Maui Part 3 - A Beautiful Valley, a Tropical Fruit Farm & a Luau

My visit to the Maui Ocean Centre was just the first of great experiences on that day.

We next travelled to the valley between the two mountains on the island which is called the Iao Valley. It was just as I imagined the whole island was like before the sugar companies ‘invaded’ it. With the mountains very close on either side, there were forests and lush green ferns growing up their slopes, with a stream running through the bottom. There was a steep trail to see the unusual cone that was formed during the volcanic activity that had occurred millions of years earlier, with lookouts to enjoy the spectacular views. Many locals were enjoying the water garden that had been developed around the stream. 

However all was not quite as tranquil as it seemed. Our guide told us that in the recent past there had been a massive flood which uprooted trees and caused great damage to this spot, including the car park. When she pointed it out, we could actually see how high the water had risen and some of the damage it had caused. But the area is being rehabilitated. Nevertheless, you still have to restrict your walking to the pathways; there are signs warning of falling rocks on all the embankments. 

After the valley, we then drove to the Maui Tropical Plantation, quite a big enterprise where all manner of tropical fruit is grown. But it was far more geared to tourists than the macadamia nut farm we had seen the day before. We were warmly greeted with samples of fresh pineapple, and directed to their little ‘train’ on which you can drive around the fields. The train ride was lots of fun  and we saw all kinds of fruit growing. We even saw a demonstration of how to you can take apart a coconut very quickly and efficiently, and were told of the huge range of uses to which coconuts have been put. Like breadfruit, they were a wonder food for the original Polynesians who came very long distances by canoe to these islands, as well as a source of so many other useful items - including oils for lamps and for hair, bowls and fibre for making rope and fire sticks. 

But we also were warned to never stand under a coconut tree if there are coconuts growing on it. Many people are killed by falling coconuts landing on their head - far more than the number of people killed by crocodiles and sharks in Australia. (However, I must point out that some Australians have been killed by falling gum trees (eucalypts) or branches off gum trees. You never should camp under or close to a gum tree!)  

We discovered that all manner of goods were sold at the big shop at the plantation, as local artists and artisans are allowed to sell their goods there. Being hot and humid most of the passengers, however, headed for the ice-cream bar . . . 

When we arrived back in Lahaina, I did not have enough time to travel on a tender boat to the ship and back again - as I was going to a Hawaiian Luau that evening. So I wandered around the township a bit and took the opportunity to photograph the largest banyan tree in the islands, which was in their park. Banyan trees are extraordinary. Once they start growing, they send down ‘air roots’ from their branches. When these touch the ground, they send down roots and form a new tree. After some time a veritable forest is growing around the ‘mother’ tree! I saw quite a few of these trees in Maui, but the one in the square was a beauty! 

I must confess I was pretty tired by the time I was driven to the Hawaiian Luau that night. I had been on the go for about 11 hours by then. There was a huge number of people at the Luau - at least 1500 I would say. It was held outdoors in the grounds of a very big hotel by the beach, and we all sat at long tables. We had to queue up for each of our two courses, which was very time -consuming even though they organised that quite well. We were so lucky it did not rain, however, since it meant we were able to enjoy their very energetic, cheerful and colourful entertainment, which included fire dancing. 

But I have to say that this event made me very aware I was on my own. I rarely feel alone, but I was just about the only person there who went by myself. I surprised the organisers, in fact. Since we were away from our tables for quite some time collecting our food, and since there was a lot of entertainment as well, there was precious little time and opportunity to get to know the people around you. Usually I am a chatterer, as most of you know, but I was tired, and the people around me were too engrossed in their meal and drinks to spare much time noticing anyone around them. So my advice is - if you have an opportunity to attend a Hawaiian Luau, make sure you go because it will be great fun, but don't go alone. Have a ball with your friends instead. 

The first few photos are of the Iao Valley.

The cone to which I referred is shown in this photo, albeit at a distance. 

I was intrigued by the shape of this tree. 

In the garden at the Tropical Fruit farm.

You could see the farm dangling from these wires instead of the train, but guess who did not dream of doing that! 

On the way back to Lahaina. All the flat area was once used to grow sugar cane. 

Some parts of the big banyan tree in the town.

The 'mother' tree, still sending down air roots.

Seen along a short walk along a beach path to the luau. 

Sunset by the beach.

The venue for the luau, as people were arriving.