Photo: Jennifer Taddei Rascals in Paradise, Maui, Hawaii Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 08042A Adult Price: $1,565 Child Price: $1,465 Adult Deposit: $200 Child Deposit: $200 Min. Age: 6 Capacity: 12 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Jennifer Taddei
The capacity of this trip has changed from what was originally published. If you have questions, please contact us. We will start our trip on the East side of the “Valley Isle” with its lush valleys, beautiful gardens, and multi-colored, sandy beaches. The relaxed lifestyles in the town of Hana set the pace for our trip. We plan to see the legendary O’heo Gulch pools and hike the trail through the Bamboo Forest to the beautiful Waimoku waterfall. We will hike the ancient King’s Highway that follows the rugged coastline with views of soaring sea cliffs. This is the windward side of the island and receives more rainfall than West Maui so you’ll see evidence of taro patches, both past and present. It is truly an enchanting, yet fragile tropical island paradise.  Photo: Jennifer Taddei This trip is suitable for families with children 6 years and older. Grandparents and grandchildren are encouraged to participate. All transportation on the island will be provided We will travel to black, red and white sand beaches that beckon the swimmer, snorkeler, or beachcomber. You’ll have an opportunity to kayak, snorkel and swim and see tropical fish and coral reefs, which face destruction from man’s activities, and we’ll learn from local Sierra Club activists how they are working to preserve the reef ecosystem. Some of the beaches we visit are easily accessible, and some require a short hike. Kayak rental is included in the trip price. Maui’s most extensive network of trails exists in the upland forests and slopes of Haleakala Crater and National Park. We plan to hike in this area that is rich in native flora and fauna. The hikes will be moderately strenuous and unlike mainland trails, they can be very wet and muddy.
Our first four nights on the island will be spent in Hana, exploring and relaxing. Days will be spent at the beach, hiking forest trails, visiting native botanical gardens, and trying different local fruit and produce. For the second part of our trip, we will travel the scenic Hana Highway to the town of Paia, an artist community on the slopes of Haleakala. Besides hiking and swimming, we will have the opportunity to shop and sightsee in Paia and enjoy a dinner out with our group the last night of the trip. Departure flights from Kahului should be scheduled no earlier than 11am. on our last day, and should take into consideration the time needed for check-in and security procedures.
For the first four nights, we will be staying in Hana at two adjacent residences located within the private 5-acre botanical garden. In Paia, we will be staying at a lodge. All trip participants will have an opportunity to help with kitchen chores (food preparation, serving, and clean-up) under the direction of our trip cook. Children are encouraged to assist as much as they are able. The Sierra Club makes every effort to accommodate dietary restrictions or special needs. Please discuss any special requests with the leader or cook before signing up for this trip. Much consideration is given to planning delicious and nutritious meals for our trip. Fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables are used whenever available, and many Hawaiian-style recipes are featured.
The hike and activities planned make this trip suitable for all abilities except those with difficulty in walking moderate distances (5-6 miles with some uphill gain.)
All ground transportation will be provided during the trip. Air travel to and from Kauai will be your responsibility. We will greet all trip participants in the baggage claim area at Kahului Airport between 10am and 11am on the first day of the trip.
• Carlquist, S. Hawaii: A Natural History, 1980. Of interest to children:
Conservation According to The Hawaiian Biological Survey, the Hawaiian Islands are "The Endangered Species Capital of the World. With hundreds of plants and animals listed as endangered or threatened, there are more endangered species per square mile on these islands than any other place on the planet." We will focus on this and other issues during our trip, hopefully inspiring trip participants to take action to protect this tropical paradise. In addition, by introducing children to the delights of our natural world, we hope they will become lifelong protectors of our global environment.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Jennifer Taddei was born and raised in Hawaii but now makes her home in Santa Rosa, California. She and her daughters enjoy soccer, hiking, swimming, and have been active in the Sierra Club family trip program for over 15 years. Her daughter, Anna, age 15, will be accompanying her on this trip.