Updates: All pictures are uploaded.

Sometimes the stars align just right and something that seemed to be only a dream suddenly becomes possible. That is what happened that allowed Mark and I to travel to Hawaii for a week. A twist of fate left us not only able to afford the trip but to actually both have the same week off. Getting time off at the same time has been something of a challenge for us over the last several years.

Once it became certain that we were going we began to research. What island did we want to go to, what did we want to do and see while were there? As we searched through various websites learning all that we could we settled on Maui. We wanted a relaxing vacation but still get out and about. Lying by the pool is something that we both can only take in limited quantities. Having settled on Maui we then drew up a list of things we wanted to do. Snorkel, see a volcano, attend a luau and travel the Highway to Hana were at the top of the list. We did all that and more.

Our first full day there we went back to the airport to pick up Mark’s friend Mitchell who lives in Hilo on the big island. While Mitchell had never been to Maui, he was able to give us some pointers on pronouncing Hawaiian and filled us in on some Hawaiian customs. Given a few more weeks of practice, I think we might get Hawaiian pronunciation almost right. Along with Mitchell we went to the Maui Ocean Center where many of the fish pictures were taken. While we were in Lahaina, we just had to visit the Hard Rock Café and went wandering about town. Entering one store I was invited to test my luck by picking an oyster from a bucket to see if anything was in it. When the oyster was opened, inside were two pearls. I suspect all the oysters had pearls in them but it was still fun!

The Highway to Hana is a 50 odd mile stretch of road that winds through the rainforest on the east side of Maui. We spent an entire day traveling that road simply because we stopped so often to take in a waterfall, be amazed at a costal view and of course take lots of pictures.

We also took a submarine ride off the coast of Lahaina. We went down to 120 feet and were treated to sights of coral, fish including a shark and a sunken ship. No the ship didn’t go down in a storm. It was deliberately sunk to encourage reef growth. All the pictures that appear to be tinted blue were taken from inside the submarine. The pictures of the Lahaina coastline were taken from the boat heading back from the submarine.

Anyone who goes to Hawaii should go to a luau. We consider ourselves very lucky in that one of the top rated luaus is found on Maui; the Old Lahaina Luau consistently ranks among the best. There is a whole section of pictures just from that event. To add to the evening we were treated to a gorgeous sunset, demonstrations of making poi, shell art, carving and net making.

Then there was the hotel, the Maui Prince. The room was large, the lanai almost as big as the room and the grounds were just incredible. Many of the flower pictures were taken on the hotel grounds. The hotel faces Makena Beach so we never had far to go to reach the ocean.