Maui More

It's now almost a week on Maui and what tends to happen is that I don't pick up my camera as much as the beginning - and I'm ok with that. It's just the way it is. So there are a lot less pictures on this post and a lot less to say about this day. You might be wondering why I don't just 'finish up Hawaii' and put everything on one post, but the only way for me to do this is one Hawaii day at a time. I work in small chunks to edit, blog size and upload my pictures. And I don't want to spend too much time doing that each day, so one day at a time it is for me. (Also, it's the week before school starts and I'm busy setting up my classroom and planning for the first few days of school) :) 

This day in Hawaii was kind of a reset day. We didn't have too much on the agenda, and no major hikes or visiting state parks. 

In the morning Scott and Abigail snorkled again and Anna and I shared a lovely breakfast on our Hotel restaurant outside and overlooking the ocean. It was lovely. 

Maui Ocean Center 

After the snorkling, we all went to the aquarium. (Maui Ocean Center) It was really the only 'tourist' type of thing that we did. Anna really wanted to go; she's always loved an aquarium! And this one did not dissapoint. Of course it was Hawaii 'themed' if you will, and so it was authenically beautiful. I didn't take any pictures except for this one of Anna watching Humpbacks of Hawaii in 3-D. 

Maui Tropical Plantation 

We stopped at the plantation on the way back from the aquarium and it was simply beautiful. The girls had a smoothie with fresh fruit and I enjoyed a yogurt parfait. We relaxed, shopped, and just took in the sights. 

Our evening was swimming in the ocean and late dinner at the hotel with icecream after! 

Every night Scott and I walked over to Branches, live music under a tree. It made for the most lovely and romantic evenings together. 

 

Saturday on Maui

Scott and Abigail rented snorkling equipment and tried it out. The sun was shining and I took some pictures of the beach. I really loved where we stayed. It was never ever crowded - the big resorts had packed beaches but the one outside of our hotel was always like this: 

We went to lunch at Dukes.

 

It's a fun, yummy, lively restaurant. We were there 10 years ago (this post) and we had to recreate the joy of Scott and Anna sharing a hula pie! 

We went to Mass on that Saturday afternoon at Sacred Heart Mission Church. 

At the end of the Mass they invited those celebrating an anniversary to come forward for a special blessing. Anna captured it. It was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. 

After Mass we went for some shave ice! 

There there was sunset swimming and appetizers from our hotel for dinner! 

Road to Hana

Road to Hana 

This was probably my very favorite exploring day.  There are a lot of pictures and the pictures don't do it justice at all. You'll just have to trust me on this one! I'll try to explain as I go. 

Hana is a small town in Hawaii. There is only one way to this town, a winding road (over 400 curves and 60 bridges) to get there. It's right on the edge of the ocean, high up, and it almost feels like you need to be really really careful to not 'fall off'! It's a journey though a rainforest, and it's the journey through paradise that takes you to Hana. 

There are dozens of rocommended stops along the way, and it's impossible to see them and experience them all. (We already want to go back) We got an app to help guide our journey and narrowed down our stops. 

Here is where we stopped along the road the Hana: 

H'okipa Beach

This is is a quick look out to see surfers. 

At this point it wasn't looking at all like rainforest, but quickly it turned into looking like this: 

Twin Falls 

We had to walk through smaller rivers up to our knees and over rocks to arrive at these waterfalls. It was worth it! 

Garden of Eden : Keopuka Rock Overlook 

From the opening scence of Jurassic Park! 

Half Way Point and Famous Banana Bread! 

Wai'anapanapa State Park : Black Sand Beach 

Wailua Falls (past Hana) 

The most spectacular falls on the entire trip - by this time we'd seen a lot of waterfalls but this one was like see a painting... LIVE! It was just spectacular! 

Honestly, by this point we were tired! And hungry! We had plenty of snacks we'd brought but when we saw a fresh (cut it right there for you) fruit stand, we were so happy! We feasted on the best pineapple and papaya in the world! 

What an amazing day to be sure!