Maui does’nt have as many farmers markets as the other islands, but don’t let that fool you. Maui is home to about 800 farms. Maui’s climate is perfect for growing a wide range of crops year round. The fertile slopes of Haleakala provide a wide temperature band that allow for a variety of produce to be grown. Still most of these farms are small, and Hawaii imports about 80-90% of it’s food from the mainland. Support the local economy and farmers instead of buying the imported produce that’s found in some grocery stores. The fruit and vegies will be fresher, healthier and delicious. Plus farmers markets have all sorts of treats that make them a fun activity for tourists.
View Maui Farmers Markets in a larger map
Sometimes, gentlemen, you have to go beyond chocolates and flowers. 2500 miles beyond, to a little island in the Pacific called Maui. In our guide to Hawaii’s best island we gave Maui highest honors as Hawaii’s most romantic island. The sweet smelling air, miles of beaches, and dreamy sunsets are enough to cement any relationship.
With the weak economy can you afford a romantic getaway? You’ll be surprised at some of the amazing deals on offer. A prime example is the aptly name Love Nest by the Sea, a beautifully remodeled Maui vacation rental on sugar beach.
Another Mission Accomplished thanks to Love Nest by the Sea
Normally renting for $200+ per night, the owners of the Love Nest are offering terrific recession discounts with prices as low as $120/night. Taking into account tax savings, that’s more than $600 if you stay for a week, enough to cover the cost of an airplane ticket!
Following up on our previous post about Ocean Safety, we thought we’d share some pictures of what the Queen’s Bath looks like when 25 ft waves hit the coastline.
The power of the ocean can be mesmerizing, and some people feel the urge to experience that energy by getting close to it, despite the obvious (in this case) danger.
The Queen's Bath on a day with small waves, but about the maximum safe size (click for big picture)
The following pictures (the 2nd set of three) were taken about 20 yards behind the large photo shown above. The photographer stood at the tree line, ready to grab onto a tree. The man in the first set of photos was eventually knocked over. Fortunately the jagged lava rocks charged a minimal fee of only a few ounces of blood to keep him put on the rocks. Note the Queen’s Bath isn’t even discernible anymore, completely over-run by water.
Mesmorized
Frozen
Lucky this Time
The man in these pictures stood about 5 yards from the treeline, relying on the photographer to tell him when to make a run for it.
Raw Power Approaches
This is bad
Run!
Our friends recently drove to the summit of Haleakala volcano to view the sunrise at about 5:40 a.m. They loved the experience but had to get up at 2 a.m. to make it in time. Expect a 2:30 am departure from both the West and South coast. The national park service provides more information at their web site.
A great alternative for those that don’t want to wake up that early is viewing the sunset from the summit. That way you’ll be able to get a good idea of weather conditions. Day time viewing of the crater is also very interesting, and the park offers hiking. Another option is going to the crater at night for incredible star gazing.
Either way, the key to enjoying Haleakala is preparation. At 10,000 ft, the summit is icy cold. It’s a bit of pain having to fill up your suit case with winter clothes for a trip to Hawaii, but it will be worth it. You’ll need long pants (jeans or better), closed shoes, long sleeved shirt (and another layer underneath), a winter jacket, gloves, and a toque. Additional preparations if you plan on hiking. Also pack some food. Perhaps even a thermos with hot chocolate.
The park currently charges an entrance fee of $10 per car.
Haleakala Crater - Image Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ron Dahlquist
