Soooo, your considering taking the plunge to come to Maui for the retreat. That voice inside you that is saying “Yes” is probably right..but just in case you need some encouragement, I want to share with you what else the Island offers and some other travel details you may be curious about.
The retreat is scheduled to begin on Sunday the 18th of April, so you could either plan to arrive on island a few days early to explore or stay longer after the retreat. Either way, you most definitely want to include some extra time to take in some of the amazing natural beauty and adventures Maui has to offer.
I know a lot of friends who absolutely love the road to ‘Hana’. Hana is located on the eastern shore of Maui along one of the windiest paved roads in the world. Going to Hana is an adventure for sure..with some of the most breathtaking views..waterfalls, cliffs, and panoramic ocean views. But for me the journey is the thing. It’s like the more you wind in and out, drive slower and slower, layers of stress..thoughts..anything will begin to fall away..naturally. Maybe it’s just me..but it’s a huge opportunity for letting go…as you arrive in Hana..the most remote point on an island that is the most remote place on earth…well…I’m just ‘sayin’. The seven sacred pools are a tantalizing treat. 
Simple, quiet and PEACEUL reward. April 24th-25th the weekend following the retreat, is the annual Taro Festival in Hana. A wonderful time to experience Hana and it’s history and heritage.
The south side of Maui, Kihei & Wailea…is sort of like the Florida of Maui. But don’t get me wrong, one, and I emphasize ONE, of the most beautiful beaches on Maui is located just south of Wailea, Makena (Big Beach).Expansive turquoise waters and golden sand. A’ loca’l spot for boogie boarding and skim boarding. And if you do find yourself on that side of the island on a Sunday afternoon, check out the infamous drum circle on the nude beach next door at Little Beach. I admit I haven’t been in awhile but as far as being on the “must do at least once list” , this one’s a keeper.
The West coast, Lahaina, Kaanapali up to Honolua Bay is also a beautiful drive. Especially during whale season. The drive along the coast as you pass by Maalaea, reminds me a little of highway 1 in California..There is a spot to pull over designated as a ‘whale watching’ area …The humpbacks love to hang out around this location. If you time it at Sunset…. prepare for one of those rare ” OMG” moments…you may even see a whale breach..Breathtaking..or’ giving’ depending on how you look at it:)
Lahaina is a quaint historical town with lot’s of shops and art galleries. Kaanapali is a little further north of Lahaina and is a stretch of luxury hotels on another “one” of Maui’s famous beaches. Oh and by the way, did you know that during whale season if you go under the water while swimming in the ocean you will hear some of the most healing/spiritual sounds of your life?? I’ve found Ka’anapali a really good place to soak in the “loving” frequencies of the Humpback whales. Did I mention that I am in love with whales?
If you continue north past Kaanapali you will pass Napili and arrive at Honolua Bay. Well known for it’s snorkeling in summer and surfing during the winter months. If your feeling very adventurous you can continue around the north west side on the way back to …wherever you came from. This area is still very rustic and rugged and magical…reminds me of Kauai. Which is a good thing!
Believe it or not, this is just a ‘scratch’ on the proverbial surface….Depending on your mood..your interests…Maui pretty much has it all! But truly, you don’t want to just take my word for it. Come to my island..E Komo Mai…and see, do and experience for yourself:)
Here are a few websites I’ve found helpful:
www.mauiinfosource.com (they have good contacts for taxi co.’s.) For those of you inquiring about that. I called a few and the average fare from the airport to the Retreat Center at $35-$65. When you inquire for rates you can give them the name and address of retreat center;
Hale Ho’omana
1550 Pi’iholo Road
Makawao, HI 96768
If you are participating in the retreat, renting a car isn’t necessary during the week. Just need cab fare to and from airport . The rental car agencies are at the airport also, if you decide to rent a car before or after the retreat.
The main airline’s that have direct flights to Maui are American, United and Delta. I fly American by way of Dallas or Lax. Oh and Hawaiian from California and Las Vegas. Really easy and April is a good month for less expensive fares.
OGG is the airport you will be flying to. Doesn’t that sound exciting?!
