You Make My Heart Feel Like It’s Summer.
* * *
Life is better at the beach, isn’t it? I mean, we believe in the philosophy so much that we made it our motto. But it’s more than just the sun, sand and sea that result in the feeling of serenity.
There’s just something about life on the beach next to the ocean air that can soothe, heal and rejuvenate the soul.
We booked this trip last minute (2 days prior to departure) and literally threw everything in our suitcases (not that bikinis, lace, linen, chiffon and flip flops would have taken up a lot of space) and moved into our home away from home, the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. The Grand Wailea is a beautiful resort situated right on the beach.
{View from our Balcony}
{Where’s Waldo}
{Cover Up: KTRcollection lace swim cover-up}
{me fake modeling and wearing: KTRcollection Tie Me Up Two Piece Bikini}
{The Road to Hana}
Hana, isolated from the rest of the island, is the last undeveloped tropical paradise on Maui. Picturesque views of spectacular waterfalls at most turns in the road, the rugged Hana shoreline, and some of the best beaches on the island can only begin to describe what awaits you on this journey. Well, let’s not forget about the very narrow windy roads, one-way traffic with caution signs everywhere, dense jungle like forests on one side and spectacular sea views and steep cliffs on the other.
The 52 mile trip from Kahului Airport usually taks between 3-4 hours depending on how often you stop along the Hana Highway…for us, it took close to 6 hours because we stopped at almost every site.
We stopped for snacks, coconuts, shaved ice, drinks, ice cream, mini hikes to waterfalls and of course took a lot of photos along the way…Unfortunately, a storm came in midway through the drive and the rain was so heavy at times that we could hardly see through the windshield. Nate wanted to turn around and go back but I was determined to at least make it to down to Black Sand Beach. I mean, how often do we get to go to Hana?! I made him pull over and I drove the rest of the way. Which was pretty frightening because that meant, there was a chance we could have fallen off a cliff. Well, fortunately we didn’t. :)
Although the heavy rainfall made it really scary at times, it was so beautiful. We were both trying hard to concentrate on the road that we both remained quiescent, calm, and at times, lost in thoughts. I love driving when it’s raining outside, but driving thru a dense jungle-like forest was just a whole different level of serenity.
Here was our itinerary in case you’re interested for your Road to Hana:
Mile Marker 2: Twin Falls and coconut stand.
Mile Marker 4.5: Huelo Lookout – smoothie and coconut candy stand.
Mile Marker 7: 1st option to see small bamboo forest.
Mile Marker 10.2: Ka Haku Smoke Shack – good chicken and coconut drinks.
Mile Marker 12: Kaumahina State Wayside Park (nice view from atop for photos).
Mile Marker 22-23: Pua’a Ka’a Wayside Park — There is a pretty waterfall here at Pua’a Ka’a Wayside Park that is less than a 5 minute walk from the parking area. To get to these falls, just head across the road from the parking area – you’ll see a picnic area to your left and stairs to your right. Take the stairs to a little path that will lead you to that rocky stream crossing.
Mile Marker 27.5: Coconut Glenn’s ice cream stand.
Mile Marker 28-29: Nahiku Marketplace – coconut candy again. I have a coconut addiction.
Mile Marker 32.2: Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach (this was our final stop and we turned around from here).
Past Mile Marker 42: Hike to the Bamboo Forest ++ HUGE waterfalls – I really wanted to get here because I heard there’s a huge waterfall at the end of this hike (ahhh, instagram photo op!) but with the storm and the sun going down (helloooo mosquitoes), it probably wasn’t a good idea). :/
{Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach}
{Swimsuit: KTRcollection Lace Me Up Two Piece Retro Swimsuit}
{Swim cover-up: KTRcollection Fly Away Halter Chiffon cover-up}
{Lanikai Beach}
{Swimsuit: KTRcollection}
{Swim cover-up: KTRcollection Lace Two Piece cover-up}
{Baby Beach – despite looking really dark and deep, this baby beach is the most shallow and calm in Maui. We had the best time here!}
….until next time. See you later Maui! xx, KTR
beautiful photos,I know what 2 things I would be sipping on and they are not the coconuts
Your photos, swimsuit and everything give me life! Your body tho is ahhmazing! I love your shape (not too skinny, small waist, just perfect). Can you do a post on your diet and workouts?? :)
Thank you so much Karen! I do a lot of cardio (maybe 4-5 times a week) so that I can eat more of what I want. I have to admit I don’t eat as healthy as I should but I am trying to eat more veggies and not so much food all at once. :/
Lovely photos. You make me want to espace to Hawaii now. It’s so cold here in Chicago!
Thank you Crystal! :)
Nice photos Ms. KTR!
The road to Hana is the drive that everyone should do at least once in their life. I’m really glad that you two did it despite the weather and was safe and made it back. I remember when I did this tour years ago with a group. It was so scary because we were on a jeep and he road was so narrow, but it was really worth it. We were abl to learn so much about the history, stopped off at many locations for snacks, yummy treats and coconuts and got to hike up to the largest waterfall. I want to go back now!
Thanks Jessica! Maui is beautiful and I can’t wait to visit again as well! :)
Beautiful! Your photos are breath taking and makes me miss Maui so much. I can’t wait to visit again! I love all of your swimwear too! :)
Amazing photo diary!