Hearts in Hawai'i
Our Trip to Maui (2014)--Day 18
5/22/2014
Time to hike! We had spent possibly too much time in the car and, other than that, doing nothing for the past several days, so it was time to get out there and enjoy the sunshine, hot and humid as it was. We wanted to check out the Kapalua Coastal Trail today, so off we went.
The northern terminus of this trail is at DT Fleming Beach
The trail winds through the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua property
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua property near Dragon's Teeth
Coastline near the Ritz-Carlton
Eventually you have to walk on the Lower Honoapi`ilani Road for a short stretch near the Villas at Kapalua (Ridge)
And then a short trail takes you to a trail overlooking the ocean
Oneloa Beach
More of the Villas at Kapalua (Bay)--very nice! Rack rates are pricey, but some rooms are available through Sullivan Properties for a much more reasonable cost.
Another look at Oneloa Beach--nearly deserted most of the time, this beach is a gem!
This is a very nice, relatively easy dirt section of the coastal trail.
The dirt trail eventually ends and you have to walk toward Kapalua Bay on this sidewalk.
The previous three shots are near Kapalua Bay
Kapalua Bay Beach
Norfolk Pines and Cook Pines on the hillside near Kapalua
The damage done!
It wasn't all fun and games. Just as we started up the boardwalk portion of the trail near Oneloa Beach, I missed a step up, fell and landed on my left knee. I was carrying my Nikon so the only thought was, save the camera! Which I did, sacrificing my knee in the process. I was just happy we weren't on a rocky part of the trail when it happened.
This is a fantastic trail! And it also features some of the best photo ops in West Maui. We hiked the trail all the way to Kapalua Bay, ending up adjacent to the Sea House Restaurant. I had no idea Kapalua Bay and Napili Bay were so close. All in all, despite my fall, this was a great hike, but a hot hike, in the mid-80's and muggy.
Back at the hotel, it was Neosporin time for the knee and then a nap followed by a shower.
Dinner tonight was at Porto, in Ma`alaea--Porto is owned by the Pacific Whale Foundation. While opinions on the PWF vary, one can't deny Porto features some of the best pizza to be found on Maui! It did turn out to be a pleasant surprise, as I had no idea what to expect from this place. Prior to tonight, our favorite pizza had come from Dollie's in Kahana, and Dollie's would be considered only average by Duluth standards.
But Porto exceeded our expectations. The crust reminded us somewhat of Sammy's Pizza in Duluth, dark and crunchy on the outside. Ingredients--Italian Sausage, pepperoni and mushrooms--were generous. The sauce was somewhat sweet and unusual, and we liked it! Overall, I would say this was the best pizza we'd had in Hawai`i since BJ's Chicago Pizzeria in Lahaina turned into Lahaina Pizza Company and forgot what good pizza was supposed to be about.
Arriving in Ma`alaea
Ma`alaea Harbor
The inside of Porto is pleasing
Rustic Bruschetta
14" Finocchio Pizza--excellent!
One last look at Ma`alaea before leaving
Previous: 5/21/2014--Our Trip to Maui (2014)--Day 17
Index of Blog Pages
last updated november 15, 2021
|