copy—it’s free!

For a bit more info on the Wailea Coast Walk, click here  http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blogs/hawaii_today/2009/12/28/taking_stroll_Wailea_Coastal_Walk_Maui

Note: Due to all of the porn spam I was receiving, I no longer allow comments. So if you have FB, I’d appreciate it if you’d LIKE me. (That sounds so pathetic.)

Day 22 – Chinese New Year ~ Maui Style

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Belated Happy Chinese New Year – apparently depending on the calendar that you follow it is currently the year 4710, 4709, or 4649. (It is also referred to as the Lunar New Year.) This year, Chinese New Year was actually on the 23rd of January, but the celebrations here on Maui were delayed until the weekend of the 28th.

Steven and I headed up to Makawao to feed the dancing lions red envelopes with money inside.

Dancing Lion in search of red envelopes

Why, you ask? Well, for good luck and prosperity for the coming year of course.

 

 

 

 

 

There were other lion dances and festivities around the island, but Makawao is close to home and I truly love that little town. As usual, on our now weekly outings, we bumped into friends that we haven’t connected with in sometime; and we really enjoyed the festivities.  It was a fun day!  (Yes, I am having fun!)

 

Maybe I’ve lived in Hawaii too long, but I’m assuming some of you on the mainland also went to Chinese New Year celebrations. Yes/No?

Chinese New Year has always been big here on the islands. It is the most important of the Chinese holidays and the celebrations last for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival where “sky lanterns” are lit—also in hopes of good fortune and prosperity, and sent floating up into the night sky.

This year is said to be extremely auspicious because it is the year of the dragon. So what exactly does that mean? Well, I am not an expert on Chinese astrology so check out this site, it’ll give you an idea of what to expect in the year of the dragon, http://2012dragon.com/    And this site will give you information about the personalities of those born in the year of the dragon, as well as the other 12 signs. http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Dragon.htm

I also want to mention that if you live on Maui or are planning on visiting, make sure you stop by BAKED ON MAUI. They are one of the best bakery/restaurants you’ll find on island.

Baked on Maui - Trish & Kayla

The owner Trish is an amazing baker!!! They are located at 375 West Kuiaha Rd, in Haiku. They are open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; accept on Sundays they close at 3:00. For more info call them at (808)575.7836, or click here, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baked-on-Maui/129933167088460

 

Okay, now that I’ve made that plug…and by the way, it is a very sincere plug, back to Chinese New Year; if you want more info, here are a couple of sites you can check out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year   http://www.infoplease.com/spot/chinesenewyear1.html

For a site with great photos of the New Year celebration in Beijing, click here, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2090516/Happy-Chinese-New-Year-2012-Millions-welcome-Year-Of-The-Dragon.html

And last but not least, for more info on the town of Makawao click on, http://www.makawaotowncenter.com/

See you next week!

 

 

Day 21 – Hosmer Grove, Haleakala Crater, Maui Hawaii

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The past couple of week’s life has been quite hectic for us. It was hard to get away for a full day of fun, so Steven and I opted to head up Kula Highway to Haleakala Crater; stopping at the 7,000 foot (2133.6 meters) elevation for sunset and to hike Hosmer Grove.

Like many other things that we are doing this year, Steven and I had never hiked Hosmer Grove; we found the trail to be very short, as well as very beautiful. And it was great feeling a real chill in the air; in Jan/Feb the average high is 59 degrees F (15 Celsius) & the low 41 degrees F (5 Celsius). (Yes, I think even non Haiku-ers would think the air was nippy!)

Right after you drive past the Haleakala Crater ranger station, on your left is the road that leads to Hosmer Grove. At the parking lot you’ll find restrooms and a small camping area. The trail can be a bit precarious but in general the hike is easy. If you walk really, really, slowly it may take you 25 minutes, and that includes taking time to read the signs that are posted describing the assorted trees and wildlife.

I never thought I'd become a bird watcher...

Trust me, this is like the bird on the sign. It has a beautiful song!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to the left for a little bit of a longer walk - going to the right takes you back towards the parking lot.

 

When you come to the broken sign (see photo), you can take the trail to the left, which will loop back around to the Hosmer trail…giving you a bit more exercise.

 

 

 

A park ranger told me that you can also hike the 2.5-mile supply trail, which starts at the first parking lot you come to, and it will connect you to the Halemauu Trail, which leads all the way up the side of the crater to the Halemauu Trail parking lot–now that would be a hike. (Next time!)

Another option: Up Halemauu Trail towards the Switchback Trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosmer Grove campsite and trail head.

By the way, the sunset was fabulous!

Maui Revealed says Hosmer Grove is a great place to see Moonbows, when the moon is full and there is a light mist in the air.  They are an amazing sight; we’ll definitely bundle up one evening and head back in hopes of seeing one.

 

If you are not into hiking, but enjoy nature and are sure footed (like I said, the trail can be precarious), you’ll enjoy the short hike at Hosmer Grove.

For more info on Hosmer Grove and the other crater hikes go to -

http://www.haleakala.national-park.com/hike.htm

http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

Read more: http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/hosmer-grove-outdoor-pp2-guide-cid402397.html#ixzz1kLDjkIJK

I love the past paragraph on the above posted site, it is a good reminder that we must care for these islands…for this planet – We humans brought this struggle to Hawaii’s native life; we bear the responsibility for preserving the unique ecosystems remaining within our National Parks. With deforestation of the world’s rainforests continuing at one acre per minute, we hold a vital piece of earth’s natural heritage.

Aloha, see you next Thursday!

Day 19 – Line Dancing in Pukalani…the video says it all ☺

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If you want to laugh at yourself and any willing friends, try Line Dancing. (Better make sure they are friends with a good sense of humor.)

My willing friends and I headed up to the Pukalani Community Center last Thursday at 7:00 p.m. for a free initial class.

The teachers were fun loving and patient. No one made us feel like we were fools even though we looked it.

I went on YouTube and checked out line dancing sites—it’s not what it used to be. Like the Paniolo Dance poster says, line dancing ain’t just country anymore. To name a few styles, there is tango, swing & Latin.

For more information on the class we went to click on www.mauipaniolodance.com

Don’t know about the others, but I’ll go back.

Mahalo to Sharon Morris and Wendie Rhody

 

Note to Susan:  Next time we visit you in California we’ll go with you to your class. (That’s not meant as a threat.)

DAY 18 ~ Hiking Lahaina Pali Trail

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On Sunday, January 1st 2012, a group of friends celebrated New Years Day with me by hiking the Lahaina Pali Trail.

If you have ever hiked this trail you are probably wondering why we would choose to celebrate the New Year by torturing ourselves. (I can hear my friend Karin saying we’re nuts.)

Because I had read that at times the Maalaea entrance gate gets locked, we opted to park outside the main gate off of the Honopaiilani Hwy, where we began the hike. (We’d parked Steven’s truck on the Lahaina side, where the trail ends.)

For those of you that are planning on doing this hike, you can open the Maalaea gate and drive to the parking lot, where you will see the trailhead.  I cannot stress this enough :) , if you do not see the information plaques in stone (see photo) YOU ARE NOT AT THE HEAD OF THE TRAIL.

Plaques at the HEAD OF TRAIL - Maalaea side

So, due to the fact that we missed the trail (yeah, yeah, I know…), what should have been a 4 – 4.5 hour hike took us 5.5 hours.  After walking a mile out of our way we backtracked to the sign that said Trail+Parking; amazingly no one called it quits and we all headed up the proper trail.

 

 

The trail is rocky with no trees for shade.  You hike from sea level up 1600 feet, where the views of Maui, Molokini Crater, Kaho’olawe and Lani are breathtaking.

Two Nene Geese flying by (circled in blue)

From the western side of the mountain we not only saw whales breaching but we could clearly hear the swooshing sound of air being released through their blowholes.

To anyone considering this hike, we DO NOT recommend that you hike it in the summer!  It was hot enough in January. (Please don’t hate us for living on Maui.)

With that said, whatever time of year you do go TAKE LOTS OF WATER.  I repeatedly read this on other blogs, so we each brought extra and it was still barely enough. (Steven and I took 48oz each & had more waiting for us in his truck.)  We also recommend that you bring enough fruit to keep you going.  And wear a hat; the sun is brutal!  Theresa and I found our walking sticks came in very handy.

View towards Wailea, Maui's south shore

In the end we all agreed that we were happy we did it, but there wasn’t much chance any of us would ever do it again.

At times the strenuous 5.5-mile trail felt never ending; yet, at the end of the day we were all still smiling and laughing…or maybe it was heatstroke.

 

Note:  I chose the song on the video because Dec 21st, Solstice, is the longest night and shortest day of the year.  A time to celebrate the return of the sun; plus on our side of the island we had had weeks of rain…Here comes the sun, little darlin’…

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For more info on the Lahaina Pali Trail go to Maui Hike Finder  http://www.hikefinder.com/2011/06/lahaina-pali-trail.html

Day 17 ~ Happy New Year from Maui, Hawaii

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Since this is the last week of 2011, when it came time to put my little slide show together I was compelled to remind myself (and that also means everyone that watches the slide show) about the past four months of my life.

One thing I’ve learned is that having fun can be a lot of work, and working can be a lot of fun.

Twice a year my friend Prapata and I hook up on our birthdays for a walk up Holomua Road and lunch in Paia.

Holomua Road, near Ho'okipa Beach. It's a lovely walk, ending at the old Maui High School.

Prapata lives in Kihei, which is a long 40-minute drive from my home in Haiku. (I’m being sarcastic; yes we do only see each other on our birthdays, but it’s not because she lives too far away, it’s because I’m a pathetic workaholic.)

This year our birthdays slipped by without celebration…until last week :)

Prapata & me at Fresh Mint Restaurant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a few days it will be 2012. I’m looking forward to it; we have a lot of projects we’re working on…. ooh I guess I’m not cured of being a workaholic yet. I’m also looking forward to what the next 35 weeks of fun will bring; more hiking, visiting the island of Molokai, swimming with turtles, maybe paragliding…time will tell.

See you next year.

Day 13 ~ Uniquely Paia – Maui’s North Shore Beach Town

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The historic town of Paia on Maui’s north shore has gone through many incarnations; one as the booming plantation town with a Mercantile where Milagros now holds court; until the early 1970’s there was a movie theater in the remodeled building that now houses the Moana Café and Wings Hawaii. As its days as a plantation town began to wane, the hippies moved in making it the happening spot for the peaceful, love, sex + rock-n-roll generation. Then with its next incarnation when Maui garnered the title of Wind Surfing Capital of the World, it transitioned from sleepy surf town into a metropolitan microcosm. Still, in its current manifestation it holds a unique and sweet spirit that is innate to Maui.

 

Welcome to Paia (pronounced PIE-EE-AH)

For a while it is where the dead heads gathered after Gerry Garcia (of the Grateful Dead fame) passed and it was rumored that Maui was where Gerry’s spirit came to reside. Maui in general, and especially Paia, is a place where even living famous people can come and let their hair down, relax and not be followed around by adoring fans. For example, when I first moved here I was completely unaware that George Harrison (yep, of the Beatles) had walked past me, until a friend I was with said something to me; Walter Becker from Steely Dan was in my Tai Chi class; back in the early 1990’s Kenny Loggins and then girlfriend Julia Cooper rented Steven’s guest house.

Fresh Mint Restaurant

Currently Paia is a mix of local families from the plantation era, hippies that are now grandparents, yuppies trying to make a-go of it with their high-end boutiques, a slew of restaurants, which personally I feel are some of the better ones on Maui; from Mama’s Fish House (about a three minute drive north of the town), to the deli at Mana Foods (one of the highest grossing health food stores in the nation).

Anthony’s Coffee Shop – Steve’s favorite hangout

Last summer before I started my blog and began my journey of learning how to have fun, I was told that Paia had started a street fair, every fourth Friday evening of the month. At the time I thought about all of the shops in Paia that I’d never taken the time to go into and maybe it was time I at least poked my head inside of them. Well if you watched my little video you know that Steven I and finally made it out on a Friday night, and we had a really nice time. Had a great meal at Fresh Mint, saw friends we hadn’t connected with in awhile, enjoyed music by local musicians; even saw Paia’s version of a snowman.

Apparently the upcountry town of Makawao has a street fair every third Friday of the month—we’re going to hit that one in December.

See you next Thursday.

For more about our sweet little beach town, go to  http://www.paiamaui.com/

To view vintage photos of Maui’s small towns, check out the book Upcountry History and Memories, by Jill Engledow.

Harpist Irene Ryding

To learn more about harpist Irene Ryding, click on www.mauiharper.com

Kisha Milling – Hoopnatyze

To learn more about street performer Kisha Milling, go to  www.hoopnatyze.com

Door by Tim Garcia – Quote on door by artist Fred Babb, 1947-2006.