Maui: A Needed Escape

So by this time next week Robbie and I will be in Maui. To say that this is a needed escape is an understatement. I don’t like to think of vacations as escapes, as it makes me ponder the current status quo and why I need an escape. If I need to escape, then maybe I need to redesign my life so I’m not always yearning for an escape. Hmm. Regardless, I’ve had a few motivational setbacks in the last few months, which I’ve concluded are due to too many projects and interests on the go at the same time. The result? I can’t seem to focus on just one thing! I know, the woes of having too many things to do. Also, I’ll acknowledge this Canadian winter as one of eternal cold and the abyss called the Polar Vortex, which has managed to stretch and contort the feel of winter beyond what I’m used to.

The plan is to fly into the Kahului airport on Wednesday night, pick up our compact car, get supplies at Costco (I hear this is a MUST in order to keep costs down), and then proceed to our ocean-view condo. And then for 11 nights, we plan on… well… we don’t have everything planned. And this, my friends, is the best part! Let’s rewind to last year when we had the most stacked driving tour of Ireland. Upon returning to Canada, we were absolutely exhausted. This time, relaxation is key. I choose to look at this vacation as one gigantic centering and grounding exercise.

With that said, there are some key experiences we would like to have:

The Road to Hana. All I know about this right now is that it’s an awesome windy road in the north-eastern part of the island. The drive is supposed to be spectacular, with many stops for short hikes, bamboo forests, incredible views, and waterfalls. WATERFALLS!

Sunrise from the summit of Haleakala. I hear it’s one of the most beautiful sunrises to be seen. The 3 am start will definitely be worth it. Experiencing this is one of my travel goals for the year.

Hiking. Hiking is totally my thing! The more hikes the better. Current trails on my list? The Pipiwai Trail, Halemauu Trail, and the Kapalua Coastal Trail. I feel like wearing my hiking boots just writing this.

Snorkling. Because it’s Maui.

Surfing. We have surfing lessons lined up with Zack Howard at Ukumehame Beach! The first time I attempted surfing (in Costa Rica) I was pretty much in the water at all times. Second time’s a charm, right? And apparently he’s an amazing instructor.

Gorging. That’s just what we do on vacation. I’m definitely looking forward to the fresh fruit and vegetables… especially pineapples and guava and avocados and everything. And Hawaii has great coffee… so there will be lots of coffee drinking. I’m sure we’ll check out a luau, and I hear a visit to Mama’s Fish House is a must.

So we’ll probably do all of these…. or some of these. Either way, it won’t matter. It’s about relaxing, spending time together and exploring anything and everything Maui has to offer!

Author: rickohikes

Avid hiker, mountain lover and fitness enthusiast with insatiable wanderlust. Usually battling with an injury and my mental health, but I always persevere! View all posts by rickohikes