by Maui Sunriders | Sep 30, 2018 | Blog
What’s more beautiful than visiting a tropical paradise like Maui and getting to try some new and exotic fruits?
Now imagine how easy it is to get them directly from a roadside stand or farmers market. Yes, it just keeps getting better. In fact Hawaii grows a variety of exotic / tropical fruits yearly, producing more cycles of fruit per year. When tropical fruit is in season in Hawaii be sure to try it and experience the fresh and truly delicious taste for yourself.
Keep an eye out for fruit stands on your Maui bike tour as you make your way down Haleakalā. Fruit is a refreshing treat along the Haleakalā volcano bike tour.
Abiu
Round in shape with smooth bright yellow skin, Abiu has a creamy, sweet, juicy flesh which has been described as tasting like Creme Caramel. It is best eaten slightly chilled, which makes for a delicious, healthy exotic dessert.
Abiu. Photo courtesy of Capetrib.com.au
Surinam Cherry
Surinam cherries taste different to regular cherries. They are about the same size as a cherry and can have a tart taste. Usually, the deeper the red, the sweeter the fruit.
Surinam Cherries. Photo courtesy of Mauijungalow.com
Velvet Apple
Recognized as a Persimmon relative, the Velvet Apple fruit has a creamy white to yellowish white flesh which contains several large flat seeds. There are some seedless varieties.
Velvet Apple
Peanut Butter Fruit
While no relation to peanut butter, the fruit produces a small orange-red fruit with sticky, dense pulp and a flavor resembling that of dried figs or peanut butter, hence the name.
Peanut Butter Fruit. Photo courtesy of CostaRicaMap, via Flickr
Poha Berry
Poha Berry is a small berry that grows on a low bush at high elevations. The fruit is sweet with a slight tartness and contains many seeds. A popular fruit berry in Hawaii, the Poha Berry bush produces a sweet and tart like berry with a smooth, waxy orange skin.
Poha Berry. Photo courtesy of Kukuiula.com
Egg Fruit
This fruit’s texture resembles a hard-boiled egg yolk that is sweet and savory while smooth and creamy at the same time. It is known as the “pumpkin pie” fruit with a taste similar to both pumpkin and sweet potato.
Egg Fruit. Photo courtesy of kukuiula.com
by Maui Sunriders | Sep 23, 2018 | Blog
Looking for adventurous and romantic ideas for proposing in Maui? From sunrise to sunset, I’ve got you covered.
Did you know Maui is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world? This is why it’s a top destination for visitors and romantics looking for an adventure in paradise with alluring beaches, breathtaking sunsets and attractions that will create everlasting memories – making it the perfect place to plan your marriage proposal.
Sunrise Proposal in Maui
Haleakalā Sunrise Followed by our Downhill Bike Ride.
When it comes to popping the question, why not do it at the summit of Haleakalā at 10,000 feet above sea level. After sunrise meet us at our shop down in Paia to then enjoy the endless beauty of Maui together by taking a Haleakalā Downhill bike tour down Maui’s majestic volcano, all at your own pace. Our tours offer riders the freedom to stop along the way making it ideal for also finding a romantic spot to propose during your downhill ride.
Haleakala Downhill Bike Ride Proposal in Maui
You can also plan a sweet proposal to take place during the bike ride! There are several vistas and scenic overlooks coming down Haleakala where you could POP the Question! Why not pop the question when you are already filled with excitement and adrenaline from such a fun ride coming down the mountain. Nothing forecasts adventure in your marriage more than proposing while decending 6500′ down the side of a volcano on an island! If you would like any assistance with any of your creative endeavours, please chat or email us!
Sunset Proposal in Maui
Haleakala Downhill Bike Ride followed by a Haleakalā sunset.
Not a morning person? No problem. The unforgettable Maui sunsets can be enjoyed from just about anywhere along the west coast. The sunset on the peak of Haleakalā is a gorgeous sight not to be missed. Many people like to visit Haleakalā at night not only to view the mesmerizing sunset, but to see the night sky covered in bright twinkling stars. A desirable place to pop the question. After your Maui downhill bike ride taking in beautiful upcountry Maui from the mountain to the sea…head back up to the summit after the ride and consider popping the question tonight after your incredible day!
Photo by Divya Thakur via Flickr.
by Maui Sunriders | Jun 22, 2018 | Blog
Maui is a special place filled with real magic that some people have experienced daily for their entire life. To them Maui has it’s own time separate from the rest of the world and that clock comes from within. So don’t be surprised if you notice that this isn’t Kansas anymore.
Maui No Ka Oi
You’ll hear people from all the different Islands of Hawaii say, “Maui No Ka Oi” when they are describing the island of Maui. It means, “Maui is the best”. And it’s true. They say so because Maui has it’s own energy and vibe. It’s laidback but not boring. There’s always something going on when you are seeking an adventure or entertainment, but there are just as many opportunities for seclusion and relaxation here on Maui. If you are blessed with an abundance of time to explore Maui, you’ll start to understand Maui better if you begin at an unhurried pace.
Aloha Friday
Every Friday is affectionately called, “Aloha Friday”, and for good reason. It is for all intents and purposes a holiday that is celebrated once a week. Because these are the “islands of Aloha” we embrace and practice Aloha here 24 hours a day, all year long. In fact, Maui doesn’t have a “happy hour”, some claim we have one “ok hour” and 23 happy hours every day. Aloha means so much more then we can share here in this article. You’ll see and experience it for yourself no matter how long you are here.
We Celebrate at the drop of a hat
There’s always a celebration somewhere on Maui for some reason. Here we have a different “Friday Town Party” in the evening every week. We celebrate because it’s Aloha Friday. 1st Friday is in Wailuku, 2nd Friday is in Lahaina, 3rd Friday is in Makawao, and 4th Friday is in Kihei. Every once in a while there’s a 5th Friday, and that Friday Town Party is held on the island of Lānaʻi. You can find more details at MauiFridays.com. Maui is home to hundreds of fantastic festivals, events and celebrations about the diverse cultures, music, dance, holidays, art, history and much more. Any excuse to celebrate with the Ohana is a welcome pastime here on Maui.
Directions, Distances and Time
Distances are typically measured in time rather then miles and 5 or 6 miles or more is far on an island. Remember that when you ask how long it might take to get somewhere, the answer is probably “probably 15-30 minutes” even if it could take 30-45 minutes, and when you ask how long something is going to take, you might get, “eh, 5-10 minutes” when it is really going to be 15-30 minutes or more. Here on Maui, when giving directions we use landmarks and island navigation terms such as “Makai” and “Mauka”. We also say “west side, south side, upcountry and Hana side” to mean the different parts of the island. Everything in the middle is called “Town” which is comprised of Kahului and Wailuku. So you if you ask where the Costco is and how far away it is, you might get this answer depending on where you are, “It’s in Town right next to Kmart. Bout 15-20 minutes if you leave now”. If you are asking directions to Maui Brewery in Kihei, you might hear, “It’s on Lipoa, Mauka of Piilani hwy”. Mauka means towards to mountain, and Makai means on the ocean side. So if I said that “Longs is on the Makai side of Piikea across from McDonald’s”, you can bet that I mean the CVS Drug store is towards the ocean side on Piikea street near a fast-food restaurant that you can’t miss.
Spam, it’s what’s for dinner
Photo credit: Arnold Gatilao
What is Spam? I’m not going there, but it’s not unwanted email, it’s something you eat. For most people vacationing to Hawaii is about experiencing something new and different. Spam is one of those things. It is a tradition here in Hawaii. Get used to it. If you stay in a resort and never venture out of your hotel you may never experience this island delicacy. But I can tell you that wherever rice is on the menu, you can bet Spam isn’t far away. My favorite place to dive into Spam is at Da Kitchen restaurant in Town. It’s on the Makai side of Hana Hwy. It’s kinda hard to find but it’s worth looking for! Try it with rice or have a Spam Musubi for a real local spam experience.
We only touched on a few of the amazing things that make Maui unique. There is so much more to understanding Maui that we will be sharing is future articles. What’s your favorite thing about Maui?
by Maui Sunriders | Mar 5, 2018 | Blog
Staying healthy on your Maui bike ride just got easier.
Are you vegan, vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or just an all-around total health nut? Then health friendly Paia is sure to please your palate by offering an impressive variety of mostly organic places that will nourish your appetite with the healthy food in Paia. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your bike ride or to replenish afterwards with some delicious, wholesome goodness when your bike tour is over.
A family-owned and operated grocery store, which is largely organic, local produce, with a deli and bakery.
Mana Foods. Photo by Maui Health Network.
Maka By Mana
An addition to Mana Foods, this restaurant combines the best of raw and vegan food to satisfy everyone’s needs. Their large and delicious menu includes salads, a wholesome Paia breakfast, sandwiches and wraps, entrees, desserts, as well as a variety of fresh juices, smoothies, elixirs, and tonics.
Acai bowl at Maka By Mana. Photo by Tedi D.
Cafe Des Amis
Largely Mediterranean and Indian cuisine with lots of options for health conscious folk. Their menu offers smoothies, hummus, vegetable curry, tofu curry, vegetable and tofu wrap and curry wrap.
Cafe Des Amis. Photo by Maui Made Blog.
Flatbread Company
Wood-fired pizzas with organic ingredients made in traditional clay ovens. Their default toppings include onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado, plus you can customize the toppings from a long list of veggies. Gluten-free options available too making them a perfect choice for healthy food in Paia.
Large vegan pizza at Flatbread Company. Photo by Dave R.
by Maui Sunriders | Mar 3, 2018 | Blog
Starting sometime in late April or early May, Upcountry Maui will look completely different then the usual rolling green hills and meadows. The slopes of Haleakalā, especially in and around Makawao and Kula, will be changing colors. Every year Maui residents celebrate the annual blooming of the Jacaranda Trees. These normally average looking upcountry trees reveal their bright purple and blueish-purple flowers seasonally. It’s an amazing time to visit the upcountry area by car or bicycle, and truly experience the beauty of Jacarandas blooming everywhere.
Maui’s artists and photographers ascend upon the many winding roads of the upcountry and setup their easels and tripods for a day’s worth of capturing the essence of Jacaranda perspectives and landscapes. If you plan ahead to spend the day upcountry you’ll discover Jacarandas around just about every corner. Bring your camera to capture the light and the colors to share with friends. Below are some inspiring Jacaranda images courtesy of local photographer, Darren McDaniel.
When planning your trip into Jacaranda territory be sure to consider a bike tour in conjunction with your upcountry experience. You’ll enjoy a different—more personal experience closeup to these majestic blue-purple flowering trees.
One very popular Maui artist, Curtis Cost, knows exactly how to capture Jacarandas in all their glory. He puts them right in the center of the painting. This painting is available from the Curtis Cost gallery.
Special insiders tip: late in the Jacaranda season you’ll see the ground below Jacaranda trees blanketed with the purple flowers which adds a unique perspective to photography.
