Majestic Molokai

Posted on February 10, 2014 by alohajournal

The island of Molokai is visible from the Kapalua area of West Maui. At 260 square miles, Molokai is the fifth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Its sea cliffs are majestic, awesome and immense with some towering up to 3,000 feet–the tallest on earth. If you look closely enough, there always seems to be a rainbow somewhere above Molokai. On a visit, you’ll quickly discover its natural, rugged beauty and the fact that there isn’t a single traffic light on the whole island.

Kapalua Coastal Trail – West Maui

Posted on November 15, 2013 by alohajournal

The Kapalua Coastal Trail is 1.76 miles of coastal bliss. If one could design the perfect trail for a morning, midday or sunset walk, this might just be it.

A raised boardwalk helps to protect the unique plants and animals found in this region on Maui.

A clearly marked, yet rustic-feeling path, guides you along the edge of the island through gardens of interesting plants and vegetation, and a striking mix of rock, sand, greens and bright ocean blues.

White sandy beaches invite you to the shoreline—and on some days they are so sparsely populated that you feel as if you have your own private beach.

If only every day could start with a two-mile stroll with views of Molokai to the right and Lanai to the left. Good morning, Maui.

Molokai to the right of you

Lanai to the left

Everything is a little bit better in Hawaii

Posted on November 8, 2013 by alohajournal

Wishing you a healthy, happy weekend and if you happen to be lucky enough to live on Maui or are visiting this weekend, it’s good to know that care is there when you need it.

If a medical clinic could be described as charming and inviting, well this clinic would fit that description. With three locations on Maui, Doctors on Call provides expert urgent care for illnesses and injuries, and preventive services for residents and visitors alike. This location was in West Maui near the Kapalua Trail and two fabulous golf courses, the Plantation Course and the Bay Course.

After walking by this clinic every day for a week and commenting on how it was quite possibly the most charming medical clinic we had ever seen, my husband commented, “Look, the logo is a stethoscope in the form of a martini glass.” My reply: Smile. Happy Aloha Friday.

Fall colors in Maui?

Posted on October 6, 2013 by alohajournal

Autumn, with its spectacular fall colors in the Midwest, is my favorite season. But I don’t particularly care for what comes next. Okay, I could handle some snow and cold for about a month, but after late December, it could all go away and I would be pleased with the return of crocuses and tulips.

So, we often wonder if we would miss the seasons in we lived in Hawaii year-round—the snow melting away in the spring and the leaves changing to brilliant yellows, reds and oranges in the fall. And the answer is probably yes. Well, maybe a bit.

However, while visiting Maui in September, we were surprised that fall colors are actually everywhere. No, it’s not a typical New England or Midwest autumn, but there are subtle changes and the colors of fall are certainly on display.

And even though a monthly average temperature chart of Maui is pretty much a straight line with a little bit of an increase in the months of May through November, some plants and flowers do show seasonal changes. Others display the colors of fall year-round in Hawaii.

Below: The colors of fall in Kula, Maui