Maui
We have dreamed of going to Maui for many years. When we were finally able to, we decided to camp, so we wouldn't have to drive back to the hotel across the island each time. As it turned out, that was the right decision.
The road to Hana was almost 3 hours one way through a beautiful tropical rainforest. We camped in the Waianapanapa park, and were happy to explore it next day, instead of driving back-and-forth for 2-3 hours. We were able to travel around the east part of the Maui without rush and spend as much time anywhere as we wanted to.
OLOWALU
First five nights we stayed at the Camp Olowalu in Olowalu vilage at the East side of the island.
Camping right next to the beach is a very convenient place for the beginning of the trip. We were able to take a rest after the flight and on following days made short trips to the closest city Lahaina.
In Lahaina we've got to do lots of fun stuff. We went to snorkeling, parasailing, bought ukulele, and of cause went to restaurants.
Lahaina and Snorkeling Photos
WAIANAPANAPA PARK
Our next stop for two nights was in the Waianapanapa Park in Hana at the West side of the island. The driving time from Olowalu to this park took about 3 hours since the road in the rain forest is very waivy and in some parts changes to a single line, which makes one of the side wait for another side to pass.
Beautiful place with amaizing Black Sand Beach. Not the best for the camping over more then one night, since the shower is outside with cold water. But very convinient to not spent another 3 hours for the ride back.
Waianapanapa Park PhotosKOKI BEACH PARK
One day we spend on Koki Beach Park in Hana.
This is a small hidden park with the best beach we had seen in the whole trip. It has soft sand (unlike sharp stones that required to wear the special water-shoes on the other beaches) and amazing powerful waves. Our daughter couldn't leave the water for more than an hour. And I learned how to catch the wave to serf on bodyboard.
Also, we were happy to find good food here for lunch. A half chicken with rice and salad - a normal home-like delicious meal.
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
Night number eight we spent in lower part the Haleakala National Park.
By paying $25 fees we were able to camp for a 3 nighs at either top or bottom part of the park. We used this opportunity on the next day driving up to the volcano to see the sunset and stay overnight at the top of the mountain. This park has beautiful hikes to see the waterfalls and pools. In terms of comfort of the camping, there is a regular restroom and water, no shower luxury.
Haleacala Park PhotosSUMMIT OF HALEAKALA
Next day we gave us the whole day to cover 60 miles to the top of the volcano. Part of it was 6 miles of the dirt road and the main part of the driving was in the area without villages of cities. We had one stop in the middle of nowhere for the hot food - a hotdog in the little souvenir store along the road. And another stop by the Maui Winery where we had very good burgers.
We reached the campground around 5 pm and went to the summit after 6 pm, knowing that after 7:30 on this island gets dark so fast. We knew it will be cold up there, and even though we had extra pants, jackets, and even hats, we had to wrap as up in the blanket. All this effort was paid off - the sunset was spectacular and unforgettable.
The road to Volcano PhotosSummit of Haleakala Photos
We ended our trip back on the Olowalu campground. This place has everything needed to camp comfortably for days. Hot water, ice, charging spots, shade, different types of water activities. One can just drive in and pay for the day-use spot. Our flight was around 11 pm, so we spent almost the whole day relaxing on the beach with opportunity calmly pack bags and getting ourselves clean after days without warm water.