Monday February 6
Pa'ia/Road to Hana/Hana

Watched the sunrise at Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Most of the birds were hiding, but the birdsong was a beautiful accompaniment to the sunrise. Drove to Pa'ia for coffee and internet access which wasn't free; so the cheapskate I am, I didn't get to post my blog. Dumb move, as I'm now in Hana and there's no internet access or cell phone reception. Aaargh forced telecommunication withdrawal!

Wandered the streets of this really cool hippy town. Definitely reminded me of Mount Shasta or (older) Santa Cruz. I think if I ever come back and want to do kiteboarding I'll stay here-close to the beach and tons more character than Kahului. Lot's of great shopping. Travel Tip: find the Artist Coop, they usually have the best deals. Got some very nice jewelry and art. Picked up my copy of a goofy travel CD "Back on the Road Again" by local DJ with songs from local Hawaiian artists to accompany me on my drive down the Road to Hana.

Stocked up on papaya at the hippy grocery store and headed down the road to the Windsurfer beach. Saw a blow fish who had seen better days. I think he was thinking, “This blows!” I crack myself up! There was a high surf warning and no one was out. The area is known for large surf, "Jaws" is a gigantic wave system that hits the area periodically with waves from 50-300 (depending on what you read). From the pictures I can believe the larger of the two. Surfers have to be towed in via jetski or dropped in by helicopter in order to risk their lives and have bragging rights.



Back tracked a bit to Mama's Fish House. Originally, I was skeptical about what sounded like a tourist trap, but was definitely wooed by the amazing grounds and décor. The restaurant is in a beautiful inlet on beach level. The style is tasteful Hawaiian. They have their own outrigger canoe on the grounds and apparently take guests staying at their cottages out in it. The food, though spendy, was fabulous and so plentiful I had the other half of my Ahi Sandwich and sweet potato fries for dinner. When I got back to my car, the valet had noticed my travel guide CD and with a shit eating grin told me, that he was the "Captain" and had made the CD with the DJ two years ago. I thought that was so cool! And it made me that much happier to know I was supporting some guy parking cars for a living.

Got "Back on the Road Again" to Hana. Oh my god, that goofy CD was so worth the price. This road is insane! There are over 600 curves and 50 bridges and it is jam packed with tourists hell bent on getting "somewhere." It is a truly amazing drive though.













There are entire mountainsides of bamboo forest













Waves crashing against volcanic rock "dragon teeth"













Groves of Rainbow Eucalyptus


















A roadside arboretum complete with display taro fields.















I was so happy to have that CD, especially driving alone. There is no way in hell I would have been able to know that the next exit I wanted was at mile marker whatever and I should park such and such a place and beware of the people selling Maui Wowi (pot) and to pull over to let locals who are on your tail go careening down the road taking the hairpin corners on two wheels. Plus there is some great music on the CD from local artists which is a god send as there is no radio reception for most of the 2 1/2 hour drive. My favorite is the namesake song, Willie Nelson (a Maui frequenter) gave them the rights and it's done Hawaiian style with ukulele.





Found my wonderful, wonderful condo at Hana Kai Maui Resort Condominiums. As you can see from the pictures the black sand beach is right outside. The doors to the lanai (balcony) have screens so you can sleep with the wind and surf and without (too many) geckos.






Had a walk and bobbed in the surf completely blissed out. The condo comes with a kitchenette which is great because Hana has two places to eat and a tiny general store. I was so glad I brought gruba with me to grind (I'm starting to speak Hawaiian, you see).