Maui

 

Maui! My second visit! It's been a busy year--not the best of years as far as running goes, but work and life have had me at full tilt, and despite much travel, a real vacation was medically called for. Alaska Air ran a special on its new direct flights from Bellingham to Maui, and so my sweetie and I jumped on it.

Stayed at Lahaina Shores Resort, which is right off the water, and walking distance to Lahaina. A good value. Listened to the sound of surf, every night. Made it up to West Maui.  Some snorkeling, some surf watch, and some windy roads. Nary a drop of rain all week. Great eats, like Ono tacos and Mahi Mahi ruebens. My cousin Neil and Lonnie just happened to be visiting at the same time, for a wedding, so we caught a couple meals with them, along with some other long-time friends who now call Maui home.

I intended to run Halelakala--a 10,000 foot volcano crater/national park--but it didn't happen. I've been up there before, so I don't mind saving that for next time. There are some very cool running options. I managed some brief hiking in the Iao rainforest park, by the Nakalele blowhole. Made it to some lava fields too.

I think Kauai is better for the terrestrial naturalist/trail runner. Maui is the place for surf, sand, and sun. With a volcano thrown in. And so much more. Hawaii is just plain a good place to be. A friend of mine said he's been twice, in addition to a some 90 countries around the world, and he found Hawaii the most relaxing place anywhere. No argument. I'm pretty committed to getting there at least once every two years.

Out of shape, but a couple races coming up, with the Seattle Marathon next weekend, and Deception Pass 50k soon thereafter. Woe woe, to the un(der)trained. Whatever. Aloha!