THE WEST SIDE
The west side of the island is also well worth exploring. Once you hit Kahalui, simply turn left at Dairy Road and you will find yourself headed towards Lahaina through the central valley between Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. This whole valley is covered with beautiful green sugar cane fields and the aroma of the burning cane can often be smelt when driving around. The ash of the cane is referred to by the locals as ‘burning snow’ but could soon become a thing of the past since the industry is set to be shut down and who knows what will become of the vast areas of land in its place. When the wind is from the north, Kihei becomes a very popular flat water sailing spot and escape from the rainy north shore. Due to the shape of the valley between the two mountain ranges the wind accelerates during a northerly flow and Kihei can be easily two or three times windier than Maui’s regular sailing locations.
Maalaea Harbour around one third of the way to Lahaina is one of the main departure points for boat trips and whale watching cruises on the island. Many trips will take you snorkelling to the half-moon shaped volcanic crater known as Molokini, while during whale season November through until May, it is well worth taking a dedicated whale watching trip. Without doubt seeing the north Pacific Humpback whales breaching close up and personal is one of Maui’s amazing wonders and personally my first whale watching trip was a huge ‘wowser’ moment when I witnessed one of these beauties breeching in front of Lahaina. If you are lucky you can even spot the whales frolicking outside Ho’okipa in the right season but for the most part these amazing mammals congregate around Kihei and Lahaina.
Past Maalaea, the highway will take you on a beautiful drive around the West Maui Mountains hugging the shore all the way to Lahaina. This stretch of the coast is quite rocky and shallow and many of the breaks such as Thousand Peaks and Launiupoku are very popular with stand up paddlers and longboarders. The old town of Lahaina kind of centres itself around the old Banyan tree that is the symbol of the city. Being in close proximity to most of the island’s bigger hotels, Lahaina is far more bustling with tourists than the north shore and its main thoroughfare, Front Street, is awash with restaurants and art galleries. Beyond Lahaina there are several sailing spots that work in north winds and big swells that most Maui locals would prefer us not to mention so we won’t ponder on them. As mentioned previously, the world renowned Honolua Bay is the west side’s best known surf spot but can be very crowded and is a definite ‘no go’ for stand up paddle when it’s pumping.
Maui is so diverse and there are so many nooks and crannies to explore it is impossible to cover every amazing aspect in one short feature. Obviously not every day on Maui is a ‘perfect’ day but it does occasionally lock into patterns where you are constantly mesmerized by the weather and the ‘dream’ conditions. When you are out amongst those big swells marching their way towards the shore, there is a special feeling when you are in Hawaii. Don’t be surprised if a turtle rears up right in front of you either. The ocean here has a huge impact on everyday life in Maui and dictates the way most surfers and windsurfers plan out their days. Aside from the incredible sailing, the island offers so many activities to see and do. From surfing, hiking, whale watching and mountain biking to fine dining, stunning beaches, snorkelling or simply savouring beautiful sunsets there is rarely a dull moment on this Hawaiian paradise. After all my years of travel many people ask me where is my favourite place to visit and at the end of the day, looking back at all the amazing times and experiences I have had in Maui it just has to come top of the list!
