Maui: waterfalls, tree lights, and turtles.
PHOTO AMANDA PURCELLMaui in December is glorious. In fact, December is the absolute perfect time to visit this Hawaiian Island. Not only do you avoid the marked-up summertime travel prices, but you can also experience characteristic warm weather without all the tourists! Last year I explored the holiday festivities of Lahaina, Maui, while still soaking up the warm sun. Here are some of the adventures you could also experience in Maui this winter!
1. Snorkeling at Black Rock
Black Rock is a peninsula on Ka’anapali beach in Western Maui and home to a wide array of tropical fish and coral. The clear blue waters and mild waves make this beautiful location one of the best snorkeling spots by far on Maui. Black Rock is great because it is free: since Ka’anapali beach is a public beach, anyone can come and enjoy swimming amongst the sea life. When I went snorkeling at Black Rock, I saw two sea turtles and a stingray! One of the sea turtles even swam right under me. The earlier in the day you swim at Black Rock, the more likely it is that a sea turtle will be floating near the shore. Furthermore, Black Rock is the site of both experienced and not-so-experienced cliff divers. With cliffs that are twenty to thirty feet high, people can be seen jumping into the water at all times of the day.
PHOTO AMANDA PURCELL2. Lighting of the Banyan Tree
In the middle of Downtown Lahaina rests a Banyan Tree, which unlike most trees in the world because of its sheer size. The Banyan Tree actually expands over the entire block while still retaining its immense height. I was able to easily walk under many of the branches and it was a great spot to seek shade from the sun and grab some nearby shaved ice. (Shaved Ice on Maui is utterly delicious and something everyone must try if they are exploring downtown.) However, every December, the tree is lit with thousands of lights celebrating the holiday season. The actual lighting ceremony occurs in the first week of December and is accompanied by an assortment of holiday events.
3. Wailua Falls
If you are up for the drive, the eastern shore of Maui provides some of the most spectacular waterfalls. This incredible waterfall is right next to the Hana Highway and is filled with hiking trails for adventurists to get a closer look! Wailua Falls is hundreds of feet high, and if you are lucky, you might see a rainbow between the water and vegetation. Personally, I think it is a great spot to hear the rushing sound of water while enjoying a snack.
PHOTO AMANDA PURCELL