Southside Exploring

Today started off as another workday for Bob and I.  While Bob finished up his calls, I packed our lunches and gear for a day of hiking and snorkeling.  It was raining intermittently on our part of the island, so we headed for south Maui, where the sunshine is much more dependable.  We drove to the end of the road, past Wailea and Makena, to La Perouse Bay.  It was already getting late when we arrived, after 1 PM, and the winds were strong and whipping up whitecaps on the ocean.  The two areas we'd planned to snorkel -- the "fishbowl" and the "aquarium" -- were closed for rehabitation. Additionally, since it was so windy, the conditions didn't seem that safe in the main part of La Perouse Bay.  Instead of snorkeling, we took a 2 mile hike out to the weather station at Cape Hanamanioa, across a lava field and past some ancient stone houses which were part of a protected archeological area.  As we were hiking out, we noticed some local girls trekking the same route as us, but they took a little footpath off to the right of the trail.  We decided to explore the path on our return.   Once at the weather station, the views were incredible.  The picture above was taken there by Bob as he hung over the edge of the cliff.  We rested for a few minutes and then decided to head back, since the weather was changing, with dark clouds forming over Haleakala and strong winds blowing them our way. 

On our return trip, we took the little path we'd seen the locals follow. It led to a really cool place, sort of like a jacuzzi-sized pool carved into the lava about 10 feet down the edge of the cliff, with an opening looking out over, but protected from, the breaking waves.  Unfortunately, the girls were still there, and since it was just a small pool, we didn't want to intrude.  We walked back and found another path which led to a different part of the cliff's edge.  This spot looked like it was used by local fisherman - it had a barbecue carved into a crevace, a rail overlooking the sea, and pipes to hold poles.  It overlooked the most beautiful, calm water about 20 feet below.  The area was set a little lower than the top of the lava field and as a result, was protected from the wind.  While we were enjoying the view, several large fish swam by; the water was crystal clear and it was so tempting to jump in - except for the fact there would be no way to get out without a long swim back to the beach.

After hiking back to our car, it started to rain lightly.  We could see the thunderheads backing up against Haleakala and noticed rain further to the north, where we were heading.  Undaunted, we drove about a mile north to 'Ahihi cove were the snorkeling was INCREDIBLE!  Not only was it completely protected from the wind, it was rich with diverse sea life and underwater coral formations.  Bob found a monstrous sized crab, with a body as big as a dinner plate and long legs like the snow crabs they sell in Costco.  Despite the monsoon-like rain, we stayed as long as we could until the lightning and thunder from the rainstorm became too intimidating for me.  We changed into dry clothes (which quickly became soaked from the torrential downpour), and set out to find a restaurant for dinner.  Yelp.com recommended a sushi spot in Kihei. When we arrived, it had not opened yet (open only from 6 - 10) so we waited, noting how odd it was to have received such a high rating, but to be so small.  There were only about 12 seats at the sushi bar and one table.  Once open, we were told they were completely booked for the night.  Darn!  Bob pulled up Yelp again and picked the number 2 choice - Sensai Sushi, also in Kihei.  This place was able to squeeze us in. It was about 10 times the size of the first place, and had an incredible menu.  The panko-crusted ahi roll and shrimp cakes were really delicious.  We also had a terrific sashimi platter, some grilled shitake mushrooms, and a hawaiian spiny lobster roll.  For dessert, two giant tempura maui sweet onion rings. I left wishing we had a place like this back home!