One of the main themes for this Maui adventure was to get in some outdoor exploring and hiking.
The Iao Valley (Hawaiian for "cloud supreme", pronounced similar to "EE-ow") is a lush, stream-cut valley in West Maui. The state park is located on 6.2 acres and the Iao Needle (Kūkaemoku) is a famous landmark in the state park, a vegetation-covered lava remnant rising 1,200 feet from the valley floor. The needle is surrounded by the cliffs of the West Maui mountains, an extinct volcano.
We took a short trail to the overlook for some amazing photos before checking out the botanical gardens below.
The Hawaiian god Kane is considered to be the pro creator and the provider of life. He is associated with wai (fresh water) as well as clouds, rain, streams and springs. Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the underworld, is represented by the phallic stone of the ʻĪao Needle.
After the needle, we stumbled upon the Maui Tropical Plantation, a 60 acre working plantation where visitors can explore the lush grounds and look out to see crops of avocado, apple-bananas, guava, pineapple and mangos.
Great opportunity for some photos!
We took a short trail to the overlook for some amazing photos before checking out the botanical gardens below.
The Hawaiian god Kane is considered to be the pro creator and the provider of life. He is associated with wai (fresh water) as well as clouds, rain, streams and springs. Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the underworld, is represented by the phallic stone of the ʻĪao Needle.
After the needle, we stumbled upon the Maui Tropical Plantation, a 60 acre working plantation where visitors can explore the lush grounds and look out to see crops of avocado, apple-bananas, guava, pineapple and mangos.
Great opportunity for some photos!
We then heading into Kihei and Wailea for some exploring and lunch at one of Bev Gannon's fine restaurants.
Brian's Prawn Stuffed Crab Cake with Lemon Dijon Mustard Sauce - $9
On our way out the door, I spotted Ms. Gannon sitting in the bar with another gentleman. It appeared to be a business meeting and I didn't want to come off as some crazed foodie stalker, so I just stared at her for about three minutes and realized I was too chicken to walk up to her, tell her I am a huge fan...that one of my vacation highlights was eating at one of her restaurants (not to mention the possibility of meeting her). Brian kindly helped me find my way out the door before I truly embarrassed myself. Oh well.
Kihei is the hottest and driest part of Maui and it lived up to it's name on Thursday. It gets less that 10 inches of rain a year. Stinkin' sweaty hot!
Bev's is Maui's most prestigious chef's and owns three restaurants on Maui including the Hali'maile General store (which I visited with family back in 2004).
Overlooking the water above Wailea is Gannon's. We had a wonderful lunch while enjoying the breathtaking views of Molakini.
Overlooking the water above Wailea is Gannon's. We had a wonderful lunch while enjoying the breathtaking views of Molakini.
Brian's Prawn Stuffed Crab Cake with Lemon Dijon Mustard Sauce - $9Stacy's Grilled Shrimp Summer Salad - $16
On our way out the door, I spotted Ms. Gannon sitting in the bar with another gentleman. It appeared to be a business meeting and I didn't want to come off as some crazed foodie stalker, so I just stared at her for about three minutes and realized I was too chicken to walk up to her, tell her I am a huge fan...that one of my vacation highlights was eating at one of her restaurants (not to mention the possibility of meeting her). Brian kindly helped me find my way out the door before I truly embarrassed myself. Oh well.
Kihei is the hottest and driest part of Maui and it lived up to it's name on Thursday. It gets less that 10 inches of rain a year. Stinkin' sweaty hot!
Wailea is at least three times the size of Kaanapali but it doesn't seem that way when you drive through it. It's home to some of the most exclusive beach resorts on Maui.
Wailea's Old Blue, Emerald and Gold Courses are among the top rated golf links in the United States (Gannon's restaurant is at the Emerald Course).
Yes, Pop....we got your tees!
Enjoy!
Stacy
Wailea's Old Blue, Emerald and Gold Courses are among the top rated golf links in the United States (Gannon's restaurant is at the Emerald Course).
Yes, Pop....we got your tees!
Enjoy!
Stacy
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