No Fixed Abode: Apparently, it's Sunday

Sun 15 Nov - West Maui ctd

After a VERY windy night we were up with the first surfers at 0630 and we ate our breakfast overlooking a magnificent view along the coastline. Once packed away we headed to the bay below our cliff top perch (Honolua) as it is reputedly the best place in Maui to snorkel. The short walk from the parking area lead through a fantastic forest with large trees entwined with even larger ivy. Once at the shore we chatted to a couple from Idaho who recommended the best area for coral and fish. The snorkelling was as good as the hype and we swam through a large shoal of silver fish to a fantastic, sunlit reef with many types of fish and a small turtle. As we left the sea we met the same couple and chatted about our travels. They seemed taken with the idea and we hope we have inspired them to get up and go. As we left, the Sunday masses were descending on the beach and we were thankful for our early start.

We took a leisurely drive, partly out of choice and partly necessitated be the very narrow road around this remote corner. We stopped of at the Olivine Pools, a series of natural pools in a lava shelf, as they are recommended in the guidebook, however, due to the rough sea state it was too hazardous to bathe in them.

The road continued to wind through beautiful cliff top scenery until it past a sculpture garden and studio to 36 local artists. The garden was very restful and the gallery contained some unique paintings, photographs and sculptures. Luckily we didn't have the money or the space in our bags or we would have come away with some of their wares.

We drove to check out a potential campsite at the Iao State park, which would complete our tour of west Maui. The campsite did not exist and the famous Iao Needle (a rock formation) proved a big disappointment. Fortunately the guy collecting the entrance fees was eating a packet of crisps with a sign up at the window stating “attendant on break”. If we’d had to pay the $5 parking fee we’d have felt hard done by.

Whilst browsing the veg at our provision stop we heard a rumbling sound coming from the refrigerators. Initially we thought the machinery had a problem but after a short while we recognised the sound of thunder and lightening. Seconds later some fine misters sprayed water of the fruit and veg. Even the supermarkets are like theme parks.

We then returned to the area where we started our adventure two weeks ago to explore some of the beaches and hiking areas on the sunny side of the island we had not yet been to. There could be more roadside camping in store as the five start resorts tend to have a dim view of campers messing with their expensive views.

We found a roadside beach pull off just up the road from where the wedding took place and joined the local hippy commune who welcomed us to their camp. Our five star tent continues to attract a lot of interest but none of them seemed concerned that it did not have a shower. There was a strange smell in the air but they all seemed very friendly. Should be a fun night.