1-7 Lahaina

Up and out on our walk early this morning. Clouds are coming and going, and it’s nice and cool. Great for a morning walk. Got some work accomplished then decided to head West today and visit Lahaina.

We hit the road about 9:45, following the Maui Revealed guidebook for all the pertinent stops along the way. Lahaina is only 25 miles away, but it takes way longer than 30 minutes to get there because of traffic, and because there are so many places to stop along the way to do some whale watching and just plain ocean/vista watching.

We stopped at the “popular” scenic overlook along route 30. It’s a paved pull out with about 15 parking spots – all full –yep – it’s popular! We got lucky with a parking spot and lucky with some whale sightings. A couple breaches way out by Molokai. Nothing close enough for photos, but still lovely to stand there and gaze out over the water with the wind cooling us off from the sun that suddenly appeared.

Back on the road, it’s mostly 2 lanes until you get into the town of Lahaina, so traffic can be a problem. We’re early enough that we sail through, past great little beaches, most with snorkelers floating around on the water. You can see boats close in too, apparently this part of the shore is good for snorkeling. The little beaches look good for just hanging out, picnicking and relaxing too. Something to remember for later in our trip.

Once into Lahaina, on Front street, we found a parking space on the street right before you get into town. We snagged it, figuring we didn’t mind the walk and it was better than getting ourselves caught up into the congestion right in town. It’s about 10:30 as we walk through town, past the town square and harbor with the one Banyan tree that takes over the whole park – and looks like way more than one tree! Then into the main town area, which someone said reminds them of Key West – and it really does. Semi-ramshackle storefronts filled with tourist shops, restaurants and bars. It’s a cute town, but oh so touristy.

It is still quite cloudy and cool as we walk around town, and I’m regretting not bringing a jacket. I’m thinking about maybe buying a long sleeve t-shirt for the day, but then figure I’ll just tough it out. I don’t really need another shirt, for heavens sake. It’s after 11 as we start heading back toward the car. We are debating eating, it’s a little early, and most places have stopped serving breakfast now. But we know there is nothing further up the road besides the resort areas, so if we want food, it’s now or never. We actually got lucky and stumbled on Da Kitchen at the Wharf. Da Kitchen is supposed to be a great local food place here in Kihei, so guess they’ve expanded. An they have cheap specials – Fish and Chips and Fish Taco. We’re there! We sit out in the cute little courtyard and order our food. Really good fish, both the fried and the taco. And just the perfect size for an early lunch. Thus sated, we head back to the car and our journey out and around the top of the Western part of the island.

Coming out of Lahaina, there is construction on the median where they are replanting and landscaping. It looks gorgeous and on both sides of the road as we begin to head past Lahaina, it’s just so tropical. I mean Sanibel is tropical, but this….it’s just more so. Little roofs peak above the palm fronds and tree canopy. with shacks and run down houses interspersed with what look like “regular” homes. It’s such a contrast to the condo canyon of Ka’anapili just 7 minutes up the road. There it’s all perfectly manicured, condos, hotels, resorts. Here – it’s so much more natural and local feeling on the outskirts.

So, on up past civilization, after the last golf course (where, btw, the Hyundai tournament of champions is going on), literally minutes away and you are back in the wilderness. The road narrows, and becomes quite windy with switch backs and hard corners around boulders and cliffs that drop straight down to the ocean.

Next post – Beyond Lahaina!