We finally stayed at the fancy resort during daytime, and, yes, we visited the beach. More importantly we found Clare’s first cousin (son of Clare’s mom’s younger brother) and his wife. A delightful couple – proud to be related – and we spent most of the day with them. But first, the resort.

And, I know you have been waiting to learn, the sand on the ”white” sand beach is too fine to figure out from where it came. Sorry. I am disappointed, too.

On Saturday, we awoke early to get to the Kihei boat ramp in order to catch our snorkel charter boat. Only ten people showed up for a beautiful morning of snorkeling at four sites. Because it is the season for Humpback whales in the area, we saw whale pods including babies that leapt out of the water with energy.

Such a great way to start a day! Sorry about no photos of the whales, but we saw quite a few of them. The captain told us it was an escort pod, escorts being the males who swam around the females and their babies, competing for something. As males do.

Each of the four places we snorkeled exhibited different types of coral. This was surprising, because we didn’t travel far between snorkel stops, but fun, because it seemed like a planned “experience” ride. So varied that it almost seemed designed.

Two videos pieced together showing the Humpback whales from the boat and then some fish underwater at the south side of Molokini (second stop). The second part is mainly to hear the whale song.

On Friday we drove the very narrow and curvy road around the north and east sides of Haleakala. The road has speed limits as low as 15 mph, and the numerous stream valleys crossing the road result in a crazy number of one-lane bridges. After 2.5 hours we arrived at Waianapanapa State Park; later we drove another 45 minutes to visit the Oheo River in Haleakala National Park.

Note, we have still not gone to a white sand beach We had too many other plans for our first few days. The black sand is of course bits of basalt (rock lava). We actually wondered why this color of sand beach is rare here!

It took us a while to recognize the one official blowhole, because so many places made big splashes.

These grew all along the coast. The fruit looks a bit like pineapple, and is used in medicines and foods. We liked walking through a forest that included these trees.

The scenery is so different from what we usually see in Colorado. It feels good just walking and watching. Next we went to the coastal part of Haleakala National Park.

Our first day, we sat around sipping fancy drinks with tiny umbrellas and laid out on the beach. Gotcha! Actually, we drove north along the coast: destination the Dragons Teeth. Also, the Kapalua Coastal Trail and viewing humpback whales, since they visit this season.

Stunning! Are these jagged pieces of rock the result of an eruptive fissure or hydrothermal activity along a fracture? The structures in the solidified lava are fascinating to our geological eyes.

We stomped all over these erosional and original flow structures, discussing possible explanations. Best fun ever!

The flora is also magnificent. Many almost familiar plants (invasive?) mix beautifully with exotic (to our eyes) species. Lots of color, especially the shades of green.

We haven’t yet walked along the sandy beaches here. Is the white sand native carbonate, imported quartz or something else? We’ll find out. Stay tuned!

Whales! So far away, elusive, but when seen give us great joy. Brian caught this one spouting, and we also saw a giant tail slap the water, and a mama showing her baby how to be cool, you know blowing water into the air for the tourists.

We also saw sea turtles, which are even more difficult to photograph. They were playing in the waves, in channels between reef rock. A little surprising, since the waves are fairly rough.