Maui, Hawaii- Napili Bay Area

Napili Bay is a classical crescent-shaped bay with a sandy beach, located at the far northwest corner of Maui. It is fully developed, in terms of having various kinds of lodging, basic shops, and rental business. Yet the bay is quite secluded and still preserved with the natural beauty and charm of a tropical beach. Unlike Lahaina old town (30 min) or Ka'anapali (20 min) to its south, Napili Bay is pristine Hawaii without abundant tourist population or traffic, or any entrapment such as shopping mall, chain stores/eateries and big tour buses.

The eastern side of Molokai is visible straight across the bay at a distance. Its tall mountains, steep slopes with green valleys, as well as the island cloud formations can change in appearance and mood according to the time of the day. The north side of Lanai can be seen to the far left side when facing the bay. It is toward there that daily sunset can be seen over the horizon, unobstructed by Lanai (unlike the view in Lahaina or Ka'anapali).

Kapalua Bay is the next bay north of Napili Bay. It is publicized for good snorkeling and diving, yet there is only one lodging on the bay (Kapalua Resort). To avoid the limited parking there, one could easily walk there from Napili Bay. To the north end of Napili Bay is Napili Kai Beach Resort where we stayed, which stretches from the beach to the top of the headland, where the resort's entrance is next to the short trail for going to Kapalua Bay. One can walk up the steps that leads from the beach to the main lobby, then out to the parking area and turn left to get to the trail (around 10 min).That public trail is also the beginning of a nature hiking trail that meanders along the shoreline boundary of Ritz Carlton Resort in a northern direction. It passes through a headland that has many interesting volcanic rocks and then passes by the Honolua Bay.

Photographs: From the top: Looking out at Molokai from Napili Kai Resort, view from the trail, the view of Molokai from the trail, the rolling waves of Spenser's Bay.

Maui, Hawaii- Iao Valley State Park

The lovely, deep valley of Iao features the Iao Needle, a natural rock pinnacle which rises 2250 feet above sea level, presiding over the Iao stream and surrounded by the walls of the Puu Kukui Crater. Once used as a natural altar, the 2,250-foot stone pillar covered in green, is a basaltic core that has survived eons of swirling water.

Iao Valley is a peaceful lush area with easy hikes, exotic tropical plants, and clear, natural pools. The ridge-top lookout offers a fantastic view of the valley and Kahului Harbor.

Iao Valley is the site of one of the most famous battles that occurred in 1790 and changed Hawaii history forever when King Kamehameha I destroyed the Maui army in an effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands.


Photos: From the top: Iao Needle, View of the creek from the trail through the park, Mountains in the Iao Valley, the lush Valley, Taro growing, Mountains in the Valley.

Maui, Hawaii- Paradise on Earth

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is the third most populous after Oahu and Hawaii. It is called the Valley Island for the large isthmus between its northwestern and southeastern volcanoes and the numerous large valleys carved into both mountains.

It was our favorite because it is so beautiful and is a great combination of the perfect size with plenty to do and see, but not so large that it is overcrowded and too commercial.

We were lucky to stay at the Napili Kai Beach Hotel right on the Napili Bay on the northwestern coast. The accommodations are wonderful and the staff is extremely helpful and friendly. There is a coastal walk that we took for several miles from bay to bay. I think Napili Bay was the most beautiful. We were a mile away from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. This area was so beautiful as you can see from the photographs above.

The day we arrived there was a storm that beat a 19 year record of 6" of rainfall so many roads and beaches were closed. We did not care. We had landed in Paradise! Just looking at the gorgeous scenery and walking between the drops in 70 degree weather when it was 20 degrees at home made us happy!! We stay around the hotel for 2 days before we could explore more of the island which I will tell you about in the next post.