Day 45 - Welcome to the jungle!

27.12.16

Today we have a long journey to the east of Maui on the program. Therefore, we get up earlier than yesterday. Breakfast 'as usual' and then it's time to pack for our day trip: provisions, swimwear, bodyboards, flip-flops, trekking shoes, winter clothes, etc. The trunk is definitely full.

We take off - 'open top' of course. We make a first stop in Kahului, as a warning light has been flashing at Freddy's since the day before yesterday. According to the manual, the tire pressure of one or more wheels is incorrect. Unfortunately, we cannot fix this problem ourselves, as all gas stations with air stations do not have a display. So, we just put in some air and hope for the best. That doesn't help us. Despite the signal, we continue cruising.

We make a next stop in Paia to pick up the travel guide and reattach the roof. At around 40-50mph and strong winds, it's quite windy and noisy. Just as we're starting to drive again, it starts to rain lightly. What timing! Next, we visit the Ho'okipa Beach Park - a wind, kite, and surfing mecca.

What we didn't expect is seeing giant turtles on the beach there :-)

We continue heading east. It's getting greener and greener. Soon we find ourselves on a jungle road. There are numerous waterfalls and pools along our way - we visit the Haipua'ena Falls and Pua'a Ka'a Falls on foot. Fortunately, we have an insect repellent spray in our luggage, otherwise we would be an easy target for mosquitoes. In the travel guide, we see that there is a small path to a hidden waterfall at the Pua'a Ka'a Falls. To reach it, we have to cross a stream. And at this point, a little riddle for you: Which one of us went bathing with all our stuff (haha) and had to chase after their water bottle downstream afterwards? We welcome suggestions via WhatsApp, email or comments ;-)

We definitely want to take a swim today, but not quite as rapid and unexpected.

We make a final stop before Hana in Nahiku. There, we drive down a small road to the sea through plant territory. About 6.5 hours after leaving Lahaina, we reach Hana - a proper, small settlement at the other end of the island. After a snack and bodysurfing at Hamoa Beach, we make the whole trip back.

If you think that's the end of the day, you're wrong.

Back in Paia (around 8 pm), we go to 'Rock&Brews' for a meal. A dessert is also on the menu ;-) Freddy is also thirsty and therefore gets refueled. We wrap up warmly and drive up to Haleakala again. This time not all the way to the top, but up to 7500 feet (2500m above sea level). Why? Because we can. No, because we want to admire the starry sky. Due to the low light pollution, Haleakala is known for astronomical purposes. And indeed: it is breathtakingly beautiful. We rarely see such a night sky. It's freezing cold again by the way and we even have a few pictures for you, turn off your lights;-)

Finally, we drive back and arrive at the apartment at 1:00 am. Good night ;-)

Photo of the day: decorated Hawaiian dog