Why I think the Micronesian spirits took us to Maui?

We’re super grateful to the US Coast Guard for towing our boat to their station on Maui. Honestly, I can’t shake off this feeling that there’s a reason we stopped by Maui before heading to our final stop, Wailoa Harbor in Hilo. Maybe it’s the universe’s way of nudging me to take a breather and think about life’s journey.

Who knows, maybe it was meant to be, as the island’s cool culture really vibes with my own experiences. Maui’s stunning views and friendly people have a knack for capturing anyone’s heart. As many of you probably know, our Paliuwelap and Grand Navigator is named Maui. His legacy continues to motivate new navigators.

He’s got mad respect in the sailing community for his wisdom and skills. Ancestors didn’t just see him as a deity but as a guiding light in their voyages. Maui Pialug has this awesome history of teaching Polynesians our navigational tricks and traditions. Even today, his teachings are crucial in keeping alive the art of wayfinding across the Pacific. His impact on modern navigation is huge. Looking back, it’s clear to me that Maui’s charm really influenced my navigation plans.

Skipping over Maui, I thought, would’ve been a mistake, especially during my first long-distance trip. Each twist and turn felt like destiny was giving me a gentle nudge. But faith, as they say, has a quirky way of showing us where we need to go. This detour brought me back to the ocean’s magic and its surrounding islands. I thought I’d zip straight to Hilo, but here I am soaking in Maui.

It’s a wonderful reminder of the connections we’ve made, both in the past and now. There’s this deep bond among navigators that transcends time. Recognizing Maui’s importance is key to honoring our navigational roots. You can think whatever you want, but I can’t help but feel someone made sure I paid my respects to our Grand Navigator by checking out Maui first.

The island itself, with its unique history and natural beauty, creates a sense of awe. Seriously, it draws travelers from all over. People are enchanted by its stunning beaches and lush landscapes. And let me tell you, Maui does not disappoint! It’s a perfect showcase of nature’s beauty. The sunsets are something special, coloring the skies in orange and pink. The scenery goes from volcanic craters to beautiful gardens.

It’s breathtaking, especially around the resorts. The sights triggered a mix of joy and some serious reflection. I found myself thinking deeply about how our society is doing. Amidst all this beauty, my mind wandered to some heavy stuff. The contrast between paradise and hardship really hits you hard. These contradictions bring out feelings about wealth and urban growth.

As I explored, I couldn’t help but think about how strange it is that homes are priced so high while homeless folks are everywhere, and these resort areas sit vacant just for the rich to enjoy. Understanding the duality of paradise brings a weight of responsibility. It’s disheartening, to say the least. Finding beauty amid struggle is a skill we need to work on. It’s pretty sad.

Maui stands as a peaceful escape for those searching for calm in a chaotic world. It’s a chill spot for anyone wanting a slice of paradise. Every sip of coffee felt richer against Maui’s backdrop. I spent most of my time at Starbucks, sipping coffee and using their wifi, amazed at how beautiful Maui is. The flavors and views created such a delightful experience. The coffee was awesome, but that view? Simply breathtaking.

It’s moments like these that make traveling worth it. I’m leaving with a fresh sense of purpose and gratitude from this amazing place.

Hilo, I am coming riding this beautiful ocean ready 28 footer, Grady white, powered by twin 225 horse power Yamaha engines which totaled 450 horse power, pushing us up to 47 miles per hour on calm waters. We gotta complete this 209 Nautical mile journey. If traveling from Ifalik, my tiny island in Micronesia, this trip would take me past our Yap’s eastern most island of Satawal in 1 day. Crazy, huh?