Hidden Treasure in the Mountains of Maui

Today was day 4 in Maui. We're just now getting below the tourist facade and we've seen evidence there's treasure out there. We've made numerous notes on the map where we think it's hidden. We've been following the various guide books without success. But, they get us out and about, and we think we may be getting close.

We travelled 130 miles today, or about 200 kms. We were on the Road to Hana by 6:45 AM. In the various guides, the road's described as a brutal drive but worth it. It's narrow, twisty, and busy with tourist traffic. From a quick observation, I estimated there was between 100 and 120 cars per hour, each traveller looking for treasure. When one car stopped alongside the road, within minutes there were 3, 4 or maybe a half dozen until there wasn't room for anymore. In most cases, there wasn't much to see; no treasure. And everyone just got back in their car and moved on. Many of the stopping places were at gulches where after a rain or during the rainy season, there could have been something to see. This was the rainforest side of the Island, but today it was dry.

Finally, after being on the road for 4 hours, averaging about 15 mph, or 25 kmph, we reached an area called the 7 Sacred Pools. It's a National Park where a river running down the gulch, forms pools. The hiking and swimming were good. If it was a wetter season, it would have been quite spectacular, and if it hadn't been for the masses of people, it would have been a treasure. I think we were probably just a few years too late.

The various guide books recommended we return from Hana the way we had come, even though there is an alternate route around the back side of the crater. We were on adventure and looking for more, so we ventured on. The road was rough but worth the effort. There were other folks with the same mindset, so we certainly weren't alone. The rate probably dropped to about 30 cars per hour. The rewards were ocean vistas and dramatic volcanic canyons, all framed in an arid landscape. Each one of those canyons was a nugget. Unfortunately, by then, we were running out of time. We didn't want to get caught in unfamiliar back country at dark.

We know there are lots of canyons closer to home, and we're searching for access. We're sure there's hidden treasure in those mountains, and if it's there, we'll find it.

Click here for the next story in this series:
http://travellingwithsteveandmarlene.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-iao-crater-lahaina-pali-trail.html