Maui

Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. // Laura Ingalls Wilder 

We couldn't agree more. As much as we love winter and snow, there is nothing like fresh air and sunshine in the middle of a bitter cold streak that lacks snow. Last spring, when we booked the return flight from South America, we decided to tack on a free one-way from the gateway city over the long holiday weekend in January (more on that here). Back then, American Airlines allowed this on award redemption flights, but it has since gone away. So after a 6 month layover, we were looking forward to exploring a new island: Maui.

Now the beauty of this all is that a couple of months after booking the flights, our friends Monica and Tyler moved to the island of Kaua'i. So this trip to Maui was a reunion of sorts, filled with not only fresh air and sunshine, but sweet friendship and adventure on an island that prior to this trip, was unknown and undiscovered by us all.

I get absolutely giddy when I think about the Hawaiian islands. From the moment we touch down, taxi to the gate and step off the runway at the small airport, the islands greet us like an old friend. The smell of humid tropical air hits me, and a rooster can be heard in the distance. It's the perfect aloha, complete with swaying palm trees.

Matt and I arrived on Maui in the late afternoon. Dinner and groceries were the priority, so Costco was our first stop before setting off on an evening drive down the Hāna Highway. 620 curves later... we made it to our destination for the night - Kīpahulu Campground, a part of Haleakalā National Park near 'Ohe'o Gulch or the Seven Sacred Pools. Stars shone bright overhead. We set up camp and let the sound of crashing ocean waves lull us to sleep.

The next morning we awoke to a glorious sunrise. It's sweet, simple moments and places like this that I want to savor and hold in my mind forever.

that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. // Isaiah 45:6-7

Kīpahulu was our second favorite campsite of the trip. It felt as though we were not just hours away, but world's away from the hustle and bustle of the main parts of the island. Although the site lacked running water and electricity, for us that just adds to the beauty of simplicity, peace and quiet of this place.

After tearing down camp, we visited 'Ohe'o Gulch or the Seven Sacred Pools. One advantage to staying on this part of the island is having places like this to yourself in the morning.

Then we set off on the Pīpīwai Trail for a four mile morning hike (two miles out, two miles back). Banyan trees. Over bridges. Past waterfalls. Through what seemed like endless bamboo shoots. Before ending at the breathtaking 400 foot Waimoku Falls. On hikes like this, I practically have to pinch myself out of an imaginary place - like pretending I'm in Peter Pan - and back to reality.

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

For a little size perspective of the falls, look carefully in the photo below. See Matt?

While on the search for Charles Lindbergh's grave, exploring continued down winding one lane roads, past small country churches and incredible coastal views. Oh for the love of aviation, Minnesota roots and those somewhat undiscovered places along the way.

A coffee break for my husband was calling. It wouldn't be Hawai'i without road-side stands, and we loved this one in particular with incredible produce, fresh salads and coffee of course. I probably should have picked up some aloe just in case, but for the first time ever, the Hawaiian sun did not get the best of Matt, and he stayed sunburn-free this trip!

The sounds of Bob Marley accompanied us on the road less traveled around the southeastern part of the island. There is such freedom in exploring places and routes that many others would avoid, and eventually the dirt road with terrifying cliffs became a paved one-lane road.

We stopped 1/2 mile past the 39 mile marker to hike 5-10 minutes inland to Alelele Falls, which was described as a 40-50 foot high cascade of clean, cold water with a 6 foot deep swimming pool beneath.

Unfortunately, it had been abnormally dry for rainy season, and the falls were barely a trickle with a knee-deep pool beneath. These falls almost never dry up, so although this was a huge bummer, if we ever return someday for a visit, this will be a must-stop for sure. We love hidden swimming holes!

The road led us past small towns like Kaupo, arid farmland with cattle and lava fields before climbing to upcountry.

After climbing several thousand feet up Waipoli Road, we got as close as we could to Polipoli State Park, known for beautiful mist and Redwood trees. There were storms a couple of days prior that had closed the park, so we didn't quite make it all the way to the famous Redwoods at the end of the road.

Located on the central part of the island in Kahului, the Costco here is quite convenient. On trips in particular, we love using our membership for car rentals, cheap gas (a whole $1/gallon cheaper than the other gas stations on the island!), groceries and some quick dinners. Please don't ask me how many hot dogs I had at this particular Costco. Remember I was pregnant! :)

Monica and Tyler flew in that evening, and we kicked off our trip together with a night at the Andaz Maui in Wailea using 25,000 Hyatt points converted from Ultimate Rewards (the regular rate was ~$700 for this night, yikes!). The resort opened in 2013 and is absolutely gorgeous. 

Hyatt does it again! We were greeted with leis upon arrival, and the customer service was top notch. When asked, we had fun telling the staff we were camping for the rest of our time on the island! I'm guessing not many of their guests do that :). The infinity pools were definitely a highlight, and the overall stay was very relaxing. What an absolute treat; thanks Matt!

After checking out, we made our way to Lahaina. Monica and Tyler went on a submarine tour, while Matt and I strolled through town enjoying the large, city block-size banyan tree and a few treats, husband needed some caffeine while baby and I wanted shave ice.

Lahaina Savings Tip: There is free three hour parking on Front Street (3 hour maximum) or in a few free parking lots located through town. 

So glad these two enjoy their treats as much as we do! Monica found Wailuku Coffee Company for afternoon treats and that Espresso Sundae was the clear winner for the coffee lovers of the group.

We set up camp that next night at Pāpalaua Wayside Park, a gorgeous beach campsite complete with Humpback whales, sunset and sweet fellowship. As lovely as it was, we learned that sleeping on sand is not as comfortable as it sounds and that being close to crashing waves is much too loud for decent sleep. It was rough sleep-wise to say the least, but we will never forget this night, that's for sure!

Lots of laughter. Happy stomachs. And a random couple who came up to our table to introduce themselves after recognizing Tyler from their catamaran tour on Kaua'i the week prior! What a small world!

The next morning, we went on a catamaran snorkeling tour with Trilogy (Monica works for Expedia and was able to get a nice discount; thanks friend!). We all concluded that the snorkeling tour was disappointing and wouldn't recommend this company to others, especially with some safety concerns like babies and toddlers on board. However, the highlight of the tour was the humpback whales as it was whale season. You can imagine my excitement and shrieks of delight, especially over the mama and calf. I will never forget the sight and sound of them breaching.

Pale Minnesotans to the left. Tan Hawaiians to the right. These friends. Love them!! And just like old times, we got asked if we were sisters. :)

So many shades of blue with Lana'i in the distance.

All creatures of our God and King. Lift up your voice and with us sing. O praise Him. Hallelujah.

After returning to Kaanapali and going for a quick dip in one of the hotel pools, we drove east towards Hāna for the night to camp at Wai'anapanapa State Park with a few stops here and there. The waterfalls were hard to resist.

Upper Waikani Falls or Three Bears Falls.  ❥

Of all the campsites on the island, Wai'anapanapa State Park was by far our favorite place to camp (permits have to be secured ahead of time here). This state park is well-known for the black sand beach, and the campsite overlooked lovely Pa'iloa Beach. Picnic dinner by headlamp. Amazing stargazing; pitch black skies with bright stars accompanied by the sound of waves. Just like Kīpahulu, it was so serene and an overall trip favorite.

I treasure morning hikes with my husband. This one was no exception as we were reminded of the Lord's beauty and creativity.

Lord I find You in the morning. Lord I seek you every day. Let my life be for Your glory. Woven in Your threads of grace. Light, glorious light. I will go where You shine. Break the dawn. Crack the skies. Make the way bright before me. In Your light, I will find. All I need, all I need is You. // All Sons and Daughters

I will not fear what tomorrow brings, with each morning, I'll rise and sing, my God's love will lead me through, you are the peace in my troubled seas, you are the peace in my troubled seas. // Rend Collective

It was game day, so we were sporting our green and gold. Funny enough, we met some fellow Packer fans shortly after these pictures were taken! A family of about 30 from Green Bay, Wisconsin all decked out. Of course there was an instant bond. :) Sadly, we all know how that game ended... 

Swimming in caves. ❥

We were so excited for the red sand beach, Kaihalulu, and the directions to get there were intriguing. I love finding places that you would never know about otherwise. 

Here is how the guidebook Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook described it on pages 95-96. 

"The far side of Ka’uiki Hill hides one of the area’s most exotic looking beaches. It is a five minute walk, and part of it exposes you to the waves, so be careful and wear good shoes. To get there park on Uakea near Hauoli. Even though it is a dead end street, make sure you park facing the correct direction or you quite possibly could get a ticket. Just before the Sea Ranch Cottages there is a large lawn area owned by the county. Look to the right for obvious trails leading downhill and continue straight down, taking a left just near the shore. Don’t hike if the trail is muddy and be careful on the slippery cinders."

It's a fun one to get to! A quick glimpse of the trail conditions is below.

Down. Up. and Over. Along with the black sand beach, this was another trip highlight. Highly recommend it, but just be forewarned that there could be a few nude sunbathers as well.

Seriously. It was so beautiful and secluded. We had never seen anything like it. The color variation was incredible.

We made several stops on the way back down the Hāna Highway, including the end of Nahiku Road.

So. many. waterfalls and lush greenery. We loved this entire part of the island.

This friend. Oh how I love adventuring and chasing waterfalls with her and our husbands.

Three Bears was probably our favorite of them all. We couldn't resist taking a family photo of the three of us and taking a quick dip in the freezing cold water. Sweet, sweet memories.

Homemade pizza for dinner at Flatbread Company in Paia.

The last night and morning were spent in Haleakalā National Park.

The road leading up to the summit has the steepest elevation gain of any road on earth and is 37 miles from sea to summit. Switchback after switchback, we watched the temperature fall as we approached Hosmer Grove, the campsite at 7,000 feet - about 3,000 below the summit. It was cold, around 40*, with a beautiful sunset, bright stars and the famous sunrise. Unfortunately, this campsite was also loud the night we were there.

Sunset while driving up to camp, already above the clouds.

Sunrise at Haleakalā the next morning.

Our great Redeemer. Glorious Savior. Your name is higher than the rising sun. Light of the morning. You shine forever. Your name is higher than the rising sun. Hallelujah. Name above all. Hallelujah. // All Sons and Daughters

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

Thankful for these friends. 

And incredible glimpses of glory.

Your glory is so beautiful. I fall onto my knees in awe. The heartbeat of my life is to worship in your light cause your glory is so beautiful. // All Sons and Daughters

Striking camp at Hosmer Grove.

After breakfast and many hugs, it was time to part ways. Monica and Tyler flew back to Kaua'i late morning, while we spent the last afternoon relaxing, body surfing (Matt), and soaking up the last rays of sunshine at Big Beach, then later at Wailea Beach.

Overall, we loved Maui and in particular, the eastern side of the island. That being said, if we had to pick one island over the other, Kaua'i still has our hearts. But for now, it's aloha until next time.