"Day Hikes on Maui" by Robert Stone - Book Review

"Day Hikes on Maui" by Robert Stone is one of a smallincluding type of trail, the destination, and various
collection of books that accompany me to Maui eachfeatures found along the way.
time I visit the island. Due to the diversity of theDriving Directions: Detailed instructions on how to get to
geography and geology of Maui a book like this isthe trailhead. These start with the numbered highways
needed to get exposure to the broad experience ofand then street and road names with specific
the island. The book gives a detailed description of 55distances in tenths of a mile for each section.
day hikes. The hikes cover a broad range of distance,Landmarks at turning points are also clearly identified.
difficulty, elevation, ease of access, and time required.Each section ends with a note on available parking.
The book is organized in a geographically logical base.Hiking Directions: Detailed description of each hike. The
Hike #1 is to the Nakalele Blowhole at the northern tipbest example of the thoroughness of these sections is
of West Maui. The hikes follow down along the westto quote the book on a sample hike. From the book's
coast of Maui through Lahaina with Hike #16, Waiheedescription of Hike #1, the Nakalele Blowhole, one of
Ridge completing the loop to the northern shore of thethe shorter hikes at only one mile round trip.
western lobe. Hike #17 takes us to the KamaoleFollow the old jeep road/trail as it winds into the
Beaches in Kihei and then continue to Hike # 24, Leironwood tree grove. Continue the gradual descent
Perouse Bay to Cape Hanamanioa, at the southern tipeast past the Coast Guard beacon and down to the
of the east lobe of Maui. Hike #25 takes us to theocean. thee path ends beyond the beacon. walk out
Kahana Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and then we followover the lava shelf past tide pools towards the
the winding road to Hana along the northern coast offarthest point. The blowhole is in a cove east of
the east lobe. After passing through Hana we end withNakalele Point. If you have any difficulty locating the
Hike #55, Pipiwai Trail to Makahiku and Waimoku Falls.blowhole, listen for the frequent eruptions. Explore the
Each trail has two pages of description:amazing jagged landscape along your own route.
Hiking Distance: Round trip distance in milesAs you can see, a very detailed description. The
Hiking Time: A conservative estimate of the timedescription is also one of the shortest in the book.
requiredLonger hikes get proportionately longer descriptions.
Elevation Gain: Either Level or the elevation gain in feetI recommend that you get a copy of "Day Hikes on
Maps: Listing of the appropriate USGS map and otherMaui" by Robert Stone as you explore the beauty of
available mapsthe island.
Summary of hike: A narrative description of the hike