B & D's USA Hideout: Maui

For the last few days left on Maui we decided to take it real easy. We packed away the tent and all our camping gear and pulled out our bathing suits and beach wear. For our one paid-for-tour of the trip, we signed up for a snorkel trip aboard the catamaran, Four Winds II, to Molokini Island. It was a half day excursion that included breakfast, lunch, beer and snorkel gear. It is whale season this time of year in Hawaii so we saw many whale tales and spouts out on the horizon. The Humpbacks migrate from Alaska, where they have spent the summer packing on the pounds by feeding on fish and krill in Alaska’s icy and nutrient rich waters. They then make the 3,000 mile swim to the Hawaiian Islands and the females give birth to their calves. The whales are also mating at these wintering grounds. Males love to show off and be aggressive toward other males. They also sing complex songs that can last up to 20 minutes and be heard from 20 miles away. All the males in a group will sing the same song and repeatedly for hours. According to NOAA, Humpback whale singing has been studied for decades but scientists still understand very little about its function.

We chose the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel to spend the last three nights on vacation. It was a Christmas gift from Brian’s parents for us to splurge and stay at resort in Hawaii for a couple nights (thank you, thank you Tom and Liz!). It was on the beach amongst the other line of resorts but we liked it best because it was the most authentic hotel in the area. Our room was on the corner of the third floor with a balcony and view of the courtyard. They had live music every night and a tiki bar.

We did some shopping in Lahaina where we found the headquarters to our favorite brand of eyewear, Maui Jim. Brian had his pair repaired and tuned up and we both walked out with two styling new pairs. My world is so much better through rose colored glasses.

For our last full day, we rented a canopy with cushioned lounge chairs and spent the entire day on the beach. We read, people watched, swam and totally relaxed. I can’t remember the last time we did that. The coolest thing was that we watched the whales from the shore. Tails, spouts, fins slapping and full on whole bodies jumping out of the water. When we went underwater we could even hear the whales. It was amazing.

For our last night we were able to get reservations at the Old Lahaina Luau. Brian wore a red flowery shirt and I wore a blue and white flow-y flowery dress. Upon arriving, you receive a beautiful lei hand made with real flowers. The food was excellent and the hula dancing was incredible. We shared the evening with another couple from New Hampshire. So many laughs, we had a great time.

We couldn't have asked for anything more from Hawaii other than maybe more time. Every minute spent on the Islands was adventuresome. We met some really amazing people and were able to experience things a whole different way by backpacking and camping. We'll be back someday to explore the other Islands, you can bet on that.

All of the following pictures were taken from Brian's iphone.