Whales, fish, and turtles, oh my!

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.

Here, our boat is headed to Molokini Crater, our first stop of four for our snorkeling adventure. The early morning water was clear, but we were in the shadow of the crater wall (so not much light). Clare loves floating, stationary, and watching the life flow by. So many fish! Brian was interested in taking pictures of everything, so we lost touch with each other a lot, as Brian chased a photo and Clare was just watching.

At a different stop, a sea turtle was swimming away from Brian, who had the camera. So, Clare tried to swim past the turtle for Brian to get a photo of both the human and the turtle. But the turtle could swim a lot faster than the human!

One of the fish inside the crater. We saw many different types, but they did not come out well in the pictures. Brian was sad, but Clare didn’t mind. Swimming with the fish was enough. The coral background was so beautiful.

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.

Getting back toward our resort, which is the large building in the middle. An amazing day!

Road to Hana.

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.

Black sand beach at Waianapanapa State 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!

Many caves and old lava tubes have created a blowhole where the occasional ocean wave erupts.

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 contrast between the green foliage and the black basalt is spectacular.

Deep gorge where the Oheo River meets the sea

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.

The park service re-created this meeting house using some of the building methods of the Hawaiian native people.

On the drive back on the road to Hana we stopped at Wailua Falls.

We were so tired after the long, arduous drive that we were happy to watch the sunset from our room.

West Maui

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.

Makaluapuna Point. We weren’t sure about the significance of this artifact, but it is interesting, and close to the Dragons Teeth.

Dragons Teeth formation in basalt and pumice flow

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.

Interesting patterns due to weathering of Dragons Teeth

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.

Travel Day

Going to Hawaii in Winter is a fairly typical trip for retired people. Now, Brian and Clare know why it is worth the long plane flight!

We flew to Maui on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Looking out toward the big island with the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

We’ve visited two other islands in this famous chain, but not this one. The flight was smooth, almost boring, as going over oceans usually is. But when we got close to our destination – wow!

Wind turbines on a still day on approach to the Maui airport

We saw these again the next day, and they were still not turning. I hope they are in working order.

Clare showing off her lei that we received upon our arrival at the Grand Weilea.

Brian got one, with seeds instead of flowers. Hmm, I like seeing Brian’s shadow on Clare’s shirt!