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Olowalu’s hidden treasures

By Staff | Feb 3, 2011

The beach at Olowalu is great for kayaking, snorkeling and riding standup paddle boards.

OLOWALU — When was the last time you got to explore Maui? One of the best ways to have fun right in your backyard is by exploring the ocean reefs right here in Olowalu.

Kayak Olowalu is located at the Olowalu campsite and offers all the equipment rentals for kayaking, snorkeling and standup paddle boards. Their staff is there to teach you and the family — NO experience needed! It is a lot of fun. They run three tours a day launching right from Olowalu’s shores. Call (808) 661-0606 for information.

What about camping overnight? The cabins at Camp Olowalu can be rented for $20 a night and the tent area for $10 a night. Call (808) 661-4303 or e-mail them at reservations@campOlowalu.com for details.

The Green Sea Turtle Projects hosted by Mel Rice is another fun and interesting day for the family. He is a fabulous guide that helps the kids learn to snorkel and points out the turtles in their natural habitat, as well as the wonderful array of tropical fish. They educate their guests on the names of the fish they will see and provide all the equipment to ensure a wonderful time for all. Call (808) 667-6706 for information.

Spend a day getting to learn about Olowalu’s cultural past. The Olowalu Cultural Reserve (OCR) offers insight to the past with different cultural and archeological sites in the area. The petroglyphs in the OCR boast one of the largest collections on Maui. Nearly 70 ancient rock drawings can be found along the base of Pu’u Kilea. These ancient drawings and figures carved by Hawaiians tell the stories and messages of an era past. There is also evidence of habitation located along Olowalu’s streambed and natural rock cliffs.

There are several burial and heiau sites located on the OCR, the largest being Kawaialoa Heiau. It is interpreted as the site of major religious ceremonies, probably involving the high chiefs and rulers at the time. Call the Olowalu Cultural Reserve for more information at (808) 244-5138 or e-mail them at lihauolowalu@live.com.

Want to own your own piece of paradise in Olowalu? On the mountain side in the small agricultural subdivision of Olowalu Mauka, there is a 3.7-acre lot available for $879,000 or a smaller parcel for $399,000. This subdivision consists of 14 lots that offer panoramic ocean views and spectacular mountain views. The area has its own private water and roads.

Have you ever dreamed of being right on the ocean? Rarely available, there is a direct ocean front lot being offered. Located on conservation land just behind the coconut farm, this parcel has plans and approved permits for a beautiful 3,500-square-foot, plantation-style home that sits just 91 feet from the water’s edge. The price is $4,350,000.

There are some new improvements coming soon to the Olowalu area. There are permits and applications underway for a new turn lane road to be built that will soon provide access to Olowalu Village and Olowalu Mauka Subdivision. Separately, Olowalu Town is in the process of requesting the reestablishment of a traditional community as part of Maui’s 2030 General Plan. Olowalu Town would be a planned community of homes, shops, restaurants and businesses constructed over the course of many years.

Olowalu is a real hidden treasure to explore!

Contact Debbie Arakaki at (808) 283-7214 or visit www.DebbieArakaki.com.