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Maui on my Mind, Part 9

Next on my day of exploration was a trip along the north shore of Maui. During my early visits to the Valley Isle, this was a narrow, dirt road. So narrow that if you encountered an oncoming vehicle, one of you would have to back up to a wider spot in the road. This has changed but only barely — the road is now paved. You still have the one-way-only portions. This day, I was lucky to not encounter an oncoming vehicle at one of those narrow parts.

Why do people put themselves through this hassle? Just look at the view. Yep, it's worth it. In fact, I was surprised how many folks were out exploring with me on this beautiful day. I met one couple multiple times who not only were enjoying the views with a bit of photography thrown in, they also had a drone and were capturing views that I could only dream about.



One of the famous spots is the Nakalele Blowhole. For those who do not know what a blowhole is, a few words of explanation. During a volcanic eruption, as the lava flows to the ocean, a cap may form over the flow, creating a tunnel. After the end of the eruption, the molten lava will empty out leaving a lava tube. If the tube is at the level of the ocean and if the tube has a hole somewhat near the ocean, you get a blowhole. As the ocean waves hit the opening, water and trapped air will flood the tunnel until it gets to the blowhole resulting in a geyser.

This one is quite spectacular because the geyser can reach 100 feet above the rocks. However, it also brings risk to those who decide to get too close. As recently as July 2017 a tourist from Ontario, Canada was swept into the ocean from a large wave. Other victims have fallen into the blowhole itself. There are homemade signs that warn people about the risk but those are always for the other guy, right?


Pressing on, one can actually see the remains of ancient lava flows that have now had the ocean side sculptured by the rough ocean waves on this north side of Maui. Quite amazing if you ask me.


Everywhere you look, there is beauty to behold. One can spend hours just sitting and watching the waves interact with the land.


Although, the winds tend to keep the flora somewhat stunted, I did spot this Lantana plant with two distinctly different blossoms growing right next to each other.


I don't know if this point has an official name but I will suggest "Honu Point". "Honu" is Hawaiian for "turtle" and I think the part to the left looks like a turtle's head rising out of the ocean and beyond to the right is the back of the turtle.


Having driven so many miles (or so it seems), we encounter the tiny village of Kanakuloa. The town has, according to Wikipedia, "two churches, Lorraine's Banana Bread and Banana Cream Pie, Julia's Banana Bread, Kaukini Gallery, Bruce Turnbull Studio and Sculpture Garden, and a few small businesses. Taro is grown nearby." I wish I had known about the banana cream pie and banana bread!!! That would have necessitated a stop.


There are not many people living here (I could not find an listing online for population but I would guess it to be about 100 people). Whenever I see a small community like this, I wonder what do these folks do to earn a living. Maybe I will have to explore further on a future trip.


A bit further along the coastal road, we begin to turn south and we start to see more signs of civilization. Continuing on, we will eventually end up at Wailuku, sister city to Kahului where the main airport on Maui is located.



To be continued...

Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com