Author Topic: Puamana?  (Read 7812 times)

digger71

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Puamana?
« on: April 09, 2017, 10:45:19 PM »
Putting together a fairly last minute trip to Maui to get in a few Maliko runs, do the Olukai race, and surf as much as I can.  I've seen mention of a few Zoners staying at Puamana and a decent amount of chatter about surf breaks all around the area, but before settling on a place there I have one important question:

Is traffic going to be a hassle if I need to be driving to the north shore every day?

If it was just me I'd stay in Sprecks or near Paia, but the wife is traveling with and it will go much better for me if we are on the South or West side and she has bike access to beaches, restaurants, shops, etc. when I ditch her to go paddle daily.

Any input is appreciated!

808sup

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2017, 12:05:47 AM »
Yes there will be traffic. You may not experience much traveling from puamana to the north shore but getting back to Lahaina side can be slooooow. I work all over the island and frequently see cars coming into Lahaina backed up for miles. I'm talking about afternoon hours from 3-5.
Safer choice might be Kihei or wailea. Plentiful beach access and shopping as well as restaurants.
Good luck on the Olukai!

digger71

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2017, 08:47:42 AM »
Thanks 808!  We've stayed in Kihei and Wailea on past trips and enjoyed them both.  The only thing that led me to look at Puamana was the ability to surf right in front of the place without having to drive anywhere.  Last year I found myself driving to 1000 peaks area early in the am, driving back to Kihei, then driving to the north side for Maliko.  First world problems I know, but trying to find the perfect solution.

Now I just need to get some miles in over the next few weeks! 


Bulky

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2017, 09:49:12 AM »
FWIW, I stayed in Puamana for exactly the reasons you cite--a place where there was pretty consistent surf right outside the door and the wife could watch from the lanai be right close to the shopping & downtown she loves.  Didn't experience much with the traffic--my goal was to stay put, but didn't experience anything horrendous when I did drive up to Paia or down to Kihei.  Pretty nice to have the condo be the first thing you hit when you get to Lahaina.
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covesurfer

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2017, 10:48:55 AM »
I've found west side traffic, from Maalaea all the way to Lahaina, to be a random sh*tshow. It is hard to predict it. You expect to hit northbound traffic in the afternoons going north towards Lahaina, but it can be clear sailing or just backed up the entire way. I've aborted many surf missions to the west side when I've gotten backed up before I even got to the traffic light at Maalaea. You really just never know over there.

Just the other day, coming back (going south) from S Turns (north of Kaanapali), traffic got slow on the north end of Lahaina and it took an honest 40 minutes to get to Puamana, where I pulled off and caught some waves while the traffic mysteriously cleared out. On the other hand, last year I had a week long (all day for 5 days) training in Napili and didn't have a single backup, mornings or afternoons. Roll the dice, YMMV.

Of course, going through Paia, from either direction (eastbound or westbound) can be a hassle as well and there are days I avoid that trip just because I don't want to deal with it.

I'd have to agree that Kihei is easier for access to the north shore than staying on the upper west side. Kihei is also a pretty easy spot to hit the west side surf breaks from. Lots of shopping, but lacks the historic charm of Lahaina town.

By the way, the shuttle is under new ownership and going strong. Last week and a half has seen some nice conditions on Maliko, mostly on the lighter side wind-wise, but small surf conditions that made for some great glides (the smaller conditions made for less crossed up swells so lots of catchable bumps going several directions with none big enough to result in the often moving-obstacle-course conditions Maliko can have). We just have had a short break in the trades but forecast is for a return to wind for the upcoming week. Hoping for a good Spring! See you here!

 
« Last Edit: April 10, 2017, 10:51:51 AM by covesurfer »

SUP Leave

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2017, 11:02:52 AM »
I am going to stay at Puamana for the first time in June. Stoked! I have surfed up and down Hwy 30 from 1000s to S-turns, but am pretty excited to have a spot right out front. Although in the times I surfed Puamana I picked a lot of close outs, hopefully with more opportunity there, I will start to read it better.

I chose it for the same reason - wife and family can get to town easily and I can surf. I typically leave them without the car in the morning when we are on vacation as I go to find surf, and this year I can leave them some flexibility.

Make paddleboarding great again!

digger71

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2017, 06:08:03 PM »
I've found west side traffic, from Maalaea all the way to Lahaina, to be a random sh*tshow. It is hard to predict it. You expect to hit northbound traffic in the afternoons going north towards Lahaina, but it can be clear sailing or just backed up the entire way. I've aborted many surf missions to the west side when I've gotten backed up before I even got to the traffic light at Maalaea. You really just never know over there.

Just the other day, coming back (going south) from S Turns (north of Kaanapali), traffic got slow on the north end of Lahaina and it took an honest 40 minutes to get to Puamana, where I pulled off and caught some waves while the traffic mysteriously cleared out. On the other hand, last year I had a week long (all day for 5 days) training in Napili and didn't have a single backup, mornings or afternoons. Roll the dice, YMMV.

Of course, going through Paia, from either direction (eastbound or westbound) can be a hassle as well and there are days I avoid that trip just because I don't want to deal with it.

I'd have to agree that Kihei is easier for access to the north shore than staying on the upper west side. Kihei is also a pretty easy spot to hit the west side surf breaks from. Lots of shopping, but lacks the historic charm of Lahaina town.

By the way, the shuttle is under new ownership and going strong. Last week and a half has seen some nice conditions on Maliko, mostly on the lighter side wind-wise, but small surf conditions that made for some great glides (the smaller conditions made for less crossed up swells so lots of catchable bumps going several directions with none big enough to result in the often moving-obstacle-course conditions Maliko can have). We just have had a short break in the trades but forecast is for a return to wind for the upcoming week. Hoping for a good Spring! See you here!

Thanks Cove!  Yeah, random sh*show is about what I expected but it at least sounds like getting out of there late morning or midday "shouldn't" be too much of a problem.  Being able to walk out to the surf makes me think it's worth a shot.

Good news on the shuttle!  Jaecey is a friend of friends from San Diego - great opportunity for her!  Seems liek she really hit the ground running.  I've already signed up with her for the later race day shuttle

PonoBill

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2017, 07:33:51 PM »
I like Puamana. Lots of possibilities. If I didn't have Ponohouse I'd probably rent there. Not only can you surf the middle west side, but S Turns and Little Makaha is not far. One of my favorite things to do is stuff a credit card in my board shorts, surf Puamana, and the spots to the east, then turn back and cruise all the spots to Lahina--especially Hole in the Wall--Cove's favorite. Eat lunch at Pacific O, or go all the way to Mala (land at the pier, stow your board and walk to the restaurant). After a pleasant meal, paddle back and hit all the spots.
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digger71

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #8 on: April 11, 2017, 07:33:11 PM »
I like Puamana. Lots of possibilities. If I didn't have Ponohouse I'd probably rent there.

Pretty strong endorsement!  Thanks

I've heard enough - now just need to pick one and sign it up.  Couple good options to rent online.

I'll be there in 2 weeks and report back! 

covesurfer

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2017, 01:49:31 AM »

...it at least sounds like getting out of there late morning or midday "shouldn't" be too much of a problem.  Being able to walk out to the surf makes me think it's worth a shot.



Agree, and late mornings/mid day you have a better shot at a clear road. Chances are, you'll sail right up and down the road over there. Being able to walk out and surf, first thing when you wake up in the mornings, then hit the water in the evening for the sunset sesh, wander in at dark and have dinner while you listen to the surf, that's all so worth it.

digger71

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #10 on: April 12, 2017, 10:12:15 AM »
Being able to walk out and surf, first thing when you wake up in the mornings, then hit the water in the evening for the sunset sesh, wander in at dark and have dinner while you listen to the surf, that's all so worth it.

Jesus Cove!  After reading that agenda, checking out Headmount's paddling shots, and seeing JP4's SIC board porn I might need some alone time :)

covesurfer

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #11 on: April 12, 2017, 11:25:30 AM »
^^^^LOL!!!^^^^ ;D

Bulky

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #12 on: April 12, 2017, 02:23:29 PM »
I like Puamana. Lots of possibilities. If I didn't have Ponohouse I'd probably rent there.

Pretty strong endorsement!  Thanks

I've heard enough - now just need to pick one and sign it up.  Couple good options to rent online.

I'll be there in 2 weeks and report back!

Definitely worth it to get a beachfront unit.  We stayed in the last building--all the way to the east.  Long slow drive all the way through the complex but I thought that was the easiest access to the surf.  There's posted stuff about using only marked beach access points and leaving gear out on the lawn but didn't seem that well enforced down at that end.  It's a little longer walk to the pools, etc but we didn't spend much time there anyway.  Also, in case someone visits you, they can park at the Beach Park and just walk in on the beach.  Much easier than messing with gate codes, etc.  just remember they lock the gate at night.
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Infinity Blackfish 14'
Naish Glide 14' (2012)
SupSports Hammer 8'11
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digger71

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #13 on: April 23, 2017, 03:04:35 PM »
And now I really need to hope this wind forecast is wrong for the Olukai race on Saturday

« Last Edit: April 23, 2017, 03:19:22 PM by digger71 »

covesurfer

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Re: Puamana?
« Reply #14 on: April 23, 2017, 05:53:28 PM »
Wow, it's NEXT weekend. I totally did not realize that the race was coming right up. YIKES. Not only have I not been paddling much, that forecast is terrible. Let's hope it turns trade direction. Maui has a way of pulling in wind along the north shore so fingers crossed. But, now I'm worried.

 


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