Follow:
Topics:
All Posts By:

Laureen

    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden

    The Safekeep, shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize is a debut novel by Van Der Wouden. This is story of love, set in 1961 Netherlands, when even then women had few rights and choices. This is my book review The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden.

    Isobel

    In the beginning we meet a spinster, unhappy with her lot in life and pretty much everyone in it. She is not so old as you might think in the beginning, but well beyond the proper marrying age. Isobel is socially awkward, with one suitor she loaths. She cares for the family home while one brother flaunts his gay tendencies with his live in lover and another brother pushes her to marry and move from the family home.

    Isobel, who is suspicious of everyone who comes into the house, finds herself in an uncomfortable position when her eldest brother deposits his latest girlfriend to live in the house with Isobel. A temporary arrangement she is told while her brother travels abroad. Isobel is angry and rude to the guest and wants only to be left alone.

    Eve

    The guest, Eva, has her own secrets and wishes, ones that spark some long hidden memories from Isobel’s childhood. And when the two women fall in love with each other, an unexpected love story develops, in a time when two women in love is beyond comprehension for most people.

    The novel has some fairly graphic sexual encounter scenes, but Van Der Wouden’s writing is lyrical and beautiful and the novel unfolds in an emotional way with believable characters, story line and plot twist.

    ****Four stars for The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden

    Thank you for reading my book review The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden. See last week’s book review The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis.

    We love it when you share and comment on our book reviews. Thank you.

    Food & Drink  --  Island Life

    Maui Best Restaurants 2025

    Updated For 2025

    Location: Maui Hawaii USA

    I’ve been to Maui more times than I can count and it is one of my favorite places in the world. But like everything else affected by the PanDamit, Maui lost some restaurants (including one of my favs) while others struggle to keep their doors open. Even worse, the Lahaina fires 18 months ago devastated that historic city and all it’s restaurants in the old town area. And yet still, this island is home to some amazing dining from take-out to romantic and every cuisine you can want. I have not eaten at EVERY Maui restaurant, but I feel qualified to recommend quite a few. So here they are – Maui Best Restaurants 2025 by My Fab Fifties Life.

    In No Particular Order

    The Sea House – Napili – Beautiful view ocean side at the iconic Napili Kai Resort. Fresh fish and always delicious. One of my top restaurants on the island. Reservations a must.

    A ‘a Roots – Napili – Vegan tiny restaurant in Napili Plaza, farm to table, locally sourced and so delicious.

    The Sea House
    A ‘a Roots
    Star Noodle

    Star Noodle – Lahaina – One of my top favorite restaurant in Maui. Always perfect, outdoor ocean side dining in an updated location since the fires. Creative menu and excellent service. Reservations recommended.

    Mala Ocean Tavern – Lahaina – Great seafood, clever cocktails, ocean side dining. Reservations recommended.

    Mama’s Fish House
    Mala Ocean Tavern
    Star Noodle

    The Fish Market – Kaanapali – purchase fresh fish and poke here to take home or order up fresh prepared fish tacos, mahi mahi and so much more. Delicious and worth the wait. Take out.

    Monkey Pod Kitchen – Kaanapali and Wailea – by the owners of Merriman’s (see below) a more casual restaurant for salads, burgers, fish and a great Mai Tai.

    The Pint & Cork – Wailea – not your usual Maui vibe, this gastropub is a great place if you want a burger and a beer. Great service and reasonable prices.

    Moose McGillicuddy’s – Kihei. Sports Bar upstairs with great burgers, fish and chips, salads and more. Also downstairs (same kitchen) is Fred’s Mexican open for breakfast too.

    The Fish Market
    Monkey Pod
    Pint & Cork

    Some Casual Options

    Paia Fish Market – Paia, Kihei – choose your fish and how you want it prepared. Always fresh but expect a wait.

    Sugar Beach Bake Shop – Kihei – come for the malasadas. Hands down the best on the island. Other yummy stuff too.

    Cafe O’Lei – Kihei and other locations – a wide variety of family and budget friendly fish, burgers salads and more.

    Kihei Cafe – One of Kihei’s most popular breakfast spots now has two locations, expect a wait but not too long, they get people in and out. Try the banana pancakes, loco moco or eggs bene.

    Paia Fish Market
    Kohola
    Sugar Beach Bake Shop

    Coconut’s Fish Cafe – Kihei – Fish tacos, salads and more at a reasonable family friendly price. Choose your fish and your preparation preference. Always fresh.

    Coconut’s
    Maui Brewing
    Kohola

    Something For Everyone

    Three’s Bar and Grill – Kihei – Casual and clever menu with both indoor and outdoor seating and a great Happy Hour menu. Try the brussel sprouts. I’m not kidding, they are amazing.

    Maui Brewing – Kihei and Kaanapali- Pizza, fish tacos, burgers and a delicious kale salad…and of course beer.

    Roasted Chiles Mexican – Kihei – Only Mexican restaurant I can recommend on Maui…delicious and authentic, locally owned and family run. If you need a taco fix while in Kihei this is the place.

    Maui Brewing
    Honu Seafood and Pizza
    Three’s Bar & Grill

    Miso Phat – Kihei and Kaanapali – Delicious sushi and a great variety. Easy to order on line, pick up and enjoy at the beach.

    Kula Lodge – Kula – recently purchased by long time Maui restaurateur Simon Vojdani and owners of the 5 Palms Restaurant formerly in Kihei. The 5 Palms is now be part of the beautiful property at the Kula Lodge. We enjoyed the Happy Hour…but dinner is also recommended… you can’t beat the view here!

    Ohana Seafood Bar and Grill – Kihei – We went for the sushi but the day we went the Sushi Chef must have been off…bummer. But the menu has many other options from burgers to poke, tacos to calamari. The calamari was delicious..

    Manioli Pizza – Wailea – This place has a small menu but a lovely view. Several pizza options and just a couple pasta options but all very good. I really liked my chicken piccata. Budget friendly and family friendly too.

    Kohola Brewing – rising from the ashes, Kohola lost everything in the Lahaina fire and yet they are here and so good. Now brewing on the Big Island their new tasting room in Wailea includes a small but excellent food selection. We like it so much we visited twice.

    Some of the BEST on the Island

    Morimoto – Wailea – the most beautifully presented sushi I have ever had. And the ambiance is amazing at the stunning Andaz Resort in Wailea. For a special occasion or any day, just go. Great to watch the sunset too. We always come back for this one.

    Ka’ana Kitchen – Wailea – We had an outstanding meal with a view at Ka’ana. Whatever you do don’t miss the watermelon salad. Everything else is good too. Also located at the Andaz.

    Mama’s Fish House
    Hali’imaile General Store
    Mama’s Fish House

    Mama’s Fish House – Paia – Maui’s finest restaurant in food, ambiance and service. Incomparable. Reservations hard to get but give it a try. Time honored and authentic, Mama’s will always fall on my Maui Best Restaurants 2025 list.

    Hali’imaile General Store – Upcountry -One of the islands best restaurants located in a historic building in upcountry, the menu is fresh but not pretentious…just delicious and local. This last trip we chose to dine here on our final night as a celebration of Maui Best Restaurants 2025.

    Merriman’s – Kapalua One of the best meals I have had in years, the impeccable Merrimans is where we celebrated our wedding anniversary. Amazing Prix Fixe menu for $120 per person was worth every penny. Fantastic and special place when in Maui.

    Morimoto
    Kula Lodge
    Miso Phat

    Unpretentious and Deliciouis

    Sam Sato – Wailuku – few tourists come here, but locals know about this amazing noodle shop in Wailuku. I love the Dry Noodles and the Chow Fun. Great kimchee too.

    The Pour House – Kapalua – no view but the ambiance is lovely and the food is divine. If you want a break from fish and Hawaiian food make a reservation at this phenomenal Italian bistro. Be sure to try the handmade fresh burrata.

    Pita Paradise Wailea – A hidden gem in Wailea. This name though…it sounds like a fast food place. It is not. A lovely menu of Mediterranean dishes with daily specials. I loved my local Mong Chong grilled fish with fresh vegetables in an aioli sauce. My husband had delectable lamb gnocchi. Definitely come here. Make a reservation during peak season.

    Saigon Cafe Wailuku – This hidden gem has been going strong since 1995…highly unusual in this day and age. But that says something about the food. We hadn’t been here in years, but made our way back up this last visit and I am so glad we did. Authentic and delicious SE Asia cuisine.

    The Pour House
    Sam Satos
    Star Noodle

    Take Out and Food Trucks Are Big Biz

    There are many food trucks on the island, but I haven’t visited them all. But if you are interested in take out options check the YouTube video we did in 2020 Tasty Tuesday Maui Take Out Food. Our visit in January this year introduced us to a brand new food truck site South Maui Gardens. We really loved it and it’s beautifully hidden gem of a location. Check out their website to learn about live music, hula shows and much more at South Maui Gardens.

    South Maui Gardens
    South Maui Gardens

    Feel free to share in the comments any other Maui restaurants you love. And I’ll take your recommendations and visit those restaurants when I return to Maui in the future. I still have several I need to visit so let me know your favorites!! Mahalo! Thank you for reading my post Maui Best Restaurants 2025.

    See last week’s post Maui on a Budget and hope you didn’t miss our Eighth Annual World Travel Awards 2024. We are headed next to the Cook Islands – stay tuned for more about that next week!

    We love it when you comment, pin and share our blog posts. Thank you.

    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

    This book is one of my book club reads for 2025. I enjoyed the way the story is presented and found it to be an easy ready. Here is my book review The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis.

    Books

    Although I read much of my books on Kindle due to my travel life, I love a real book. The feel and smell of a book…particularly an old book – wonderful. So does Ashlyn Greer, the protagonist in The Echo of Old Books. Ashlyn had a unhappy childhood, and her escape was a rare book store where she spent hours. As an adult, she now owns and manages this little gem of a shop. It’s here where she has realizes she has a special touch with books. She can feel “echoes” in the books about the previous owners.

    A Discovery

    Ashlyn discovers two beautifully bound old books that seem to be a pair, but the books have no author. She can’t find a publish date either. Only two interesting inscriptions. Ashlyn begins a long and difficult search for more information about these unusual books that are giving her unusual vibe. Eventually she reaches out to the man who donated the books to the rare book shop. Eathan, the son of the owner of the books, is hesitant to get involved. He is busy on deadline for his own book he is writing. Eventually Eathan’s interest is peeked, as Ashlyn tells him about the characters in these books – Belle and Hemi. Together Ashlyn and Eathan begin to discover the true identities of Belle and Hemi.

    True Love

    This novel is both a mystery and a love story as we learn more about Belle and Hemi. A series of misunderstandings and malicious intent kept them from being together. This discovery also brings Eathan and Ashlyn closer. Soon they realize this love story research ha as become more than just about the mysterious Belle and Hemi.

    Book Review The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

    A easy read with some fun twists and turns, though a bit predictable. The magic touch Ashlyn has with books seemed a bit contrived to me. I think the story could have progressed nicely without that somewhat silly addition.

    ****Four stars for The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis.

    Thanks for reading my book review The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis. See last week’s book review The Drowning Women by Robyn Harding.

    We love it when you comment, pin and share our book reviews. Thank you.

    Inspire  --  Island Life

    Maui On a Budget

    Maui might be a once in a lifetime trip for you. If it is, you hopefully can afford to do some of the most amazing activities the island offers. But plan well in advance and be ready to spend a pretty penny. It is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. So here are some tips if you want to enjoy Maui on a Budget.

    I have been lucky enough to visit Maui many times, and have enjoyed the Luaus, whale watching, snorkeling and some amazing first class meals.

    Kamaole Three Beach

    But during our most recent visit, we made a big effort to lay-low and spend less. Sticking to our pre-designed budget is important in our travels, otherwise we can not continue to travel as we do. On our recent visit to Maui there were some new activities we considered, from cooking classes to glass blowing to chocolate tours. But, we chose to do Maui on a Budget. And you can too.

    It won’t be easy, but there are ways to enjoy Maui on a Budget. And through the years I have discovered several things you can do to save money. Hopefully, some of these suggestions will give you a positive visit to this beautiful island paradise without breaking the bank. So here are our suggestions for Maui on a Budget.

    Maui

    When to Come

    Choose to visit the island during the off-season and absolutely don’t come over the Christmas holidays. June-October is a great time to visit and the island is quieter and you will have a wide choice of accommodations.

    Maui

    Where to Stay

    There are many, many condos available for rent and you will find it less expensive to stay in a condo than in a resort. By renting a condo rather than a hotel you can cook most of your meals and not blow your budget on eating out. Condos usually offer great pools and barbecue area for guest use.

    Kamaole Sands was affordable in Kihei

    Groceries

    If you have a Costco membership use it. Although the Maui Costco can be very busy, you can really save money by shopping there. We did price comparison on cases of beer and it was astonishing. Gas at the Maui Costco is also much less.

    We also found prices at Foodland and Times grocery stores were less than Safeway. I always bring a few things from home such as a small amount of spices, coffee, rice. If you have the room, try to bring things that are portable and you know you use regularly.

    Maui
    Maui

    Rental Car

    It’s pretty hard to visit Maui without a rental car. Unless you are only staying for a couple of days I highly recommend you get a car. But there are several rental agencies on the island renting older model cars for much less. We have used Kihei Rent a Car several times. The cars we have rented are Nissan, about ten years old, run great and get us where we need to be. About $34 a day this last visit as compared to $99 – $149 at the more well-known brand name rental agencies. There are some other budget friendly rental car agencies on the island too. Do your research.

    Maui Sunset

    Dining Out

    Dining out in Maui is pretty expensive. That’s why we mostly cook in our condo. It is less expensive to visit some of the restaurants where the locals go…I recommend Sam Satos and Saigon Cafe. Another really great way to save money dining out while getting to enjoy some of Maui’s best restaurants is to go to Happy Hour. Many restaurants have a daily Happy Hour and you can get a reduced menu but the same great food for much less money. For instance, we enjoy Three’s Bar and Grill in Kihei for their happy hour food menu and their Mai Tai, normally $14 is 6.25 during Happy Hour. You can get a comprehensive list here Maui Happy Hours.

    South Maui Gardens

    Consider eating at some of the local food truck villages that have popped up around the island over the past few years. Maui has tons of food truck options now including in Kihei, Kaanapali, Wailuku, Kahalui and more. One of my favorite new food truck little gem is South Maui Gardens. Read this for more for ideas.

    Food Trucks

    Equipment

    Before you spend $60 at Costco to buy a beach chair, double check with your condo to see if they have chairs available. Many condos have chairs, snorkel gear and even boogie boards available for their guests.

    Keep your eyes out for locals selling used gear along the roadside.

    Gently used equipment

    Snorkeling

    The beaches are free of course (did you know every beach in the state of Hawaii is a public beach) and many beaches are great for snorkeling. You don’t need to pay for an expensive tour to Molokini to see beautiful fish and coral. Check out this list here. Snorkel gear can be a carry on item if you pack it properly, saving you rental fees on the island. Check with your carrier for more information.

    Maui

    Whale Watching

    Now you won’t get up close and personal, but from December – March you can whale watch right from the beach. There are 10,000 humpback whales that visit the waters between Maui, Lanai and Molokai every winter. With so many whales it’s not difficult to see them from the beach or from the look out point located on the Honoapi’ilani  highway between Kihei and Lahaina.

    Whale watching from the look out at Honoapi’ilani Highway between Kihei and Lahaina

    Nature

    Be sure to visit two nature preserves in South Maui that are free to visit. The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers a walk through brackish area to view many of Maui’s most interesting birds. Access is from the Pi’ilani Highway ( also called the Maui Veterans Highway) and it is free.

    Another part of this nature reserve is the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, access this from the North Kihei Road. This is a great one for kids because it includes colorful and interesting interpretive signage and is an easy walk. Also free.

    The ponds at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

    Hiking

    Hiking is free and there are some wonderful hikes on Maui. Check out our post Six Great Hikes on the Island of Maui. A Maui hike also affords you the opportunity to bird watch, whale watch and enjoy the local flora of this island. Some hikes also have historic and sacred sites – be culturally aware and respectful and learn about the heritage and history of the Hawaiian people. By the way, if you are a Senior and have an America the Beautiful National Park Pass be sure not to leave it at home. The pass will save you the $30 entry fee into Haleakala National Park.

    La Perouse hike South Maui

    Hula Shows

    Luau’s are expensive, and when you are trying to do Maui on a Budget they are out of the question. But if you want to see a free hula show during your visit, there are several places that offer shows at different times depending on the time of year. Lahaina Cannery Mall, Maui Mall, Whaler’s Village, Four Seasons Resort Wailea and Kaanapali Beach Hotel all have shows sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines. See the schedule here.

    If you are in South Maui, the Shops at Wailea do a wonderful free hula show with great live music every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30. This show is popular but there is a large area to sit on the ground or on a few chairs provided. Definitely worth it.

    Another option is the Hula show held weekly at South Maui Gardens. This show costs $100 but it is full professional show with music. It does not include the luau food, just the show. It’s very popular and sells out in high-season so reserve ahead of time. Learn more at South Maui Gardens.

    Canva

    Golf

    If you want to golf on Maui but can’t swallow the high prices, check out the Waiehu Municipal Course. Gorgeous views for a fraction of the cost.

    Since we always stay in Kihei, we bring our clubs and golf 2-3 times a week at Maui Nui. If you plan to golf more than three times, it pays to buy the Maui Nui Players Program Card. Maui Nui has been extensive improvements over the past few years and we really enjoy it.

    Golfing at Maui Nui

    Other Cool Stuff

    Visit Ho’okipa to watch the surfers….its absolutely remarkable and its free. While you are there you will probably also see turtles. This is the beach you can almost always be guaranteed to see turtles hauled up and sunning themselves on the beach. We have also seen the Hawaiian Monk Seal sleeping on the beach here. A rare treat. Remember…the seal and the turtles are protected…stay back and enjoy from a distance.

    Maui

    A lot of people try to go to Haleakala for sunrise. I admit it’s a cool thing to do, but reservations are now required. Sunset is easier and free and you can view it from much of the island. There are dozens of places to watch the sunset from Makenna to Kapalua, for free.

    Maui Sunset
    Maui

    Give Back

    Whether you are on a budget or not, consider giving back to the people of Maui. Many people suffered greatly during the recent Lahaina fires, and during Covid prior to that. Every time we visit Maui we make a cash donation to the Maui Food Bank. Thanks for considering it.

    Maui on a Budget

    Yes you can do Maui on a Budget with a little frugal planning. It’s worth it to enjoy this island paradise, even if you are watching your pennies. Maui No Ka Oi!

    Thanks for reading Maui on a Budget. We love it when you pin, comment and share our blog posts. Mahalo.

    See last week’s post Six Great Hikes on the Island of Maui and don’t miss our Eighth Annual World Travel Awards 2024 post.

    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding

    The first book I read in the new year fell pretty flat for me…despite it having descent reviews. It was very predictable and I struggled to even see it to the end. All that said, I know it is right up the alley for many readers, particularly if you love books like The Girl on the Train, The Wife Upstairs and Nine Perfect Strangers. Here is my book review The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding.

    Homeless

    Despite her wildly successful restaurant, Lee finds herself living in her car after the pandemic shuts down her restaurant. Running from a investor who is threatening her, Lee is working at a diner and trying to save enough to rent a tiny apartment. This is not how she thought her life would turn out. Then she meets a guy who seems genuinely interested in her…could this nice guy be real?

    Unlikely Friendship

    While sitting in her car one cold and rainy morning Lee notices a women walking on the beach. She seems to be crying and yelling and then she flings herself into the cold water. Despite herself, Lee can’t let this women commit suicide and she drags her out of the water and onto the beach. They have a bit of a heart to heart and Lee learns, despite the wealthy house Hazel lives in, she is essentially a prisoner there thanks to her overbearing husband.

    Lee thinks she will never see Hazel again, but the next morning Hazel shows up with pastries and hot coffee. Could this women really be interested in being friends with her?

    All is Not What it Seems

    When Hazel asks Lee to help her disappear to get away from her husband, Lee gets caught up in a twisting story, with characters she soon learns she should never have trusted and a wild ride ensues as Lee tries to keep herself out of jail and out of harms way.

    Book Review The Drowning Women by Robyn Harding

    I definitely saw this plot unfolding long before it did…I found the book predictable and not believable and I did not like the ending either. Sorry fans of female thrillers – but this one did not do it for me.

    ***Three stars for The Drowning Women by Robyn Harding.

    Thanks for reading my book review The Drowning Women by Robyn Harding. See last week’s book review My Friends by Hisham Matar.

    We love it when you pin, comment and share our book reviews. Thank you.

    Island Life  --  North America Travel

    Six Great Hikes on the Island of Maui

    Explore This Beautiful Island

    Location: Maui Hawaii USA

    We love to hike and when we are traveling we always set aside at least one day a week to hike and get out into nature. And during our recent visit to Maui we discovered another great hike to add to the many favorites we already have on this beautiful island. So today I thought I would share with you six great hikes on the island of Maui.

    West Maui

    West Maui

    The area known as West Maui is home to Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua. We spent six weeks exploring this area recently. Here are two of our favorite hikes.

    Kapalua Coastal Trail

    This trail can be busy but it’s worth it because it is so beautiful and definitely one of the six great hikes on the island of Maui. Parking can be difficult but look for street parking near the Napili Kai Resort, or paid parking at Kapalua Golf Course. Start the hike right at Merriman’s Restaurant where the trail heads north. The trail then winds through spectacular lava flows where you can see crashing waves and nesting shearwaters birds nesting. Follow the trail along the road at the Kapalua Golf Course and out to the Dragons Teeth Labyrinth. Round trip about 4 miles. Learn more here.

    Kapalua Coastal Trail

    The Village Course and Duck Pond

    The Kapalua Golf Club closed one of their three courses in 2007. Today the cart paths of the defunct Village Course are a unique and somewhat eerie (and steep) walk through a golf ghost town. It’s astonishing actually how quickly nature has reclaimed this course, making the fairways essentially unrecognizable only eighteen years later. The walk is about four miles round trip at the top is Duck Pond, a nice stop to rest or picnic before returning down. Learn more here.

    The Village Course Trail

    South Maui

    South Maui is usually defined as Kihei, Wailea and Makena. We have spent a great deal of time in this part of the island and we love it.

    South Maui

    La Perouse/Hoapili Trail

    This is one of my favorites of the six great hikes on the island of Maui, but also a bit rough and difficult. Traversing over sharp lava beds, come prepared with the right shoes. It’s a hot and arid trail but provides some stunning views across to the Big Island of Hawaii. The trail is also a sacred trail for Hawaiians, once part of the King’s Highway that circled the island. Crossing the 300 year old lava field is a unique experience, if you are up for it I recommend it highly. Wear a hat and bring lots of water. Learn more here.

    La Perouse Hoapili Trail

    Central Maui

    The region sometimes referred to as Central Maui is home to the airport in Kahului and the government seat city of Wailuku as well as malls, shopping and industrial areas.

    Central Maui

    Waihee Ridge

    About a 7 mile drive north and west from Wailuku you find the parking area for the Waihee Ridge Trail. We have done this trail several times and had a wide variance in weather each time. Come prepared for rain, wind, fog or clear blue skies…you never know. Arrive early for parking. The trail goes up and up the green and beautiful ridge for about 2.5 miles and if you are lucky the views are phenomenal. Learn more here.

    Waihee Ridge

    Haleakala

    The astonishing volcano Haleakala rises 10,000 feet (3048 meters) out of the island and can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. If you go to do either of these suggested hikes get an early start. Often the volcano is clear in the morning but clouds roll in later in the day. BE PREPARED, Haleakala can be very cold in the morning…cold enough to warrant a stocking cap and warm coat.

    Haleakala

    Sliding Sands

    This is one of my favorite hikes on the island. Starting at the top of the volcano at the Visitor Information Center, Sliding Sands, as it’s name implies, is a red sandy trail that goes down inside the volcano crater. Don’t do more than you are capable of on this eleven mile round trip trail, because you need to come back up! Along this trail you will feel like you are on the moon. It’s beautiful, and you will also see the rare and endangered Silver Sword plant known only to grow in this volcano and the two volcanoes on the Big Island. Learn more here.

    Sliding Sands and Haleakala Silver Sword

    Halemau’u Trail

    Approximately 14.2 miles up Highway 378 but before you reach the summit, you will see the Halemau’u Trail parking on the left side of the road. This trail often starts in the mist and clouds, but don’t despair. As you walk the ridge and then go down the rock face trail into the crater the weather usually warms and clears. There is a picnic area that is a good turn around point. Or you can hike all the way through to Sliding Sands and back up to the Visitor Center. But you will need to either have two cars or someone to bring you back to the Halemau’u parking area. Learn more here.

    Halemau’u Trail

    Maui Hikes

    These are just a few of the many hikes available on the beautiful island of Maui. No matter your hiking skill level you can find a walk or hike on this island. If you are looking for additions to the six great hikes on the island of Maui check this out.

    See last week’s BIG post – our annual travel awards post for 2024. Click to read what we loved best Eighth Annual World Travel Awards 2024.

    We love it when you pin and share our blog posts. Mahalo.

    Reading Wednesday

    Book Review My Friends by Hisham Matar

    I know right up front there are a collection of people who won’t like this book. And that’s okay. If you like something lighter and not political than maybe this isn’t for you. But I thought this was a beautiful story, astonishing, lyrical and profound. Here is my book review My Friends by Hisham Matar.

    Libya

    Hisham Matar is an American born British/Libyan with another book The Return, nominated for both the Booker Prize and the Pulitzer. I need to read that one. In My Friends Matar navigates the Libyan political scene under the Gaddafi regime and the life of a forced exiled Libyan man living in England.

    Read by the author, I was engrossed in this beautiful and difficult story that I listened to on Audible. The protagonist in the story, Khaled is also a writer, lover of poetry and a lover of the Libyan writer Hosam Zowa. Khaled hears a short story when he is just a boy in Benghazi by Zowa that will direct his entire life.

    United Kingdom

    Khaled will venture to Scotland for university, the pride of his father, mother and younger sister. Here he will meet another student and that relationship will change the projection of Khaled’s life when the two attend a protest at the Libyan Embassy in London. The events of that day, which Khaled barely survives, will keep him out of Libya and away from his family for decades to come.

    Friendship

    The heart of this beautiful book is about friends. How friendships can sustain us and also break our hearts. Khaled’s friends help him process the brutalities of the Gaddafi regime, even though they often disagree on what should happen in Libya. Khaled’s exile will test all aspects of his life; his complex feelings about his family still in Libya; how he sees his future as a Libyan man and the culture he was raised in; how his career unfolds; his love life; his personal regrets and fears and most of all his enduring yet multifaceted friendships.

    Book Review My Friends by Hisham Matar

    One of the best books I have listened to in a long time. I wonderful history lesson about Libya, a riveting tale of being in exile, and a beautiful story about the love of family, friends and country. I loved it.

    *****Five stars for My Friends by Hisham Matar.

    Thanks for reading my book review My Friends by Hisham Matar. See last week’s book review The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.