Went to Maui. Bumbed because I didn't have time to go to Makena (Big Beach). Lahaina struck me as a big rip off, wasn't a day that went by walking through Lahaina were I didn't get hit up by some creedler asking if I was looking for weed. As far as other drugs, I got the impression that coke use was increasing and pills to a lesser extent maybe replacing ice according to a guy who was trying to get clean. Heroin is tar and very expensive, this according to a girl who moved there to kick heroin and ended up getting strung out on ice- but had been clean a year (went to a few AA meetings on the Island). But I digress. In Kanaapali, Dig me Beach ( from the opening of whalers village to the Marriot was definately the place with the most eye candy. Honolua Bay was a cool beach- didn't snorkle their but their are alot of cool beaches and coves North of Kanaapali on the west shore. Didn't go on the road to Hana but drove the west shore past Napili, ect...thats a cool drive. There is a blow whole along the way and the highway is windy and 25 mph. I took it were it finally ended which was a small town that was built in the early 1800s. A very narrow one lane road thats paved but has only a few places were you can turn off to let other cars pass, began. Decided to turn back rather than trying to make it to kahului. The west shore is a definate treat. A sub species of silver sword grows here too different from the one on the top of Haleakala.
The up country is definately worth checking out and Paia, a town on the north shore is a cool place to check out. It is the de facto hippie center/ bohemian center. Be sure to check out the hemp store here. For a splurge check out mama's fish house were the fish thats served is caught that day and the menu says were it was caught and by which fishing boat. Makawao is a cool town in the lower part of the kula high country that has a small farmers market every wednesday. That is worth checking out as well- lots of new and old hippies, cool friendly locals, ect... I was told the waffles at Grandmas on the way to Tadeshi winery are awsome by more than one person. Makawao has a good backery by the way- loved the vanilla donuts and guava Malisadas.