01/03/2025
25th– 28th Nov 2024
Our morning flight to Maui lasted only 40 minutes, and by 10:30 AM, we had set foot on the island, eager to start our next adventure. We rushed to catch the shuttle, hoping to secure our rental car as soon as possible. We had booked all our rentals through Economybookings, which was by far the cheapest option, but since they are just an intermediary, each island meant dealing with a different rental company.
Until now, picking up a car had been straightforward—no need to show the reservation or insurance details; a passport and driver’s license were enough, along with confirming that we had purchased insurance through Economybookings. But then we arrived at NÜ CAR RENTALS on Maui, and after checking their reviews, we had a feeling things wouldn’t go smoothly. Unlike previous companies, they insisted on seeing the full reservation, including proof of insurance. Even though we had selected comprehensive insurance via Economybookings, NÜ demanded we pay an additional $18 per day for third-party coverage (covering damage to other people’s property or injuries).
As if that wasn’t frustrating enough, we were handed the worst rental car we had ever driven. Every day, we prayed it would make it to our destination, as it rattled and shook like it was about to fall apart at any moment.
Day 1st (Nov 25, 2024)
Our first stop of the day is the store, where we stock up on food for the next few days before heading to the Waihee Ridge Trail. It’s just past noon—not exactly the ideal time for hiking, but we’re not in the mood to lounge on the beach just yet. So, we set off in search of breathtaking views.
The nature here is simply stunning! Even though all the Hawaiian Islands are of volcanic origin, some parts feel incredibly lush and full of life—words can hardly do their beauty justice. By a little after 2 PM, we reach the top, taking in the spectacular scenery. That’s when we encounter a rather unusual animal. It keeps staring at us, darting away to hide, only to reappear moments later. Intrigued, I take a few photos and videos, planning to identify it later when I have an internet connection. To my surprise, it turns out to be a mongoose—a small carnivore known for its ability to take down venomous snakes, even cobras! Not exactly your typical pet… unless, of course, you need a fearless snake hunter as a bodyguard. Haha!
🧐 Did you know?
Mongooses were introduced to Hawaii in the 19th century in an attempt to control the rat population on sugarcane plantations. However, the plan backfired spectacularly—while rats are nocturnal, mongooses are active during the day, meaning they rarely crossed paths. Instead of solving the rat problem, mongooses became a major threat to native bird species, many of which nest on the ground. Today, they are considered an invasive species in Hawaii.
After a quick snack and soaking in the stunning views, we said goodbye to our curious mongoose friend and continued toward the Kapalua Coast Trail. While the Hana Highway is infamous for being a narrow and dangerous road, we quickly realized that the direct route from Waihee Ridge Trail to Kapalua was even worse—shorter, yes, but definitely rougher than the Hana Highway.
By 5 PM, we arrived at the start of the short coastal trail. With no need to rush, we took a relaxed stroll along the coastline. We got lucky again—just off the beach, we spotted sea turtles gracefully swimming in the ocean waves, a sight we could never get tired of. As we walked, we scouted for the best spot to watch the sunset and decided that the perfect viewpoint was about one-third of the way into the trail. So, we turned back, settled in, and watched the sun dip below the horizon in a spectacular display of colors. As we admired the sunset, we struck up a conversation with a lovely older couple from Chicago. They couldn’t stop raving about how much they loved Hawaii, though they were a bit sad that their trip was coming to an end. Meanwhile, we still had two full days left on Maui, followed by our final adventure on Kauai—but time was flying by way too fast.
With the Lahaina Pali Trail as our first stop the next day, we headed off to find a place to sleep, moving closer to our next adventure.
🧐 Did you know?
The Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu, is considered a sacred creature in Hawaiian culture. In ancient times, they were believed to be guardian spirits (‘aumākua) and symbols of wisdom and longevity. Though they were once hunted, they are now a protected species, and spotting one in the wild is considered a lucky encounter!
Day 2nd (Nov 26, 2024)
We had a relatively quiet night, and since the sun sets early, we didn’t want to waste any time. By 7:30 AM, we were at the start of the Lahaina Pali Trail. This historic path, built over a century ago, was once the main route between Wailuku and Lahaina, serving travelers on foot and horseback. With only one bottle of water and some snacks, our hike was fairly light—but imagining people and horses carrying supplies along this rugged terrain back in the day felt almost unimaginable. I was grateful we set out early; we had the entire trail to ourselves all the way to the wind turbines. By 9 AM, the heat was already intense, making us appreciate the decision to start early. After a quick snack break at the turbines, we made our way back down, meeting several groups of hikers along the way.
Our next stop for the day was Haleakalā National Park, where we planned to hike the Sliding Sands Trailhead. It’s possible to camp overnight in the park, but since we knew in advance that we wouldn’t have time, we hadn’t even considered booking a spot. By 2 PM, we arrived at the visitor center, ready to tackle the planned six-hour hike down to the 65-foot-deep hole.
With the sun setting before 6 PM, we knew time was tight. Instead of setting strict goals, we decided to hike as far as we felt comfortable, adjusting as needed. The trail was mostly covered in small stones and sand, slowing us down more than we expected—but WOW, the scenery was absolutely mesmerizing. Enthralled by the beauty of the volcanic landscape, we kept going further, unwilling to turn back. We had our headlamps with us, so we figured we could handle finishing in the dark if needed. Eventually, we reached our planned turnaround point. But now, we faced a serious challenge—the return trek required climbing nearly 800 meters (2,600 feet) of elevation gain, and we only had about 90 minutes before sunset. Determined, we pushed ourselves, nearly running at certain points. In the end, we made it back in just 2 hours and 15 minutes, needing our headlamps for only the last 30 minutes. But the best part? We got to witness an incredible sunset while hiking back—one of those breathtaking moments where you simply can’t look away.
Tomorrow, we’d be exploring Haleakalā National Park from a different side, but first, we had the famous Hana Highway ahead of us. Wanting to get closer to our next destination, we drove for a while before stopping for the night. By 9 PM, my eyes were stinging terribly, likely from the dry air, dust, or exhaustion. So, we searched for a place to sleep and found a parking lot next to a food truck. It seemed perfect—out of the way on a quiet road, plus, we’d be gone before the food truck opened in the morning. And as an unexpected bonus, with zero light pollution, we got to witness a spectacular night sky, filled with stars like I hadn’t seen in a long time before Hawaii.
🧐 Did you know?
Haleakalā, which means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, is deeply connected to Hawaiian mythology. According to legend, the demigod Māui lassoed the sun from the summit of Haleakalā, slowing its descent to make the days longer for his people. Today, watching the sunrise or sunset from Haleakalā is considered a must-do experience—and after today’s hike, I can definitely see why.
Day 3rd (Nov 27, 2024)
Just before our alarm clock went off, we were jolted awake by the sound of a car pulling up nearby—followed by another one moments later. Curious, we peeked outside and immediately felt uneasy. A truck with car parts in its trunk, along with some suspicious-looking people, was enough to make us decide to skip breakfast and getting dressed properly. Instead, we started the engine and drove off without hesitation.
Taking turns behind the wheel, we managed to change clothes and eat breakfast on the road, arriving at Haleakalā National Park by 8:30 AM. Our first stop was the Seven Sacred Pools, a beautiful yet off-limits natural wonder. Swimming used to be allowed here, but due to unpredictable water levels and the risk of dangerous currents, access is now strictly prohibited. Two major hazards make them unsafe: sudden flash floods that can sweep people away and stagnant water that may carry bacteria capable of causing serious infections. So, we admired the pools from a safe distance before continuing on to the Pipiwai Trail.
This trail took us past several stunning viewpoints, including the Banyan Tree, whose massive, twisting roots made for an impressive sight. The Banyan holds great significance in many cultures—it symbolizes growth, strength, and self-awareness, and according to legend, Buddha attained enlightenment after meditating under one for seven days. Further along, we entered the bamboo forest, where the rustling of the tall stalks created an almost meditative atmosphere. The trail also led us past waterfalls, culminating at Waimoku Falls, a breathtaking cascade dropping 400 feet down a sheer cliff. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get very close, but the view was still worth the trek. By this point, the heat was intense again, so we cooled off by dipping our feet in a nearby river before heading back.
Our return journey took us along the famous Hana Highway, parts of which we had driven in the dark the previous night. Now, in daylight, we made several scenic stops, taking in waterfalls, food trucks, and hidden gems scattered along the route.
One highlight of the day? Tasting Loco Moco—a classic Hawaiian dish consisting of white rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg on top. It was good, but I have to admit, Poke remains my absolute favorite Hawaiian specialty.
Before wrapping up the day, we made a quick stop at a store to buy a six-pack of local Maui beer, excited to try what the island’s brewery had to offer. Just as we found a spot to park for the night, the sun was about to set—perfect timing. So far, every Hawaiian sunset has been spectacular, but this one, enjoyed with a cold local beer in hand, might just have been the best yet.
🧐 Did you know?
The Hana Highway has around 620 curves and over 50 one-lane bridges, making it one of the most scenic yet challenging roads in the world. Many visitors take it slow, stopping at waterfalls, black sand beaches, and roadside stands selling fresh fruit and banana bread. However, locals who use the road daily often drive much faster, so pulling over to let them pass is the unwritten rule of road etiquette here!
Day 4th (Nov 28, 2024)
Today marks the end of our time on Maui, as we catch our flight to the final island of our trip—Kauai. Our flight departs at 2:45 PM, and since we managed to see everything we had planned on our Maui itinerary, we can finally take it slow and just enjoy the moment.
We decided to spend our last few hours in Kihei, unwinding at Makena Landing Park. This place is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, but today, we’re happy just to kick back, watch the waves, and take in the peaceful island vibes one last time. The turquoise water, the warm sun, and the laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect send-off.
Before we know it, it’s time to say goodbye to Maui and head to the airport, ready for the next chapter of our Hawaiian adventure.
🧐 Did you know?
Makena Landing is one of the best spots in Maui for spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) up close while snorkeling. The calm, clear waters make it an ideal place for beginner divers to experience Maui’s vibrant marine life. beneath the surface lies one of Maui’s most unique dive sites—Five Caves, Five Graves. This underwater world is home to lava tubes, hidden caverns, and even a sunken tombstone that gives the site its eerie nickname. If you ever get the chance to dive here, don’t be surprised if you run into a white-tip reef shark or a giant sea turtle cruising through the caves!
It will be super hard to choose, but I’ll try to write down 3 best spots from each Island.
we consider those as a 3 best spots of Maui:
- The Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakalā National Park – name of this trail isn’t just a poetic name – the volcanic sand here is so light and fine that strong winds constantly shift and reshape the landscape. Over time, the relentless trade winds have carried away much of the lighter particles, slowly eroding the crater’s edges and creating the surreal, almost Martian-like scenery. Some hikers even notice that their footprints disappear behind them as the wind sweeps the sand back into place, making it feel like they were never there at all!
- Waihee Ridge Trail – Hike with AMAZING views.
- The Hana Highway – stretches approximately 64 miles (103 km) along Maui’s northeastern coast, winding through dense rainforests, rugged cliffs, and countless waterfalls. This legendary road features 620 curves and over 50 one-lane bridges, making it both a scenic and challenging drive. Along the way, travelers can stop at numerous breathtaking viewpoints, including: Twin Falls – One of the first waterfalls on the route, perfect for a quick swim. Wailua Valley Lookout – A panoramic view of lush valleys and taro fields. Hanawi Falls – A stunning multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by thick jungle. Waiʻānapanapa State Park – Famous for its dramatic black sand beach and sea caves. Hāna Town – A charming, remote town that feels like stepping back in time. ʻOheʻo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) – A beautiful series of pools and waterfalls inside Haleakalā National Park.