Muse by David Teitsma

Today I went for a hike on the Lahaina Pali Trail. I found this hike in out guidebook and I didn’t know what I was in for. The landscape was beautiful, absolutely beautiful and the trail climbs quite high allowing stunning views of the island.

The trail isn’t a loop so you need to double back or have someone pick up /drop you off.

The trail began along the highway and quickly climbed from old dead trees along a ridge. Endless fields of grass with huge boulders of lava fill the area. It was absolutely beautiful and made for beautiful pictures as the sun rose.

The first hour of so was slow going as I climbed several hundred feet to 1500 feet. Along the way I passed two workers who were trimming the grass on the trail. They must have started early and had to climb several miles up with there heavy gear, pants, and long sleeved shirt. When they stopped as I passed, I couldn't help but remark that they had the best view from their office.

It was great just looking around while listening to an audiobook on my phone. I also enjoyed using my gps to keep track of how far I had gone, and how far I had to go.

Once I finished the climbing, the trail stayed around the same elevation as it circles around the south end of the island. The last third of the trail curves around several ridges. At this point the trade winds were blowing very strongly. I could barely stand on a rock without being blown off.

The views were stupendous. I could see the eroded island of Molokini, Kahoolawe, most of the east side of the island, Kahului, and other far places.

At points I could see no one or any sign of civilization (except the trail). I felt that I was alone on the island, I loved the feeling that I had the whole place to myself. It's fun to think about the many people who traveled this trail hundreds of years ago, when this was the main highway to get around to the west end of Maui.

It wasn't until the last several miles until I saw anyone. I passed several women who weren't sure were the trail headed. They were surprised at how much detail I could give them, since I was logging the hike with my GPS.

Later, I passed a man with a big backpack that was training to hike the Appalachian trail later this year, so he hikes both ways on this trail twice a week. What a privilege for him, huh?

The last half hour I passed several more people as I bounded by springing from rock to rock as I quickly descended several hundred feet to make it in time for my ride back.

What a hike! I'm so glad I did this for the views, serenity, exercise, and pictures.

On the way back we picked up lunch at China Bowl. It was fairly pricey. We wouldn't feel compelled to eat there again. I wish I would have gone to Okazuya instead.

Then we headed to Lahaina for our whale watching trip. Luckily our ship was less than half full, so we didn't have to work at seeing over the side; there was plenty of room. It was fun to be close to whales as they came up for air and see their tail/fluke as they dived.

surrounding islands. Even while driving around the shoreline we often saw puffs of water as they came up to breath.

In fact, as I was sitting on the beach I often saw whales. One day, as I was taking a break from snorkeling I saw a whale breach (jumped out of the water). It was stunning, but funny as I don't think any of the people around me saw it!

Also, one other time I saw a mother teaching it's young how to swim and slap its tail. Both kept doing it over and over.

Humpback whales migrate to the islands during the winter. Thousands of whales stay between Maui and the three

Also, going out on the water afforded us views of the island. It ended up being a beautiful day for hiking and boating.

The day ended with dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise. They had wonderful hamburgers (albeit expensive, which is the going trait on the island) but even better views. We timed it good as we watched the sunset from our table.

It's early to bed tonight we have a early morning tomorrow!

If you want to see more of my pictures, go here. Or view my pictures on a map here.