Exploring the Island

Day Four.
We were up early again and drinking coffee on the balcony when we saw whales off the coast. Some were visible with their backs just peeking above the surface and others were tossing spray into the air with their bursting exhale. And then now and then we would see one breach the water and rise up into the air, sometimes appearing to stand straight up and sometimes flipping to one side, creating an enormous splash. It was amazing to see and especially from our balcony. I had been whale watching before off the coast of Baja, but these whales were more active and seemed to relish the surface breaches and showing off. There were dozens and dozens of humpback whales spread out in the channel between Maui and Molokai.
I made an omelet with with local eggs that cost $4/dozen and tossed in some other local veggies I had picked up at the natural food store. It was still early in the morning when we set out along the coast toward 'Iao Valley State Park, which is on the east side of the island and gets a lot more rain than the west side (where we were staying). Its an extremely lush valley with a dense tropical feel. Verdant peaks rise up quickly on three sides and after a while, I began to get the sense of being on the edge of a collapsed caldera. Although I'm not exactly sure that's what the park is, that is the definite feel it exudes. Its bright and hidden and beautiful with walkways that pass tranquil streams and huge overgrown trees. Its one of the gems of the island and was apparently so popular with Hawaiian royalty that it was off limits to commoners. There weren't any trails that led off into the mountainside, which was sort of a shame because I am sure it would have been amazing to trek up and down the walls of the caldera. The park was also smaller than I thought and so we saw all of it in less than an hour.
We headed back to the west side and stopped by the harbor to see about booking space to go snorkeling at Molokini the next day. We found what we were looking for and were set for a trip early the next morning. So we headed south towards to Kihei and pulled over at a beach where we could see whales very close to the beach. It wasn't very crowded, with just a few people fishing, a family playing in the water with two very happy dogs and a handful of joggers. Michael and I ate a makeshift lunch on the beach, then headed south to a recommended snorkeling area near Makena. We had some trouble finding the spot, then had trouble finding parking. It was Sunday and everyone was at the beach. We set our stuff down and went out looking for a good spot. The water was great and there were a few people snorkeling, but we didn't really see anything fascinating. More fish and rocks, and with the current a little stronger than up at Kapalua. We lay out on the beach for awhile and then decided to find shaved ice and escape from the mid-afternoon heat. In Kihei, we found a great place with dozens of flavors to choose from and also had locally made ice cream. We walked around some of the nearby shops but didn't buy anything. By the time we made it back to the hotel, I was exhausted from the day and we lounged around. I had lots of reading to catch up on and a bag full of crossword puzzles to tackle.
Day Five.
We were up at 530. We need to be to the harbor and checked in the snorkel tour at 615. Everyone was standing outside the office for the Pacific Whale Foundation (http://www.pacificwhale.org) waiting for instructions to get on the boat and head to Molokini. The sun was just starting to rise and a woman went over the details and plans for the day. Its a five hour trip and we would go to Molokini and then to snorkel at a second sight, which would most likely be Turtle Town. At this point I was extremely excited at the thought of swimming with giant green sea turtles. We were herded to the boat and everyone was given snorkel gear (if needed) and they even had goggles with prescription lenses for those who wore glasses. I was wearing my contacts so I was fine, but Michael was happy that he could make use of the extra-strength goggles. It was about 45 minutes to Molokini, which is a crescent shaped island, half submerged. It looks like a small collapsed volcano, about a half mile wide with one side sticking above the water. Inside the crescent the water is about 100-150 feet deep and extremely clear. The current runs right into Molokini, so the constant rush of water created the shape. The opposite side of the crescent is a sheer drop down into the deep. You can't go outside of the crescent without training because of the constant current of about 5-6 MPH that will sweep you south to Tahiti. Getting off the boat into the water, you can use the stairs, jump, or take the short five foot slide. I elected for the slide and splashed into the water. It was amazingly clear and coral was dotted along the crater floor down below. It was about 8 in the morning and then sun was still low on the horizon but it was bright and was sure to keep everything well lit. Along the part of the island that is above sea, the coral rises abruptly from about 50 feet and we were advised to keep at least 30 feet away in case of large sudden swells. They even had folks on kayaks to keep an eye on everyone. And if you got to close to the wall or too far away, they herded you back. I didn't see much other than lots of different fish, all with bright colors and all pretty curious. We even saw the Hawaii state fish, which is much shorter looking than its name would imply: Humuhumukununukuapua'a. It has great black and yellow markings with large eyes that sit high on its oval shaped body.
After Molokini, we headed over toward Makena Bay, where we were the day before. The sun was high at this point and we head great views of whales off in the distance. I forgot to mention that while we were headed to Molokini from the harbor, they came around to everyone offering fruit, muffins, bagels, coffee and juice; I liked this part. Off Makena Bay, we stopped at Turtle Town and I again slid into the water in another brilliantly clear area where I was dying to see a turtle. I didn't have to wait long as one about three feet big swam gently nearby. The turtle was a shiny green with a perfectly shaped shell that looked a bit mossy. The flippers were long and twisted gently to help propel them along effortlessly into the distance. Everyone was crowding about at this point to see the turtle and swim alongside. We continued swimming along some underwater lava fingers that jutted out from the shoreline. One had two holes that created an undersea tunnel. It was at least 30 feet down and whenever I swam down from the surface the pressure quickly weighed on my head. I didn't think I could swim into the tunnel but I did want to see what it looked like from different angles. Another turtle passed by. It was further away and didn't want to stick around for very long. Michael and I swam over to the other lava finger to where it stuck above the waves at certain points. Schools of small blue fish were swishing about in the current that pushed by every now and then. I didn't see any sharks, nor octopus, which was a little disappointing, but then I would rather have seen the turtles anyway. One time when I was snorkeling in Australia, I saw several large manta ray over six feet across glide below me. They were amazing to see, but not as interactive as the turtles.
And then before I knew it, it was time to head back. At this point I was back near the undersea tunnel and I saw an even larger turtle who was probably at least four feet big and probably about 200 pounds rise up from the tunnel. There were only four other snorkelers nearby and we all seemed to freeze where we were. The turtle gazed about non-chalantly and slowly rose to the surface. One guy had a camera with him and dove down below to snap a few shots. The turtle bobbed on the surface for a few second and then looked down below. While it seemed to stare at each one of us, it then glided underwater slowly toward me. Those large flippers propelling in slowly and effortlessly toward me. I'm not sure how close it was, or if it was even headed to me, but I swam to the side just in case. And then it turned and headed back to the underwater tunnel. I was still staring at it swim away when I snapped out of the trance I felt I was in. My breathing had slowed and I felt calm and so comfortable. It was an enchanting experience, whether the turtle was even aware of me or not, I was certainly aware of it and happy to have connected with it, if even for just a second or two.
Back on the boat, we were served lunch and everyone talked about how much fun they were having and what they had seen. Headed back to marina, we saw more whales off in the distance and then they eventually came closer. The guide started talking about whales and listing facts that drew all the kids around as she spoke. I headed to bar since it was open and all drinks were complimentary. Of course, mai tais were overflowing, but they also had Bikini Blonde Lager, which is locally brewed on Maui. When the guide asked where the whales go in the winter, several kids shouted Alaska. Without missing a beat, the guide said, "That's right, they go all the way back to Nebraska." We all laughed and Michael pointed out that Nebraska is always a good punch line for a joke.
Back at the marina, it felt so much later than 1230. But then we had been up for seven hours and had done so much so early in the day. Back at the hotel, I spent more time sitting on the balcony reading and staring out at sea. I'd also become hooked on playing solitaire on my iPod. I went for a short swim and snorkel in the water just outside our hotel and was done when I noticed a cut on my big toe. It was from the fins I had been wearing and although I had felt them wearing on me, I didn't know they were cutting me. After that, I showered, had a drink for sunset and relaxed the rest of the night.

Going to Maui

Day One.
We need to fly to Oakland and spend the night because the nonstop flight to Maui on Alaska Airlines leaves at 745 in the morning. We are flying standby (of course) and the flight looks good, with a possibility of getting first class. One problem is that it has been storming all week in California. Yes, nearly the entire state has been pounded by four powerful storms. There have been periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, lighting, tornadoes, snow and hail. Earlier in the week flights at Orange County airport had been unable to land or voluntarily diverted because of gusty winds and nearby tornadoes. This scares Michael because he doesn't like to fly and he surely doesn't like turbulence. But I say we have to fly in it because I want to go to Maui and this looks like our best option. Besides, we are going on an adventure! So we pack in the morning and clean the apartment and are getting ready to when I check the flights from Orange County to see how they are doing and at least two of the flights to Oakland are canceled. Uh oh, I think, and check the flights from LAX to Oakland, and a few of them look good for standby travelers like us. So we go to LAX and its raining and gray and dark and ominous looking outside. I don't like the idea of flying during this storm either, but I haven't seen much of the sun in the past five days and I am already getting dark circles under my eyes. Turns out the flight to Oakland is wide open but running late. We wait in the boarding area, eat sandwiches and look outside as the clouds begin to part and the rain subsides. We board the plane, take off, and its nothing but bright blue sky and white billowing clouds. Its awesome! The clouds are bulbous and thunderstorm lookalikes and the plane veers this way and that to avoid flying directly through them. Its a little bumpy but not bad and we soon land in Oakland, having used some of the free drink coupons a friend had given us.
We rented a car and then drove out to stay with our friends Tiffany and Arthur, who live in Bay Point. I didn't know where it was either, but its east and a bit north for 45 minutes, near Pittsburgh and Antioch. The four of go out for a yummy sushi dinner and go to bed early because we have to be up at dark:30 the next morning.
Day Two.
We are up by 5 and on the road back to the airport, but of course we have time to stop and get coffee on the way. At the airport, we find out first class is full, but we get seats together in coach. The flight is pretty full and we're in the window and middle seat with a family of five taking up the rest of the row and across the aisle; they've got an infant with them that likes to scream. I'm a little disturbed, but since we are going to Hawaii, I don't care too much. Its still stormy in Oakland at this point, the sun is barely rising and its raining gently outside. All the more dramatic an exit for us to fly into the tropics 2500 miles away. The flight has some bumps, but overall its pretty smooth and the crew is in a good mood. The flight attendant looks at me and says that I had a pre-paid digiplayer (its an like a portable dvd player with built in movies, shows, music and games that an employee invented). Too bad all the movies are bad and and I don't want to watch any of them, but at least they had an episode of the Simpsons and then I go back to reading the newspaper, doing the crossword puzzle and playing solitaire on my iPod. The anticipation starts to build because its been over four hours and we are anxious to see some land. When the islands come into view, its hazy. I had looked at the forecast and it pretty much said haze forever. The locals call it volcanic haze, but I don't know what that means and I just think it has something to do with El Nino. We land at the Kahului airport and everyone claps. This is Michael's first time to Hawaii and my second time to Maui, but its been nine years since then when my brother was married. Despite the haze, its stunningly lush and beautiful. We headed over to pick up our rental car and they let me choose from a few options. I take the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which is not big on room, but fun to drive and handles curves better than most rentals. At this point its barely noon and we are hungry so we stop at a health food store near the airport which makes all sorts of veggie and non-veggie sandwiches. Then its off to our rental which is north of Lahaina but south of Napili in a small area called Honokawai. Our room isn't ready yet, but they give us towels and send us to the beach to occupy our time. The water is wonderfully cool and refreshing, I'd say mid 70s. It feels cool but once you are in you never feel cold. The sun is shining, you can see the other island of Molokai and we've finally made it to Maui. When we get to check in, we realize the room is really a condo building, which is great because it comes with a full kitchen, one bedroom and an amazing balcony that overlooks the ocean. We can see Molokai and Lanai from the balcony and promptly proclaim that we will spend most of the time on the balcony. Also, we can look down on he grassy area below by the beach to see everyone laying out, drinking, reading, or snoozing in the sun.
After a nap, we go shopping for food. There's a few grocery options on the island and we are across from another health food store, which I didn't plan for. I'm just sad there is no Trader Joes here, but they are getting a Whole Foods next month. I was expecting sticker shock, but was still surprised to see loaves of bread for $5, a bag of tortilla chips for $4 and a six pack of beer for $10. Everything is at least one dollar more here, and if you want to buy local food (like bread, eggs, chips, beer), its generally two or three dollars more than the mainland. For sunset, we had chips and salsa, sat on the balcony and drank a local Maui pale ale, which I really enjoyed. We made a pasta dinner and I was ready for bed before 9pm. I held out until 930 and was out cold.
Day Three.
We were both up early and Michael made coffee and got the local Maui Newspaper and we sat on the balcony for breakfast. The forecast was the same, low 80s and bright blue sky. We rented snorkel gear, which was a reasonable $15/week. The girl at the shop gave us a map of four local places to see fish. We started at Kapalua Bay, which was great. Not only was the beach filled with bright white sand, there are surrounding palm trees, a good size bay and rocks on either end. Michael hadn't been snorkeling before but he caught on quickly. I'm not an expert, but I've been a handful of times. We see lots of colorful fish floating about. The conditions are calm and clear and there are several people also out and about in the bay. Lots of families relaxing on the beach and kids running all over the place. Its a nice mix. While laying out, a group of kids were pointing and smiling at the water near the rocks. Turns out there was a green sea turtle hanging about, but was gone by the time I got there. After a few hours, we went back to the room, had lunch and napped. Then afternoon coffee and a drive north to find more snorkel sights. We eventually found a recommended spot. After walking through a tropical mini forest and passing many wild roosters, we arrived at a rocky beach. It was emptying out when we arrived and it was past four, so we went back to Kapalua Bay, which we knew was a sure thing. After another nice snorkel, we watched the sunset and went out for dinner at the Maui Brewing Company which had an amazing Coconut Porter beer (I love coconut) that was almost a dessert. The fish tacos were pretty good too. I could hardly keep my eyes open and was asleep around 10 that night. The sound of the waves is soothing but also loud at high tide, so we slept with the sliding doors to the balcony closed.