A Locals Guide to Maui's Sweet Spots

Hows it! Welcome to the world of lush green vegitation, bare foot excursions and good vibrations. Maui is the perfect combination of remote paradise and scattered neiches of civilization for the less rugged traveler. Reggae muic and Kalua pulled pork are culture and the air is warm alowing you to wear a swimsuit all day long. The water is crystal clear and the forests are litered with bloming patches of wildflowers that seem as if they are reaching out to touch you. If you're stressed, you will relax; if you're sad, you will turn happy. How could you not? The entire island seems as if it is created to make you smile.

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NA'ILI'ILI'-HALE TRAIL

Having been to Maui twice, I have had the pleasure of being shown some locals insider spots by my friend Jared who lives in Lahina, Maui; spots tourists could never imagine finding in their brochures. Straight from the airport, the first stop on our adventure was the Na'ili'ili-Hale trail a.k.a. "The Bamboo Forest" in Haiku. This is probably my favorite trails because it is quite secluded and difficult to find. The entrance is virtually invisible as it is a skinny trail through thick brush and the path is only made clear about 5 minute into walking through tall bushes and grasses.The confusion is worth it though if you find yourself without a guide. The first half is a hike through a bamboo forest where the beating sun is cast out from the towering stalks and makes for a cool leisurely stroll.

The first few swimming holes have mini waterfalls and are great place to take a dip and cool off. If you're a fiend for waterfalls like I am, these spots are perfect for getting upclose and personal.

After scrambling up cliffs, boulders, ropes and ladders, the final waterfall is only accessible by swimming through a small gorge that opens up to reveal a gorgeous lush waterfall that is perfect for brave cliffjumpers. The water is deep enough to jump from a height of about 30 feet. A must see for avid hikers.

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IOA VALLEY

Tucked into the mountainous regions in Central Maui lies a stream cut valley that is considered one of the most moist spots on the island. A constant layer of mist covers this uptopia of vegitation and rainfall comes on randomly and frequently. The infamous "NeedlePoint" peak juts out from the moutain range and is a usually enveloped in mist, making it a magical sight.

While there is a paved pedestrian trail taking you through a short loop around the tree covered valley, my friends and I decided to be a bit more risqué and venture into the offbeaten path upriver. Skinny trails led through an overgrown jungle where the leaves from the tall grasses were so soft they tickled your legs as your brushed past. As you push leaves and branches aside to make way, the vegitation gets more and more dense. Everything surrounding you is an illuminating green. The air gets dense with moisture and it drizzled warm mist the entire time. This was one of the most enchanting connections I've ever felt to nature because it touches upon every sense. Everything you hear, touch, smell, and see is a unlifting experince.

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CLIFFHOUSE

This one is for all my "crystal clear" water lovers. Maui's waters are famous for their visibility, making it one of the most sought after locations for swimmers, surfers, and ocean enthusiasts alike. But one of my favorite spots on the island to take a dip and a snorkle is Cliffhouse. Access to this spot is through a resort, ending at cliffs along the waters edge. A sweet little inlet where the water glows emerald and blue is the jumping off point. You are able to see all the little fishies swimming around your feet and the beautful ocean life thriving beneath the surface. Do a flip, do a jackknife, do a cannonball, but just jump in. The water is warm.

There is even a built in ladder to hoist you back up, so that you can jump back in.

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BRUDDAH HUTTS

Adventuring can make you ravenous. And when you're in the heart of Hana, restaurants can be scarce. This family run lunch spot along Hana Highway has some of the best BBQ pulled pork around. From chicken, pork, and baja fish tacos, Braddah Hutts is the perfect post adventure grazing post.

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WAIANAPANAPA CAVES

Do you hate cold water, enclosed spaces, pitch black enviornments, and swimming in water you can't see? Then don't go to this awesome place. If you know you can handle it, this is one of the coolest experences you can have in Maui. The backstory of these caves involving the Hawaiian princess who haunts the waters makes it that much more terrifying. You are able to swim through a small hole hardly big enough to squeeze through into pitch black caves. If my friends did'nt have a headlamp, I would be stuck there still. Making your way through the water filled caverns by using only your hands to feel what's around you, you find your way out by climbing your way to the top and out into the roof of the cave. I do not recommend for those who are severly claustrophobic, you will pannic. And you don't want to wake up the princess.