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Maui: Jogging Route, Part 2

As I walked up Office Road, I continued to eye the clouds — thinking of the places where I can take shelter if the rain becomes a torrential downpour. However, my attention was quickly diverted by the hibiscus hedge that separates the sidewalk from the number three hole on the Bay Course. I call it a hedge but it more like a wall since it is some 10-12 feet tall. Not too many balls get through — which is good since so many walkers make an easy target as they slow down to admire the hibiscus flowers.

On the other side of the road the number six hole climbs the hill along with the walkers and runners. Interestingly, on that side of the road, Kapalua has installed huge nets that catch errant golf balls — of which there are many. In fact, to get this shot, I had to watch for oncoming golfers while I positioned the camera through a slit in the net.


Eventually, the road levels off a bit as we pass the Honolua Store. This is an historic landmark which has been here much longer than I have been coming to Maui. Inside you'll find Kapalua's version of a general store. Yes, you'll find a decent selection of groceries — certainly sufficient for those staying in condos who only need an item or two and don't want to go to town to shop at Safeway. They also offer a good selection of beer and soft drinks — for the golfers — since the cart path goes through the parking lot.

They have remodeled the interior since my previous trip — expanding and remodeling the snack bar to appeal more to tourists — the old version was more oriented to locals. Additionally, you can purchase a selection of Kapalua merchandise — hats, shirts, jackets, etc. Not as big a selection as the Logo Shop just up the hill, but fun to browse through anyway.


Just past the Honolua Store, I turn right on Kapalua Drive and get a close-up look at hole number six. As I do, my mind drifts to trying to remember how John and I did when we played this hole the previous week. Darn if I could remember so I checked my scorecard database. Double bogie. Pitiful!

Number six is followed by number seven (naturally) — this is a particularly enjoyable hole — for me at least. Challenging but fair and fun to play.

One certainly expects to see tropical trees and bushes in Hawai`i but perhaps it is a bit surprising to see Eucalyptus. I love the colorful bark.

And the colorful nuts on the Christmas palm. The flora certainly can distract the golfer almost as much as the beautiful ocean vistas.


Kapalua Drive is flanked by majestic Norfolk Island Pines (AKA Cook's Pines). These trees were originally planted as wind breaks on the plantation. Now they seem like such a landmark that you feel like they must have always been here.

You may notice the trees in this photo are leaning to the left — that is not a failure by the photographer to hold the camera level — but the result of the near-constant trade winds shaping the trees as they grow.


The views are incredible — both from my walking/running route and from the course — here is the number one green.

On the other side of the road are the Golf Villas — condos available for rent or purchase. If I had the money, I would be quite interested in buying one of these — the photo provides a glimpse of the ocean views — but please take my word about the wonderful views of the Bay Course back nine.

Ah, such memories when I encounter the firecracker plants as I continue down the hill. When Kona and I walked or ran this route she would see these flowers and say, "pop, pop, pop...pop, pop...pop, pop, pop, pop". Such good memories.

Near the bottom of the hill, the road overlooks the eighteenth hole. As I recall, John and I both had pars on this hole — one of the best finishing holes I have ever played. No, I will not be checking my scorecard database — allow me to remember if fondly — even if inaccurately.

A short walk on the lower road brings one to the Napili Kai Beach Resort which lies on the east end of Napili Bay — and which provides access to the beach. Every morning as I cross their property, I get a little chuckle when I pass the Jacuzzi — which has a sign naming it the "Hanki-Panki Pool". A little fun with the Hawaiian language.

In the lava rock outcropping on this end of the bay, one finds a tiny bit of Hawaiian cultural history. These small basins were carved by the ancient Hawaiians and filled with ocean water. Once the water evaporated, a residue of salt remained — salt that could be used to preserve or season food.

Down to the beach and off with the shoes and socks — for a soothing stroll right at the waterline. The waves are generally quite small so early in the morning — so normally the walk is like wading in a very shallow pool. Again I think of Kona — both because we used to walk this together each morning — but also because Napili Bay was where we spread her ashes after she died.

As I neared the far side of the bay, I encountered a young couple trying to take a Mele Kalikimaka photo of their infant son. It was so cute — his mom was trying to get him balanced sitting on the sand while his dad handled the camera. Unfortunately, this young one was a bit wobbly and his mom had to keep grabbing him as he started to lean one way or the other. I hope they got a good photo — it was certainly a big challenge. I wonder if they'll do this for child number two.


If you are carrying your cell phone (I wasn't) as you walk along the beach in front of the Napili Sunset condos, you can call your friends to make them envious — "Look at me on Napili Bay".

For your convenience if you would like to try viewing Napili Bay online click here then click where it says "Live Cam" then "Go Live Cam". Note that it may take a few seconds to display — and that if more than 10 users are looking at it, the picture will not update automatically as it is supposed to do.


The west side of Napili Bay features a lava rock outcropping where seaweed grows — which is a favorite of the green sea turtles. Thus you will see them in the waves almost every morning.

Farewell Napili Bay — see you tomorrow. A short walk to my condo — time for a shower and a Maui breakfast.

Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc.