What makes a great beach? Privacy, sun, sand, a nice swimming area and places to explore.
Breathtaking view from the top of Haleakala National Park in Maui, Hawaii.
A view of the harbor from the street front side just after sunset.
Sunset on Front Street in Lahaina, Maui.
This beach is known as possibly the best place in the world for windsurfing. It is the site of two major world-class competitions.
A stroll along the northshore of Maui brought me face to face with the impossible
Waihee Ridge Trail
Maui, 4½ mile out & back trail, medium difficulty.
Elevation gain: 1,560ft (from 1,000 – 2,560ft)
Ascend the Waihee ridgeline trail up Maui's western peak of Pu'u Kukui and you'll be hiking above the sightseeing helicopter tours and admiring the lush rainforest valleys and coastlines beyond.
Hiking on the windward side of any Hawaiian island means wet weather, muddy conditions and the threat of heavy rains. This trail is subject to all these factors, but the wet weather means waterfalls are plentiful, the vegetation is greener and the cooler conditions make for a nice comfortable hike.
More information on this hike at Trailspotting.com.
Take time to view your surroundings, smell the air, listen to the wind - that's what slow travel is all about and walking down a road that leads to the ocean is a perfect place to start.
On a good day, the wind surfers just don't stop in Ho'okipa Beach Park... in and out, in and out...
Pathway through a tall grove of bamboo shoots on the Pipiwai trail