Clear Bottom Kayaks

We didn't miss a thing with our clear bottom kayaks at Makenna Landing. We kayaked to Turtle Town and saw the Turtle Highway and the 5 underwater caves. Jennifer steered the kayak and I went over the side to snorkel. 

On the way home we drove thru the lava fields, to La Perouse Bay for the black sand beaches.

Lava rock on both sides of the narrow road, no hiking allowed on the lava, until you reach La Pereusse Bay. Hope to do that hike next time, it was too windy today.

We ended another day in paradise at the Maui arts & crafts fair in Lahaina. Just like the Maui swap meet, without the super juice. It's worth a stop with a lot of vendors who also sell at the swap meet.

Organic Sugar Cane Juice

We went back to the Maui Swap Meet, love that place. We drank raw sugar cane juice with lime. Here is the sugar cane press, it took about 3 long canes for 8 oz. with lime added.

Sugar cane juice is good for brain, heart, liver, diabetics, vitamins and minerals, and a cure for cancer :)

Just kidding, it tasted great, and another reason to go back to the Maui Swap meet.

Sugar Cane museum is worth a quick stop for some fascinating history on Maui.

Last stop Maekewea, a ranching town with cute stores.

On the way home we stopped at the Sacred Gardens and labyrinth. Lots of new age stuff here.

Upcountry Day Trip

First stop, Twin Falls, at mile marker 1 on the road to Hana. This is private land open to the public, located on a working farm, and a nice hike to the falls. You'll need tennis shoes for the hike and water shoes to walk thru the stream to reach the falls. Bring a swimsuit and take a dip under the falls.

We took a short cut, got lost, and went to Ocean Vodka Organic farms. Wonderful tour by the owner great start up story, can't wait to try Maui's only organic vodka, sorry no samples given out.

Vodka distillation process and sugar cane shoots, only takes a year to grow a full sugar cane plant.

Next stop was Ali Kula Lavender Farm, got lost again but it was a beautiful relaxed walk thru the gardens and home by 4!

West Maui Mountain Hike

We needed a break from the sun and a little exercise. This hike is 1 mile straight up, and 2 other short hikes. It's  3 miles and beautiful, no bugs, nice and cool.

The trails are part of the Ritz Carlton property. The shuttle bus brings you up the mountain, 2 hours to hike and the bus returns. Next time we will bring a lunch and sit at the picnic shelter while we wait for the shuttle to return.

Our Condo in Honokowai

A highlight of our condo, is the pool and the sunsets.

Nakalele Blowhole

Short, rugged hike to the blowhole. It was a short tour from our condo to explore and take pictures.

Several "official" warnings on the path across the lava coast.

Go in the evening instead of watching Netflix:)

Wailuku Day Trip

Woke up early and drove to Kihea, where the cinnamon rolls are 2:1 (2 people to 1 roll). People lined up 6 deep at the door for these gooey rolls.

Next stop the Grand Wailea Beach Walk, 2 miles paved path along the most beautiful beaches!

This is Big Beach and the waves were ferocious.

On the hunt for the best fish taco in Maui.

Keiki Luau

Time for a children's luau. Tuesday nights at the Napili Kai, the children perform from 5:30-6:30. So cute, and its a $10 charitable donation. Very low key come 10 min early for a front row seat.

Iao Needle Day Trip

We made the trek to Walmart, Home Depot and K-Mart. (My new favorite stores in Maui, because that's about all we have here). After our shopping the tours began. This tour took us from 11-4pm.

First stop, Maui Swap Meet. Oh my gosh, shoppers and foodies will love this place. I bought a python skin wallet and organic pikake all natural lotion. Unique arts and crafts and great gifts from Maui.

Here's dragon fruit, tastes like a red kiwi.

Iao Needle Hawaii State Park.  We took a walk,up steps, on a paved trail, for about a mile.

Next time we will bring swim suits, people were in the stream and cascading water and enjoying it.

Close to Iao Needle is the Maui Plantation an organic farm with a tram tour. They sell grass-fed beef here, ($5 a lb is a great price for,hamburger) free range eggs, and organic papaya and mangos.

Learned how to open coconuts at the farm.

Kapalua Day Trip

 A day trip near our condo started off with a walk up Airport Hill, photographing Dragons Teeth, and snorkeling at Honolua Bay. We left home at 9 am and back by noon.

This is short but very steep hill up to the JHM airport, 1 mile from our condo.  It's an aerobically challenging walk and the panoramic views are incredible at the top of the hill.

Dragon's Tooth is a well kept secret. Walk across the Kapalua golf course and watch out for the golfers to reach this scenic point.

Next stop was Honolua Bay, beautiful,sheltered snorkeling.  It's is where the tourist pontoons bring you to snorkel, but you can come here for free. 

Take a short walk through the rainforest.

Keep going it's a little adventure.

You are at the beach, big beautiful smooth stones, then  you will slip into the bay with your snorkel gear.

That was our adventure for the morning.

Goofy's Surf School

We had a blast! A great instructor helped us stand on our surf boards, later that night, Tylenol for Chuck and I.

Welcome to Maui

A beautiful sunset in the park across the street from our condo.

We've got Mauitude.

  We welcomed our daughter-in-law Jennifer, with Aloha, a lei, and her favorite Krispy Kreme donuts after her long flight. Our trip to the Honokaui condo is 50+ minutes from the airport.