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Maui on my Mind, Part 28

As my Maui trip wound down, I became even more nostalgic for my daily walk from Napili to and along Kapalua and back. So many wonderful memories — of places and people. Those you want to hang onto forever.



And the first thing I encountered was unexpected change. There is a good-sized lot just on the other side of Napili Place, the road that runs from the Lower Honoapiilani Road along the side of Napili Shores almost to Napili Bay. Years ago, an old, rundown plantation home stood on the property. With the value of property in this area, I figured it would be soon torn down and replaced with a small condo complex. But year after year, there was no change. Until a few years ago, the old plantation home was gone. So I figured, on my next trip, there would be that expected new condo complex. Finally, this year I encountered construction — not a condo complex but a single-family home. Looks nice.



And between that home and the road is a new guest house. In Hawai‘i these are often ohana homes — "ohana" meaning family — translate that to mother-in-law quarters. Must be a nice mother-in-law — she even has her own pool.

BTW, I checked Zillow to see what it might cost but there was no listing. I even checked Google Earth and Apple Maps and the construction does not show there either. Must be a CIA home for double agents under an assumed identity.



Across from the CIA safe house, one finds what looks like a meadow but is actually a wash which fills frequently with the abundant rain that falls in Napili/Kapalua, usually at night. Looks like the guards will have a clear shot if enemy agents ever decide to attack from this side.



Next we see a stunning specimen of a Christmas palm — so named because of the bright red fruits (I would call them acorns) they produce. They are very familiar to me after being introduced to them when my family moved to south Florida when I was a teenager. It is amazing what you encounter when simply walking along the lower road.



On the makai (ocean) side of the road is a small commercial center (snorkel gear rentals, surfboard rentals and hair salon) together with the front desk for the Napili Village Condos. The shops have changed over the years. About five years ago, the shop labeled "808" was a small food market (like a 7-11). That year, I had spent a week at a photography workshop on Moloka‘i and traveled to Maui on the ferry, landing at Lahaina. Unfortunately, I arrived after the rental car agencies had all closed for the day, so I had to take a taxi to Napili Shores. But I did need a bit of food so I walked to that market and bought some cereal and milk. The next day, after my Cheerios breakfast, Hertz delivered my rental car to the condo and I was set for my time on Maui.



As the lower road curves, we move from Napili into Kapalua. Since these are incorporated municipalities, the borders are somewhat fluid.



On the mauka (mountain) side, we see a private residence. I have been seeing this residence for so many years, I almost feel like a neighbor. If the residents were outside tending their yard, I definitely would wave to them — maybe even go talk story (chat) with them.



Another parking lot, another condo — this time the Mauian. By the way, I am sharing a number of pictures of condos so you future visitors to Maui know that you have choices — not everyone needs to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.



I remember when this plot of land was vacant and wild. Then construction began on a small but very nice condo complex. Only a dozen or so units but all with three bedrooms and three baths plus a two-car garage (and more amenities). I suspect the builder intended them all to be privately owner-occupied. Perhaps some are but the rest are vacation rentals.



Standing on the side of the road was a Hawaiian snowman waving at the passers-by. Seems appropriate since it was October at the time and winter was coming. So cute — a good way to finish this week of photos.



To be continued...

Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com