Curtain Call on Hawaii - Aloha

08/19/2014
Today is the last day of our Hawaiian adventure.  Mrs. Hicks can say she is well traveled.  She has visited all 50 states that make up the United States.  Our final stop, not counting last minute shopping, was a tram ride through the Maui Tropical Plantation. It is a 60 acre working plantation, designed with the tourist in mind.  They have mangos, guava, coffee, bananas, pineapples, macadamia nuts, coconuts, sugar cane, papaya, and many more plants associated with Hawaii.  In addition, they had two Long Horn Steers, associated with Texas.  In all fairness, Hawaii has a long and storied history in cattle ranching. We took a 45 minute tram ride through the gardens and had the opportunity to view all these plants.
After the tour we traveled to Lahaina for lunch at the Pioneer Inn.  This hotel was built in 1901 and was the only hotel in Lahaina until 1960.  We saw the world's largest Banyan Tree (and possibly one of the oldest) that was planted in 1853 and its shade covers almost an acre.  After lunch, Linda shopped and I read historical signs.  We are now back at the condo, I am writing the blog, and Linda is packing.  We will be heading for the airport in about 2 hours.

This is the last entry for this blog.  It has been a great trip and Linda and I are glad to share a milestone with Mrs. Hicks.

Aloha

Linda, with lei

awaiting the tourists

Hawaiian plant?

In the park

Tourists on the tram



Pineapple field

taking a break from driving

goes without saying "what's for dessert? " Where are we going next?

Land above the clouds

08/18/2014


Today we traveled up the road to the top of the Haleakala Volcano.  The last known eruption took place in the 17th century.  Haleakalā forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui.  The tallest peak is 10023'.  The temperature at sea level was 88 when we started the trek.  When we arrived at the top the temp was 59.  Very pleasant.  The temperature near the summit tends to vary between about 40°F (5°C) and 60°F (16°C).

A caldera is a cauldron-like volcanic feature usually formed by the collapse of land following a volcanic eruption. "Haleakalā is far smaller than many volcanic craters (calderas); there is an excellent chance that it is not extinct, but only dormant" The Haleakalā caldera is approximately 7 miles wide, 2 miles across and 2500' deep.  We got pictures.
A well traveled Haleakalā Highway, completed in 1935, is a road mainly composed of switchbacks that leads to the peak of Haleakala.^[12] The road is open to the public (although parts of it are restricted) and is a well-maintained two-lane highway containing many blind turns and very steep dropoffs. Local animals, including cattle, are often encountered in the roadway. The park charges a vehicle entrance fee of US$10. Public transportation does not go through the park, but tour buses visit the summit regularly. The road is not nearly as stressful as the "Road to Hana" and the scenery is breathtaking.
So much for the history lesson, but it does help in understanding the significance of where you are, rather than just a ride through the mountains.
After we made our descent, we went to the small village of Pāʻia.  Pāʻia is the last town on the Hāna highway when heading eastbound towards Hāna.  Paia is located close to many internationally known windsurfing spots including Ho'okipa and Spreckelsville. It is therefore sometimes called "The World Capital of Windsurfing". We had lunch at a local fish house restaurant and then had a dessert.  I had a coconut, banana, & pineapple smoothie.  Linda and her Mom had pineapple coconut ice cream.  Both were delicious.  We then returned to Ma'alaea Harbor.

Silver Sword plant.  Lives 50 years, blooms once, then dies.  Grows only here.

 

View along the drive

 

Clouds moving in

 

Above the clouds

 

Volcano caldera

 

Linda at the summit.  59 degrees

 

caldera

 

Below the cloud deck

 

Moonscape

Dinner and a show

08/17/2014
Today we continued to explore Maui.  We have travelled most of the paved roads on this island.  We go until they turn to gravel and turn around.  We went to what is called the "Big Beach" and what a beach it was.  Beautiful..although the sand does not compare to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.  After visiting the beach, we decided to treat ourselves to a new culinary experience.  We had fish tacos out of  what appeared to me, old bread truck.  Check that block.  The taco was good but messy.  Afterwards we returned to our condo so Linda could wash the taco sauce out of my shirt.

Later we went to the 'Iao Valley State Park.  Gorgeous drive, beautiful scenery.  The 'Iao Needle, a prominent terrain feature of Maui, is located here.  It was used as an observation post during the battles between the islands before they were united.

And of course no trip to Hawaii would be complete without attendance at a luau.  Leis, hula dancers, sunsets, and poi.  A great way to end the evening.

Linda at Big Beach

just a pretty flower

along our drive

great place for lunch

'Iao Needle

'Iao Valley

Sunset at the Luau

Edith, enjoying the luau

wahine

Tattooed dancer

another wahine

Road to Hana

08-17-2014
Today was "Road to Hana" day.  While on the way we made a stop at the University of Hawaii (Maui) and visited a "Swap Meet" and bought various gifts for others and native foods for us.  Then we proceeded into the jungle.
From the time we left and arrived at Charles Lindberg's grave site we covered 83 miles.  It took 4 hours.  If you have not driven this road, then you don't know how many switchbacks and one lane bridges there are.  This is not a stress free drive.  The difference between a rental car and your car?  There are places you would not take your car.  This is one.  Just take out full insurance.  Just kidding...  a beautiful drive with stunning scenery.
After we returned to Ma'alea, we stopped at the Safeway grocery store, purchased a pizza and had a wonderful Italian dinner and went to bed.  Sunday will be a day of rest, with a trip to the Mall, for more shopping.  I have brought a good book for me.  Monday we will drive to the volcano.

Cane Field

Beach near our condo

Edith at the swap meet

walk way at bird preserve

Lunch time

Road to Hana

waterfall

small waterfall

Lindberg's church

Charles A. Lindberg grave

view from cemetery



pretty flower

A long way from home

pretty tree

Our destination

another waterfall 

Edith does Hawaii

08/15/2014
Aloha...just another day in paradise.  I got up this morning around 0400 (still on the CT Zone).  The weather is great.  Here we are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and there is no humidity, a gentle breeze and moderate temperatures.  We had coffee in the condo and then went exploring.  We did all the usual tourist things...Costco, Walmart and Safeway. (Pineapples are 99cents)  We drove along the coast to Lahaina and had a Hawaiian lunch at a local restaurant, "Aloha Mixed Plate".  It was good enough for Rick Steves, so it was good enough for us.  A really good meal.
We stopped along the drive and watched a group of surfers demonstrate their surfing skills...  very entertaining.
Our condo is located in the village of Maalea, at the Maalea Harbor. Quite a number of vessels leave each day with snorkelers and scuba divers every morning.  We can see the Molokini Atoll from our balcony.  It is a favorite of the divers.  An uneventful, but pleasant day.  Tomorrow we shall pack a lunch and travel the "Road to Hana"...  the number one tourist attraction on Maui.  Pictures at 6.
Tomorrow, then.

Edith, enjoying the view

McGregor Point Lighthouse

I took this picture while walking along the coast.  I do not know what it is.

Linda and Mrs. Hicks

Living the dream

On the road to Lahaina

View on the Kuihelani Hwy