One of the best experiences I have had so far in 2023 is visiting three of the islands of Hawai’i. Oahu, the Big Island of Hawai’i, and Maui were stunning examples of history and culture that blended so well it created its own identity. My first stop along our trip was the Summit District. At over 10,000 ft, it was COLD!
It was awesome having the clouds part as we drove to the top. Close to the parking lot at the top of the summit – House of the Sun – is a small visitor center and a hike to see the land that Pele and her sister Namakaokahaʻi found over centuries ago. Today, their battle continues at Kilauea (which we also were able to view in all her glory later in our trip!) The short hike further uphill to the viewpoint is easy and short, but be aware you are already at over 10,000 feet – it is no joke! I stopped a few times to catch my breath. Even in the middle of summer, at the top of a summit in the middle of the ocean can still catch you short of breath. It is worth the hike and drive to the top. The view is stunning. The picture I took does not do the colors and beauty of the crater justice. Hearing a talk from the park ranger on the cultural story of the Deity Pele was the perfect way to end our trip to the summit. If you are able to listen to a ranger talk, make sure you do take the time. I learned a lot over the thirty minute program. Spent time realizing how quite the area really is – walk away from others!
The next day we went to the second part of our trip. The Kīpahulu District can be accessed after driving 12 miles along the Hāna Highway. Not for the faint of heart – I warn you now! The road is incredibly windy and narrow. Parts of the road become one way – mostly over a bridge or the bend in the road – and yield signs will be on both signs for the drivers to figure out based on their arrival time. Confused? Yeah. I was glad that someone else was driving, but that someone else was a very erratic driver. So, my advice to you: Definitely do not miss this part of the island, but if you plan to drive, make sure you know who your driver is and make sure if you get car sick you take precautions based on that driver. When you arrive, you will be greeted by amazing views of volcanic rocks meeting ocean waves. It is a gorgeous site no matter where you walk – and the culture is predominant on this part of the island. Mostly Native Hawaiians live in this district, and it shows. They were welcoming and full of smiles in all instances, and we had a great time interacting with any cultural interpreter we met during the day. We had a blast eating fresh tropical fruit while listening to the waves hit the side of the rocks. It was definitely a completely different world when compared to the side of the island we had left the other day!
I loved the fact that, as long as you can make it out there, you are able to camp in the Kipahulu District. The campsites are fantastic! Absolutely gorgeous views like the one in my picture, with incredible access to a serene landscape and neighboring hikes. The district is small and feels like there isn’t much around, but that is because most of the homes and areas where people come together are integrated into the surrounding forest and landscape. Roads are narrow and usually one way – people seem to know each other at every intersection, routinely resulting in a small traffic jam while they exchange pleasantries. It was a slower pace and one that was evidently more intimate and peaceful, which was appreciated after such a long and harrowing drive. It will take you the whole day to drive back and forth if you start in Kahului like we did, so plan accordingly. I don’t remember really seeing many accommodations on this part of the island. I loved the area and hope to go back in the near future!
The food and drinks of Maui are amazing – but a bit expensive. Mai Tai’s are the way to go and they make them pretty strong no matter the place you eat! This island was by far the most expensive of all the places we visited in our two weeks of island hopping. As long as you are good with tropical fruit, which I am, then you will have a great time with any drinks that are offered. I have never had such a great time with coconut options! Feel free to stop by the stands alongside the road – they are AMAZING. We ended up trying a lot of random fruit – most I don’t even remember their name – so definitely experiment. If you like seafood – THIS IS YOUR PLACE! Everything was fresh and each place seemed to experiment with their own recipe or take on a simple concept, like fish tacos. Which I also recommend. 🙂
Renting a car is highly recommended as that was the only way we could get from one part of the island to the other, or even around time. This island did not seem as big with public transportation as others. Make sure you take time and swim in the ocean! We had a hotel that was right across from a small beach and I went every day – either morning or evening – to swim in the ocean. Even if all you do is watch sunset or sunrise, it is a must when visiting Hawaii. Have a great time no matter which part of the island you visit, but when going to Maui, try to visit both the Summit and Kipahulu Districts! The roads are usually only a few lands on each side. It isn’t like back on the continent where they have multiple highways intersecting in cities. Even their most major city on Maui, Kahului, is rather small. I loved that when we landed I was able to walk across the terminal and find my teammates with ease! Hawaiian Airlines has great prices between the Hawaiian islands, so be sure to look through their flight options if you plan to island hop. Have fun!!
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