Traveling To Maui

Jul 27
2009

Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of surfing and the hula. Former seat of a royal kingdom. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit: the warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures.

There are primarily six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big island. You’ll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities. We invite you to explore all of Hawaii to find the unique island experience for you.

  • Kauai’s incredible Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, and one mile wide.
  • Duke Kahanamoku, the “Father of Modern Surfing,” grew up in Waikiki on Oahu.
  • The tallest sea cliffs in the world can be found on Molokai’s north side.
  • A hulking ship is still trapped in the waters of Shipwreck Beach on Lanai.
  • The crater of Haleakala on Maui is roughly the size of the island of Manhattan.
  • Kileaua Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island is the world’s most active volcano.

State Name:

Hawaii

State Nickname:

The Aloha State

Capital City:

Honolulu

Population:

1,262,840

Time Zone:

Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), 5 hours behind the US East Coast, 6 hours behind during Daylight Saving Time (Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time).

Languages:

English
Hawaiian

Currency:

US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted at many businesses.

Average Temperature:

April- November: 75˚-88˚ F.
December- March: 68˚-80˚ F.
Average water temperature: 74˚ F.

Area Code/Cell phones:

The area code for all of Hawaii is (808). Cell phone coverage on most Islands is readily available if you’re coming from the US. Check your carrier and calling plan for details.

Internet Access:

Internet access is readily available on most islands and at many hotels.

Accommodations:

Luxury resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, rental cottages and condos are located throughout the islands.

Transportation:

Transportation options include car rentals, tour buses, shuttles, taxis or city buses.

Clothing:

Dress casually. Bring a light jacket for nights. Bring semi-casual dress clothes or resort wear for restaurants and nightlife. Suits and ties are rarely worn.

Tipping:

U.S. standards apply: 15-20% on meals, at least $1 per bag for porters, and at least $1 per night for housekeeping.

Maui County High Surf Advisory- Photo Oppertunity

Jan 15
2009

Maui County is calling for a high surf advisory to be followed by high winds across the island.   The high surf and wind advisory brought out many spectators, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pro’s trying their hat tow-in surfing at world famous “Jaws”.

Known as Peahi by the locals, this legendary big-wave surf break is an only if you dare. Jaws is where world-class daredevils risk their lives on the biggest waves in the world—up to 70 feet.

With the high surf advisory today, Photographers like me we’re hoping for the money shot. Unfortunately, it never really came for me as my driver’s ski “Barbrella” as we call her was not up to taking us out to shoot today. Starting the ski resulted in misfires only turning over the engine intermittently. We took this as a sign from above to stay on land today. Needless to say, my friends and I watched from the cliffs. The expected big swell wasn’t what I had experienced in the past. The waves we’re somewhere around 20ft. which a bit on the small size for this infamous surf spot.  I’m hoping the ski will behave and cart us out other days this week. Be on the lookout for some new Tow-in shots for 2009.

5 DAY FORECAST

MAUI COUNTY WINDWARD WATERS-
932 PM HST THU JAN 15 2009

Headlines
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON

TONIGHT
Southwest winds to 25 kt. Wind waves 9 ft. Northwest swell 17 ft. Scattered showers.

FRIDAY
Southwest winds to 25 kt. Wind waves 10 ft. Northwest swell 18 ft. Showers likely in the morning, then occasional showers in the afternoon.

FRIDAY NIGHT
Northwest winds 20 kt. Wind waves 9 ft. Northwest swell 17 ft. Occasional showers in the evening, then scattered showers after midnight.

SATURDAY
North winds 15 kt. Wind waves 5 ft. Northwest swell 17 ft.

SATURDAY NIGHT
Northeast winds 15 kt. Wind waves 5 ft. Northwest swell 15 ft.

SUNDAY
East winds 15 kt. Wind waves 4 ft. Northwest swell 14 ft.

SUNDAY NIGHT
East winds 10 kt. Wind waves 3 ft. Northwest swell 12 ft.

MONDAY
South winds 15 kt. Wind waves 3 to 4 ft. Northwest swell 10 to 11 ft. Isolated showers.

TUESDAY
North winds 15 kt. Wind waves 3 to 4 ft. Northwest swell 13 to 14 ft.

Maui Beaches

Jan 15
2009

People ask me all the time about Maui’s beaches. They want to know where should they go to take photos or to hang out on the beach. Below outlines a handful of places to check out while your on Maui.

WEST MAUI BEACHES

Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs
when visiting Maui’s beaches.

Black Rock — Ka‘anapali Beach.
Black Rock Beach is excellent for beginning snorkelers and swimmers to experienced SCUBA divers. Coral and tropical fish are abundant. This is the northernmost section of Kaanapali Beach. A beachwalk winds through Kaanapali with easy access to beachfront hotels, shopping and restaurants.
D. T. Fleming Beach Park — Kapalua
This classic west Maui beach was named “America’s Best Beach” in 2006. A long-time favorite for body and board surfing, this public park also features good swimming. Facilities include picnic tables and restrooms. Lifeguards on duty.
Kaanapali Beach — Kaanapali Resort
West Maui’s “signature” beach. Three miles of white sand; sailboat and catamaran rides and rentals; surf and windsurf lessons. Easy walking access from all Kaanapali hotels.Features “Dig Me Beach. Named “America’s Best Beach” in 2003”
Kapalua Beach — Kapalua Resort
Known to Maui veterans as Old Fleming Beach, Kapalua is the first of Maui’s beaches, and the first beach ever, to be named “”America’s Best Beach” (1991).” A truly beautiful tropical beach which offers swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
Launiupoko Beach Park — South of Lahaina
Another local favorite with a unique natural pool surrounded by a lava rock wall. Excellent for small children; picnic tables and restrooms.
Napili Bay — South of Kapalua
Napili Bay is noted for its sandy beaches and good swimming.  An excellent
snorkeling spot for novice and expert ocean adventurers.
Puamana Beach County Park – Lahaina
This beach provides swimming, picnic tables, restrooms, grills and a grassy park. Waves are excellent for beginning and intermediate surfers.
Wahikuli State Park – Lahaina
Another local favorite with calm water conditions for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. Restrooms, picnic tables and grills are available.

SOUTH MAUI BEACHES

Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs
when visiting Maui’s beaches.

Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II and III – Kihei
Ample parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts and excellent swimming conditions make the Kamaole Parks local favorites.
Keawakapu Beach – Kihei
Classic views and varied conditions mark this beach. A beachcomber’s delight, this beach offers a half mile walk to the Wailea Resort.
Kihei Beach – Kihei
A series of beaches, coves and tidepools  along over six-miles Kihei coastline.  Some areas offer lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic facilities.
Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia‘u Beach Park – Kihei
Excellent swimming kite-surfing, and windsurfing. Facilities include picnic tables, showers and restrooms.  Wintertime whale sightings are almost guaranteed.
Makena Beach State Park – Makena
Big Beach at Makena is one of Maui’s signature beaches with a seemingly endless expanse of white sand.  Picnic facilities and restrooms are available. The adjacent Little Beach is an informal (and nominally illegal) clothing optional beach with excellent body surfing.
Maluaka Beach – Makena
This beach, adjacent to the Maui Prince Hotel, offers excellent swimming and snorkeling.  Keep your eyes peeled for the  green sea turtles which are abundant here.
Mokapu Beach Park – Wailea
Excellent swimming and snorkeling. Water sports equipment rentals are available at concessions in front of  the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort.
Polo Beach – Wailea
Popular with Maui residents and visitors. Excellent swimming and snorkeling, picnic tables and restrooms are available.  Named “America’s Best Beach” in 1999.
Ulua Beach Park  — Wailea
Another local favorite with excellent swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing. Early morning and sunset walkers and joggers abound.
Wailea Beach – Wailea
Excellent  swimming with restrooms and  equipment rentals.  Along with most other Wailea beaches, the venue for a paved beachwalk meandering past Wailea’s hotels, restaurants and shops. Named “America’s Best Beach” in 1999.

CENTRAL MAUI BEACHES

Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs
when visiting Maui’s beaches.Kanaha Beach Park – Kahului
Famous the world over for its excellent windsurfing conditions, Kanaha also offers good swimming and diving.  Close to town, this beach is a popular spot for lunch and local volleyball enthusiasts.  Lifeguards, restrooms, showers and picnic tables.

Waihe‘e Beach — Waihe‘e
This beach is narrow and relatively free of crowds.  It faces east and is a popular surfing spot.

EAST MAUI BEACHES

Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and heed all warning signs
when visiting Maui’s beaches.H. A. Baldwin Beach Park – Paia
A picture-perfect Hawaii beach with excellent swimming and bodysurfing.  Also features a “baby beach” with a lagoon.  Lifeguards, restrooms and picnic facilities.

Ho‘okipa Beach Park — Pa‘ia
A world-famous venue for professional windsurfing and board surfing.  Many contests are held at Ho’okipa.  Winter surf can be massive, with excellent and safe viewing and photography.  Picnic tables and restrooms are available.
Hamoa Beach – Hana
Author James Michener called Hamoa Beach the most beautiful in the Pacific.  Named one of ten “America’s Best Beaches” in 2006.  Outstanding swimming and bodysurfing as well as showers and limited facilities on this family-friendly beach.
Hana Beach Park – Hana
Hana Beach Park is one the nicest swimming beaches. A favorite with local families, Hana Beach Park is one of the most popular swimming beaches on the island.  Many local community events are held here.
Red Sand Beach – Hana
A “secret beach” with volcanic red sand and good swimming and snorkeling.  Free spirits love this beach despite its challenging location — not for the faint of heart!
Wai‘anapanapa State Park – Hana
Excellent camping facilities, as well as cabins make Wai‘anapanapa State Park one of Maui’s best beaches.  Overlooks  a black-sand beach with good swimming, snorkeling and freshwater pools in caves.

Learning to Stand-up Paddle in Maui

Jan 11
2009

I recently started spending time working with a wonderful young lady named Jody every Saturday. Jody is disabled, she’s blind.

Working with Jody has been such an inspiration for me not only as a photographer but as person living in this world having the ability to be able to see, I am so blessed to have Jody as my inspiration and to be to be able to capture what I see behind my lens is such a gift. I am so thankful to be able to do what I love for a living. I’ll tell you, we all tend to take what you have for granted and through jody’s eyes, I’ve learned to see things somewhat differently. Jody and the time I’ve spent with her has given me a gift the gift of love and inspriation. I am hoping that by my spending time with jody that I will be able to capture my subjects with a slightly alternate style which will reflect in my work.

The photograph above is my new friend Jody along with no other than one of the worlds experts in the water, a true water woman, my dearest friend and the owner of “Maui’s only Stand-up paddle school”, “Maria Souza” and the greatest volunteer and all around good guy “Jim” a recent transplant from back east,  we we’re able to get Jody in the water to get a taste of what the rush is like to be on a stand-up paddle board in Maui. One of the most beautiful places on earth.

Thank-you Maria and Jim for your contribution, the time you spent with Jody was so impactful, she will never ever forget you two and the special time you allowed her to have in the ocean. She sooooooooooooo loved you two and is looking forward to her second lesson.

I love you guys….

Here’s Jim and Maria helping Jody learn about balance… So Awesome…..

Nicole