50 State Challenge - HAWAII

If you couldn't tell by now; I love Hawaii. I feel lucky to have visited this exotic state several times even though I live almost a half world away. Judging by most of these post, you could say that Maui is my favorite island. Most people would ask why because they believe Maui is too expensive and too touristy. I was hesitant at first to reveal my Maui secret, but then I figured why hide my paradise.

Located down Front Street in Lahaina is a gated community called Puamana. Puamana is filled with several small streets that are lined with condos. Some condos have a view of the mountains, some have a view of the ocean and some are located just feet away from the crashing waves of the Pacific.

My Condo 2012. Unit 254-4 Oceanfront

Every condo I have stayed in was oceanfront property and if you can afford it; do it. There is nothing better than waking up and walking 25 ft from your Lanai and stepping into the Pacific Ocean. Puamana offers you a private beach with decent waves to learn how to surf. If you don't want to experience the ocean for whatever reason, there are several pools located within this gated community.

View from my kitchen

Sitting on the Lanai is a million dollar view. The sunsets are almost too perfect to be true and you sometimes might see the infamous green flash. During the winter months you can see humpback whales jumping and playing from the Lanai and sea turtles are always visible no matter what time of year you decided to come.

Sunset over Puamana. August 2012

Every unit is completely different. Obviously those that live here year long have nicer looking units than those that are rentals. Some units look extremely outdated but I have to stress that all rentals are impeccably clean. My unit (254-4) was a nice 3 bedroom 2 bathroom condo. The master bedroom had a view so amazing that I guarantee no hotel on the island could rival it. 

View from the master bedroom.

If you want to enjoy Maui without all the crowds and tourists, I recommend you stay in Puamana. It has 3 swimming pools, private/uncrowded beach, 15 min walk from the hustle and bustle of Lahaina. What more could you want? Check out a this website for more info: PUAMANA RENTALS

Top Ten Things To Do & See In Maui

Planning a trip to Maui soon? Check out the top ten things to do on the island. 

• Plan a Trip to Lahaina

Sunset on Front Street

Spend a day or two walking down Front Street in Lahaina. Several Restaurants, bars and stores line Front Street. Check out MALA OCEAN TAVERN, KIMOS, FLEETWOOD ON FRONT ST for a nice dinner. COOL CATS had a pretty fun bar with live music, try the PIONEER INN for breakfast. 

• Hana Highway

Birds eye view of Hana Highway

The Hana Highway is a 68 mile long stretch of roads which connects Kahului with the town of Hana. The trip down the highway is full of twist and turns. If you dare, you can do the drive yourself or take guided tours. Several waterfalls are just off the beaten path and one of the main attractions is the Seven Sacred Pools.

• Visit Paia

Paia is the "world capital of wind surfing". The town is very colorful and laid back and so are it's locals. Several locally owned surf shops line the main street through town. 14 different and unique restaurants can be found here too. If you are looking for a less crowed beach than the ones near Lahaina, than Baldwin Beach is for you!

1. Go to Charleys

A fun and popular restaurant in Paia where the food is great, as well as the service. You can go for breakfast lunch or dinner but make sure you have a reservation. Lots of people go here simply in hopes of seeing one the restaurants favorite customer; Willie Nelson. 

• Iao Valley

The needle at Iao Valley

This is truly a magical place. It is located in Wailuku in the West Maui Mountains. It cost only $5 to park and then you are free to explore the park. There are several paved pathways but there are also several unpaved pathways that lead you into the lush tropical forest. The main attraction is the Needle. It is a steep climb to the lookout spot but it is totally worth it. 

1. Mamas Fish House

Located in Paia, this famous restaurant definitely lives up to the hype. The food is amazing and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The menu is a little pricey but it is definitely worth it. Not only is the food good but the location of this restaurant is superb. This restaurant sits by a white sand beach where you can watch people wind surf or watch one of Maui's famous sunsets. 

• Visit Jaws

Now when I say I don't mean the movie, I mean one of the most bad ass surfing spots on the planet. Jaws is located on the Hana Highway and is one of the best spots for big wave surfing. Best time to visit is in the winter because the swells are the biggest. 

• Big Beach, Little Beach

Big Beach is a very popular beach located south of Wailea. It is also known as Makena Beach and is one of the largest beaches on the island. Beach goers can sunbath, swim and snorkel in the bright blue waters. Little beach is just a small hike over a hill. It is mostly a nude beach and on sundays there is a drum circle that is not to be missed.

• Take A Bike Ride Up A Volcano

Several different companies offer sunrise Haleakala tour. You have to get up super early for these tours but they are totally worth it. The views are spectacular and breath taking. If you are not athletic don't worry because you will bike mostly downhill and the guides keep you at a safe pace.  

• Spend As Much Time In The Water

It's Maui, and you should be spending about 90% of your time in the water. There is so much to do from learning how to surf and paddle board to snorkeling and scuba diving. If you are brave enough you can do a shark cage dive and see some of the worlds most menacing sharks. Take a trip to Molokini and enjoy the underwater sea life. 

The Best Pizza in Maui

Located on the Hana Highway in Paia is the home of the islands best flatbread pizza. Once you walk through the doors of Flatbread Company you know you are in for a treat. The restaurant has a very homey, laid back vibe but they take their pizza very serious. I know if you read some reviews about the Paia location, customers have complained that it is always crowed. I found that not to be true when I went. I walked in with 3 other people and a toddler and we were seated right away. The staff was nice and took time explaining the menu to us first timers.

The pizza is truly the best. They offer a wide variety of pizza, and the prices aren't bad either. My friends and I did a half and half. We got half Coevolution and half Mopsy's Kalua Pork. I really can't even tell you which one I like better because they were both so fresh and delicious.

If you find yourself in Paia and you are looking for a place to chill and eat, Flatbread Company is the place for you. However, if this post just made you incredible hungry and you are not in Maui, there are several locations on the mainland. Most of them are in New England and one is in British Columbia.

Flatbread Company

89 Hana Hwy

Paia, HI 

808-579-8989

Follow Along On Twitter @Cheap_Adventure

An Unlikely Place for Redwoods

When you think of Redwoods trees, I bet you automatically think of California. I bet if I told you there is a Redwood forest in Maui, you would tell me to stop smoking all that Maui Wowie.

Now, I've been to Maui a number of times it was only on my last day in Maui in August of 2012 that I found out about the Redwood forest. I didn't have enough time to go, but the next time I'm in Maui it will be one of my first stops.

I've heard that the trails are almost never packed here, so you essentially have the forest to yourself. This is not a tourist destination but a local destination. If you choose to visit, make sure you have a 4x4 vehicle because the roads can easily become impassible. Remember you will be ascending so the temperature will be significantly cooler than it is at the coast, so make sure to bring a sweatshirt.

I don't have much personal information about this place and all I can tell you is what I've been told. I'm simply writing this post because I don't want any one to miss out on Redwood forest like I did.

For information about Maui's Redwood forest, click here

The Redwood forest is often covered in fog giving it a mystical appearance. 

Trail Map of Poli Poli State Park


MAHALO!

Fire, Nudity, and Drums in Maui

If you go to Hawaii, the best thing to do is befriend a local. They really let you in on some of the best secrets of the islands. My neighbor in Lahaina told us about Little Beach and the drum circle that occurs on Sunday nights. Of course I had to check it out and all I can say is that it was one hell of a time. 

Drum Circle at Little Beach 

Little Beach is adjacent to Big Beach aka Makena Beach. To get to Little Beach you have to climb a somewhat strenuous hill, but once you get there you'll forget about the climb. Little Beach is know as a nudist beach so if you are uncomfortable seeing people walking around in their birthday suits, this is not the beach for you. Also if you are not comfortable around a lot of weed, then I would also skip this beach. The hippest of hippies come fully stocked with bags of weed and rolling papers, so prepare to get your smoke on.  

The party really gets started at sunset, and thats when the fire dancers come out. They put on an amazing show, it's not to be missed. It doesn't really matter if you are a local or a tourist, just come with an open mind and you'll fit right in. Just make sure you bring a flashlight for your walk back to your car.  This is truly a unique experience and a must do if you are ever in Maui. Mahalo!!

More info about Little Beach here 

The magic of Iao Valley

The Needle from the ridge top lookout

If you ever find yourself in Maui, then you have to visit Iao Valley. My first time visiting this place was in August 2012 and I can't wait to go back. There is something magical about this place. You feel a sense of calmness and peacefulness when you walk through here, even thought it is the sight of one of Hawaii's deadliest battle.

The Iao Stream. Locals often swim here

Iao Valley is rich in history. In 1790 it was at the Battle of Kepaniwai that King Kamenhameha I clashed with Maui's army in his attempt to unify the islands. Kamenhameha ultimately defeated Maui's army in bloody battle and thus changing the course of Hawaiian history. 

Paved pathway through the valley. 

Iao Valley State Park is an excellent CHEAP way to explore the island. Parking is only $5 and once you park you are free to walk around at your own pace. Paved pathways take you along streams, through botanical gardens and at times it seems like it is taking you through a lost world. At any minute I was expecting a T-Rex to jump out from the trees.

Took an unpaved path to get a closer look at the stream

I noticed that there are also unpaved trails that require more of a strenuous hike. I ventured down an unpaved trail to get closer to the stream, but because I was by myself I didn't go to far. The unpaved trails go through thick rainforest jungle and one can easily loose there way here, so be careful.

The Needle at Iao Valley

The Needle is the main attraction here. There is a path with many stairs to take you to a lookout right next to the Needle. If you are up for climbing up several stairs then this lookout is definitely worth the trip. Since you are in the mountains it does get a little chilly up there. I would bring a sweatshirt or a rain jacket because you never know when it might rain. I went in the afternoon and a large cloud hung over head the whole time. After returning home from the trip I was told by a local that the morning is the best time to visit the park because of less cloud coverage.

View from The Needle lookout

Click here for more info about Iao Valley State Park

Ho'okipa Beach, Maui

Ho'okipa Beach

Traveling to Hawaii is really expensive, especially if you live on the eastern side of the United States. I'm from Boston so getting to Maui can be a real hassle. By the time I dish out money for my hotel room and rental car, I really like to find a cheap place to unwind. There are so much things to do in Maui that cost less than $10. 

Ho'okipa Beach from the lookout

During the winter months this beach offers some killer waves. Many of the worlds best wind and kite surfers try to dominated the raging waves. It's during the winter months were this beach and the lookout can be packed. However, I went during the middle of August and the lookout was empty and there were only a few wind surfers in the water that day. It cost nothing to park and you are free to get out and explore the surroundings. There is a barrier fence that tries to keep people back from the cliff but it is easy to climb through and get a closer look. I hopped the fenced and found a trail that lead me down to a beautiful and peaceful spot. There were natural pools where I saw locals swimming and the water is crystal clear in those pools. Tourists and locals seem to like to write there names or messages in the sand here, so I followed tradition and wrote my name in the sand. Caution: Careful getting too close to the edge it's a steep drop off.  

Trail heading down. Privately own farm land on the right