Sunday – the day started out sunny, but soon clouded over. We decided to go out for lunch to the highly renowned Star Noodle restaurant – fresh noodles and Asian specialties (lots of people we have met, talk about it). We put our name in and were told about a 25 minute wait. The few we talked to waiting with us, were also first-timers and had heard lots of good reviews. When we finally got a seat, we started with an order of Pohole Salad (Hana Fiddle Head Fern, Maui Onion, Ebi, and Kombu) that we shared. Then Todd ordered Kim Chee Ramen (Kim Chee Dashi, Roast Pork, Bean Sprouts, and Kim Chee) from the Noodle Menu.
I ordered Star Udon (Roast Pork and Scallions in a Rich Pork Broth) from the Noodle Menu. Although both noodle soups were a little saltier than we prefer, the overall flavours and fresh noodles were delicious, and may require a return visit.
The rain began as we were eating at Star Noodle and continued off and on most of the afternoon, but cleared in time for another amazing sunset.
After the sun set, we decided to go for a bit of a walk. As we strolled along the street hand-in-hand, we both noticed at the same time Andrew Jackson staring up at us. We looked around but saw no one who the $20 would belong to so Todd quickly picked it up and put it in his pocket.
Monday we planned a Costco run (okay drive – it’s about 45 minutes from where we are staying). Can’t beat their Maui Gold pineapples for $2.49 and cooked chickens for $4.99. Because we were heading east, we did a bit of a detour to check out the Sacred Gardens we had read about. It is not really a garden, but a greenhouse with a very “zen-like” feel.
Visitors are encouraged to help themselves to free tea or hot cocoa and wander among the plants and flowers or to sit and relax among them.
They also had two labyrinths, one outside and one inside. It was a relaxing stop before hitting the mobs of people at Costco.
Tuesday, we decided we better get out for a bit of a power walk. We followed along the ocean path just outside Lahaina city limits and that took us into the hotel district and Whaler’s Village. The trail began with very few people, but became quite crowded closer to the hotel district, where we saw a man trimming the palms on a small platform (at least he had a harness on).
After just over 4km, we turned around and headed back. The rest of the day was spent relaxing on the lanai as we waited for the sunset (sorry if there are so many sunset pics, but it truly is an amazing site, night after night…).
Wednesday can be called Whale Wednesday! There was so much action today. During breakfast we were treated to a whale (the closest we’ve seen yet) doing a head lunge.
Today was also Whale Talk in town. We learned a lot of interesting facts about the humpback whales’ biology, habitat, and their behaviours: the length of the pectoral fin is 1/3 the length of the humpback whale; they only come to the Hawaiian Islands to breed and give birth (feeding is saved for their time in Alaska); the calves grow 5 lbs/hour; the males are the ones that produce the whale song…and so much more. Then we came back to our lanai for lunch and we were entertained as a whale did tail slaps – 25 TIMES in a row!
Here is a young Humpback playing in the bay just behind our lanai !
Then we were treated to a possible “fist fight” between two males as we saw pectoral fins flying through the air. Amazing!
Thursday we did another big walk – 9+km. We walked to Whaler’s Village and back. Whaler’s Village is a large shopping centre in the hotel district. We wandered in some of the stores, but most interesting were the models on display in the one area. The largest is a skeleton of a Sperm Whale.
We learned at the Whale Talk yesterday that it is believed the humpback whale is a descendant of the Paleocene Epoch which they display at Whaler’s Village.
Friday we drove to Nakalele Blowhole, WOW! The forces of nature are truly AMAZING! That said, you need to be careful – there have been a few (a few too many) deaths. Somewhat recently – In 2011, David Potts, 44, of San Anselmo, California was killed when he was knocked off his feet by a large wave and swept into the blow hole. His body was never recovered. In 2013, Jay Rothweiler fell to his death from a cliff overlooking the blowhole.
The walk down to the area of the blowhole is steep and rocky.
We met some people from there from Southern California who said this is their 3rd time to the blowhole in 12 years and that it was spouting the highest they had seen.
The forces of nature…
We spent a long time watching the various blows before heading back up the rocky way (can’t say path – there wasn’t any…).
On the road back to Lahaina, we pulled over at a lookout and were treated to a gathering of an abundance of surfers.
Conditions have been great the last few days for prime surfing.
We stopped for lunch at the Fish Market (and of course, I didn’t order fish…). This place gets great reviews for both its diner and fresh fish counter. Todd had to try one of their fresh oyster shooters !
Then Todd had a shrimp and a mahi-mahi taco. I was happy with the Kalua pork tacos.
It is hard to believe we have been here 2 weeks already. We certainly are adapting well to Island Life…
Next week we have a Whale boat tour booked to try and get some up and close pictures of the humpbacks !
