a spring in maui, hawaii
Aloha!
After quite the break from the sua wellness house blog scene, I am back today with content that is a bit more tropical than my usual science-based posts.
For the spring, I got to stay in Maui, Hawaii, and after a few months reflecting on my experience, it is time for me to share my thoughts with you, along with my favorite foods, spots, and activities as we approach the summer solstice. Let’s dive in!
THE REFLECTING - If I were to describe the Hawaiian islands in one word, I would say POWERFUL. In Maui, the weather is most favorable for wind-sports enthusiasts, and the island does not escape the rain from the Pacific weather patterns. So, when it’s windy, it’s w-i-n-d-y, and when it rains, it r-a-i-n-s, and that was our reality for 3 months. But, precisely because the Hawaiian grounds are fed with such vigorous energies, Nature is well fueled and it shows; the grass is bright green, flowers are fragrant, papayas have the best taste and the fish is fresh. Locals know how to navigate the flow of seasons by embracing local ingredients and accepting the weather as it is. The latter is definitely a lesson I took back in my suitcase on my way out of Maui, as I have juggled dry, wet, hot and cold climates since then.
THE FOOD - Ah well, if you know me, you know I love food. I love its complexity, its color and textures, but also its simplicity. In Maui, wahoo and tuna fish are sold in abundance and are pretty much alway fresh, so it was almost a daily ritual to get a POKE. Poke in its simplest nature consists of fresh fish, usually cubed, marinated in Shoyu, and served cold over hot steamed white rice. Some places like to dress it up with freshly cut avocados, shaved carrots and edamame beans, but to me, nothing beats the OG fish and rice. Our favorite spot to get Poke is good and inexpensive: the grocery store Foodland. It may sound weird to get a Poke in a grocery store, but I tell you: it is not and it’s delicious.
HONEY is also top notch in Maui, and we loved getting ours at the Kula Farmer’s Market or directly in their store, Maui Bees Farm. Quite the treat.
THE SPOTS - MAMA’S BEACH was my favorite spot this trip. I would go there with a freshly brewed green tea and my journal, and reflect on life. I was once told that the location doesn’t matter, if you are looking to go within yourself and explore your depths, the peaceful spot is found within. Although I do agree with it, I have to admit that sitting on a warm sand in the morning light, looking out to the vastness of the Pacific Ocean with sea turtles climbing by my side was one of the best gift of peace that Nature has offered me in a while. I could only feel grateful, and grateful again.
I also went hiking several times and I really enjoyed the WAIHE’E RIDGE TRAIL. Lush, with lots of flowers, a well maintained path and just the right amount of challenge for a casual hike was just right to make it my highlight hike of this trip.
I also drove by LAHAINA, and my heart fell in my stomach. I had never seen a burnt city before, and there it was. Dark and burnt. People walked around in hazmat suits collecting the debris of the disaster… Watching this tragic scene, I felt grateful once again for simply having the chance to be alive.
THE ACTIVITIES - After the fire, tourism was slow, but it is coming back now, and I could see that when going to TWIN FALLS for a leisurely walk. The parking lot was full and tourists came by bus to stroll around the park. It is more of a property than a park actually, but its limits are well set and the paths well groomed. Waterfalls are beautiful there, and it is always worth going for a walk, soaking in the energy of Mother Nature. It may sound hippie like that, but the essence of this place is so strong it is almost palpable.
Surfing is my favorite activity in all wave-rich countries, and Hawaii, as one would imagine, delivered the goods. It is a sacrilege to share the location of the best surf spots, but there is one I can’t gatekeep because of its worldwide reputation and popularity: UKUMEHAME. Waves there are served on a silver platter, with quality and regular swells. It is quite a shallow spot with a coral reef bottom, but the waves are usually gentle and all-levels friendly. This is where one could find me most of the time as a way to escape the rain and the wind.
Here it is, one season of slow living on Hawaiian grounds unpacked for you.
It was a lesson of rituals, introspection, and reflection on our environment. Every time I get to be in such close proximity with Nature, I get to re-evaluate my relationship with and within her. This time around, I have tried to hold on to what I have learned (yet again): eat what’s in season, and observe my consumption of social media, other people’s narratives, and capitalism. So maybe we don’t need to be in a peaceful location to inquire about our relationship with ourselves, but rather a peaceful location to inquire about our relationship with what’s outside. 