One of my favorite drives in the world is the Road to Hana (as the driver of course). Nothing like zig zagging through the rainforest with coastal views everywhere with the windows down and enjoying the fresh air. The curves and turn force you to just enjoy and not be blitzing to your destination, and I couldn’t enjoy it more.
Photo Gallery: https://pics.mattichan.com/-uwc065/gallery
Sleeping In
After stargazing yesterday, we got back down from the summit around 11:30pm and I was not entirely sure I wanted to drive into the middle of nowhere to an unmarked campsite, so I bit the bullet and got a hotel instead — it was very $$$, but better safe than sorry.
Since I was in the hotel, took the opportunity to get some nice long showers in and sleep in in the comfy bed.
Afterwards, I walked across the street to the food truck stop (across from Costco) that I had discovered last time I was in town by recommendation of the guy I rented the camper van. I was SUUPER sad to find that the truck I was looking for is no longer in business (or is in process of moving – Website / Instagram)
Ended up trying some fish tacos instead, and they DIDN’T disappoint. So big and so good.
Road to Hana
Left around 1pm to drive leisurely down the Road to Hana to get to the other side of Haleakala National Park. Used GuideAlong to keep me company and tell me stories (even though I’d heard them before), to let me know and plan which stops to go to for the next three days.
Made one stop at Wailua Falls since there was very little people in the parking lot (which is usually all full), and headed over. Someone pointed out that there was a juvenile night heron on one of the rocks so we watched it for a bit. Love this waterfall along the route (almost to the national park).
Kipahulu Campgrounds
Arrived around 4pm and after a quick pitstop in the visitor center to chat with the rangers and see if there was anything special going on or anything I needed to know (and get some recommendations), I did the short 2 min drive to my campsite and got set up.
My AirBnB host wasn’t kidding, this tent was SO easy to set up. Just release two latches and push up very slightly and it opened up on its own. maybe 30 seconds total. Never could get the back side roof figured out, but also never needed it, so no biggie. Closing it was also pretty easy, just pulled down on the handle and then relatch. I really need to look into getting one for my Tiguan back home (if I ever go back home ;)).
Wandering Around the Shore
After setting up, I had a couple hours before the sun went down, so I ended up spending some time out and about wandering up and down the shoreline and just enjoying some peace and quiet. Could even see the big island in the distance (and Mauna Kea — I think — or else it’s Mauna Loa, but I think that’s on the other side of the Big Island).
One of the things I appreciated most about coming out and camping here was that I didn’t have to be rushed and race people back to Central Maui. I can’t understand why people will ever make themselves wake up super early, rush to all the sights, try to pack everything in in a really rushed manner (and not enjoy each stop) and then race back before the sun goes down. Not a criticism, just an observation, and it always fascinates me and the people watching of people on “vacation” that are stressed / stressing each other out because they “have to get to the next stop” is always fascinating (similar to when I people watch at Disney).
Note: Totally understand that people only have so much time, and it’s $$$ to be on Maui, I’m just saying I’d rather see less things, and enjoy them more, than see everything, and never get to stop to enjoy the roses.
More Stargazing
Got back and edited some photos and grabbed a little bit of my food / snacks while chatting with some neighbors at the next campsite over that were from Luxembourg. Afterwards, noticed we had virtually no cloud cover, and did a bunch of stargazing as well over the ocean. So much fun to just enjoy the sights in the relative solitude and quiet (with waves crashing).
Ended up getting ready for bed around 10pm and slept with the windows open and gazing at the stars and listening to the waves. I could definitely get used to this.
Vibe Check
5 parts joy
Feedback
Leave a comment or question if you have any thoughts! Anything you want to know about as we go around the world? Any things you want to share as feedback, or any images that particularly spoke to you. I’ll try to read all of them as time permits!
Matti 
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