Everett Taylor: Taylor's Yarns

The hot summer for which Texas is famous finally arrived in August, but there is some basis for hope that it will be short rather than long this year.

Plenty of rain in June and July kept early summer temperatures well below that dreaded 100-degree mark, making the state's climate a lot more pleasant than normal for those months.

In fact, Texas temperatures during those months this year might have been more comparable to what one would expect in Hawaii. We got the opportunity to make the comparison on a recent trip to the island of Maui.

An honest assessment, of course, is that the Maui climate is more comfortable than even an extremely moderate Texas summer. But the temperature did reach 90 one of the days we were there.

A big difference is that the island breeze is almost always present, and in a shady spot the temperature feels more like 75 than 90 on the warmest days. By nightfall, the comfort level is pleasant all over the territory.

One reason for the warm daytime temperatures in Maui this time, residents said, is a dry period that has extended for two years or so. Without rain, some of the countryside is extremely dry, and there was evidence of some wildfires that had burned trees and vegetation.

Yet, a look in just about any direction any time day or night is likely to offer a view so spectacular, a picture postcard fails to do it justice. Seldom out of sight in traveling the island is a view of the ocean - always a deep blue color often tipped with white caps as the waves form and sweep toward the shore.

Tapping the memory for some lingering impressions from a trip to the same island a dozen or so years ago, there have been some obvious changes. More people, more houses and developments, more hotels and resorts, more cars and more airplanes are heard and seen in all directions.

Utilizing a resort house in Kihei and a rental car just about any place on Maui is within driving distance in less than a day. Even the Road to Hana, listed as one of the more adventure-filled roads on the island, can be traversed there and back in a day.

Only a couple or so blocks away is a sandy beach for swimming, snorkeling or just soaking in the Hawaii sunshine. Eating places on the island offer most of the choices found on the average American restaurant menu, plus the freshest "catch of the day" items.

There is no shortage of beaches that can be reached easily, offering scuba divers an opportunity to see a rainbow of tropical fish and other sea creatures. Snorkeling, swimming and surfing also are popular pastimes, with resort locations offering treats such as glass-bottom boats, fishing boats and snorkeling trips. Sunset cruises are a popular item from many points.

The Luau continues to be a traditional "must do" for island visitors, no matter how often they have attended. These are held at sundown and in the early evening and feature a review of the historic tradition and culture of the island, with the cultural hula dance always part of the attraction.

Old Lahaina is the "hot spot" for Maui tourists, even though it has outgrown the description of "a small fishing village."

Quaint shops along with a wealth of culture and heritage on display add to a lineup of outstanding restaurants to keep visitors returning.

It also is the departure spot for many of the boat trips and excursions. Finding a parking spot is part of the adventure.

There have been changes in Hawaii, but it remains a vacation spot most visitors will continue to remember fondly as "a paradise."

Everett Taylor
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