After what we were told was a highly unusual whale tour Tuesday (hanging on for dear life in the 4 foot swells while protecting our cameras), we decided to give it another shot. We booked Saturday…what a difference! The weather was clear, waters were calm and no one got wet.
Although we didn’t see any huge breaches, we were treated to numerous sightings.
We saw a lots of dorsal fins breaking the surface,
lots of pectoral fins waving,
and lots of tail slaps.
The next 2 pictures show the scarring on the back and tail of this male that looks like he has been fighting pretty hard for the attention of his possible mates !
Two of the most exciting sightings included a whale peeking out of the water close to the boat,
AND a whale actually swimming right under the zodiac we were on. When there is a whale, the water turns turquoise and the white is the underside of the whale. Without actually jumping in the water for a really good pic, I tried my best to capture it, leaning over the side of the zodiac.
We can see why whale watching could get addictive (talked to lots who go out multiple times each vacation)…
Monday we took a drive to Haleakala National Park and took the long windy road up to the summit. After the Road to Hana, Todd said this drive was a breeze.
Haleakala summit is 10,023 feet (3,055 m) above sea level and the temperature dropped dramatically.
The volcano is currently dormant. In the picture below you can see two volcano peaks on The Big Island peaking through the clouds !
The views are stunning, even if the clouds get in the way.
One of the most interesting plants we saw was the Haleakala Silversword, only found here on the summit. It lives for 15 – 50 years and only blooms once.
After some pics and a walk about, I said, “Okay, enough of this cold, back to the warmth.” The temperature was about 20°F cooler. On the way back down, we stopped at The Visitor’s Center (9,740 ft / 2,969 m above sea level).
Each stop along the way down offered different views. Kalahaku Lookout (9,324 ft / 2,842 m) was impressive with the colours and shapes of the land.
It was interesting watching the clouds roll in as we drove through them. Our last stop down was at Leleiwi Overlook (8,840 ft / 2,694 m).
Tuesday night was a partial eclipse of the sun. The moon was to cover 68% of the sun. Unfortunately, clouds got in the way for a really clear view. The video is a time lapse of what we did see over a 2 hour period. You can notice about ½ way through, it gets really dark (eclipse time), then lightens a bit for the sunset.
Wednesday we drove towards Kihei to go to the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and walk the boardwalk through the marshlands. Just our luck – the boardwalk was closed for repair… So, we carried on south to Makena Beach State Park where we got out to walk the beach.
It was extremely windy, but the landscape was beautiful with volcanic rock sticking out of the sand.
While in the area, we made a pit stop at Maui Brewing Company’s brewery. We didn’t do a tour, but enjoyed sitting on their patio for a couple of pints of small batch beers craft beers that are available only at the brewery.
Todd contributed to his t-shirt collection. Too bad he didn’t buy it at the beginning of our visit, his beers would have been $2 off…
So, we spent our last day on Maui very low key – some packing and prepping for the morning exodus. We did walk into town so we could get a couple of Red Dirt Shirts (very Maui…).
Then we did our final stop at The Hard Rock. Todd has been quite impressed with their display of memorabilia. He asked if it was actually real and it is. This Tony Iommi jacket (Black Sabbath) is insured for $200,000 by Hard Rock.
The car above the bar was an actual functioning boat at one time – amphibious vehicle…
Usually, I post a lot of dinner pics from restaurants we have eaten at, but this trip so far, we have eaten just about all out meals on the lanai after sunset. Can’t really justify the cost of eating out and the views from the lanai are beautiful, plus Todd is an amazing chef!
We have definitely enjoyed our time at this waterfront condo in Lahaina. Maui has been beautiful – warm, sunny, gorgeous sunsets, lots to see and do, and also very relaxing.
Next up – the Big Island where we will meet up with our friends, Aline and Dave.
Really enjoy your blogs!! Its like I’m there with you! lol Great Pictures!!