We have always wanted to go to Hawaii and decided to celebrate our 15 year anniversary. (just 5 months late since I hate January and wanted to go then) We flew to LA and then directly to Maui. It was stormy on the North side of the island. I loved this tree.
We found a 'volkswagon Thing' Just like what Taylor used to drive in high school when we dated. Only his was army yellow and a bit rougher- but totally awesome.
The next day we drove up to Haleakala crater after church because it had been so stormy but it seemed the clouds had parted. The altitude climb was beautiful.
This was our car for the week. We put the top down several times each day.
The crater really was beautiful even though we missed the sunrise. It was freezing cold.
Loved these plants that only grow on Maui and are endangered. There was a $5000 fine for touching or injuring the plant. Just knowing the threat was almost too much temptation for me.
Driving back down the mountain was beautiful but Taylor felt really sick. It passed after an hour at sea level so we think it was altitude sickness. We drove over to the other side of the island and checked into the Marriott on Ka'anapali beach which exceeded any and all expectations. The sun was shining and it was warm. We got to watch the sunset in a hammock. Heaven!!
The next day, we rented a shaded couchet to read in all day in the shade. It was wonderful.
Then we got cleaned up and went to a Luau. Everyone should go to one in their life.
It was neat to see the pig unearthed from the ground. Such a touristy moment but I embraced it. the food was good. The fire dancers after dark were definitely the highlight.
We took a morning boat trip out to the Molikini crater to snorkel. This is our only photo in our wet suits as we were busy in the water or eating. We chased a sea turtle which was amazing!
Almost everyday, we drove into Lahaina for a shaved ice over a scoop of icecream and ate it under the Banyan tree. I loved the coconut ice cream and Taylor got vanilla.
With our blue guidebook in hand, we found all kinds of great places to stop as we drove North. We loved this little old church on our way to find 'the best banana bread on the planet'.
It cost $6 a loaf or something but it really was amazing! We ate the entire loaf before arriving back at our resort! Here is Julia herself.
Loved some beach time everyday!
We took one day to drive the road to Hana. It was beautiful and amazing. I can't believe there are this many waterfalls on one island.
The guidebook took us down this beautiful road that looked like a fairy land and dropped us out here. It was breathtaking and we had the little penninisula to ourselves.
Black sand beach. It rained on us so we hid in the little cave and then the sun came out.
There was a lot of rain this week so we weren't able to swim in the Seven Sacred Pools but they were still beautiful. We did the long hike up to the waterfall and bamboo forest.
This hike was longer than we planned but so beautiful and other-worldly.
Some pictures of the resort. They can't do justice. It was amazing with all the plants, birds, streams of water and walkways. It was dreamy.
On our last day, we had to check out of our room but our flight wasn't until the evening so we had a couples massage and foot scrub at the spa. It was fantastic! Then we sat on the beach and enjoyed all the last sunshine under this palm tree. I can't wait to go back as it was paradise. Maui is IT!
