![“[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)
There is nothing audible but the crash, sploosh, and sizzle of foaming white waves as, one by one, they collide against slowly eroding sands, making small cliff-like indentations where they meet the beach surface. These breakers are nothing like the casual ripples of an ideal paradise: they surge from the ocean and strike the seashore, causing a flurry of sand, rock, and sea-foam to fly in all directions.
Waves like these are common at the Makena Beach State Park, which according to the Hawaii State Parks Website, stretches over 160 acres and holds the title of biggest beach in Maui.
Located south of Wailea, the white sandy beach extends more than half a mile in length and over 100 yards in width. As such, even during peak hours of the day, the beach is barely crowded with more than enough space available for each individual.
Surrounded by steep gray cliffs on one side and the endless blue ocean on the other, the beach offers a peaceful and paradisiacal spot for all coastline activities. Couples, friends, and families are seen enjoying one another’s company while sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or bodyboarding. Children giggle as they splash salty water to each other, while grandparents leisurely lay down on the sand reading novels under their parasols.
Above all, the most appealing factor of Makena Beach is its state of ultimate natural purity. Seemingly untouched by the evils of pollution and industrialization, the beach boasts clear azure waters and soft golden sand that are free of debris. The roaring sound of waves dominates all ambient noise and disturbances from the daily world.
Yet, the lack of artificial development contributes to the beach’s inconveniences as well. The amenities of the beach consist merely of four portable toilets, dilapidated picnic tables, and one food truck. Furthermore, to walk from the parking lot to the beach, visitors have to hike through a path of unpaved, rough sand.
Nevertheless, Makena Beach offers an ideal vacation site with its untainted, stunning scenery and ample sandy area that allows for diverse activities.
Contributing to the article: Nisha Bhikha & Elisabeth Siegel
