T is for Turtles: Napili Bay, Maui

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles!

We had been told that Napili Bay in West Maui is a good place to swim with sea turtles. So we made our way across the island to find a swimming spot and to hopefully find the sea turtles too.

I did see one as I was floating in the ocean - a huge, hard shell turtle just glided past me.

The south side of Napili Bay has a rocky ledge and we sat on the rocks and watched the turtles playing and feeding in the shallows.

So wonderful.

Fred up close with the sea turtles

Afternoon swim at Napili Bay, Maui

B is for Banana Bread and a Blowhole: driving the north loop of West Maui

Julia's Roadside coffee and really good Banana Bread!

The roads are good on Maui and lots of traffic too.

Except when you drive the north loop of West Maui beyond the hotels and tourists, it feels rural and unspoilt. 

The road becomes a narrow, twisting, one lane track that hugs the steep cliff sides. Great driving until another car comes around the bend and then my heart flip-flops. 

The scenery is a treat. It was end of day so we only made two stops, one to watch the blowhole and even from a distance it was spectacular. And to stop for banana bread and coffee. The hot pink caravan with white trim was an eye-catcher.

The banana bread here on Maui has been delicious!

Nakalele Blowhole en route

L is for Lava flow: walking King's Highway, Maui

Beyond the Maui South Coast route 31 with its hotels, manicured golf courses, beautiful lush gardens and palm trees is an area where we went walking to explore a 'recent' lava zone - from an eruption in 1790. 

Haleakala had erupted from a side vent in the south west part way up the volcano.

The road takes you across this rough lava flow. We then parked at the end point, at La Perouse Bay and walked what is known as the King's Highway.


Not an easy walking trail but fascinating. Hot and dry too, such a change from the rain of the last days.

Lava flow down the side of Haleakala, south west Maui.