Maui, Hawaii is well heard of to most travelers, and brings images of surfing and beaches in abundance. These far lying Pacific isles are set in the heart of nature, enticing all types of walking enthusiast to experience activity holidays that are truly amazing.
Activity holidays are a great way to see any new location and experience what the local area has to offer. Being on foot let's you experience the smells and excitement of being right in the thick of it, sometimes in cars and on bikes you can easily miss some of the most exciting attractions on offer.
Maui is right next door to Hawaii's Big Island or Main Island as sometimes known. Big Island itself boasts some amazing walks and scenery but Maui, slightly less built up caters for all types, gentle and demanding.
1) The first spot to visit on Maui is Haleakala, a dormant volcano set in the National Park, if you get the chance it's well worth doing at sunrise as the huge orange sun creates a charming glow that leaves you speechless. Haleakala is a test of any hiking enthusiast, but there are an abundance of tour operators conducting trips to see the volcano if you fancy the more relaxed approach.
When you arrive on the island you will quickly see flyers and adverts for the Haleakala Tour.
2) Your next coastal hike should be the Blue Pools, a gentle walk that takes you of the main road and into lush waterfalls and woods. It would probably be a good idea to bring proper hiking shoes, backpacks and drinks as the area is hot and humid during the daytime. Hiking towards Blue Pools takes you off the Ula'ino Road, on terrain mostly paved, which is suitable for hire cars. Once there, it's just a short walk to reach the pools and now very popular you can expect to see a trail of tourists heading your way. In recent years the locals in Maui, frustrated by the number of walkers to the area have stopped cars and refused them to pass, while others welcome you, allowing you to use their gardens as car parks and sell refreshments. It's fifty-fifty what type of response you will have, but well worth the visit. If you do make it through the car park saga, then head to the lower part of the road and you will often pay half the price of the top fields. Walk towards the shore down the cobbled street and turn left for about 150 yards and you will find the grotto of the pool surrounded by tropical plants.
3) Activity around Hana is the best way to find shops and beaches normally passed by car. The road to Hana is a sight in its own right, passing tropical plantation and spectacular sea views. However, once in Hana your walking holiday will be more traditional as the vast amount of tourists who visit the location. Hana Bay is one of the most popular places for swimmers as the bay is protected, and boasts sandy beaches and grass areas for picnics and tables. The views from this area are spectacular and almost like a postcard setting, a must see for walkers with cameras. Away from the beaches, the town offers architecture and buildings full of history. The Wananalua Church, boasts huge square features set in amazing grass gardens. Across from the Church the original Hasegawa's Stores, selling everything from food to supplies was subject to fire in 1990 but now located in a former theater.
Another place to explore by walking is the Waikamoi Nature Trail, along the Hana Highway. This one mile track starts in a picnic ground setting, perfect to fuel up before hand, and leads through twisting pathways. Not a viewers paradise but well worth the trek for the abundance of lush hala trees and bamboos, almost so thick you can't see much else. You also pass along the pathway eucalyptus trees, who's bark comes away similar to soft tissue paper. The trail finishes in a large grass clearing, perfect for a stop before your return. Be aware that you are in the middle of mass vegetation and for that reason insects will be aware you are there, so cover up and apply the mosquito repellant.
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