Oneuli “Black Sand” Beach

Oneuli Black Sand Beach

If you are staying at one of the Wailea Resorts or a vacation condo in South Muai, Oneuli Beach, the Black Sand Beach in Makena, is one of the unique places to visit.  It is also easy to miss since it is not identified by any signage on the road.  As you travel south on Makena Road past the Maui Prince Resort, you will find an orange gate at the bottom of a dip in the road.  This is the turn-in.  The beach is a coarse black and red sand which gets very hot in the sun.  Early mornings are the best time to visit.  You can snorkel around the rocks on the left and it is not unusual to see a diver in the area.  The tide pools run along the beach to the north and will keep your family entertained for hours explore sea life in ankle deep pools.  Be care on the slippery surfaces.

Iao Valley State Park

Looking Toward Iao Needle

Iao Valley State Park is another easily accessed spot for a day away from the beach on Maui.  There are several hiking trails as well as the paved walkway and stairs that take you up to the overlook of the valley and the Iao Needle.  The lower paths are along the stream and it is common to find locals jumping from the bridge into the pools.  A great place for a picnic lunch and a relaxing activity on your Maui vacation.  The park is accessed by taking the Iao Valley Road from Highway 32 as you enter Wailuku town.

Haleakala National Park – Kipahulu Hike

Haleakala National Park Bamboo Forest

We hiked the Pipiwai Trail at Haleakala National Park’s Kipahula location by Hana.  Most people drive to Hana and visit the Oheo Gulch pools and miss the most spectacular hike in Maui.  The 2 mile hike along the water falls that feed the pools includes almost a mile of bamboo forest.  When the wind blows, you feel like you are in a giant wind chime.  The end of the trail presents the incredible Makahiku Falls.

Preparing to Leave

No matter how long your stay is in Maui, when it gets time to pack up and go back to the mainland, is just was not long enough time on the island.

July 4th 2009

We spent July 4th on the Wailea beaches and watched the fireworks displays put on by several families on their Maui vacations.