Make your way to Paia small town on the north shore between sprecks and Ho'okipa. There is some budget backpacker style accomodation there. I stayed in one across the road from Charlies Bar although this could be a bad idea if u are on a budget as i strayed and found my self there or jaques everynight( the rum was ohh so nice) the guys name that runs the joint is Laan. Everything shop wise is a hop skip and a jump from there.

Initially i was going to stay in Wailuku at the Banana Bungalow as it was the only joint i could find on the net and looked a bit of alright. But when i rolled up in the cab the joint was and absolute **** hole in the slums. I payed my ten bucks to the bearded lady at the reception b4 having a look around. Then i got the urge to back one out and couldnt even fit into the toilets. My advice is to avoid this joint unless u want to catch something foriegn and nasty.

If backpacking isnt your style, then there is a notice board out the front of a supermarket on Baldwin avenue I think thats the name of the street Any way I noticed that people were advertising rooms for rent there. There is also a place just up the road from Paia called Kuau there is a flat of units there that i've been told a lot of Aussies stay at, i dont know the name of the joint though but its right on the main drag. This is a bit closer to Ho'okipa. If your having trouble walk into one of the sailboard shops there and they will be able to point u in the right direction. thats what i did suitcase and gear in tow.(**** it was hot and i'm from Cairns)

If you need a car then there are normally a few advertised on the side of the road at the turnoff to sprecks. This isnt far from Paia. Or you could hitch hike into kahului and get a rental van or something but they are a bit pricey.

I picked one up for $600us and sold it the day i left for the same price. (man was i stoked)
just make sure u get all the relevant paperwork in case u get pulled over.

If all else fails put your vegemite t-shirt on and hope u bump into another aussie to help u find your way.

aloha
ben

yer its been soom time since i was overthere.But you dont want to be in a small tent for long,its pritty hot and moist and most days theres showers around the place.Try the notice boards,there was always something there.The crew youll meet will give you some ideas.Hasnt jp got an aussie pad there or something, hit him up.

A quote from the oxford debating team circa 1980.

"surely if the french are considered the acne on the face of the earth, then the british must be the boiled cabage in the kitchen of life."

Don't tell them your french![}:)]

best winds and hookipa is easy

Tony L