![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Imagine the perfect beach. Do warm, cerulean waves crawling across fine sands come to mind? Or maybe a low-key beach, aloof from the commotion of the typical tourist beach? Or how about verdant palms swaying in a balmy breeze? If so, South Maui’s Ulua Beach is the perfect place.
There, under an azure sky, the bluest waves tickle golden sands. Farther along, clusters of trees provide shade. The beach itself, no more than a fifth of a mile long and 30 meters wide, is free from the rowdy throngs and the accompanying pollution plaguing many tourist beaches. Those who seek to rest—perhaps by taking a quiet walk alone or with that special someone, reading a book, or sunbathing—would love to do so here. Picturesque, calm, and temperate, Ulua Beach is the iconic Hawaiian paradise.
Even more, Ulua caters to families. Many adults and some teens would love to relax in the tranquil privacy of the beach, while younger children can splash to their hearts’ content in the gentle waves. “It’s calmer [than] other beaches,” tourist Gary Tsuchiyami said. “Also, it’s … not as big or populous as other places. The ocean is not very deep, so it’s kid friendly.”
And fortunately, Ulua’s location is convenient for vacationers. Adjacent to Wailea Elua Village, it is merely a few minutes away from Kihei.
Yet, despite the beach’s undeniable beauty and convenience, it is just not the place for active people. Water recreation is limited; the calm waves, though perfect for young children, are too feeble for surfing or boogie boarding and would bore those seeking the thrill of larger waves. Onshore, the beach is far too small and tranquil for those who want to run and play. There is not enough room to comfortably set up a volleyball net, and even if there were space, it would not feel right to shout, run, and jump in such a quiet place.
That is probably why almost all of the people there are adults and young children rather than teenagers. Nonetheless, it is still the perfect beach for those who crave peace and quiet. Teens who want just to chill, read a magazine, or get that perfect summer tan should convince their families to visit Ulua. It should not be difficult; after all, the beach is convenient, beautiful, and serene—a tropical idyll.
