Never a Dull Moment: Hawaii 2012

Celebrated our 10th anniversary in Maui! First vacation since our kids were born. I've always wondered what it is about Hawaii that makes it such a paradise. I get it now. The tropical climate is perfect, even the smells overwhelm you. All my senses were awakened. Many, many highlights and memories to cherish.....I'll try to capture some of them here.

All of these pictures were taken at or near our condo, Ekahi Village, in Wailea, the southwest side of the island. We were fortunate to have just a 5 minute walk down to the ocean. Softest sand I've ever felt, and the water was the perfect temperature, a definite welcome experience for this Minnesota girl. The sunset was taken our first day there, and we grew to savor the sunrise and sunset each day. No pictures documenting the amazing dinner we had our first night in Maui. We found a local fish market and I ate my first fishburger (amazing!), along with lobster bisque. Yummmm!!!!

The town of Ki'hea was a short 10 minute drive down the coast from Wailea. Lawrence had his heart set on a Moco Loco, so on Sunday we indulged on a huge breakfast before our day filled with shopping, a visit to Lahaina (stopping at a fruit stand for dragon fruit, apple bananas, etc.) and lounging on the beach.

On Monday we boarded the Four Winds II for our adventure to the Molokini Crater, one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Since there are no sandy beaches on the crater, the water is crystal clear. We snorkeled for a while, then began the SNUBA experience. Our oxygen came from a raft, shared by Lawrence & me. I hyperventilated at first, my ears hurt from the pressure, and the saltwater irritated my eyes, but I soon figured out how to breathe and how to self-regulate the pressure. Once I got the hang of it, I enjoyed the freedom and thrill of seeing the beautiful coral and aquatic life (including an eel) far below the water's surface. 33% of the fish at this spot are native and not found anywhere else in the world. We didn't have an underwater camera, so my memory will have to do. : )

We took a tour bus up to the 10,000 ft. peak of Mount Haleakala. Apparently this is one of the steepest ascents up such a distance in the world. 10,000 ft. in 36 miles. The view from the top was exquisite. The tour guide drove us down to 6,500 ft., at which point he dropped us off for our self-guided bike rides down the remainder of the mountain. Quite thrilling! We stopped at a local sushi place and snapped a few photos along the way. We prided ourselves in the 28-mile bike ride, but in reality we barely had to pedal. :)

My birthday dinner at Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Exquisite meal at an open-air restaurant situated on a fish pond.

All of these pictures were taken on our day trip to the Road to Hana. A truly breathtaking experience. 617 curves and 54 one-lane bridges. Black sand beach, a cool cave, & the seven sacred pools in Haleakala National Park; a hike through a tropical garden, a rooster clinging to our car window, fresh coconut juice, and the yummiest coconut banana bread I have ever eaten in my life, sold along the rode. Heaven on earth.

We went to a luau on the beach at the Wailea Marriott. Food was traditional Hawaiin, all the women received fresh flower leis, and the hula dancers told stories through dance. Just beautiful. We estimated 600 people there, and all the couples celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon were invited up to the dance floor for the Hawaiin wedding dance. A fabulous way to spend our last evening in Maui.