After Hana, how to get back to Kihei? Also about the homeless.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 06:59 AM
#1
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After Hana, how to get back to Kihei? Also about the homeless.
First time to Maui coming up real soon. We'll have a full size rented car.
Was wondering how safe it was to continue around the southern edge to Kihei,
if thats possible, or should we backtrack, and what if its getting dark does that make a difference?
Second question, I'm not used to seeing the homeless, and I've read that I will probably,
be seeing them on the beaches. How prevalent is this situation, how likely will I be
approached for money, and how should I respond? Sorry if this sounds naive, but
its new to me.
Thank you
Was wondering how safe it was to continue around the southern edge to Kihei,
if thats possible, or should we backtrack, and what if its getting dark does that make a difference?
Second question, I'm not used to seeing the homeless, and I've read that I will probably,
be seeing them on the beaches. How prevalent is this situation, how likely will I be
approached for money, and how should I respond? Sorry if this sounds naive, but
its new to me.
Thank you
Aug 22nd, 2011, 07:45 AM
#2
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The beaches where you might encounter the homeless are those with campgrounds. I avoid Kanaha and Baldwin. Have never been approached for money, but neither feels that welcoming to visitors. There are many, many beaches on the west and south sides that are comfortable...with "personalities" ranging from tourist activity zones to less famous, quieter strands of sand.
From Hana you cannot go on any road directly to Kihei. The
"back road" brings you to Upcountry, on a narrow road with steep drop offs. Whether you go that way or return on the Hana Highway you will end up near the airport and have to cut over to Kihei. I would not attempt either in the dark.
From Hana you cannot go on any road directly to Kihei. The
"back road" brings you to Upcountry, on a narrow road with steep drop offs. Whether you go that way or return on the Hana Highway you will end up near the airport and have to cut over to Kihei. I would not attempt either in the dark.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 08:27 AM
#3
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THANK YOU Barbara, so I think we'll start early, and return the way we came leaving before 4PM.
I am finding the older I get, the more I have mixed feeling about traveling. I get excited about seeing new things, but
I'm getting more afraid of things that could happen so far
from home.
I am finding the older I get, the more I have mixed feeling about traveling. I get excited about seeing new things, but
I'm getting more afraid of things that could happen so far
from home.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 11:25 AM
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I've been going to Hawai'i since I was a little girl, Maui in particular, and I've never noticed a significant homeless population, any more than any other city and certainly less than a lot of places. And I have never been bothered. You will be fine.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 03:49 PM
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Hi ehovis,
I live in Southern California and there are plenty of homeless people in and around the beach communities I frequent. If you have to be homeless, be homeless somewhere warm. Right?
Generally, unless they are out of control, strung-out druggies, homeless people won't bother you as they do not want any trouble. We offer food, clothes, shoes, or blankets and make it a policy never to give money because believe it or not, posing as a homeless person on a busy street in some cities is a profitable business for some unscrupulous people and many others just use the cash to buy drugs or booze. Besides that, local authorities seem to think that helping the homeless only encourages them.
My son saw several homeless men outside of our hotel in San Diego last February and asked if he could give his sleeping bag to one of them since my son had an extra. My husband told him to ask me and I couldn't say, "No" to their puppy-dog-eyes and a gesture of kindness.
My husband and son talked to this homeless fellow quite a bit and said he was a very nice, 'regular' guy and maybe not the sharpest tool in the shed (if you get my drift). It turns out that the man used to work at the baseball stadium in San Diego and had been laid off and the odd jobs he had weren't enough to pay for the cost of living so he lost his home. He was simply someone who couldn't afford the San Diego lifestyle but that's where he was. The man was so grateful for the warm bag to sleep in, he called my son an angel. He also had to made one of his buddies promise to keep it safe for him while he was gone. He made it a point to thank my son every day for the entire week we were there. Now, he may have been spinning a yarn for my guys but I like to think that he was sincere.
I try to avoid homeless people too and I have to remind myself they are people just like me who are down on their luck or have just made some bad decisions. They are not really scary and most are as docile and harmless as anyone else walking the street - just a little more desperate.
Don't let fear of leaving your home or agoraphobia keep you from living your life. If you continue to have anxiety, I suggest E.M.D.R. or some relaxation meditation. Otherwise go see a doctor. Fear should not be the driving force in your life.
Best of luck and I hope you have fun in Hawaii.
~Deb
I live in Southern California and there are plenty of homeless people in and around the beach communities I frequent. If you have to be homeless, be homeless somewhere warm. Right?
Generally, unless they are out of control, strung-out druggies, homeless people won't bother you as they do not want any trouble. We offer food, clothes, shoes, or blankets and make it a policy never to give money because believe it or not, posing as a homeless person on a busy street in some cities is a profitable business for some unscrupulous people and many others just use the cash to buy drugs or booze. Besides that, local authorities seem to think that helping the homeless only encourages them.
My son saw several homeless men outside of our hotel in San Diego last February and asked if he could give his sleeping bag to one of them since my son had an extra. My husband told him to ask me and I couldn't say, "No" to their puppy-dog-eyes and a gesture of kindness.
My husband and son talked to this homeless fellow quite a bit and said he was a very nice, 'regular' guy and maybe not the sharpest tool in the shed (if you get my drift). It turns out that the man used to work at the baseball stadium in San Diego and had been laid off and the odd jobs he had weren't enough to pay for the cost of living so he lost his home. He was simply someone who couldn't afford the San Diego lifestyle but that's where he was. The man was so grateful for the warm bag to sleep in, he called my son an angel. He also had to made one of his buddies promise to keep it safe for him while he was gone. He made it a point to thank my son every day for the entire week we were there. Now, he may have been spinning a yarn for my guys but I like to think that he was sincere.
I try to avoid homeless people too and I have to remind myself they are people just like me who are down on their luck or have just made some bad decisions. They are not really scary and most are as docile and harmless as anyone else walking the street - just a little more desperate.
Don't let fear of leaving your home or agoraphobia keep you from living your life. If you continue to have anxiety, I suggest E.M.D.R. or some relaxation meditation. Otherwise go see a doctor. Fear should not be the driving force in your life.
Best of luck and I hope you have fun in Hawaii.
~Deb
Aug 23rd, 2011, 01:53 AM
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Thank you Deb, Great advise with the homeless.
Fear, I base on experience. End of July went camping, got a tick bite - ehrlichiosis, 3 weeks later a fever, ended up in ICU for a week, I was confused, heart attack and pneumonia, and barely survived, I'm still on medical leave, frequently out of breath, and hands shake still. Every day I'm getting a little better, but it makes me afraid to camp now.
Years ago we were coming down a mountain, on vacation in Branson. Gang of boys decided to try to bump us off the edge, by repeatedly hitting the back of our bumper. We doubled our speed to get away. We had two little kids in the back, first time I saw fear in my husband.
I believe in trusting in God, its the only way I make it every day. I am just coming into the realization that as we
age, we become less able to defend ourself, from predators even a little tick. So thoughts of what COULD happen on a vacation is always in the back of my mind. I just need to stop and pray.
Fear, I base on experience. End of July went camping, got a tick bite - ehrlichiosis, 3 weeks later a fever, ended up in ICU for a week, I was confused, heart attack and pneumonia, and barely survived, I'm still on medical leave, frequently out of breath, and hands shake still. Every day I'm getting a little better, but it makes me afraid to camp now.
Years ago we were coming down a mountain, on vacation in Branson. Gang of boys decided to try to bump us off the edge, by repeatedly hitting the back of our bumper. We doubled our speed to get away. We had two little kids in the back, first time I saw fear in my husband.
I believe in trusting in God, its the only way I make it every day. I am just coming into the realization that as we
age, we become less able to defend ourself, from predators even a little tick. So thoughts of what COULD happen on a vacation is always in the back of my mind. I just need to stop and pray.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 07:30 PM
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ehovis: I'm so sorry you've had to endure those troubles while on vacation - not sure which was worse - the tick bite or the idiots running you off the road!
But I understand what you mean - I'm a big worry-wart myself!
As for Maui, I would second the recommendation that you make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to drive off the beaten path (so to speak) during daylight. It can get a little confusing after dark in some areas.
I also second what Placename mentioned about the car rental agencies prohibiting their cars from certain areas. There are some very rough roads here and there, and the car companies don't want to encourage their drivers to attempt these roads for fear of damaging the vehicle. Lots of people ignore these signs and drive through such areas (such as my husband!), but I'd just as soon not deal with a potential headache, like getting a flat tire on a lava rock or something.
We've hit a few beaches with a homeless population - mostly they keep to themselves, but you don't want to do anything like leave packages sitting in open view in the car - that's just too tempting to a lot of people, and not just the homeless.
There are always a few homeless who will hang out on Front St. in Lahaina in the later evenings. Again, they've always been harmless, but just use common sense and give them a wide berth if they make you especially uncomfortable for some reason.
Try your best to set your fears aside and soak up the aloha spirit while you're there. It's truly an amazing place!
But I understand what you mean - I'm a big worry-wart myself!
As for Maui, I would second the recommendation that you make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to drive off the beaten path (so to speak) during daylight. It can get a little confusing after dark in some areas.
I also second what Placename mentioned about the car rental agencies prohibiting their cars from certain areas. There are some very rough roads here and there, and the car companies don't want to encourage their drivers to attempt these roads for fear of damaging the vehicle. Lots of people ignore these signs and drive through such areas (such as my husband!), but I'd just as soon not deal with a potential headache, like getting a flat tire on a lava rock or something.
We've hit a few beaches with a homeless population - mostly they keep to themselves, but you don't want to do anything like leave packages sitting in open view in the car - that's just too tempting to a lot of people, and not just the homeless.
There are always a few homeless who will hang out on Front St. in Lahaina in the later evenings. Again, they've always been harmless, but just use common sense and give them a wide berth if they make you especially uncomfortable for some reason.
Try your best to set your fears aside and soak up the aloha spirit while you're there. It's truly an amazing place!
Aug 24th, 2011, 02:10 PM
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You can certainly go all around the island on Highway 31 (turns into 37). It's a beautiful drive, a little rough in spots, but constantly improved (hence making it perfectly allowable, as some rental companies say no driving on "unimproved" roads). We've done it on visits over the past 20 years, and wouldn't miss it for the world. Driving back (retracing) on 360? You couldn't pay me.
Aug 24th, 2011, 03:55 PM
#12
It's a personal decision of course, but if a homeless person politely asks me for money, I give them a few dollars.
That said, my Hawaii experience is mostly in Waikiki and I have never been approached by the homeless, that I do see mostly in the parks there. My one and only trip to Maui I didn't see any/was not approached.
That said, my Hawaii experience is mostly in Waikiki and I have never been approached by the homeless, that I do see mostly in the parks there. My one and only trip to Maui I didn't see any/was not approached.
Aug 24th, 2011, 08:42 PM
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Thank you Iowagirl, thank you for understanding and your excellent advise.
Sylvia3, half the people, and in the books say retrace 360, and half say keep going. We leave soon, and I still can't decide.
Suze, Giving money to the homeless, I think I would be afraid they would grab my whole wallet if I stopped to pick out a few dollars.
I love fodorites, such kind people taking time out to help. Thank you all!!
Sylvia3, half the people, and in the books say retrace 360, and half say keep going. We leave soon, and I still can't decide.
Suze, Giving money to the homeless, I think I would be afraid they would grab my whole wallet if I stopped to pick out a few dollars.
I love fodorites, such kind people taking time out to help. Thank you all!!
Aug 25th, 2011, 04:23 PM
#15
ehovis~ Actually when I give money to people on the street, I do not open my purse or whip out my wallet and leaf thru it in front of them. I always have a few dollars in my pocket or somewhere easily gotten to for that purpose.
Aug 25th, 2011, 04:42 PM
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I would echo what Sylvia3 said. There was a bit of 'wash boarding' but no majorly rough roads. Though it does get very desolate in parts - that's part of the beauty of it - so different from the rest of the island.
Aug 25th, 2011, 07:06 PM
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Another couple of thoughts here... If you are truly concerned about driving to/from Hana, you may want to look into a tour group to take you. Then you have no worries about getting there and back, and can sit back and enjoy all of the wonderful views along the way.
As for beaches, if I'm understanding correctly, you're staying in Kihei? You should be just fine there. Or, you could easily go to beaches along the major resort areas, like Ka'anapli and Wailea (though finding parking could be a bit tricky). They're public beaches, so there are always a few locals out surfing or hanging out and no one I know has ever run into a problem with anyone, but the majority of beach goers will be vacationers. But I honestly think you won't have a problem anyway.
Again, just use common sense and don't let your fear override what you should be enjoying. I do understand worry and fear of the unknown in a strange place, but I really think you'll enjoy yourself much more if you relax. In Hawaii, you can't help but relax!
As for beaches, if I'm understanding correctly, you're staying in Kihei? You should be just fine there. Or, you could easily go to beaches along the major resort areas, like Ka'anapli and Wailea (though finding parking could be a bit tricky). They're public beaches, so there are always a few locals out surfing or hanging out and no one I know has ever run into a problem with anyone, but the majority of beach goers will be vacationers. But I honestly think you won't have a problem anyway.
Again, just use common sense and don't let your fear override what you should be enjoying. I do understand worry and fear of the unknown in a strange place, but I really think you'll enjoy yourself much more if you relax. In Hawaii, you can't help but relax!
Aug 27th, 2011, 06:40 AM
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The reason I like to continue on the same road from Hana (or Oheo Gulch) is the spectacular scenery, the incredible views of the back of the volcano, and the variety of mini-climate zones, especially as you round the bend and go past Tedeschi vineyard area. It's quite beautiful.
Aug 27th, 2011, 09:24 AM
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It is probably too late to make the decision now, but I always like to suggest that folks that really want to take the drive to Hana and enjoy it, do it as an overnight for at least one night. It makes this excursion much less of a "forced march" for some people. Granted, there aren't many places to stay or eat in Hana, but vacation rentals can be had and the Hotel is there and usually has rooms available. We have stayed for up to a week in the area and love the solitude, beauty and the friendliness of the local ohana.
Aug 27th, 2011, 09:36 AM
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in all seriousness, maybe you shouldn't travel to go so far form home. There's leptospirosis in the fresh water pools; a homeless person might ask you for money; (you encountered homeless people in DC and the ASKED YOU FOR MONEY!!! how scary is that!); you might get sick from the vibrios in the shellfish;
I could go on and I know I'm being snide but homeless people are not sub-human.
I could go on and I know I'm being snide but homeless people are not sub-human.
