This is a tentative schedule of activities while we're on Maui. The day's activities may change to take advantage of the weather. Each day will also feature discussions and instruction to connect the course content to the unique destination.
Day 1
Leave Norfolk and arrive in Maui late in the afternoon. Get settled in the condos, shop for groceries, rest up to beat jet lag and get ready for the next day!
Day 2
Hike the Waihee ridge AND Valley in the morning. This hike allows us to travel along the spine of this ridge and view waterfalls on both sides, the island's valley, and gain an understanding of the creation of the west Maui mountains. After a break we’ll hike the seldom visited 13 Crossings trail and cool off under a waterfall.
Day 3
Travel to the Puu Olai lava flow below Makena. After checking out Maui's last lava flow (18th century, it's cooled off by now) we'll meet with the Natural Reserve staff to discuss this important area and do some snorkeling. Afterward we'll stop by big Makena beach and it's volcanic crater before returning in the afternoon.
Day 4
Travel to the top of Mt. Haleakala! We'll drive to the top of the crater, spend time at the 10,000 foot level, and then hike a mile to the crater rim via the Halemauu trail. After a stop along the coast in the town of Paia. The whole time we'll stop periodically to take in the amazing variety of ecosystems you'll experience.
Day 5
Early morning departure for the road to Hana. This amazing road features over 600 turns and 60 one-lane bridges along the sea coast. We'll stop to look at the Keanae peninsula, eat lunch at the black sand beach of Waianapanapa State Park, grab a snack at the Hasegawa General Store, help the Hawaiians at the Kipahulu Ohana as they plant their Taro crop, hike up to the 400-foot Waimoku falls, and then continue around the seldom-traveled southern side of Maui to take in its beauty. This all-day trip will let you see more of the island than most people see in a week!
Day 6
Join the staff of the Maui Wave Riders Surf School for our surfing lesson. Maui Wave Riders will provide you with your own equipment, provide instruction on land, and then takes you out into a mellow beginner's area guaranteed to get you surfing! That evening we'll head into Kaanapali for a Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort.
Day 7
Typically we get a late departure from the island. This lets us use the last day in the best way possible, so we leave it open for now and determine later in the week how we can best make use of our last day on the island. In past years this has included an extra snorkeling visit, trip to the Nakalele blowhole, a stop in Paia, or even an outrigger canoe paddle and whale watch.
Day 8
Our flights home are always overnight so we usually return mid-day the day after we leave Maui.