Well last of 2017 was hiking in Hawaii.
Dec: 23 to 31 - 2017
70+ miles of leg work....
Maui ,Hawaii
Yes, have to mention this:- had fabulous Christmas special "HighFitness" on friday 22nd to start off.
It was after long long time re-visited this island. After spending October, November & almost entire December in Seattle it was good break, some prior commitments n'ways. The first time trip which was way back was much in rush as some storm came in so visit to Haleakala got postponed till last day and had to catch flight at 7 / 8 in the evening, just rushed drive to the top and then crazy hike on sliding sands trail to one of the craters and back, I rem. one bottle water and one pear .... probably this was my first hike in USA as such or cable line trail was first in Seattle. Not exactly sure ... anyways. After hike drove to airport and flat out slept in plane. That's the last memory. Like any other tourist that time did helicopter ride, Hana drive ( which is different now), old luau, some boat adv. and ocean center, tropical garden, plantation tours etc....
Over past some years travel is totally different actually that might be the time when travelling started as such, most of the places visited were for strenuous activities trekking, hiking and some other crazy things. This time around that's what continued. Never knew of some of the coastal or other trails in Maui and got real good chance and had fun exploring them.Weather turned out beautiful all throughout.
Remembered the hike to Twin falls and drive en route Lahaina, where they used to sell sugarcane juice and I rem telling the guy how its made back in India and we put lemon and ginger and salt in it, it was fun to see these days all these ingredients one can add and are provided. So many times driving on Hana road last time the thought was , why don't farmers sell their local produce here, during last trip there hardly was anyone and now one can get food and fruits etc. even road is in way much nicer condition.Best place to buy fruits were at Maui plantation, besides the coconut water seller in Lahaina (he has his own truck) has really amazing work ethics and makes sure you get real good stuff. Stroll under banyan tree and arts and crafts people have nice things. Lahaina is nice place for stroll, food and many shops around are nice. Some other malls are also good places to explore.
Early morning run along the ocean some 4/5 miles, pool time, make your own breakfast, pack lunch and hit the trails , back on beach or in pool.
Some trails explored:-
Walk down to blow hole [
I guess one hike has to be in heels, for those who know some things & background story this statement would make sense and for others just ignore, especially Greece Acrocorinth in 3 inch heels at 12 in the afternoon and yes it was very well executed not recommended though (some enthu photographer even has picture) ], Ohai trail : very peaceful walk along the ocean and informative at the same time (met one nice elderly couple and really glad could help them and am sure they had really great Christmas and doing well now).
House of sun :- Haleakala, This time around did sliding sands trail all the way to the base of crater the trail access last time we went to was closed to middle crater, gorgeous views and on sunny day while hiking in the afternoon make sure to carry enough water and some snacks, food etc. Since we didn't have tents or things to stay couldn't go for overnight treks.
The next day Halemau'u trail: weather was little rainy and cloudy in the morning, saw Nene birds, the zigzag walks and route to holua cabin is nice and almost all to yourself. The other side trail is mostly for mules to carry stuff to cabins.
After doing so many hikes and treks and things over time, didn't even feel were hiking at an elevation.
Hosmer grove, nice stroll in nature and eucalyptus trees smell amazing and refreshing. Nearby Lavender farm has nice garden grounds and lavender products.
Iao valley just the stroll around and Hawaii nature park near by, Kelia pond trail by ocean is nice.
Hana drive :- Surfing spot and delight to watch surfers, short walk to twin falls, Waikamoi nature trail,botanical gardens etc, number of waterfalls, lava tubes are interesting walk surprisingly no bats just some small crawling things on floor, the trail on lava rocks and black sand beach in Waianapanapa state park is really good , Kipahulu Haleakala national park trail to waterfalls is nice walk among bamboo, the trail has lots of Jamun trees en route and huge banyan trees, there are two water falls Mahiku and Waimoku and there is some small trail loop by ocean side later on to explore.
The Hana loop drive is nice and glad this time did almost everything on the drive and finished early.
Waihee ridge trail is interesting thing to do in wet conditions but
the trail and views are really refreshing and beautiful and from my POV
its more beautiful when cloudy with little drizzle. Waihee wetlands and coastal dunes is beautiful ocean side walk, Kapalua coastal trail, Wailea beach trail and many others are also nice walks with clean beautiful beaches to explore.
Covered as much in short trip, one day went exploring Lahaina and other towns and places and luau in evening. This was long due since Iceland but didn't get chance may be next time horseback riding
( nothing like that have done it before in hawaii and other places).
Overall saw different side of Maui apart from last times touristy stuff and loved it. Beautiful place to explore, its your choice what u want to do.
Just got back on 31st night right in time to see the fireworks on Space needle and started new year Jan 1st 2018 with quick morning hike on "Chirico trail" .....
Bye Bye 2017 WELCOME 2018 !!
Maui 2017 Some Pics:
Instagram: Maui glimpses 
