Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [282]
SLEEPING
These B&Bs are near each other in a residential neighborhood inland of Hwy 30, about 0.25 miles east of Wahikuli Wayside Park.
House of Fountains ( 667-2121, 800-789-6865; www.alohahouse.com; 1579 Lokia St; r incl breakfast $150-170; ) A Hawaiian theme resonates throughout, with hula rattles and warrior masks brimming from every corner, and even a hand-carved outrigger canoe hanging from the living room ceiling. The six guest rooms are nicely fitted with queen beds, refrigerators and DVD players. It’s a kid-friendly place – the owners have kids of their own. German is spoken.
Guest House ( 661-8085, 800-621-8942; www.mauiguesthouse.com; 1620 ′Ainakea Rd; r incl breakfast $169; ) The amenities here put the nearby resorts to shame. Each room has a 42in plasma TV, a hot tub and private lanai. Stained-glass windows and rattan furnishings reflect a tropical motif. The long list of free perks runs from wi-fi and beach gear to a guest shower you can use before your midnight flight home. And with access to a fully equipped kitchen you won’t need to eat all your meals out.
Hanaka′o′o Beach Park
This long, sandy beach extending south from Ka′anapali Beach Resort has a sandy bottom and water conditions that are usually safe for swimming. However, southerly swells, which sometimes develop in summer, can create powerful waves and shorebreaks, while the occasional kona (leeward) storm can kick up rough water conditions in winter. Snorkelers head to the second clump of rocks on the south side of the park, but it really doesn’t compare with sites further north. The park has full facilities and is one of only two beaches on the entire west Maui coast that has a lifeguard. Hanaka′o′o Beach is also called ‘Canoe Beach,’ as west Maui outrigger canoe clubs practice here in the late afternoons.
KA′ANAPALI
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Ka′anapali, west Maui’s first and foremost resort, spreads along three sparkling miles of sandy beach. With a dozen oceanfront hotels and condos, two 18-hole golf courses and an oceanful of water activities, Ka′anapali is tricked out with everything you’d expect of a resort vacation. After you’re done splashing around, kick back with a frosty drink topped by a little paper umbrella and enjoy the pretty views across the ′Au′au Channel to Lana′i and Moloka′i.
Sights
KA′ANAPALI BEACH
The long golden-sand strand fronting the Ka′anapali resort hotels is the liveliest stretch of beach on the west Maui coast. Dubbed ‘Dig Me Beach’ for all the well-waxed strutting that takes place, it’s a happening scene with surfers, bodyboarders and parasailers ripping across the water, and sailboats pulling up on shore. However, swimmers should check with the hotel beach huts before jumping in, as water conditions vary and currents are sometimes strong.
The best underwater sights are at Pu′u Keka′a, also known as Black Rock, the lava promontory that protects the beach in front of the Sheraton. Novices snorkel along the sheltered southern side of Pu′u Keka′a, but the shallow coral in these waters has been stomped to death. If you’re a confident swimmer, the less frequented horseshoe cove cut into the tip of the rock is the real prize, teeming with tropical fish, colorful coral and sea turtles. There’s often a current to contend with off the point, which can make getting to the horseshoe a bit tricky, but when it’s calm you can swim right in. Pu′u Keka′a is also a popular shore-dive spot; any of the beach huts can set you up.
KAHEKILI BEACH PARK
To leave the see-me crowd behind, head to this idyllic golden-sand beach at Ka′anapali’s less-frequented north end. The swimming’s better, the snorkeling’s good and you’ll find plenty of room to stretch without bumping into anyone else’s beach towel. The park has showers, rest rooms, a sheltered pavilion and BBQ grills, making it perfect for a beachside picnic.
Snorkelers