Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Day 12.
The Anihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve is several hundred acres of lava field and coast line on the south coast. One of the best snorkelling spots on the island is the "Aquarium" accessible only by a one mile hike over the lava field. We went early as the sun rose over Haleakala. The fish were abundant and incredibly colourful. Then it was the difficult trek back to the road, but well worth the effort.
Bob's Blog

Tuesday, July 29, 2008. Day 11.

Haleakala Crater rises over 10,000 feet above the sea. It's a long, slow drive to the top, but well worth the trip. The crater was clear, providing a spectacular view while the clouds hung below us on the mountain slope.

Bob's Blog

Monday, July 28, 2008. Day 10.

Today turned out to be the Canadian Chapter of the Maui Triathalon. It's run 10 meters, swim 10 meters and drink 10 beers. It looks like Tony and Dave tied and are cowinners of the pink sand pail.

Bob's Blog

Sunday, July 27, 2008. Day 9.

We had lunch today at Las Pinatas, a neat Mexican restaurant in Kahului. It's adorned with dozens of pinatas hanging from the ceiling. And the food is good too.

Bob's Blog

Saturday, July 26, 2008. Day 8

Beyond Kapalua on the north west coast, the road narrows and civilization becomes sparse. We discovered a place called Witts End, a small stand (tent) where Mel Witt sells local souvenirs at reasonable prices. We bought a few things, enjoyed another coconut milk, had some inspired conversation with Mel before heading back. Tonight the second wave of holidayers arrived, there are now 18 of us invading the Island.

Bob's Blog

Friday, July 25, 2008. Day 7

Bob and I spent an enjoyable afternoon on the Elleair Maui Golf Course. It's only 5 minutes from our condo.

Bob's Blog

Thursday, July 24, 2008, Day 6

Dave received his open water certification today. He has several other dives scheduled for the coming weeks. The sun sets on another perfect day.

Bob's Blog

Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Day 5

The flowers here are a blaze of colour as always. These are just a few of the varieties that adorn the courtyard of the Kamaole Sands.

Bob's Blog

Tuesday July 22, 2008. Day 4

There is a farmer's market just up the road where you can buy fresh mango, pineapple, passion fruit, guava, banana, papaya and coconut. We especially enjoyed the coconut milk. Paul found a new friend at the beach today, a beautiful Hawaiian girl who had dug a hole in the sand that filled with water as the waves washed in. Paul thought she must have dug it for him, and he moved right in and helped.

Bob's Blog

Monday July 21, 2008, Day 3

Sunny and 80 degrees F today and we all hit the beach. The photos tell the story.

Bob's Blog

Sunday July 20, 2008, Day 2.

Kamaole Sands Resort is 30 minutes south of Kahului on Maui's south west coast. It's a condo complex of 10 buildings, beautiful grounds, tennis courts, swimming and wading pools and just across the street from the beach. Today we drove into Kahului to pick up groceries and beverages and whatever other supplies that we will need. Having that task out of the way, everyone began planning activities for the coming days.

Bob's Blog

Maui 2008

Saturday, July 19, 2008, Day 1

Aloha! After much anticipation over the many weeks leading up to our departure date, it finally arrived. The first wave, (others are joining us later) met at the airport in Calgary for the late afternoon flight to Vancouver to connect to the flight to Maui. It was an exceptionally smooth flight, but because of the late afternoon departure, and needing to pick up a rental car, find our condo and haul in all of the luggage, we didn't get to bed until 12:30 am Hawaii time (4:30 am Calgary time). We were tired, how tired? Let Paul show you.