Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [307]
Punahoa (Map; 879-2720, 800-564-4380; www.punahoabeach.com; 2142 Ili′ili Rd; studio/1br/2br $156/239/269; ) This tasteful boutique condo lies hidden on a quiet side street fronting an even quieter beach. Every unit looks down upon a sparkling slice of the ocean that’s frequented by sea turtles. There’s no pool, but who needs one when the beach is at your doorstep? Surfers, bring your boards – Kihei’s best waves are just a few minutes’ walk away.
Koa Lagoon (Map; 879-3002, 800-367-8030; www.koalagoon.com; 800 S Kihei Rd; 1br/2br $170/200; ) Watch the whales pass from your balcony at this seaside complex with just 42 units, every one of which shares a clear-on view of the ocean. Other perks include a pretty backyard, a relaxing beach and a pool that’s not only heated but seldom crowded! Inside the comfy units are fitted with king beds and everything you’d ever need down to a washer and dryer.
Kamaole Beach Royale (Map; 879-3131, 800-421-3661; www.mauikbr.com; 2385 S Kihei Rd; 1br/2br/3br from $170/200/250; ) Set back from the road, this complex opposite Kama′ole Beach Park I is quieter than most. Another plus: most of the condos in the rental pool are fresh off a renovation that’s perked them up with pizazz. Request a unit on the top floor to score the best ocean view. Or just head up to the roof garden where there’s a BBQ grill and a sweet view.
Mana Kai Maui (Map; 879-2778, 800-367-5242; www.crhmaui.com; 2960 S Kihei Rd; r/1br from $190/300; ) The rooms are small but the views are grand. Perched on a point overlooking Keawakapu Beach, this complex boasts the most incredible sunsets. Matter of fact, when the sun drops you’ll find everyone out on their deck oohing and aahing. And you can swim and snorkel from the beach right outside the door.
Maui Kamaole (Map; 874-5151, 800-367-5242; www.crhmaui.com; 2777 S Kihei Rd; 1br/2br from $225/280; ) Bougainvillea draped over the balconies and birdsong in the gardens set the tone at this luxurious condo. Everything is low rise, the units are incredibly spacious and the quiet location off Kama′ole Beach Park III is primo. There’s so much privacy here you could sunbathe au naturel on your balcony and no one would even notice.
* * *
MOLOKINI CRATER
No underwater site draws more visitors than Molokini, the volcanic crater that lies midway between the islands of Maui and Kaho′olawe. Half of the crater rim has eroded away, leaving a pretty crescent moon that rises 160ft above the ocean surface, with a mere 18 acres of rocky land high and dry. But it’s what’s beneath the surface that draws the crowds. Snorkelers and divers will be thrilled by steep walls, ledges, white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays, turtles and abundant fish.
The legends about Molokini are myriad. One says Molokini was a beautiful woman who was turned to stone by jealous Pele, goddess of volcanoes. Another claims one of Pele’s lovers angered her by secretly marrying a mo′o (supernatural serpent or lizard). Pele chopped the lizard in half, leaving Molokini as its tail and Pu′u Ola′i in Makena as its head. Yet another tale alleges that Molokini, which means ‘many ties’ in Hawaiian, is the umbilical cord left over from the birth of Kaho′olawe.
The coral reef that extends outward from Molokini is extraordinary, though it has lost some of its variety over the years. Most of the black coral that was once prolific in Molokini’s deeper waters made its way into Lahaina jewelry stores before the island was declared a marine conservation district in 1977. During WWII the US Navy shelled Molokini for target practice, and live bombs are still occasionally spotted on the crater floor.
Consider the following when planning your excursion to Molokini. The water’s calmest and clearest in the morning. Don’t fall for discounted afternoon tours – go out early for the smoothest sailing and best conditions. For snorkelers, there’s simply not much to see when the water’s choppy. The main departure point for outings to Molokini is Ma′alaea (Click here) but you can also get there from other ports, including Kihei