By now we have visited many little towns on differing parts of this magnificent island of Maui. Each little area has a unique flair. The very busy little town of Paia seemed to attract a lot of surfers and therefore many more young people. The small shops were very up beat carrying numerous swim suits with high prices and little fabric! A small element of the town projected a 'hippie' flavoring or what some might call "Bohemian". There was a very laid back atmosphere and the town offered many eateries and coffee shops. It neighbors beaches that are known for wind surfing and extraordinary views of the ocean. As an obvious tourist, I felt very welcomed.
Kihei does not draw as many tourists as other little towns. It has several beautiful resorts. Apparently this little area suffered extensive flooding just this passed January. As the ground here is quite red, many roadways have a distinctive hint of red. We attended a small craft fair which made me wonder how these vendors survived.
In great contrast, Wailhea is a short distance from Kihei. It is a lucrative area with very exotic homes and exquisite landscaping. The Mall of Wailhea is beautiful, and very up scale. We ate at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant placed in outdoor seating. When we were here four years ago, this same accommodation offered views of the ocean. Now, the area between the ocean and the restaurant is filled with high rise condos.
Driving back to our 'neck of the woods' we encountered rain for the first time. It was like driving from one screen set onto another. When it rained, it poured and then you were back into the brilliant sunshine! Most cars are rented and many are convertibles. One poor soul with the top down was in the sun one minute and then totally unprepared for a down pour the next!
In a gift shop, we met a young woman who has lived here for two years. She has worked in this little shop since her arrival even though she has her masters degree. At one restaurant, our wait staff was from New Hampshire and her boyfriend was from Naperville, Illinois both in their mid thirties. My massage therapist was from Utah. We enjoyed a lengthy conversation with a small shop owner who was from Venezuela. He said he had followed his lover here seven years ago. The relationship didn't work out, but he loved the island so he stayed. I do not feel that we have really exchanged conversation with many originally from this island. I hope that will come to pass.
Beaches, restaurants, and shops are visited by young professional looking couples, families with little children, couples perhaps celebrating 20th and on up anniversaries, and then the senior element. I have not noticed a lot of high school aged kids, but perhaps they are in school.
A very noticeable aspect of this environment is the physical body...long distance runners, competitive bicyclists, surfers, para gliders, and dedicated beach walkers of the extreme. Even the whales do not seem to rest! Seriously, exercise is very prevalent. Many of the young adults seem to have very strong upper body strength which I am certain is needed for these above mentioned activities.
Tattoos are also highly visible. I am not talking about a singular tattoo. The majority of tattoos can cover a total area such as an arm from the elbow down. Professionally done, these tattoos are intriguing with their complexity of design. To me, they appear to be very Hawaiian in nature and of a much higher caliber than I am used to seeing at home.
My heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation for being able to have this experience. My words will never do justice in describing this lovely place. Even photos do not capture the true color and beauty of the water and the flowers. It is truly a paradise.
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