Sun Burn and the R2H

On Sunday, we decided to pack a picnic and hit the beach. We went back to Makena State Park, as it was our favourite spot of all those we had previously gone to. Now I am completely and utterly petrified of water. Every time I go swimming, I have a panic attack and FREAK OUT. This fear is rooted in an early exposure to Jaws, something I wish so much that I could undo. *Note to future parents, never show your kids the Jaws series, NEVER.* However, I'm not sure what it was, maybe the beach vibes, or the warm sand, or the crashing of the waves, but something compelled me to splash into the Pacific. The funny part is, once I got in, I didn't want to get out. It was great facing my biggest fear! I had a great (and exhausting) day swimming and sunbathing, and finished it off with a local treat of rice wrapped ice cream. They sound odd, but they are delicious, and come in a plethora of flavours. I had vanilla (white) and white chocolate raspberry (pink) - you can see the picture below.

Monday (today) brought us our last day in Maui, and we decided to tackle the Road to Hana or R2H. This historical and informative trip is all about the journey, not the destination. A 6-hour drive, with many stops, winds through amazing waterfalls, breathtaking views, lush rain forests, botanical gardens, black beaches, and has a story behind every sight. I learned about the early settlers, the tribes and conflicts, and tales and legends told my locals. Sometimes, it was nice to sit back, not attempt to take the best photo I could, and breathe in the fresh Pacific air as I sat back and took in the scenery. It was nice, refreshing, and a calming contrast to our busy everyday lives. But, I don't think I can even begin to tell you how amazing it was, definitely something you have to see for yourself. 

Off to bed for the last time, and our last morning walk on the beach! 

Forgot to mention the beautiful sunsets we saw last night and tonight. It's so nice that it's such an individual experience, but one that you can share with so many others. There are also so many lizards here!

Okay, now I'm done, for real this time. 

Berries on the R2H

Trail off the R2H

Foliage on the R2H

Flowers on the R2H

SPIDER on the R2H

Black lava that cooled in the Pacific from Mt. Haleakala on the R2H

Black Sand Beach on the R2H

Black Sand Beach- R2H

Lava cooled on the R2H

Waterfall on the R2H

Wall of Ivy and Water

Rice covered ice cream

Sunset

Lizards

Whales and Volcanoes

Thursday was an exciting day as we got to go whale watching aboard the Alii Nui. This luxury catamaran had very few passengers for an optimal experience. Furthermore, there was food and drinks galore! February is a prime season for this activity as around 15,000 humpback whales migrate into the Hawaiian shores to have their babies and mate. What is unique about them being down here is that adults don't eat at all. They come here for the safe shallow waters that are predator-free. Throughout the boat-ride we witnessed 5-6 competition groups. These are groups comprised of one female with her calf and a group of males. The males target the females with babies as they are obviously fertile, and compete to be her mate for next season. They engage in spectacles of breeching, pectoral fin slapping, and diving. We saw a spectacular sight of huge males breeching, and competing. We also saw mothers teaching babies how to breach. The mother would show her baby, the calf would try, the mother would show her baby again, and the cycle repeated until the mother had enough. When the whales would dive, this was when we saw the famous tail shot, as they would lift them above the water for increased momentum. Last time we came to Maui in March, we did the exact same boat ride, but saw no breeching. Even the crew were amazed by how much we got to see! This is definitely the highlight of my trip so far.

Friday we decided to drive up the Haleakala volcano. It was a very interesting drive, as the scenery around the volcano was vastly different to coastal Maui. It was similar to an Irish landscape, with green pastures filled with cows and horses, and lost of cloud and moisture. The roads were very similar to those in Ireland as they wound up the volcano and were rather narrow. By the time we reached the top, we had hit a little over 10,000 ft., and were above the cloud. It was a spectacular view, and also the sight of deep space telescopes. Some people were biking up, and there was even a place to park your horse! Strangely enough, I was expecting a crater closer to the one I saw in Costa Rica, a circular shape with a prominent sulphuric smell. This one was very different as you can see from the pictures below.

Whale Dive (showing tail)

Whale Breeching (adult)

Whale Dive (showing tail)

Whale Breech (adult)

Mt. Haleakala

I've had lots of fun, and still have more to come!

Beaches and History

I haven't posted in the past few days because we've been so busy, and it's really hard to sit down with a laptop when I'm in a place like Maui! On Tuesday we spent the day wandering beaches and whale watching. My mum is completely fascinated with them, and they pop up literally every glance you take at the water. Right now is calving season, and the mothers and their babies like to stay close to shore. Which gives us the perfect opportunity to be whale watching. It has become a tradition that my parents and I wake up at around 6 a.m and walk down to the beach, where it's quiet and beautiful. Early in the morning is prime time to be whale watching. We walked down many beaches, including Makena State Park (which had a beautiful and rather quiet beach) and my brother and I indulged ourselves in a local classic of shave ice. Its delicious, refreshing, and perfect for this climate. Tuesday was a beautifully sunny day. We drove down the coast to Kaanapali beach, and then ventured to the famous Whaler's Village. On the way home, we stopped in Lahaina, an old town in this area. We walked along the wharf and saw the catch of the day, and I wandered into the local museum, reading up on the history of the town. It's been around since the 1800's and was the Kingdom of Hawaii in its early years. In front of the museum is Banyan Tree Square, where a huge banyan tree sits, planted on April 24, 1873 by Williamm Owen Smith. This was in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Christian missionaries. While wandering through the streets of town, I happened across a local carver, who was making beautiful wooden statues. The cultural influence in his pieces was evident, as they had a polynesian look to them. We ended the day, driving back home along the coast and stopping at lookouts on the way. We saw hundreds of whales (no exaggeration there) and also saw a beautiful sunset.

We're off on more adventures, bye for now!

Shave Ice

Makena Beach

Morning Walk on the Beach

Morning Walk on the Beach

Morning Walk on the Beach

Makena Beach

Banyan Tree

Fish on the Wharf (Lahaina)

Aloha!

We finally arrived! My mum and I have already been to Maui, so we showed my brother and dad around a bit.

We decided to rent a car because it's the best way to get around the island. It was strangely cloudy for Hawaii, so it wasn't as beautiful as it usually is. But still amazingly beautiful nonetheless.

We stocked up on food from a local super market for the condo (lots of fruit!)

I'm writing this as I sit on the balcony with my family, music playing, waves crashing, trees swaying, and no snow.

Oh how beautiful.

In N Out

We got in pretty late last night, and considering the time change and flying, we were all exhausted. Not to mention hungry. So, in spite of my hate of all things fast-food, I decided to give In N Out a try, per the recommendation of my brother.

It was glorious, and much needed after HOURS in transit.

This chain only exists in California, so it was a must, and well worth it.

Off to Maui in the morning (hooray!)

(published after arriving in Maui)

YOW

We arrived at the airport donning warm-weather apparel, and it was obvious we were heading somewhere down South; away from this everlasting Canadian winter. After shovelling the driveway both last night and this morning, Maui's tropical temperatures would be a nice contrast to the Canadian winter.
I love spending time at the airport, with all the eager travellers, anxious to arrive at their destinations.

We only brought carry-on luggage, as my parents' favourite mantra is "travel light, travel fast". It eliminates the need to check in baggage, and reduces the amount of time spent at the airport after de-planing the aircraft.

It is unfortunate I find, however, that the flying industry has become so commercial. Airlines are more concerned with the bottom line, and have thrown away any consideration for passengers. Entertainment onboard costs an arm and a leg, and the food isn't cheap either. My grandmother used to tell me of days when flying was entertainment itself. No expense was spared!

Nonetheless, flying still amazes me. While my father belittles the experience to the herding of cattle, I find it amazing the number of people who are able to reach such an expanse of destinations around the world.

We have just landed in YYZ (the post was a work in progress mid-flight.)

Now we await the next flight to San Francisco.

So long for now!

The Canadian Traveller