Thursday, November 18, 2010

Discovering Maui: Part 2 - Iao Needle, Surfers and Hiking Haleakala

I'm always in search of great resturants while on vacation.  And I think I have found the number one place for breakfast.  The Gazebo is a small, hidden, out-of-the-way restaurant, but Maui residents and tourists have found it, and is very popular.  You too can find it, poolside at the Napli Cove resort.  We were told that you should be in line by 6:30am for the 7:30am opening.  They weren't kidding.  But the ocean view is great while you are waiting.   Just take a look at our meal.


 Gary had the special of the day: French Toast with a layer of bananas, pineapple and macadamia nuts topped with nutella and a whipped topping to die for.  The topping is made with Dream Whip, maple syrup and butterscotch.  I'm trying to figure out the recipes.

I had Pancakes with two layers of Pineapple, Macadamia Nuts and Bananas topped with that same whip cream.  Served with coconut syrup.  Off to the Iao Needle and to hike off this breakfast.

Towering emerald peaks guard the lush valley floor of Iao Valley State Park.  This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks Iao stream and is an ideal attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing.

Aside from its natural tropical beautiful, sacred Iao Valley has great historical significance. It was here in 1790 at the Battle of Kepaniwai that King Kamehameha I clashed with Maui's army in his quest to unite the islands. Even with Iao Needle serving as a lookout point, Kamehameha defeated Maui's forces lead by King Kahekili in a ferocious battle that ultimately changed the course of Hawaiian history.







Flowers found on our hike.

 
 
 Windsurfing and surfing on the windward side of Maui in Paia.





Overlooking the ocean, dinner was at Leilani's at Whaler's Village on Kaanapali Beach a lovely evening stroll from our hotel.
 Gary had Opah Fish with Cracker and Parmesan Dusted and Lemon caper reduction.


 I had Shrimp Scampi.  It was so goooood!

To finish off a wonderful meal I had to have Hula Pie.  A favorite at this restaurant.
So you don't have to miss it here is the recipe.
Hula Pie
Ingredients:
1 9-inch chocolate cookie pie crust
1 half gallon macadamia nut ice cream (Seems like a lot of ice cream, but you’ll be piling it high.)
(If you can find macadamia nut ice cream you can substitute with 1 half gallon of vanilla ice cream, softened
and 1 (6.5 ounce) jar macadamia nuts, chopped)
4 ounces chocolate fudge topping
1 shot of espresso or strong coffee
6 ounces macadamia nuts
Whipped cream
1. Bring fudge topping to room temperature.
2. Scoop ice cream into prepared pie shell, smoothing it into a rough dome, or bombe, as high as you’d like.
3. Warm espresso or coffee and mix into chocolate. Use a warmed knife to spread topping even over ice cream bombe.
4. Freeze until ready to serve.
5. Cover top of pie with a layer of whipped cream and chopped macadamia nuts before serving.
Can’t find macadamia nut ice cream in your local store? Just substitute good vanilla ice cream—soften it just a little and mix in chopped mac nuts. We actually prefer this option to store bought mac nut ice cream, as the flavor is more balanced and the texture of the nuts will remain firm, not soggy.

If you’d prefer to make your own pie crust, too, simply mix chocolate wafer crumbs (about a cup and a half) with a little sugar and about ¼ cup melted butter. Press the mixture into a pie pan.

The next morning we were off to
Haleakala "House of the Sun" Crater

The wind was so strong that you had to hold onto your hat and make sure your legs were planted. 
This is the view from the top of the volcano overlooking the valley of Maui.

Before we came on this trip I agreed to hike to the bottom of the crater.  I was not thinking about how the 10,000 elevation would affect me.  But I did agreed so....

He can't wait to get to the bottom and look up.

No birds, insects, animals, humans or cell phone on the way down.  I felt like I was on the moon.

The East Maui volcano has witnessed at least ten eruptions in the past 1,000 years, and numerous eruptions have occurred there in the past 10,000 years. Thus, East Maui's long eruptive history and recent activity indicate that the volcano will erupt in the future.


Gary is in the clouds...literally!

Could the next eruption start here?

While we were on the trail we asked a couple to take our picture.  As I handed over my camera I spotted a Syracuse hat.  We traveled over 4700 miles and we meet someone from Syracuse.  It's a small world!
While the hike down was easy the hike up was not.  It wasn't the hiking that got to me it was the thin air. As I shuffled back up I had to stop several time to catch my breath.  But it was an experience I will never forget.

Silversword, This plant is only found in Haleakalā National Park at an elevation of 2,100 to 3,000 m on the Haleakalā summit depression, the rim summits, and surrounding slopes of the dormant Haleakalā volcano.
It has been a threatened species according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service since May 15, 1922.


It blooms from April to October.


Off to one of Maui's best and famous resturants, Mama's Fish House.

This lovely setting on the ocean was a great treat after a long hike.


My meal was a Macadamia Nut crusted Pork Tenderloin with Poha Berry Sauce and Sweet Potatoes.
I deserved this!

Gary had Beef Short Ribs with crispy Maui Oion and Rice.

We couldn't leave without dessert: Mama's Chocolate Kuau Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

Another day is done!

Next stop the road to Hana!
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