A six-month trek on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022 proved to be a life-altering experience for Melissa. “Hiking the PCT completely changes your priorities,” she says. “When you’re out there, it becomes a matter of how far you’re going to hike each day, how long it will take to get to the next town, and planning how you’ll get enough water. There’s no noise and technology to get in your way. It’s so rewarding for the soul.”
When she returned to Maui, and her job at a restaurant where it’s “go, go, go all the time,” Melissa realized she needed to pursue a different career path in order to honor her new mindset. “When I found out Hike Maui was hiring, I thought about it for about a week, did some research, and decided to go through the interview process. I’m very thankful I did.”
Her enthusiasm for her new profession is contagious. “I love everything about guiding! Meeting people from all over the world and sharing my knowledge of Maui is really cool. If I can leave each guest with just one new fact, it might lead to a better understanding of the world around them.”
Guest quote: We couldn’t have asked for a more informative, cheerful guide than Melissa. Her energy is infectious! She answered every question, and made the tour feel personal.
