Hawaii Trip 2014 - Maui Day 5

September 2, 2014 (Tuesday)

Venturing north of the area, we were staying we caught a glimpse of some sea turtles at a beach in Napoli. We also purchased a little carved turtle from an artisan set up by the parking area. His prices were a bit lower than the prices we saw earlier in the trip.

Nakalele Blowhole

Continuing north, we came across the Nakalele Blowhole. Blowholes are created when the ocean wears away the shore below the lava shelf. Waves force water though the hole in the lava shelf resulting in the eruption of water. The degree was eruption varies vastly depending on the tide levels and wave action.

Next stop was the Olivine Pools. The pools were named after a semi-precious gem that is found encrusted in the surrounding lava and sandstone. The pools are a popular area for swimming, wading and sunbathing.

After the pools, the road way became rather interesting – meaning lots of single lane road that lasted for very long stretches. We had planned to go back the way we came, but decided against it. Luckily, we only had to back up to let a truck pass once.

In Kahakuloa, we stopped at Julia’s for banana bread and coconut candy – both were very yummy! While at Julia’s we enquired about the Lower Makamaka’ole Falls. We were told that we would be able to see it from the road, but we could not find it despite knowing what mile marker it was at.

At the Luau

Our evening plans included going to the Old Lahaina Luau. Research repeated said that the Old Lahaina Luau was the most authentic one on the island. The price was a bit steep (over $100/person), but everything about the evening was fabulous! We arrived about 20 minutes before the start time and the place was already quite busy. The check-in process was super smooth and efficient. Once arriving they give you a choice of water, juice or mai tai and lead you personally to your table. Once at your table there is a long list of available drinks. While waiting for the luau to begin, there are many different stations set up that you can visit – hog roast pit, fabric printing, coconut breaking, Hawaiian games, and instrument playing.

Old Lahaina Luau - hog rost pit

We were one of the last tables to get our food so we were given appetizers, or pupus as they are known in Hawaii. The pupus was banana bread and pineapple. I must say the pineapple in Hawaii is amazing! The food buffet was huge – tons of choices. I was brave and tried pretty much everything. The only thing that was absolutely horrid was Poi - it was purple, pasty and did not have good flavor. The desserts were not that great in my opinion. There were four bite size dessert choices – brownies with chili powder and lavender iced shortbread cookies were two of the choices.

The entertainment show was very nice – lots of action and colors. When leaving you received a mini loaf of banana bread to take home. All in all going to the luau was one of the highlights of the trip.