Maui, Hawaii (Nov 2020)
While I know this (my) site is all about cruising, I thought to share our experience traveling to Hawaii this depressing year.
Like many other frequent cruisers, due to the pandemic and no-sail order since March 2020 … we have had several cruise cancellations (including our 16-day TransAtlantic from NewYork to London, with amazing ports in Greenland, Iceland, Scotland and Ireland that we were really looking forward to for 18+ months…), and we almost lost all hope in all travel for 2020, up until we got the opportunity to travel to Hawaii in November! Hawaii opened up and allowed tourism to resume starting mid Oct 2020, with exception to their 14 day quarantine, as long as travelers get a negative Covid test from one of their approved travel partners list within 72 hours of their last departure leg flight to Hawaii. With this news, and approved PTO, went ‘flight shopping’ and found some cheap tickets to Maui! Within a few days, got our flights, condo and car rental booked and started planning it all!
I even got to wear the same Hawaiian shirt one evening that I wore at Lu’au back then as it still fits me! 
OVERALL 7 DAY TRIP SUMMARY
We truly had a WONDERFUL time and we sure did a lot in this trip. From some of the most scenic drives in the world, spectacular waterfalls, coastline, bamboo forest hike, rainbow eucalyptus trees, discovering a lava tube cave on our own, off-roading with our Jeep Rubicon, watching blowholes close-by (while being safe), fantastic beaches all over the island including Black Sand Beach, beautiful sunsets, being at 10000 feet high at Haleakala volcano summit, food trucks and local food, dinner cruise, sea turtles (both on shore and snorkeling)… All while really feeling safe, maintaining our distance, and at a unique time when visitors are about 25% normal baseline (number is slowly climbing every week).
Thank you Hawaii for an amazing vacation and not making our entire 2020 year suck! Although I have to say, as much as I loved this trip, I still miss our ‘home away from home’… the big ship, the crew, the cruisers, the fun factor, the out in the open water with deep blue ocean all around us, plus all the great port visits in one trip. 2021
But this was a FANTASTIC alternative and one we very much enjoyed and so happy we did.
If interested to read further and see pictures of our trip, please see below for Day by Day.
[Day 1] Travel to Hawaii, Rental Car, Condo, and Keawakapu Beach
♥ After our local flight to Dallas that was full, our flight from DFW to OGG (Maui) was only 25% full, and I was able to sleep on a full row of 4 chairs!
♥ Once landed, we showed our QR codes (negative covid test result in the Hawaii Safe Travels site), and on our way to exit the airport.
♥ I had arranged to rent a car with a local small business, where got a Jeep Rubicon that was fully loaded! Along with additional gear (beach chairs, umbrella, boogie board, etc).
♥ We ate at a nearby food truck, then went to our condo… Hale Hui Kai, steps away from Keawakapu Beach.
♥ After dropping off our bags and stuff, we drove a couple of miles to Foodland to get some groceries, since we have a full kitchen, and felt/made it like home.
♥ At end of the day, we went to Keawakapu Beach, to enjoy the views and our first sunset. 🙂
[Day 2] Beach hopping
♥ First thing in the morning, went barefoot from our condo to our beach to feel the water, and check the grounds.
♥ We then headed to Wailea Beach, where my 5 year old and I rolled down the hill (something I did 15 years ago at the exact same hill). 🙂 I lost my balance, and my wife had a good laugh, haha.
♥ After spending 1-2 hours there, we hopped to another beach further down South (Makena Big Beach).
♥ Few pics later, drove down to Pa’aki Beach (Secret Cove). Loved this little area! Climbed up the rocks, watched the waves.
♥ Drove further down South, aaalll the way to as far as can go (a little off-roading) to La Perouse Bay, to check out that area.
♥ We then headed up North to Lahaina, stopping first at Papawai Point (good lookout for Whales, but we didn’t spot any).
♥ Parked at Lahaina Parking lot, walked Front St and head lunch at Paia Fish Market, and checked out the massive Banyan Tree.
♥ We then tried to find parking near Black Rock Beach (north part of Kaanapali Beach) but as couldn’t find parking, we went to Kahekili Beach Park.
♥ Enjoyed the beach there, kids played with the floats and boogie board; we watched the sunset, then headed back to our condo.
[Day 3] Haleakala and upcountry
♥ We got up around 3am, morning breakfast in our condo, then we hit the road at 4am, heading towards Haleakala National Park.
♥ We were able to get to one of the summit spots, Haleakala Visitor Center at 5:45am, and changed to our winter jackets in the car.
♥ Hiked up to Pakalloao (White Hill) overlook, but unfortunately it was raining and cloudy and we didn’t get to see any sunrise at all… but we were still happy to be high up on top of the world, at 10,000 feet!!
♥ As we were heading down, weather started to improve and we got some spectacular glimpses of Maui from high up, including several rainbows.
♥ Be aware of altitude sickness…. My son got it and wasn’t feeling well at all, but he was good once we got down the mountain. Oh, and definitely use/do engine braking going down!!
♥ Once we were down, we headed to Makawao town, and got some delicious treats at Komodo Store & Bakery — a local shop, and enjoyed them at a nearby bench.
♥ After a short walk in town, we drove to Surfing Goat Dairy and did their Casual Tour, and sampled some of their award winning cheeses. My daughter got to hold a 10 day old baby goat! 🙂
♥ Then we headed back, had some shaved ice at Ululanis Hawaiian Shave Ice (amazing!) and then enjoyed our beach right infant of our condo (Keawakapu Beach) along with seeing the sunset there.
[Day 4] west maui loop tour
♥ We started our drive to do the West Maui Loop Tour around 9-9:15am, heading up to Kaanapali area, to go the tour clockwise.
♥ We first stopped at Napili Bay Beach, one of my wife’s/my favorite beaches back 15 years ago. We remembered where we sat on the rocks and enjoyed the beach.
♥ We then went to Makaluapuna Pt (Dragon’s Teeth). It started to rain, we got drenched; it was SO windy, and seeing the MASSIVE waves come crashing and splashing… We had a BLAST there!
♥ Then stopped at Honolua Store for some lunch (was able to find a table), then to Honolua Bay Lookout.
♥ Then to Nakalele Blowhole, where we hiked down a bit to get closer to the blowhole, but it was extremely windy and dangerous to go any further. I had to hold my little guy since the wind was literally blowing him away!
♥ Continued our drive to Olivine Pools (hiked to there). Beautiful sight, but ofcourse too windy and dangerous to swim in.
♥ Then….. the crazy curvy and narrow roads for 10+ miles… WOW. Not for the faint of heart. You literally can’t see past the curves, combined with a 2-way road that’s only wide enough for 1 car. But some breathtaking views!
♥ Went to Waihe’e Ridge Trail. It was a challenge to just climb up that hill. We saw some free roaming cows (frightened my wife, haha). We met a large group of friends who were from Spain and talked for a bit.
[Day 5] Road to hana... day 1 of 2
♥ Ah, the beautiful Road to Hana. One of the most scenic roads/drives in the world, with 620 curves and 59 bridges, with so many waterfalls and spectacular views everywhere you look.
♥ Because we did this drive before and know how many thing to see and do, we decided to have an overnight stay in Hana (booked a guest house hotel), so we can do this over 2 days. Turned out to be great decision!
♥ After filling some air in our tires, we first headed and stopped at Ho’okipa Beach, where we checked out some pro surfers, and also some sea turtles up close! (cant come within a few meters of them though).
♥ Stopped at Twin Falls, did a short hike there to their waterfalls, then back on the road and saw our first rainbow eucalyptus trees!
♥ Then stopped at Waikamoi Waterfall (did the half mile nature trail), before then stopping at Honomanu Bay view from side of the road.
♥ We then stopped at Na’ailua Bay view, the exact same spot my wife and I did 15 years ago 🙂 We actually also saw the same Spanish group we did yesterday too! Nice coincidence, as we ended up somewhat following each other.
♥ We then went to Ke’anae Arboretum, and saw some more rainbow eucalyptus trees amongst others, before back on the road where took a little detour to Keanae Landing.
♥ There, we first stopped at Aunty Sandy to get some lunch and some banana bread (freshly baked, hot, and delicious!) and checked out some of the overlook/beaches with the crazy waves there crashing on the rocks.
♥ Then back to Road to Hana, stopping at Ke’anae Peninsular Overlook from up top, then quick stop side of the road and short hike down to Ching’s Pond (not easy to spot from the road).
♥ We then stopped at Wailua Valley State Wayside, where we went up the stairs and had a nice view at the lookout from high up, along with seeing the miracle church that’s made of coral.
♥ We then stopped at Waikane Falls (3 Bears), then found a secret Lava tube on the side of the road that was a bit creepy but got in and looked around. My 5 year old surprised me being brave wanting to go further & discover.
♥ Then stopped/checked out Hanawi Falls, before going to Wai’anapanapa State Park (a must stop place).
♥ There, we spent at least 2-3 hours, checking out Honokalani (Black Sand Beach), climbing up the rocks for high up viewpoint, checked out the Blowhole, Caves, Sea Arch, and Coastal Trail. Loved this place!
♥ At this point it was getting dark — we found a local food truck, had dinner there, then checked into our Hana hotel. The owners were there and were so nice, had a nice chat with them.
[Day 6] Road to hana... day 2 of 2
♥ After checking out from our Hana hotel stay, we first did a quick drive-by Hana Beach Park, then picked up some bug spray at Hasegawa General Store (forgot ours). then to Koki Beach for some views and small rock throwing.
♥ Then headed to Koki Beach for some views and small rock throwing, before parking near Wailua Falls to check that out (lost count how many waterfalls we saw by this point).
♥ Then we went to Kipahulu Visitor Center parking lot, which is part of Haleakala National Park, where I showed our receipt from 3 days ago when we were heading to the summit, and they waived our $30 car entrance fee.
♥ We were amongst the very first in the park, and did the 4 mile RT hike on Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls, and wow! What a beautiful trail especially 2nd half with the bamboo rainforest and massive waterfalls in the end.
♥ This hike is ONE of the reasons why we decided to stay in Hana overnight to be able to have more time doing the Road to Hana, otherwise we would have to skip it for sake of time to get back during day light if 1 day drive.
♥ After completing the trail and back where we started, we did the Kuloa Point Trail (only half mile) and some great views of Ohe’o Pools (closed for swimming) and the coast.
♥ Back on the road, and headed to Charles Lindbergh’s Grave (beautiful area), signed the guest book in the church, then headed o Nuu Bay overlook.
♥ We then went to Huakini Bay/Beach and I personally LOVED this place….. rocks everywhere by the beach, and just listening to the Ocean come crashing on the rocks… makes a unique sound (different than regular sound of waves).
♥ Take the backroad (instead of same way we came)…. some sections of the road is unpaved (handled very easily with the Jeep), and got to see some AMAZING views of the Ocean, Mountains, gulches, several other islands…..
♥ By time we got back to our condo it was already close to sunset, 2 full wonderful fun-filled adventurous days.
[Day 7] last full beach day + sunset dinner cruise
♥ Today we took it easy and enjoyed Keawakapu Beach (steps away from our condo), before back to our condo in early afternoon to get ready for our sunset dinner cruise that I had booked while on the island.
♥ I initially had a luau booked for this evening, but unfortunately it got cancelled by them due to not fully ready to re-open (Governor/state restrictions etc), so we did a sunset dinner cruise instead.
