Maui Hawaiian Gem

Create Maui memories of your own! Visiting Maui for a vacation is one of the best ways to escape your routine and enjoy a world of beaches and relaxation. We have returned several times to this island paradise and enjoyed the fun of exploring beaches and small shops offering island clothing and jewelry. Though it has been several years since our visit to the island I still bask in the luxury memory of being a tourist.

If you enjoy taking walks along the sea shore you will find the gentle surf inviting. The water temperature was mild and soothing with gently rolling waves. Walking in the sand with bare feet is therapeutic. When you arrive at your favorite beach set down your towel and use a beach umbrella for shade since most beaches are without much shade. Then be sure to enjoy the gentle waves being sure to select a safe place to swim. One must be aware of currents, tides, and occasional reports of sharks.

We had a swimming pool at our hotel which was surrounded by gardens and paths leading to the main desk and restaurant. You could wander out into the garden or see it from the upper balcony. Either way it presented tropical plants with colorful blooms such as the hibiscus flower. Plumeria blossoms scented the whole garden too.

Be sure to visit Banyan Tree Park just off of Front Street in the picturesque and historical town of Lahaina. This tree was planted in 1873 to celebrate the 5oth anniversary of Christian missionary work in Lahaina. The tree is over 60 feet tall and is one of the largest Banyan Trees in the world. It was first imported from India when it was only 8 feet tall. Now it shades over 2/3 of an acre and has 12 major trunks in addition to a large core. It truly is a major sight to see for those interested in Botany and gardens.

Another preference of mine is to visit the waterfront Art galleries and Arts and Craft markets in some of Maui's towns. Lahaina offers several world famous galleries which show not only spectacular paintings and sculpture but also jewelry made with gold, silver and pearls and gem stones. Since I am an avid bead jewelry maker I love to see new ideas and combinations of raw, natural materials in the art venue. If you are very lucky you can find a few beads here and there to take home for your projects.

Writing this article brings back so many wonderful Maui memories for me. I vow to return soon to complete my goal of photographing more of the Island flowers and trees in order to add to my file of art subjects.

I wrote this article way before the recent 2023 fires that destroyed Lahaina and surrounding towns. The wonderful old Banyon tree is mostly burned but showing a few sprouts of green life as it is being monitored and cared for after the disaster. Many lives were lost in this tragedy too. We join together in wanting a recovery in natural growth and tourist economy. If you decide to book a vacation you will be an important contributor to tourism in which many Hawaiians depend on for work.

It is truly amazing how one's mind can create a living space filled with favorite Island surroundings. Upon arriving at my present "new" home it seems the Island memories are brought back to mainland California. The patio is now edged with tropical blooms. Hibiscus are abundant at Lowe's and many other retail outlets in our Bay area community. Decorations like tiki torches and tropical themed patio furniture are also available during summer months here in California. Bringing these travel memories to life becomes real as the Island themed CD's provide music and set the scene for numerous luau neighborhood parties. Who says you need airfare to revisit Maui?