Maui, Hawaii (i)

Mon 23.09.19 After a five and a half hour flight, we finally landed in Maui. Just outside the airport, we were hit by the tropical heat. The temperature is only 32°, but due to the high humidity in the air, it feels like at least 40°. However, we picked up our rental car and headed straight to our Airbnb. In the evening, we were pampered with a refreshing swim in the sea in front of our apartment and enjoyed the sunset on the beach.

Tue 24.09.2019 The next day the alarm clock went off very early, it was only 05:00 and after a tiring wake-up, in the morning we arranged a snorkeling tour to Molokini (a small Hawaiian island) and Turtlebeach. While sailing to the diving spot, on the panoramic deck of the ship we enjoyed a good and abundant breakfast. While swimming, we couldn't help but notice some corals that had partially whitened due to global warming, which causes an increase in the water temperature of the seas. Unfortunately, the fish population is also affected by these climate changes, as it is poorly diversified. In the second spot, the sea was very rough and the turbid water prevented us from seeing below the surface. A disappointment :(

Wed 25.09.2019 It's still early in the morning when we start driving our big American car. Once we reached the parking lot that leads to the Haleakala volcano, we left the car to continue walking along the mountain slope in a circular way to reach the top. But due to its high altitude, the view was partially obscured by the clouds. However, the landscape that unfolded before our eyes was breathtaking, and we took the opportunity to deepen our knowledge of the island's diverse meteorological properties. In the afternoon, for a relaxing time, we went to the state park of the Lao Valley. There we saw 'The Green Needle,' a monument that has great spiritual significance to the locals. In the evening, when we returned to our apartment, we spent the rest of the day by the pool.

Thu 26.09.2019 Today we discover the beautiful beaches of Maui to recharge our batteries, because the next day another wonderful adventure awaits us.

Fri 27.09.2019 This day also started early, at 06:00. We wanted to beat the other tourists on the Hana Highway. It is considered one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world. With its 620 curves and 59 bridges, it leads through the rainforest in the western part of Maui. Along the way, we were accompanied by waterfalls, pools, stretches of the sea, and beaches. We stopped at the following places: Upper Waikani Falls, Hanawi Falls, Keanae Lookout, Honokalani Beach, Wailua Falls, the pools of Oheo. To top it off, we went on a 2-hour hike on the Pipiwai Stream. The peculiarity of this hike is that while walking through the bamboo plants in the rainforest, a very sweet and pleasant smell of mango is perceived. At the end of the trail, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the Waimoku Falls.