Secret Spots of Maui

Hiking: The Seven Sacred Pools near the town of Hana was once one of Maui’s secrets. The Pipiwai Stream begins its flow to the ocean two miles inland and as it makes its way, plunges over several waterfalls creating pools in between. Though the pools are a favorite spot for swimming and hiking, they can get crowded on the weekends. Biking : Haleakala means “house of the sun.” There is no better way to appreciate that definition than to be at the summit at sunrise. Better yet, greet the dawn and then ride a mountain bike down the 28 miles of switchback roadway through the Haleakala Ranch and the town of Kula on your way to Paia Beach Park. Yes, that does mean you will be leaving your hotel at around 3 a.m. dressed in sweaters and jackets that eventually will be peeled off in the morning sun. It also means you will be traveling with like-minded individuals perhaps a bit sleepy, but eager to begin the adventure. Secret Beach : Makena is located south of Kihei and the Wailea Resort area. Makena Beach, called Oneloa or Big Beach in Hawaiian, is one of the longest stretches of sand on Maui. Hidden behind a cinder cone called Pu’u Ola’i on Makena’s north end is a beach known mostly to the locals. Getting there means hiking a rocky path that leads you over a volcanic rock wall. Once on the other side, you will be at Little Beach. The secret–or perhaps not, once you start looking around–is that this is a clothing-optional beach. Though nude sunbathing is illegal in Hawaii, the remote location means that the law is rarely, if ever, enforced. Little Beach offers great body surfing and decent board surfing during the day. On Sunday nights, the beach becomes the setting for an unusual beach party. Fire dancers and fire twirlers will put on a show. People dance around a circle of fire. Some even burn their bras and set hula hoops alight, just for the fun of it. Once the fire is out, you will need a flashlight to get back over the rock wall. There are no lights and no markers. It’s just you, happy party-goers and a million stars. Rafting: The Kanaio Coast, located on the southern tip of Maui past Kihei and Makena, can only be reached from the water. Not many people venture to this uninhabited part of Maui. The safest way to visit this coastline is to join a local rafting tour. Though not promoted as heavily as the whale watching and snorkeling cruises to Molokini, rafting tours to the Kanaio Coast take you inside hidden sea caves, past arches of hardened lava and protected grottos. Tours often include visits to La Perouse Bay, frequented by pods of spinner dolphins and La Perouse Pinnacle, a finger of land that extends beneath the waterline that teams with tropical fish. Snorkeling is encouraged at both places. These areas, at present, are not the biggest tourist draws on the island, but it won’t be long before the secret is truly out. USB Battery Bank for cell phone Oldelf Tactical Heavyweight Balaclava Outdoor Sports Mask Survival Gear Paracord Bracelet Compass Fire Anti Shock Hiking / Walking / Trekking Trail Poles Camping Hiking Hammock Nikon D7200 DX-format DSLR Body (Black)