Russ & Shelley Howell
Maui Vacation
April 13-20, 2026
https://mauiwebcameras.com/maui-dangers/


Vacation
Introduction
Daily
Itinerary
Expenses
Costs
Items To Bring Weather
Mar12 Warning
Maps Mileage
Travel Time
Waterfalls Turtles Snorkeling
Danger Spots Points of Interest Day 1

Day 2

Day 3


Day 4


Day 5


Day 6


Day 7

Miscellaneous
Information
& Photos

Maui Vacation 2026 Web Site
https://www.russ360.com/Maui2026/index.html
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Click Here To Begin (And Then Click Each Photo To Advance)



Vacation Introduction




   

Vacation Introduction

Our Maui Vacation began on April 13, 2026 when we flew out of Salt Lake City to Maui.

This was the beginning of our 6-Day Maui Adventure.

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Vacation Itinerary




DAILY ITINERARY
DAY DATE Activity TIME
Pre 1 Fly Salt Lake City to Kahului, Maui Airport
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

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Estimated Expenses & Costs




Estimated Expenses & Costs
? Airfare Round Trip
? Car Rental for 6 Days + Gas
? Hotel - Condo - Air-B-N-B

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Items To Bring




Items To Bring
  • Water Shoes
  • Masks & Snorkels
  • Reef Friendly Sun Screen

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Weather




Annual Average Temperatures

Daily Forecast Kahului, Hawaii - Weather Channel



Weather #1 - Maui Weather - Annual Average High And Low Temperatures - Kahului



Weather #2 - Maui - Weather - Annual Average High And Low Temperatures - Kihei



Weather #3 - Maui - Weather - Annual Average High And Low Temperatures - Ocean



Hawaii Weather Warning - March 12, 2026



BREAKING UPDATE: Hawaii Declares Emergency as 150 MPH Kona Storm Slams Islands

A dangerous Kona Low storm system is battering the Hawaiian Islands with destructive winds, torrential rain, and flash flooding, forcing the state government to issue emergency proclamations as conditions worsen.

Date: Thursday — March 12, 2026 - (Peak impacts expected March 13–14)

Location: Hawaii - affecting Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, Hawaii Island

Current Situation:
  1. Extreme Winds: A High Wind Warning is active for summit areas including Mauna Kea and Haleakala, where gusts may reach 100–150 mph (160–241 km/h).
  2. Statewide Flood Threat: The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire state, with rainfall rates reaching 1–2 inches per hour.
  3. Winter Conditions at Summit: A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for elevations above 12,000 feet on the Big Island where heavy snow and freezing rain are expected.
  4. Travel Disruptions: The Hawaii Department of Transportation warns travelers to arrive three hours early due to delays at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Kahului Airport.
What Happened:
  1. A slow-moving Kona Low—a powerful low-pressure system that draws tropical moisture from the south—has formed over the islands, producing heavy rainfall and severe winds.
  2. Because soils across the islands are already saturated, meteorologists warn that additional rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides within minutes.
Primary Hazards:
  1. Flash flooding in valleys and low-lying areas.
  2. Landslides on steep mountain slopes.
  3. Destructive winds capable of downing trees and power lines.
  4. Dangerous surf and storm surge along exposed coastlines.
Emergency Response:
  1. Governor Josh Green has issued two emergency proclamations, allowing rapid deployment of the Hawaii National Guard and access to emergency recovery funds.
  2. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed multiple state parks including Polihale State Park and Haena State Park due to storm surge and flood risk.
  3. Emergency shelters have opened across Maui County to assist vulnerable residents.
Situation Overview:
Meteorologists warn this Kona storm could become one of the most impactful weather events of 2026 for Hawaii, with the strongest winds and flooding expected Friday. Residents are urged to avoid coastal zones, steep valleys, and forested areas until the storm exits the region by Sunday.


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Maui Maps




Flight Information Island Overview Kihei Kihei Residential Area Travel Mileage & Times
Best Waterfalls Turtles Snorkeling Danger Spots Points of Interest



Map 1 - Flight Information



Map 2 - Island Overview



Map 3a - Maui Ocean Center Aquarium - $55



Map 3b - Maui Ocean Center Aquarium - $55



Map 4 - Kihei



Map 5 - Kihei Residential Area

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Travel Miles & Times




Travel Miles & Times Around Maui
Points of Interest #1-#22
Points of Interest Miles Time Description
 
#1 - #22 192.6 9 Hours Drive Around Entire Island
#1 - #13 12.9 30 mins Kihei to Kahului Airport (Middle Road)
1# - #16 24.6 55 mins Kihei to Jaws Surf Break (Middle of Island)
1# - #1 83.0 3 Hours 43 Minutes Kihei Around NW Point and Back to Kihei
1# - #19 60.1 2 Hours 17 Minutes Kihei to Hana
 
Kihei Around NW Point of Maui
#1 - #2 1.1 4 mins Kihei to Waipuilani Park
#2 - #3 .5 8 mins Waipuilani Park to KOA Resort
#3 - #4 3.1 8 mins KOA Resort to Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
#4 - #5 7.9 15 mins Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge to Papawai Scenic Lookout
#5 - #6 3.5 6 mins Papawai Scenic Lookout to Ukumehame Beach Park
#6 - #7 6.1 10 mins Ukumehame Beach Park to Launiupoko Beach Park
#7 - #8 3.3 6 mins Launiupoko Beach Park to Lahaina
#8 - #9 4.1 12 mins Lahaina to Black Rock Beach
#9 - #10 7.2 19 mins Black Rock Beach to Kapalua Tidepools
#10 - #11 5.7 16 mins Kapalua Tidepools to Punalau Beach
#11 - #12 22.2 70 mins Punalau Beach to Coral Beach
#12 - #13 5.4 19 mins Coral Beach to Kahului Airport
#13 - #14 4.7 11 mins Kahului Airport to VOR Beach
#14 - #15 1.9 6 mins VOR Beach to Sugar Cove Beach
#15 - #16 10.5 31 mins Sugar Cove Beach to Jaws Surf Break
16# - #1 24.6 55 mins Jaws Surf Break to Kihei (Middle of Island)
 
Kihei to Jaws & Return
#1 - #16 87.2 4 Hours Kihei to Jaws Surf Break (Around The NW Point)
#1 - #16 111.8 5 Hours Kihei to Jaws Surf Break and back to Kihei
 
Road To Hana
#13 - #19 56.1 1 Hour 46 Minutes Kahului Airport to Hana
#16 - #17 15 47 mins Jaws Surf Break to Puohokamoa Falls & Pool
#17 - #18 9.1 25 mins Puohokamoa Falls & Pool to Upper Waikani Falls
#18 - #19 14.9 46 mins Upper Waikani Falls to Hana - Kaihalulu Beach
#19 - #20 38.2 108 mins Hana - Kaihalulu Beach to Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook
#20 - #21 8.0 24 mins Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook to Maluaka Beach
#21 - #22 6.1 15 mins Maluaka Beach to Charley Young Beach
#22 - #1 1.2 6 mins Charley Young Beach to Kihei
 
Mileage & Times from Kahului (Airport)
#13 - #13 60 2.5 Hours Kahului (Airport) Round Trip Around NW Point
#13 - #8 37.1 1 Hour 39 Minutes Kahului (Airport) to Lahaina (Northern Route)
#13 - #8 23.5 51 mins Kahului (Airport) to Lahaina (Southern Route)


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Waterfalls




10 Best Waterfalls - Web Site
  1. - Makamaka'ole Falls
    Long hike - Muddy trail

  2. * Twin Falls
    3/4 Mile Trail - Highly visited

  3. - Punalau Falls
    100-foot falls - Muddy trail

  4. Waikani Falls
    Located near the road - 3 side-by-side 70-foot waterfalls

  5. Pua'a Ka'a Falls
    Access to the falls is immediate - Restrooms and picnic tables

  6. - Kopiliula Falls
    Mile and a half roundtrip - Muddy trail not for beginners

  7. Wailua Falls
    80-foot falls - Crowded & near road

  8. Waimoku Falls
    400-foot falls - Crowded so hike early

  9. - Makahiku Falls
    200-foot falls - The Pipiwai Trail also leads to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls

  10. * Alelele Falls
    50-foot cascading falls - 1/3 mile trail

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Turtles




Best Places To See Turtles - Web Site

Turtle Town (often searched as "Turtle Town Maui") is a South Maui snorkeling reef area off Maluaka Beach in Makena, famous for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). It’s usually calmest and clearest in the morning before trade winds build.
    Quick Facts: Turtle Town Snorkeling (South Maui)
    • Best for: Seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) in South Maui.
    • Where it is: A South Maui reef area offshore from Maluaka Beach (Makena).
    • Typical calm window: Morning (often clearer and less choppy before trade winds build).
    • Access: Guided boat tour (easiest) or shore snorkeling on calm days (more variables).
    • What you’ll see: Turtles, reef fish, coral/lava formations, and occasional rays.
    • Turtle etiquette: Give turtles space — at least 10 feet. Never touch, chase, or block their path to the surface.

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Snorkeling




Snorkel Report - The Snorkel Store Web Site


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Most Dangerous Tourist Spots



Most Dangerous Tourist Spots



What spots in Maui send tourists to the ER

Makena Beach (Big Beach) is the top spot for tourist injuries in Maui, specifically for severe spinal cord injuries and broken necks caused by heavy shore break. Other high-risk areas for ocean accidents include Wailea Beach, Kamaole Beach Parks, Polo Beach, D.T. Fleming Beach, and Charley Young Beach.

Top Dangerous Locations for Tourists:
  • Makena Beach (Big Beach): Known for dangerous shore breaks, it recorded the highest number of spinal injuries (33) in Maui County between 2009–2017.
  • Little Beach: Adjacent to Big Beach, also poses risks.
  • Wailea, Polo, and Kamaole Beach Parks: Frequently result in accidents requiring medical attention.

Common Causes of Emergency Visits:
  • Shore Break Injuries: Powerful waves breaking directly on shallow sand cause neck, head, and back injuries.
  • Ocean Drownings/Rescues: High surf and rip currents are common.
For serious injuries, the main trauma center is the Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku.

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Points of Interest


Map 6 - Points of Interest
1. Kihei Beach - (Facebook Video)
2. Waipuilani Park
3. KOA Resort - WebSite - Map
4. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
5. Papawai Scenic Lookout
6. Ukumehame Beach Park
7. Launiupoko Beach Park
8. Lahaina
9. Black Rock Beach - (Facebook Video)
10. Kapalua Tidepools
11. Punalau Beach
12. Coral Beach (Jack-in-the-Box)
13. Kahului Airport (Costco)
14. VOR Beach
15. Sugar Cove Beach (Turtles)
Ho'okipa Beach Park 3-5 pm has Turtles
16. Jaws Surf Break
17. Puohokamoa Falls & Pool
18. Upper Waikani Falls
19. Hana - Kaihalulu Beach
20. Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook
21. Maluaka Beach
Wailea
22. Charley Young Beach
23. South Hana Road - Points of Interest
Kihei Beach
(Facebook Video)
Waipuilani Park KOA Resort Kealia Pond
National Wildlife Refuge
Papawai Scenic Lookout
Ukumehame Beach Park Launiupoko Beach Park Lahaina Black Rock Beach
(Facebook Video)
Kapalua Tidepools
Punalau Beach Coral Beach
(Jack-in-the-Box)
Kahului Airport
(Costco)
VOR Beach Sugar Cove Beach
Ho'okipa Beach Park Turtles 3-5 pm
Jaws Surf Break Puohokamoa Falls & Pool Upper Waikani Falls Hana - Kaihalulu Beach Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook
Maluaka Beach
Wailea Turtles
Charley Young Beach South Hana Road
Koki Beach Park
South Hana Road
Hamoa Beach
South Hana Road
Venus Pool
South Hana Road
Wailua Falls
South Hana Road
Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook
South Hana Road
Sun Yet-Sen Park


Kihei Beach
Map 7 - POI #7a - Kihei Beach
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Kihei Beach
Map 7 - POI #7b - Kihei Beach
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Kihei Beach
Map 7 - POI #7c - Kihei Beach
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Kihei Beach
Map 7 - POI #7d - Kihei Beach
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Map 8 - POI #2 - Waipuilani Park
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Map 9 - POI #3a - KOA Resort
811 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
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Map 9 - POI #3b - KOA Resort
811 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
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Map 10 - POI #4 - Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
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Map 11 - POI #5 - Papawai Scenic Lookout
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Map 12 - POI #6 - Ukumehame Beach Park
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Map 13a - POI #7a - Launiupoko Beach Park
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Map 13b - POI #7b - Launiupoko Beach Park
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Map 14 - POI #8 - Lahaina
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Map 15 - POI #9 - Black Rock Beach
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Map 16 - POI #10 - Kapalua Tidepools
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Map 17 - POI #11 - Punalau Beach
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Map 18 - POI #12 - Coral Beach (Jack-in-the-Box Close By)
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Map 19 - POI #13 - Maui Airport (Costco)
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Map 20 - POI #14a - VOR Beach
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Map 20 - POI #14b - VOR Beach
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Map 20 - POI #14c - VOR Beach
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Map 21 - POI #15 - Sugar Cove Beach (Turtles)
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #1
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #2
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #3
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #4
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #5
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #6
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #7
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #8
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #9
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #10
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #11
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Ho'okipa Beach Park #12
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Map 22 - POI #16 - Jaws Surf Break
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Map 23 - POI #17 - Puohokamoa Falls & Pool
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Map 24 - POI #18 - Upper Waikani Falls
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Map 25 - POI #19a - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19b - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19c - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19d - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19e - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19f - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19g - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19h - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19i - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19j - Road To Hana
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Map 25 - POI #19k - Road To Hana
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Map 26 - POI #20a - Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook
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Map 26 - POI #20b - Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook
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Map 27 - POI #21a - Maluaka Beach
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Map 27 - POI #21b - Maluaka Beach
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Map 27 - POI #21c - Maluaka Beach
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Map 27 - POI #21d - Maluaka Beach
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Map 27 - POI #21e - Maluaka Beach
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Map 27 - POI #21f - Maluaka Beach
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Map 27 - POI #21g - Maluaka Beach
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Wailea #1
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Wailea #2 - 4 Miles South Of Kihei
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Wailea #3
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Wailea #4
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Wailea #5
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Wailea #6
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Wailea #7
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Wailea #8 - Maui Coast Hotel
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Wailea #9 - Maui Coast Hotel
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Wailea #10 - Days Inn By Wyndham
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Wailea #11 - Days Inn By Wyndham
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Wailea #12 - Days Inn By Wyndham
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Wailea #13 - Marriott
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Wailea #14 - Marriott
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Wailea #15 - Marriott
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Wailea #16 - Marriott
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Wailea #17 - Four Seasons Resort
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Wailea #18 - Four Seasons Resort
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Wailea #19 - Four Seasons Resort
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Wailea #20 - Hotel Wailea
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Wailea #21 - Marriott Wailea Beach Resort
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Map 28 - POI #22a - Charley Young Beach
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Map 28 - POI #22b - Charley Young Beach
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Map 28 - POI #22c - Charley Young Beach
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Map 28 - POI #22d - Charley Young Beach
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Hana Road - Southside of Maui - Points of Interest
#1
Koki Beach Park
#2
Hamoa Beach
#3
Venus Pool
#4
Wailua Falls
#5
Ulupalakua
Scenic Overlook
#6
Sun Yet-Sen Park




Koki Beach Park



Koki Beach Park




Koki Beach Park




Koki Beach Park



Hamoa Beach



Hamoa Beach




Hamoa Beach




Hamoa Beach



Venus Pool



Venus Pool




Venus Pool




Venus Pool




Venus Pool



Wailua Falls



Wailua Falls



Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook



Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook




Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook




Ulupalakua Scenic Overlook



Sun Yet-Sen Park



Sun Yet-Sen Park




Sun Yet-Sen Park




Sun Yet-Sen Park




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DAY 1 ~





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DAY 2 ~





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DAY 3 ~





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DAY 4 ~





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DAY 5 ~





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DAY 6 ~





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DAY 7 ~





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DAY 8 ~





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Miscellaneous Information & Photos


Hawaii
Facts
Israel
Kamakawiwo'ole
Kikei
Going North
Kihei
Going South
Places
To Eat
Hana Road
Southside


Hawaii Facts

Hawaii is the only U.S. state that's still growing, thanks to Kilauea Volcano, which has added over 500 acres of new land since 1983.

The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated population center on Earth, sitting over 2,000 miles from the nearest continent.

Hawaii's coral reefs are home to 25% of marine species found nowhere else on the planet, making them some of the most unique ecosystems in the world.

Known as the "Rainbow State," Hawaii's frequent sun showers and clear skies create some of the world's most stunning rainbows - even rare moonbows at night.

The Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined and continues to expand with every volcanic eruption.

Every winter, over 10,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii, making it one of the best whale-watching destinations on Earth.

Hawaii is home to Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, covering 5,271 square kilometers and standing taller than Mount Everest when measured from its base on the ocean floor.

Mauna Kea is one of the world's top stargazing spots, with observatories that house some of the most powerful telescopes on the planet.

Hawaii was once the world's leading exporter of pineapples and remains home to the famous Dole Plantation, where you can taste some of the sweetest fruit on Earth.

Hawaii's green sea turtles, or honu, can live up to 80 years and are considered a symbol of good luck and longevity in Hawaiian culture.

The yellow hibiscus (Pua Aloalo) is Hawaii's state flower, blooming across the islands' lush landscapes.

Kauai is home to Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," stretching 14 miles long and plunging over 3,600 feet deep.





Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
On the morning of June 26, 1997, a deep silence settled over the Hawaiian Islands. News spread quickly from O'ahu to Ni'ihau: "Bruddah Iz" was gone.

The beloved singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole had died from respiratory and other illnesses linked to his extreme weight. Standing just under six-foot-two and reportedly weighing over 900 pounds near the end of his life, Iz had long understood his time might be short.

"I'm not afraid to die," he once said. "Because we Hawaiians live in both worlds. When my time comes, don't mourn for me."

Still, Hawai'i mourned deeply. The islands felt as if they had lost their voice.

Few people would have predicted such influence during his youth. As a teenager, Iz was known as a kolohe - a rowdy kid who struggled with alcohol and drugs and was eventually expelled from school. Yet beneath the chaos was undeniable musical talent and a warm, magnetic personality.

His career began with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, a group he formed with his older brother Skippy. The band became an important part of the Hawaiian Renaissance, creating music that celebrated Hawaiian language, culture, and identity.

Tragedy struck early when Skippy died in 1982 at just 28 years old due to complications related to obesity. The loss deeply affected Iz but also pushed him to carry the music forward.

The moment that would change everything happened late one night in 1988.

At 2:30 a.m., recording engineer Milan Bertosa received a phone call from a payphone outside a bar. The caller insisted that Israel Kamakawiwo'ole wanted to record immediately. Bertosa, exhausted after a long session, reluctantly agreed.

Soon there was a knock on the door.

Bertosa later said the man who entered was "the largest human being I had ever seen." A special steel chair had to be brought in so he could sit comfortably.

Once Iz settled down with his tiny ukulele-looking almost toy-like in his massive hands - something extraordinary happened.

His breathing was heavy, but when he began to sing, the room filled with a clear, floating voice unlike anything Bertosa had heard before.

In a single take, Iz recorded a medley that blended Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." The performance wasn't perfect - some chords slipped and a few lyrics wandered - but the emotion was undeniable.

The recording captured the gentle spirit of aloha in its purest form.

For five years the track sat quietly in the studio archives.

Then in 1993, as Iz struggled financially and relied on welfare to support his family, producer Jon de Mello and Bertosa decided to include the recording on his album Facing Future. The album became a huge success in Hawai'i and finally gave Iz some financial stability.

Ironically, the song that would make him famous around the world did not reach global audiences until after his death.

In 1999, a short clip of the medley appeared in an eToys commercial. Listeners began searching for the voice behind the music. Soon the song appeared in films, television shows, and trailers, including Meet Joe Black, 50 First Dates, and ER.

Many mainland listeners had never heard of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, yet the song felt deeply personal to them - as if they had discovered a hidden treasure.

The growing popularity helped Facing Future become the first Hawaiian album to sell more than a million copies.

Despite his success, Iz never fully overcame the health struggles caused by his severe obesity. He died at just 38 years old.

Hawai'i mourned him as if he were family. Radio DJs cried on air. Listeners called stations to share their grief.

In an honor usually reserved for government leaders, Governor Benjamin Cayetano allowed Iz's koa-wood coffin to lie in state at the Hawai'i State Capitol. Nearly 10,000 people waited in line to pay their respects to the man many called a "state treasure."

After a memorial concert, Iz was cremated. His ashes were carried by canoe to Mākua Beach on O'ahu. Hundreds of people followed by land and sea, filling the roads and waters around the island.

When his ashes were released into the Pacific, friends and family cheered, waved flags, and sounded car horns in celebration of his life. His wife Marlene and loved ones swam into the ocean for one final farewell.

Even today, every June 26, people gather at Mākua Beach. They bring flowers, enter the water, and remember Bruddah Iz - whose voice still floats across the islands like the breeze off the Pacific.

His music remains a lasting expression of the aloha spirit he carried throughout his life.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow CountryRoad



Kihei Going North
Kihei to Lahaina: 23 Miles / 40 Minutes
Waimahaihai Beach
McDonald's
Waipuilani Park
Keaka Beach
Kalepolepo Beach Park
Mai Poina Beach Park
Kenolio Beach
Maalaea Beach
Ukumehame Beach Park
Lahaina


Kihei Going South
Kihei to Makena State Park: 9.1 Miles / 20 Minutes
Kalama Park
Cove Beach Park
Charley Young Beach
Kamaole Beach Park I
Kamaole Beach Park II
Kamaole Beach Park III
Keawakapu Beach
Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront
Keawakapu Beach Park II
Mokapu Beach
Ulua Beach Park Ulua Beach
Wailea Beach
Polo Beach
Palauea Beach
Po'Olenalena Beach
Chang's Beach
Maluaka Beach
Big Beach
Makena State Park




Great places to eat:
  1. Sea House
  2. The Hana food trucks with coconut crusted Mahi Mahi
  3. Paia Fish House by Hoo Kips Beach Park
  4. Coconut in Kihei was terrible.



Additional Sources of Information:
  1. Check YouTube for Maui videos.





Miscellaneous Photo #1 - Humor-WaterfrontPropertyForSale-603x1080.jpg



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Russ & Shelley Howell
April 13-20, 2026
Email: russwebdesigns@yahoo.com
Web Site: https://www.russ360.com/Maui2026/index.html

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