Piilanihale Heiau (aka Kahanu Gardens) (Maui)

When I drove through Hana last year, I went hunting for Piilanihale, one of the largest and last heiau (temples) built in Hawaii. It was difficult to find and I never made it. Ill try again this Fall. 

Built in 1200 AD the site was excavated, restored and opened to the public in 1974. It's situated on a 450+ acre of green land hosting native tropical plants and a canoe display. It's viewed as a botanical garden and historical site, and as the largest heiau on the islands well worth checking out if one is in the Hana area. Aside from the heiau on the Island of Refuge on the Big Island (which is stunning), this one is accessible to those visiting Maui. 

Bring your own your tour books to understand the history of this heiau where Chief Kahanu and his ancestors are buried. 

Kahanu Garden

650 Uliaino road

Hana Maui

808.248.8912

Whale Watching Season (Maui/Molokai)

October marks the beginning of the Fall season and the arrival of the first humpback whales in the Hawaiian pacific. 

If you're lucky you can catch a glimpse of them from the Kaanapali beach and the upper level shops at the Whalers Village, or better yet catch a whale watching boat ride departing from the docks in Lahaina en route to Molokai or Molokini. 

There's a free whaling museum exhibit for the whole family at the Whalers Village where kids can see the large skeleton of a humpback whale and parents can learn about the impact of the whaling industry on Maui. 

Free Ukulele Concert (Maui)

Bring your blankets and low back beach chairs to this jam packed afternoon concert on the lawn. 

Sunday Oct 13th at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. 

1-6pm