11/19/13
there are a few valley’s like this on the N end
We have driven this before but wanted to highlight a few standouts this time.Though many people go from Lahaina around, we start the other way so that we can end in Lahaina for dinner and drinks at the Maui Brewery. For all purposes the drive starts in Kahului. Turn as if you were headed to the college (where the Saturday flea market is held, another must!). Heard North along the highway 340. As the road begins to elevate and get curvy be sure to stop at a pull out and look back at Haleakala which towers just over 10,000 feet.
yellow plumeria, so pretty
Hibiscus are so dang pretty
Last year we did a great hike along this route that took us a few miles into the rain forest, but this year we had other plans. If you want to do that hike watch for the telephone pole that has #174 on it and remember that that trail head is at the bottom of that hill. Hence if you are going the direction we are, you’d have to turn around after you see #174 and go about 1/4 miles back down the hill. This pull out near pole 174 is also a great one to view back towards the rest of the island.
this is at the 2nd Mile marker 38 AFTER the blow hole if you come the way we came OR the 1st marker if you come from Lahaina. Don’t start your hike to hole from here.
the quaint church in Kapalua
We continued around the point stopping for construction near the small town of Kapalua. Near the town the road is VERY narrow and it is one lane most of the way. Each time we drive this there seems to be a hold up b/c someone freaks out as they drive this road and stops traffic until a nice Samaritan helps the scared driver pull over far enough so others can pass. DON”T drive this drive if you are not comfortable with tight spaces.
found this heart shape in a lava rock as we were climbing down to the blow hole
so happy to find the natural formation of this heart in the lava rocks near the blow hole
We got to the mile marker 38 (there are 2, one at each parking lot for the blow hole), and headed out to find the natural heart cut out in the rock formations. We hiked down the steep, rocky area towards the blow hole, but then veered to our right to find the rock! Score!
we snorkeled in this cove and it was so beautiful. You can see people in the water if you look close.
After this hike we headed to our favorite snorkeling area, DT Fleming Beach Park. After a short walk into the beach we were quick to get on our gear and into the water. Amazing fish that I will blog about next.
After an hour or so of snorkeling, it was off to Maui Brewery for some IPA’s. But the real treat of the night was trying a new eatery, Star Noodles. A new ‘dont miss’ on Maui.
All and all a great day and well worth the trip around the tip!
timistravels 
Loved reading about things to do when we are there in September. Want to go and be our guides?
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