I am writing to you while sitting poolside in Maui. Life is hard. We are staying on the northwest end of the island in Kapalua, which, other than being incredibly windy, is absolutely gorgeous. A surf spot called Flemmings is right on our beach and Honolua Bay is just a short car ride away.
Flemmings, which is basically right outside of our door, is a deep water break. There are rights and some lefts (if you are fearless about heading into reef and rocks). We have seen the most size at this spot during our stay. There is basically one take-off zone and it loses power as you move out onto the shoulder, which is a good thing in that you can stay out of the way of other surfers by paddling out in the channel, but hard in that you have to be exactly in the right position to get a ride. If there is size, the wave pits out and gets pretty hollow on take-off, and I saw a couple of locals take the elevator drop straight down without landing. No, it's definitely not a beginner spot. I caught a few and my daring boyfriend did an excellent job at this adrenaline rush of a spot, but I preferred the more mellow longboard break over at Breakwall in Lahina.
So after a frustrating morning of trying to jockey for position at Flemmings, we took a drive 10 miles south to Lahina. Lahina is a total tourist destination in Maui. Here you can find high-end shopping, get your Hawaiian kitsch on at the ABC store, eat at a chain restaurant, or experience fine island dining. In Lahina, the sun was shining and there was a lovely breeze. Lahina Breakwall is the ultimate learning spot and has a very fun longboard break outside, but it can get reefy on a low tide (which was evident the next time we went and there was no where to surf). Many surf schools set up in the inside sections. I rented a longboard and paddled out to the easy waist-high waves in the perfect sunshine with a killer view of the mountains. We found our own area and I took as many rides as I wanted until my arms felt like limp spaghetti. Starved from a day of surfing, we grabbed burgers from Cheeseburger in Paradise. Yes, it's a total tourist trap, but it's hard to say no when yummy burgers are served right on the beach.
Soon it was time to head back to the hotel to receive my Lomilomi massage. (I know, it's hard to like me.) Have you ever had one? It is a great massage, sort of like a traditional deep tissue, but more rhythmic and spiritual. It is said to reconnect you
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