Cycling Around West Maui - The West Maui Loop

Today our article is by guest writer, our son in law, Chad.  He agreed to share some of their Maui adventures with us while using our Maui Garden House in Kihei as their base. Tammy and Chad are triathletes so cycling around West Maui was a challenge they couldn't resist. Read on.

Lobster boy and Cervelo Girl Tackle West Maui

I should point out the title of the post indicates my nickname for the trip. Yesterday we spent 2 1/2 hours at Polo Beach in South Maui. It is a beautiful shallow, sandy beach with very clear water. Not great for snorkeling but it was fantastic for doing some body surfing. Tammy knows very well that I am a water baby and when I see water I am in it until I get called that it is time to go (I don't think I'll ever grow up).

I spent 2 hours and 25 minutes in the water with what I thought was a waterproof sunscreen. Turns out the sunscreen wore off fast with all the surf and playing in the waves. I now have a very red back and triceps. Hence the name "Lobster boy".

After all the playing in the waves we made a choice to get up early and ride around West Maui. We heard that it is very beautiful and low in traffic (in certain areas). We mapped it out and saw that it was 110km from the front of our door in Kihei. Kinda a big ride, but we were confident that we were capable. We started early to avoid the heat of the day.

The ride through to Lahaina was fast and flat, the ride started to go up shortly after Napili. The road narrowed and became 18% for what felt like a lifetime (really only a minute).

The ride was crazy awesome, with us cycling on what seemed to be a semi-paved goat trail barely wide enough for a car. We were extremely low on fluids then suddenly the city of Wailuku appears and we stopped for some much deserved Dr.Pepper and water. Finally with the trade winds at our back we ripped down towards Ma'alaea only to make a wrong turn on a state highway. We quickly realized our (my) blunder and U-turned back to Kihei.
Now after a shower and some pool time I feel better, but that was a shattering ride. Tonight we might devour enough food for a family of six.

Thankyou Chad for sharing your this adventure with us.  Read about more Tammy and Chad Adventures. Consider making the Maui Garden House your base for a Maui Vacation in Paradise.