MY ISLAND HOME, MAUI
The view from Kula (upcountry) looking towards the West Maui mountains.
The island of Lana’i is visible in the distance (left)
Going to Lahaina was always a big adventure... You don’t go for an hour, or for a quick lunch. When you go to Lahaina, it’s all day!
Living upcountry in Pukalani, it took us nearly an hour to drive to Lahaina...
Heading down Haleakala highway, the views were always incredible. Seeing the beauty of the ocean surrounding the island always brought a feeling of wonder and amazement. Then we would take that sketchy left turn onto Hansen Rd (if you know, you know!) to avoid driving through Kahului, and finally passing through Ma’alaea before getting on the Pali highway.
The cliffs (pali) on both sides of the road are remarkable. The drive curves along Maui’s rugged & wind blown coastline, with plenty of caution signs warning of falling rocks, though I never saw one fall in all my years living there. Most times we would stop at the Olowalu general store just to see what local goods they had for sale. They had the best spam musubi and so many yummy drinks like POG, Aloha Maid…
Finally we would arrive in Lahaina, at my favorite beach, 505 Front Street. The parking was always free, and the beach was always perfect. Soft white sand, calm waters warm enough for swimming year round, and the waves broke on the reef creating a nice protected shoreline. I could honestly spend my entire day here! And often, that is exactly what we did!
View looking towards Lahaina from the beach at 505 Front Street
I was a total beach babe back in the day!
View of Lana’i from the beach in Lahaina, Maui
If you needed a break from the sun... you could walk down Front Street seeing the many shops, galleries, restaurants, and always busy with so many happy people enjoying life. It was the tourist mecca of the island, and for good reason. There was so much to see and do including several historical sites, like the Baldwin home, Old Lahaina courthouse, and the Banyan Tree.
..And if you’ve ever been to Front Street on Halloween, then you know Maui turns up for the greatest costume block party imaginable!
Lahaina has immense cultural and historical value.
It will always be a cornerstone in the history of Maui, and it is truly unimaginable to know that Lahaina is gone forever. My heart breaks for the incredible, kind hearted people who lost their lives in the tragic fire that engulfed everything. The families who will never be reunited. The people who lost their homes, their lifetime of Ho’ohana (meaningful work)… all destroyed in one terrible, unfathomable disaster.
Lahaina will always be a special place in my heartAnd while it will surely take immense time, effort, and love to repair all of this damage… if anyone can do it, the people of Maui surely have the Aloha spirit & commitment to cultural values that is needed at this time to begin their long journey.
