Maui was the right fit this year. It's my only remaining US bucket list trip that is doable in Winter. Escaping the cold and snow for Hawaii is certainly not a bad idea. However, for reasons that I will explain later, I recommend visiting Hawaii sometime between April and October. In Maui, temperatures topped out in the upper 70s with a water temperature around 75. That's a little cooler than average. That's fine when it's sunny and calm but it's a little chilly when it's overcast and windy. I actually needed a light jacket when I went out in the evening. Also, finding rideable waves can be challenging in the Winter. There were a few passing showers but nothing to wreck the trip.
2/16- 5AM flight out of Birmingham with a connection in Dallas. Fortunately, I had enough time for a sit down breakfast. No complaints about the flight. I picked up my rental car and arrived at my hotel around 3 PM local time. The flight and hotel were reasonably priced but the car was a rip off. If possible, get a car off-site from the airport.
My hotel was on a beach, but not a great place for swimming as it was near the harbor. I took a quick dip then had dinner in the hotel and it was mid. Still adjusting to the time change, I was in bed early.
2/17- Woke up well before the sun came up and hit the Road to Hana by 6:30. First stop was Twin Falls followed by the Garden of Eden.
I arrived in Hana and stopped at a park then eventually found the trail to Red Sand Beach. I was told that the trail was dangerous. Not so much. I've been to others that are much more treacherous. I was told that the land was considered sacred to the locals and was asked not to post the pics on social media. I will respect their wishes. These pics are from the public park.
Yes it is possible to do the Road to Hana and back in one day but most people recommend an overnight stay in Hana. I understand the reasons for that. There are many one lane bridges with sharp turns. The 36 mile road will take you nearly 2 hours and the drive is somewhat stressful. You need reservations for the Black Sand Beach, so I was turned away. I'm not sure if that beach is good for swimming and surfing and if not, I only would have stayed for maybe 20 minutes. I do know that there is another beach nearby and I missed out. Too bad. My time in the surf was limited anyway as I will explain later. In the end, I had time to take a dip at Baldwin Beach on the way back.
I HATE KEY FOBS!! If you get them wet, they are ruined and it's very costly and time consuming to replace them. This one didn't fit in my dry fob case! My only options were to leave it on the beach and hope nobody steals it or ask the lifeguard to hold it. I'd only trust him if it's behind a door because it could still be unattended at times. Honolulu is a bit suspect but I don't think Maui is a high crime island. Still, I was NOT chancing it!
Normally, I am not one to shy away from big surf but if I see waves taller than me breaking directly on the shore with rip currents, I will stay away. Nobody else was in the water so that told me enough. Most beaches were either like that or had no surf at all. I likely would have had better luck finding rideable surf in the summer. Still a nice day overall.
2/18- Slept in a bit then embarked on a strenuous hike. It was a 4.6 mile route and I cut it off at about 2.6 to get more time at the beach. That proved to be a good call. On the way to the beach, I stopped at a surf shop and explained my dilemma with the key fob. They sold me a plastic case with a magnetic seal. A ziplock sandwich bag won't work but this did keep the fob dry. Yes!
From there, I went to Kaanappali Beach, which has sparkling clear water but not much surf. I still enjoyed it and was still a little gun shy about the key fob. Next was Highway 340 going north. I had no idea but it was MUCH MORE DANGEROUS than the Road to Hana. There was about a 15 mile stretch that was largely one lane with blind curves and no guardrails. A collision would not do much damage but backing up on that road to let another car get by? Very dangerous. Thank God I never had to do that. It's not worth it. Turn around and take the long way after this spot.
2/19- Morning at Fleming Beach. Yes, there was high surf and rip currents but it was safe enough for a cautious surf session right in front of the lifeguard. I didn't go after the big ones further out but enjoyed the shore break. The beaches on the south shore had no surf.
Next stop was the National Park, which reached an elevation of 10,023 feet. Temp dropped to 40 degrees F and snow has been recorded here. I was treated to exotic scenery and an epic drive through the clouds.
2/20- A bit more of a chill day. Went back to Baldwin Beach and found it to be safe enough for a cautious session. By the afternoon, it was cloudy and breezy. I was tired so I didn't mind cutting it a little short. I needed extra sleep anyways.
2/21- 6 AM flight to Vegas with a stop in Honolulu. With the long flight and 4 hour time change, you can't get back in one day without a red eye. I decided to break up the jet lag. I arrived right around sunset at Trump Hotel. After dinner, I took a walk down the strip with a brief stop at Caesar's Palace. I bet $2 at the slots and left with nothing. I've never liked casinos but there is plenty more to do in Vegas. Just be prepared to spend money. Better than expected.
2/22- Drive about 1 hour northeast to Valley of Fire State Park with a stop at Lake Mead. Unfortunately, I had time for nothing else but this was awesome. Incredibly, there was a trace of snow on the mountain tops.
Final thought:
Maui was good but not one of my all time favorites while Vegas was better than expected. I will go to Kauai in a couple of years to complete the Hawaiian Islands but will shoot for a late Spring trip. I may go back to Vegas for a baseball game as a stand alone trip rather than a stop over from Hawaii.
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