Zowee, we went to Maui!

Here we are - Back to reality. I can't believe our week in paradise went so fast. When I tell you all that we did and saw, you will think we were gone for a month!

So for those of you asking for it, here's how it went:

FRIDAY, March 26th
We were able to get ourselves down to Utah that night to see our old buddy Gary Hansen. It happened to be that he was taking a few days leave from the Air Force to visit. We had been waiting anxiously for him to do so for over a year now, but were a little torn when we found out it was during our vacation - Needless to say we did NOT cancel our trip to Hawaii for him. Sorry Gary! But we did manage to have dinner with him and a few other pals.

SATURDAY, March 27th
Departure Day! (Not to be confused with D Day.) After a few stops to pick up last minute items and bustling through security we found ourselves at the airport.

We left on a smallish plane about 2:00 in the afternoon. This flight only lasted an hour and a half, but by the time we were done I was quite pale - yes, air sick. My younger sister in law, Heidi, was a bit concerned that she had chosen to sit by me, but I made it. Just barely. And then began our layover in LA. 2 hours to kill so we grabbed a snack and wandered the airport. Yes, I bought a $9 salad. Bah! I needed something light to settle my stomach. From there we got a much nicer, much newer plane to take us to Maui. It had TV screens on the back of each chair fully loaded with movies, music, and even games. I was highly entertained and had no worries this flight. I thoroughly enjoyed my peanuts, and Heidi's peanuts too!
Arrival was relatively late and the rental car place took it's sweet time, but we completed all the rigmarole. (oh, Jake was VERY disappointed and bitter about the cars we ended up with. His parents got a Pontiac G6 and we got a Pontiac Vibe that he claims looks like a Grandma car.)

We had just enough time to stop at a grocery store and buy a few things, then we settled right into our accommodations. His parents have a Worldmark Resort ownership - so we were able to stay in one of their condos beach-side.

SUNDAY, March 28th
First thing bright and early the place held an orientation breakfast where we learned about the MILLIONS of amazing things we could pay a MILLION dollars to go and see. Exaggeration? Maybe. But only a little. I was astounded by the sights and information, and even more astounded by the prices. We opted to sign up for only a few small things and see if there were cheaper options around if we did not sign up through this agency. But the breakfast they laid out was tasty! Our first taste of island pineapple = sweet heavenly bliss. Straight away we set out to find out when church services were. We found the place, and we were only about a half hour late. We walked in as 5 or 6 local kids were singing "I feel my Savior's Love" --- They were very talented and I was very touched as one particular boy (big boned native boy) sang a solo very sweetly very well! We noticed all the authorities on the stand were wearing fresh flower leis around their necks and everyone said "Aloha" a lot. As a greeting, as a noun (in the place of the word Love), and as a closing. Sunday School was particularly memorable. We all really had a lot to talk about after it concluded. The group leader for the class was also a seminary teacher on the island and did a fantastic job covering the first chapters of Exodus. He presented the story of Moses freeing the slaves in Egypt by relating it to our own Bondage. Sin is our common thread of bondage. The plagues our trials. The passover is how we escape the angel of darkness through "blood" on our doorway - The sacrament is the new covenant for safety. And finally our Exodus is through the Atonement. Exodus 14:13-14
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord...The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
I really enjoyed it and it helped me understand things in yet a new light.
Relief Society was just a chance to let my mind rest and feel at ease. The lesson was on "Knowing there is a God." I heard from the others that all their meetings had been wonderful and that Heidi had been invited to mutual and a few other activities with the youth there. Very friendly ward - I am so glad we were able to find it. (... and I was glad I had an occasion to wear my new sun dress! All white, light cotton, and super comfy! And of course a big white flower in my hair. Silly perhaps, but it made me extra exuberantly happy.)That afternoon we changed into our swimsuits and walked down to the beach. There we witnessed the grandeur of our first sunset on Maui.
The wind picked up and scared a lot of people off, but we were loving it.
When we got back, we all got together and watched a movie. It's called Blind Side - Sandra Bullock and Tim Mcgraw play in the lead rolls. I thought it was a GREAT show and I would definitely recommend it - The whole day left me feeling inspired.

MONDAY 29th
All sorts of energy was beaming from our place on this beautiful morning - Getting all geared up to go on a snorkeling excursion. We boarded a small boat about 8:30am and started out to sea - and to see! (Sorry bad pun.) I was nervous about going on any of the water excursions because I get so motion sick, but we decided that this fast raft would provide enough wind in my face that I would be all right. (That and being super drugged up on Dramamine. I had taken one the night before and one that morning.) The first stretch was the longest by far. It was probably almost a half hour before we reached Molokini island, but this place was incredible. It was called an island but it was actually an ancient mini volcano. One side of the crater had been eroded away by the ocean and the other half just barely broke the surface in a half crescent shape. We actually swam into the half crater. It was FULL of fish - all sizes and bright colors. I swam through schools of them and it surprised me each time they would brush up against my legs. ah! My father in law saw a big eel, but I was on the other side of the boat and missed it. The water was kind of rough out there and I was feeling the motion start to set in so I had to take a few breaks, but we all reveled in the experience. We even got my Mother-in-law to snorkel! She usually just sits in the water with a noodle or watches from the boat, but the tour guides did an excellent job in teaching her and making it comfortable. She loved it. We headed back toward the shore for a while and they offered us pineapple and muffins! I took advantage of the pineapple, but fed my muffin to the birds. The captain showed us that if we put a piece on our hand and held it out, the little birdies would come in SWARMS to peck at it. Very cool.

Our second stop was a man-made coral reef where they purposely sunk a ship a few years back. It was pretty effective in creating a habitat for ocean life, but still in the development stages. This was just a quick stop - more educational than anything. A lady on our trip got extremely sick at the first stop so we opted to take her into shore - I had the option of getting off because I was a little green myself, but there was no way I was missing what was next --- Turtle Town! Now THIS was incredible! We knew we were there when a giant sea turtle popped up right by our boat.

We were told that we could not touch the animals but we were welcome to be by them. Then they told us we could jump on in! I was so excited about this. I was the first one in the water. Immediately I saw 3 or 4 big turtles all around me. Usually while snorkeling you come up and inform people when you see something cool. I motioned to the group that I found some and a few came over to look - but we soon realized that they were EVERYWHERE and there was no need to tell each other when we saw something. It was kind of a welcome freedom that I did not have to keep track of where people were or take breaks to call them over. I plotted my own course and swam out a little deeper - Overwhelmed at the sights! After a few minutes I had my own spot of ocean to explore and it was filled with turtles. The little ones were so fun to watch and then there was the BIG DADDY! This thing was at least twice my size and I was stunned. I swam along side it for about twenty minutes, RIGHT by it. One stroke at a time. At one point it suddenly occurred to me that this thing could probably hurt me if it wanted to - I mean it was HUGE! I backed off a bit and had a panic moment, but then I got over it. He finally swam down to the ocean floor and disappeared under a coral shelf. I reluctantly got back on the raft and had all SORTS of things to tell. Jake just laughed at me and said he has never seen me so excited. It's true - I was beside myself with adrenaline! Everyone shared their experiences as we zoomed back to our port. We also fed more birds that were expecting us to share our muffins. What a great tour, and well worth the money. Jake, Heidi and I killed some time at the beach playing frisbee.

Then back to the house to make dinner. Spaghetti and salad, mmmmmm. After eating I took my book and found some solitude out on the balcony. I also took dessert. Reading and a package of oreos - this is the life!
After quite a while Jake came out and said he and Heidi had found a really cool store. He gave me a flower clip he had bought there and asked if I wanted to go check it out. It was called the ABC store and it really was quite cool. It had all the usual souvenirs but also some unique stuff and also some local stuff. I think that's why they call it the ABC store - covers all the basics. We made a wish list but didn't purchase anything yet. Then it was time for my moonlight walk. I told Jake before we left that it was on our Checklist of "Things to do in Hawaii." The moon was almost full and it made everything glow just right. While we were walking I saw a dark spot on the sand and I thought I saw it move. Jake said it didn't, but I could have sworn it was a crab or something. We took a closer look.... It was a dog turd! Bah! How was that for a romance killer. HA HAHAHA. We were too tired and too overwhelmed with happiness to have a very romantic walk anyway. Back to the house, we had not been gone long. As we arrive we hear Heidi's phone chime. She quickly picked it up and headed for the balcony.... SMACK... she walked right into the screen door. Come to find out it was a text from a boy she kinda likes. We gave her a seriously hard time about it the rest of the trip. mwa haha! But I got what was coming to me for teasing her. It was time for me to take another Dramamine so I grabbed the glass off my night stand and filled it with juice. If you have ever had Dramamine you know it is not the most pleasant tasting stuff. So I have developed a strategy for non-miserable consumption. Place pill in back of throat then rapidly swig a half glass of juice. But wait... this juice was much more textured than usual. My cup had been filled with tiny bugs - SICK! I guess while it was sitting on my nightstand overnight it collected a few. Nastiness. Everyone had some good laughs. Comical night.

TUESDAY, March 30th
We had big plans - Driving the "Road to Hana" made famous by those who have traveled it before. We had been warned that this road would be windy, bumpy, narrow and every other manner of crazy that a road can be.

We were told to plan the majority of a day to get there and back so that's what we did. Took our sweet time and spent all day on the Road to Hana. Our first few stops (to catch breathtaking ocean views) were tricky because there was really nowhere to pull off the road. And worse still, we had taken two cars. But we managed and kind of developed a nack for it.


The next place had a small 5 car parking lot, but of course it was full up. This was a small fruit stand which marked a magnificent nature walk to Twin Falls.


There were lots of neat plants and off-the-beaten-path trails.

We came to end where the bigger falls was. We had to roll up our pants and wade out to the main waterfall. We went all the way around so we could get behind the water.

Captivating - thus we stayed way too long at this location. We did not anticipate how much we had to fit into this day. On the way back down we found the other of the Twin Falls. Smaller but just as fun. There were roots and vines on the side hill that Jake could not resist playing in. Heidi and I joined him in entertaining all those who came by to watch. Once again staying way too long.



The next overlook proved to be WINDY which enabled HUGE waves and amazing scenery. We climbed out on the rocks for pictures and the waves crashed around us, but then noticed a commemorative plaque which told a story of a man who had died there trying to rescue his buddy... uh... we watched from a safer distance.

Moving on - very short stop on another nature trail, a few more vines to swing on, but we weren't our of the car very long before we decided we needed to get back on the road. We soon entered one of the many National Forests where we found another fun waterfall! We saw a group of boys cliff diving from it. After much deliberation Jake and I could not resist joining them. It would make for wet clothes again during our drive, but who really cares at that point - we were already in our swimsuits after all. It was about a 25 foot jump off of slippery rocks into ICY cold water. It came as a surprise to me just how cold it was and I am sure my facial expression was one of shock as I came out of the water. I was gasping a bit but smiling too. Heidi followed suit and wanted to go so Jake and I went for a second time to support her in the craziness. All wet, but we had no regrets about doing it. And now I am very glad that we took advantage of the opportunity.


Sheesh, we REALLY need to get on the road. It was already afternoon and we hadn't even reached Hana yet! We made a quick stop to ask for directions and happened to see the old one room police station.

Then on our way to the black sand beach. WOW, what a beautiful place!

This turned out to be our favorite spot collectively. The sand was black because it formed from all the volcanic rock, and I was mesmerized. After a small picnic lunch, I laid down in the sand even though I was still wet. It felt so good to soak up the heat that was radiating from it.

Tempted to take a nap I closed my eyes, but Jake was still being adventurous. I watched as he tried to make us laugh further down the beach - he made the crane pose like the Karate Kid and it cracked me up!
Then he proceeded to a TALL wooden post that he insisted on climbing. I was nervous as it swayed in the wind, and I know he was not real comfortable up there, but it made for some great pictures.

This was all at the edge of Hana - we had arrived where we had set out to go. The town only consisted of a few little shops and attractions but we had survived the road to Hana! There were 7 pools that we had intended to see, but due to the sun going down we didn't have time to do everything. We opted to make the 2 mile hike through the bamboo forest to get to the tallest waterfall on Maui. Good choice I say! This forest was MILES and MILES of bamboo. The two mile path just took us the shortest way through it.


The other thick foliage, HUGE banyan trees, vantage points, giant roots overtaking our path and exotic bird sightings made for a fantastic hike! ("That's one more for exotic bird bingo" - haha)


We reached the waterfall and were not disappointed at all. We had heard some complaining about the hike and saying "it's just a waterfall" but it was a MAGNANIMOUS waterfall! 800 ft of sparkly water.


The sun was going down fast and we had to make a quick exit. As we made our way back through the thick bamboo it was really dark with only a small stream of light making it's way through from above.

We really noticed the sound of the bamboo clinking together in the breeze and it was almost eery now that it was dark. It was comforting to know that Maui has no real predators - Interesting fact. No big cats, bears, or anything else in the woods to be really afraid of in the dark. Only a few spiders or snakes (which are small and scary in their own way I suppose.) Anyway, things looked very different without any light.

We took a little time to be little monkeys in a big banyan tree on the way down as well.
Back to the car and a long crazy drive ahead. Instead of driving the same road we came on, we decided to make the whole circle and come around the back side.... What were we thinking!? It was not recommended and it was said to take longer, but we were feeling adventurous and thought they were exaggerating. We later found out that cars often get stuck out there for days. That is how often people drive back there. No cell phone service, boulders on the unpaved, bumpy, up and down, swervy road. Another local told us later that no insurance would cover damage that occurred on that road, not even for the locals! Probably not the best decision we ever made. It was really back-woodsy deep jungle type place where all the signs had bullet holes in them and one could easily slip off a cliff and fall to their death. yikes. Yet... we obviously made it and there was no tragedies to speak of. Our biggest letdown was that we weren't able to see very well in the dark and the whole road was along the coast - I am sure it would have been absolutely beautiful in the daylight. We could see outlines of the shore and also where some lava flows had taken place thanks to the big full moon, but even then the dust made the moon look rust colored and blocked some of it's light. About half way there, we were surprised to see a deer and it's baby cross in front of us! There was also one point where some fruit fell onto the top of our car and scared us half to death, but then we laughed about it. Tired after a full day we all went straight to bed.

WEDNESDAY, March 31st
Surf Lessons here we come! "Heeee eeee eeee eeeee WIPE OUT! Da na na na na na na na, Na na na na na na na na" We weren't quite sure what to expect as we showed up for surf lessons that morning, but we were pleasantly surprised. They gave us nice wet-suit shirts and big rubber shoes and a short description of surfing. They gave us a little photo shoot with the surfboard before we got started.

Now out to the waves! We started small, and both did pretty well.



It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and I was having a blast!

The hardest part for me was paddling fast enough to get in front of the wave, the timing was tricky. But once I caught the wave, the getting up and riding was GREAT! I even got to the point where I could switch my stance back and forth by jumping and I could get going pretty fast by leaning forward. There were two sisters in our group who were pretty tiny and they both rode the same surf board at one point. Way cool. We had a few good wipe outs and got some minor injuries - I gashed my leg on some coral and Jake ripped off a toenail.


Thank goodness for those shoes they gave us our our feet would have been all sorts of messed up! We totally went surfing! All in all a superb morning. We were both exhausted so I took a little nap and Jake relaxed a bit. We walked down to the beach again just to sit and stare, then back for dinner. We volunteered to cook this night and made some amazing terriyaki chicken with grilled pineapple rings on top. oooh-da-lolly! We ate it outside by the grill and enjoyed the atmosphere. We saw the sunset from a distance.

As our food settled we all watched a TV show to wind down. After that Jake and I took a walk down to the ABC store again where we bought popsicles - Jake got honeydew melon and I got one with fresh shredded coconut inside. Oh my YUM! Fat and happy we retired to our snuggly beds.

THURSDAY, April 1st
First of all let me express my dismay that I did not realize it was April Fools day and did not pull any pranks. Drat and dishonor on my family! I was a little distracted and dazed and therefore it did not occur to me what day it was. Jake and I were a little out of our minds this particular morning and left the house at 3:00 am - Yes that is 5 hours before anyone else got up. We ventured toward the volcano Mt.Haleakala (Holly-ah-kah-lah) It was quite the drive going from sea level up to the top which was 10,000 ft in elevation. The road was rough and swervy but nothing like we had seen on Tuesday. We reached the parking lot a little after 5 and then hiked for 15 minutes to reach the very peak. There we waited in somewhat severe conditions until the sun rose at 6:15. We were surprised at the harsh wind and bitter cold, but found a little hideout where we anxiously anticipated day break.


And what a site it was. It felt unreal that we were actually in that place and seeing all the majesty.

We were above the clouds and we saw them turn all shades of red as the bright golden line on the horizon appeared.



We were snapping pictures so fast, but none of them really captured the details of the moment.
The sun slowly turned into a circle and then moved up the sky in all it's glory.

Frozen and awe stricken we made our way back down the volcano. We had to make a stop to take a nap because neither of us were awake enough to make the drive - but we found ourselves back at the house where everyone else was just getting ready to leave. We all headed up the shore to a more secluded beach. Pappy Free snorkeled, Mama Free read and enjoyed the view. Jake took a nap in the shade. I read my book and talked with Heidi. Beautiful and relaxing place!

We had to pack up and go before we were ready in order to make our dinner appointment - The Luau. A quick shower and a short car ride took us to Lahaina. We made it in plenty of time so we walked around town visiting a few sights and doing a little shopping. This is where we saw the remains of a an old building made of coral bricks.
Also where we saw the largest banyan tree in the United States. It covered nearly two city blocks!

Lahaina is also where the main excursion docks are and where most of the fishing boats are. Lots to see and absorb. In one of the specialty shops I saw the cutest little hula girlwall hanging made of all different kinds of wood. I wanted it something fierce, but knew it would be ridiculous to buy and left it behind. I put my mind on upcoming events - Luau! We were the first in line which really payed off! We got great seats and special treatment even though we did not pay for the VIP tickets. The fruit drink they served to start was divine and we each had two before dinner even began!
It opened with a solo hula dance by one girl - we called her the smiley girl, because her smile was just playful and sincere. I was already impressed.
Then the host of the party outlined the evening for us and introduced all the performers. He directed our attention to the "pit" where two hula boys dug up our roast pork. It had been slow cooking in sea salt for over 8 hours. YUM!

They took it to the buffet table where there was already and excessive amount of food to be found. We were served the Kalua Pork, chicken, Mahi Mahi fish, Salmon, other fish, salad with native roots, tarot plant rolls, Poi noodles, fried rice, mango salsa and a few other tasty garnishes. Everything was very generously prepared.
Scarcely had we begun eating when the show continued. A comical fashion show and a few small acts entertained us as we ate. After I ate my dessert they invited us on stage for a hula lesson - of course I went and dragged Heidi with me. There were about 20 of us total who went up to make fools of ourselves.
They allowed plenty of time to eat and enjoy as much as we wanted. I thought we were done, but then a guy came and and said the main event would begin shortly.
They presented a mixture of all sorts of different island cultures. Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Hawaii, etc. Each culture was represented separately with a dance and elaborate costumes.

Lots of group dances...
A few specialty performances...


A legend or two...


Some with props...


Then the fire show finale...


We were very impressed and waited in line afterward to take pictures with the performers. Me with the boys, Jake with the girls.


All the festivities put us in a lively mood so we didn't want to rush back just yet. We went over to the grocery store to get some pineapple before returning.

FRIDAY, April 2nd
Jake and I set off on our own again. The parents were attending a membership meeting to earn more vacation points and the Heidi went off on a exploration walk up the road. They also planned to go on a whale watching trip in Lahaina later on. Our plan was to be beach bums all day because it was our last full day... but we had a few delays in getting there. We saw a flea market on the side of the road and had to check it out. Here we met a guy named Neasali (or something like that) who was originally from Palestine, going to school in Hawaii, and working at this fruit stand. We bought a coconut from him, watched him chop it open with his machete, drank the milk from it with straws, and then he gave us free apple-bananas to try. Delicious!

Next we meandered through the other shops and found ourselves at a special little hut in the corner. You could tell this guy was a native and had been around the block - He was an older gentleman and had lots of stories to tell. His merchandise was unique: carvings from whale bone. Well, originally they had been made of whale bone, but now that the locals no longer kill whales for their livelihood he uses the bone from locally raised cattle. He still had a few that were actual whale bone, but he would not sell those for any less than an arm and a leg. Each carving was very intricate and each had a special meaning - most of them based on a principle or something about family.

Jake went through every one, on display or put away. We finally decided on one called the "Maui Hook." Most of the native families on the island have one, and the one we got was a design that represented this guys family individually. You wear it on a necklace to remind yourself to remain focused, to stay strong. The double prong means you make double sure that you achieve the goal. The whole experience with this guy was a pleasure and we had spent nearly 2 hours there.

We later found knock-offs of these carvings in stores for 2 or 3 dollars a piece, but they were cheap looking and made of plastic. We were happy with our authentic purchase, although we paid a little more. Okay a lot more. We found a few nice ones we bought for gifts that were in the middle range and still looked cool. By this time we had a rumbly in our tumbly so it was time for something to eat! Jake had his eye on a fish and chips booth down the road so we tried it out. I got a $5 BBQ pork sandwich and he went for the Ono fish that came with fries. Both very tasty and filling. I got a less that satisfying smoothie, but I hold no grudge. We really had good intention to THEN head to the beach, but we got distracted by some more little shops. It was just fun to wander. There were even some LDS inspired merchandise at one place and it made us smile to see CTR and "Families are Forever" printed on some of the art work.

In the heat of the day we fell victim to another stop at the ice cream place. We got drinks, another coconut popsicle for me and a cookie ice cream sandwich for Jake - we are dorks. At this point we were determined to make it to the beach! But wait... where was my book? Oh no! I set it down somewhere. A quick run through some of the shops proved to be unsuccessful and my book was lost. Bummer! And time wasted trying to find it. Ok, so let's just forget everything and go to the beach! We grabbed a boogie board from a shop nearby and made it to the secluded beach we had found the day before. Awwww, that's the stuff. Our fill of Boogie Boarding followed by a walking up and down the water line. We found a number of interesting things to keep us fully occupied. First a big sand crab which Jake poked with a stick. Then a piece of coral shaped like a heart which Jake sentimentally handed to me then obnoxiously commented about. (That's my husband - very charming) We found some little black snails which attached themselves to things. We pulled them off of rocks and then let them feel around and try to attach to our fingers, but never actually let them cuz it was just weird feeling. While we sat doing this we saw some whale spouts in the distance! They eventually came pretty close to shore, for whales anyway, and we saw them come up out of the water a few times. A tail fin here and there. I thought that was really neat and was glad we didn't end up going whale watching with the others. As the day dwindled we awaited sunset.


A lot of the people had gone and it was very serene. As the sun was setting a lady came down and started playing bagpipes. She was quite good and it created a peaceful ambiance.

What a way to bid Maui farewell!

I couldn't bare to leave just then so I took the boogie board out for awhile even though it was getting pretty dark.

We wanted to see how things went for the others all day so we finally met up with them back at the house. Guess what they went and did while they were in Lahaina --- They bought my hula girl souvenir that I had wanted! I am so spoiled.

(I found the matching hula boy later and made it a set.)

We heard all about their whale watching adventures and were only slightly jealous. They heard about our adventures and were REALLY jealous. haha. We really did have a spectacular day, and it was like we were little kids hanging out on the beach together. Awww...


After comparing stories, Jake and I headed down to the hot tub for some more relaxation. It wasn't too long before it was too crowded and we sought for other late night entertainment... the ABC STORE OF COURSE! hahaha. We couldn't stay away from the place. On the walk there we saw some cockroaches that freaked me out a little because they scurried around our feet in the dark. Jake got a kick out of this and got me feeling jumpy. We enjoyed the store, bought some more gifts and final souvenirs, stayed up way too late.

SATURDAY, April 3rd
We took our sweet time getting up and out of bed. Sleeping in felt grand. We grabbed a quick breakfast of pineapple and cereal and then wandered down to the beach. Just long enough to feel the sand and ocean on our toes. We went back and packed up our stuff to check out by noon. Our flight didn't leave until later that night so we took our time getting to the airport. We stopped at another National Park and enjoyed learning about the history there. This location was where a lot of the wars took place between the separate islands.


And the pointy mountain you see in these pictures (Called "the needle" except in Hawaiian) was used for a lookout. The tour came to an end and we still had time to kill before going to the airport.We all sat down for one nice final meal before boarding the plane. Jake got an amazing platter complete with steak, lobster, and pork ribs - I opted to get a light salad so soon before flight.


Behind the restaurant was an ocean view that we breathed in for a few minutes. It began to rain - our first sign of bad weather on the island. I think it was being gloomy because we were leaving.




ALOHA!