It’s my last days in Maui and I am about to judge the Maui Onion Festival. But as the morning was free I wanted to just wake up early and take a walk along Kaanapali beach with my mother.
Kaanapali is one of the small towns on the west side of Maui, next to Lahaina. It’s a popular end of the island because the stretch of beach is considered one of the best on Maui and so it’s also home to seven resorts.
Because of the beachside hotels it’s a busy beach with families and that’s not always my cup of tea. Sometimes you don’t want to be surrounded by fellow tourists.
There is a lot to do on the beach, the stretch begins with Black Rock, where people snorkel and the brave jump from the cliffs, and runs to Canoe Beach. In addition to the resorts there are also restaurants and Whalers Village Mall.
I’m sure lots of vacationers never leave this side of Maui although I don’t think locals come here unless they are working.
As much as it is a touristy place you can’t turn your nose up at a beautiful beach. It was early enough that the Kaanapali beach was not crowded but late enough other people were out on it.
One of my favourite moments is just watching what other people do. I decided not to take my DSLR camera, I just wanted to hang out and maybe it’s the size that makes it feel serious but I decided just to take my phone.
Kaanapali by Phone
Sometimes it’s not about taking the perfect photo but capturing a moment. Sure none of these are great examples of photography but they will always remind me of this morning in Kaanapali that we walked along the beach.
I think those snaps are great. They remind me of Blue Hawaii.
I love the shadow pic, I my self always take those when I go the beach.
I actually think these photos are great. For some reason I love the shot of the TUBES the most. It’s so simple yet so beautiful. I love the colors. Oh & just looking at that water makes me wanna go straight to Dahab and enjoy the beach there.
Its so Beautiful can’t express my feelings but mixture of colours are really really nice. amazing destination and full of adventurous
My favorite is the tubes as well! I love just using my phone for photos! You can do so much with an iPhone I often leave my SLR at home 😉
Looks like the perfect morning to me.
I have started carrying my DSLR a lot less. I still love it, but sometimes you don’t want the extra weight or don’t want to let the search for the perfect photo get in the way of the experience.
I did the same thing my last day – well, actually every day on Maui. That was a couple years ago, and the pictures taken with my phone are the ones I go back to most often. Having it always at hand means capturing those little moments that will always mean so much. Thanks for sharing!
I think because we focus more on the moment than the image.
I love these photos. I’m really getting into taking photos with my iphone too. I had no idea how much I would like it.
I would love to try this, I’m just too uptight about needing my good camera.
Great job here. I will use it as inspiration and try it sometime!
It hink these photos turned out really nice. I love the colours. My favourite is the first one.
You’re too hard on yourself, these photos are beautiful!
I stayed right in this area while in Maui — my friend lives there. We watched the sunset from this beach the first night.
The sunsets on Maui are absolutely gorgeous.