Many travelers want to find places to vacation where they can get away. They search to discover locations to be by themselves enjoying the fresh air, the nature around them, and fewer other people. Maui, Hawaii is just the vacation location for getting away from the rigors of everyday life, and crowds and into relaxation, and adventure.
Are you looking for a vacation that gives you and your family a chance to reconnect with out being surrounded by other people? Maui, Hawaii might be just the place for you to get away from the crowds! Take a look at the following places to get out and explore!
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Ioa Valley State Park
Ioa Valley State Park is located in central Maui, west of Wailuku. One highlight of this park is the iconic Ioa Needle, a 1200-foot green-mantled rock outcropping. It overlooks Ioa Stream and is a great place to hike.
From the parking lot, there is a paved path to view the Ioa Needle and beautiful views of the valley. There is also a rainforest walk and interactive exhibits at the Hawaii Nature Center for families to enjoy. Since the needle often clouds up during the day it is best to get there early for good viewing. Check out this page for hiking safety information in Maui.
The Ioa Valley also has historical significance as the location that Kamehameah defeated Maui’s forces, changing Hawaiian history, in a fierce battle in 1790. This state park is a great place to explore this bit of Hawaiian culture.
Horseback Riding in the Upcountry
Upcountry Maui is Hawaiian cowboy country. Since the late 1800s, Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo, have been wrangling cattle in the open fields on horseback. Now, ranches are giving families the opportunity to take a horseback-riding excursion and explore the mid-slopes of Haleakala. Many offer private horseback excursions for just your family or group.
If you happen to be in Maui on the 4th of July you might want to check out the Makawao Rodeo, Hawaii’s largest paniolo competition. There will be a parade and traditional rodeo events such as barrel racing, calf roping, and bronco riding with, of course, Hawaiian character tossed in. Note: The rodeo is probably not the best place to feel secluded but, for those willing to be in a crowd, it is sure to be festive and fun.
While in the Upcountry, you might want to stop in Makawao. This charming town is known for its cream puffs at the T. Komoda Store and the art scene. In fact, Makawao was once considered one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States. You will be amazed by glassblowers, wood sculptors, and painters as you wander through the unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries.
The Road to Hana
While the road to Hana might be filled with cars there are plenty of places to get out and explore where you will feel like you have it all to yourself. This is a fantastic adventure in Maui, Hawaii to get away from the crowds! All along the road, there are pullouts that have trails you can explore. Some are more traveled than others. A few will have larger parking lots.
A few good stops are:
- Waikamoi Ridge Trail–mile 9.5
- The Garden of Eden Arboretum–mile 10 ($)
- Kaumahina State Wayside Park–mile 12
- Honomanu Bay Lookout–mile 14
- Keanae–mile 17
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park–mile 32.
Driving the road to Hana is an ALL Day trip. It takes about 3 hours to get to Hana if you don’t stop. so you will want to leave very early in the morning if you want to do this as a day trip. Also, don’t try and see everything in one trip. Pick a couple of stops and save the rest for another trip. (What a great reason to vacation in Maui again!). Staying overnight in Hana is highly recommended. This little town is so peaceful and rejuvenating and there is so much to see in this area that an overnight stay is a lovely addition to your vacation.
Haleakala National Park
When most people think of Haleakala National Park they think of the crater 10,000 ft above sea level. While the actual crater is fascinating you won’t feel like you have the whole place to yourself, ever. But, there are many trails around the crater and off the road up to the crater that are much less traveled. Safety note: Haleakala is at very high elevation. The temperature is much lower than the coast (easily 20-30 degrees cooler) and there is less oxygen. It is very easy to suffer from high-altitude sickness if you exert yourself too much.
There is another side to Haleakala National Park that is much less traveled. The Kipahulu section which is just past the town of Hana. This side has very different landscape than what you will find up to and at the crater. This area is lush and green with bamboo forests, waterfalls, and bubbling streams. The Pipiwai Trail to the 400 ft Waimoku Falls is a great hike into this area.
Haleakala National Park cannot be mentioned without talking about the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. They are glorious from the top, near the crater parking lot. Watching the sun come up or go down is not people-free but you will be so glad you went. Some consider the sunrise to be the most spectacular on earth. Important: You must make a reservation online up to 7 days prior to park and see the sunrise.
Nakalele Point and Blowhole
If you continue to drive northwest past Ka’anapali and Kapalua to about mile marker 38.5 you will find the turnout for the Nakalele Blowhole and heart rocks. Head down the hill about 200 feet to the rocks jutting out into the ocean and you will come to the blowhole. You can’t miss it. You can actually see it from the top but it is much more impressive from below. The geyser of water shooting up in the air (sometimes 100 ft) is caused by the ocean flowing under and forcing water through a large hole in the rocks.
Wear good shoes for this activity. The trail on the way down is coated with dirt and loose rocks and the rocks on the bottom are slippery. Also, be careful getting too close to the edge of the rocks. You might find yourself at best, quite wet, and at worst, a painful tossing onto the rocks.
Down on the rocks a little bit away from the blowhole there is a spot in the rocks where the whole makes an almost perfect heart shape. It is a fun find and photo op.
You will have company on this adventure but because it’s a bit of a drive there are not usually huge crowds.
The island of Maui is such a wonderful vacation destination, so full of beauty, Hawaiian culture, many things to do and see, and a great place to relax. Maui, Hawaii is definitely a great place for getting away from the crowds and enjoying what’s important in life!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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