We checked out of our lovely place in Piaha at 10 AM and had a few hours before our flight left at 3 PM.
We went and rechecked the surfers for a bit of a while at Ho’okipa Beach Park.
For watching the surfers and epic surf, Ho’okipa Lookout is the place to be. The lookout is on the edge of a cliff overlooking “Pavilions” – the popular surfing-end of the beach. Conditions permitting, more adventurous folks walk down toward the tip of the rocky outcropping, closer to the action (and closer to unforgiving pounding surf!) The lookout also has its own large parking lot, which is definitely where you want to park if you’re continuing on toward Hana. (Beyond the lookout becomes one-way and the only exit does not permit Hana-bound traffic.)
We did know that just around the corner from where we were staying was Mama’s Fish House. The restaurant is a very expensive local landmark with a seafood-driven Hawaiian menu, Polynesian decor & epic ocean views. Little did we know that this beautiful tiny beach was in our backyard. All beaches are public, but that doesn’t mean that some restaurants and hotels make it seem as though it is private. One has to look around for the proper access. We stayed for a while enjoying the scenery and san before heading into Piaha for a coffee, a bite and our last window shopping.
Our Time in Maui
We would revisit this island. It has so much variety to offer, from rainforests to beaches, to plantations, to volcanoes, to great birdwatching,
Our flight was late leaving, and we hit Honolulu in rush hour. We finally checked into our hotel at 6 PM. Although it was early, travelling was very tiring, and we were exhausted. We did some walking in the evening, but it was still hot and humid.
We had a mediocre meal at a food court and returned to the room.