We spent twelve days in Maui this time, the longest to date and yet I guess it still wasn't long enough. We met Terry's brother and some of his family there - Kim, Jackie, Justin, Vanessa, Jayden, and Kaydra - the only one missing was Alysha. It was the first time Jayden and Kaydra had ever been to Maui and our kids enjoyed playing with them.
We had some great weather, despite a day of rain and some winds. For the majority of our last week in Maui, we encountered an ocean swell. This meant some massive waves that were fun for jumping and playing in but it also meant that we weren't able to enjoy some of the activities we wanted. Snorkeling was affected due to the waves and Terry and I weren't able to get out and paddle board. But, despite that we still enjoyed the hot temperatures and the sunshine.
Some of the activities we enjoyed:
-mandatory trip to Julia's Banana Bread for the best banana bread in the world
-swimming in the pool everyday and time on the water slide
-hitting the beach, we even had a BBQ at DT Flemming Beach (America's Best Beach 2006) with Kim and Jackie
-Jaret riding the waves on the boogie board
-Jaret, Terry, and Justin jumping off Black Rock ("Pu'u Keka'a" is the Hawaiian term for Black Rock and this cliff is about 30-35 feet high)
-YogurtLand almost everyday while enjoying music and Hula shows at Whaler's Village
-Leoda's pies, even enjoyed pie for breakfast one morning (will likely become a tradition at least once each Maui vacation we take)
-shopping at Whaler's Village and Lahaina
-dining out, Terry especially enjoyed the calamari while I enjoyed a Lava Flow or two. Jaret said his favourite was Slappy Cakes because he got to make his own pancakes. I guess we know who will make brunches from now on.
-Twin Falls - hiked a bit and then waded through a river to get to a waterfall where we swam
-Trip out to Molokini where Jaret got to experience Snuba in the crater and Terry snorkeled. Unfortunately, the boat ride was rough and the kids and I were sick on the way out. The staff of Four Winds was excellent through and I was impressed with how helpful they were. While on the way, we saw lots of whales and even saw a mother and calf really close to the boat and a full breach out of the water - incredible. However, Terry didn't take over camera duty to capture it and I was too sick to take pictures. Unbelievable, I know!
Highlights:
Kirra's favourite part was playing with Jayden and Kaydra at the pool each day. She also really enjoyed learning the hula at our resort and trying out Snuba in the pool on the last day with instructor, Sarah.
Jaret's favourite part of Maui was everything, except the shopping. "I just love Maui so much and wished I lived there." He also really loved when he was in mid-air jumping off of Black Rock (the highest point he adds) and Snuba in the crater.
Terry's highlight was definitely not watching the Seahawks lose in the final seconds of the Superbowl, which we watched on a big screen from our room overlooking the ocean and to many Seahawks fans below watching it at the outdoor pub. Terry loved jumping off Black Rock with Jaret while people cheered as Jaret jumped. Another highlight for Terry was throwing the football around on the beach and in the waves with Kim, Justin, and Jaret.
I really enjoyed running along the ocean and the relaxing by the pool as the kids played. And what brought a smile to my face was just seeing how much Jaret and Kirra were enjoying the vacation and the time we spent together.
Before we left Maui, Terry wondered if he could accidentally lose his passport and have to stay in Maui indefinitely. Jaret was hoping that perhaps the volcano could erupt and just cover the airport with no one hurt so that we would be trapped on the island indefinitely. I think Terry and Jaret are already scheming how quickly we can make our next trip to Maui become a reality.
MAHALO for reading my blog about our Maui vacation!
Lava Flow at Hula Grill - need I say more?
Newman the Swan is in the background. The kids adore Newman.
Feeding the koi fish and the swans each morning was always fun for the kids.
Justin, Vanessa, Jayden & Kaydra
The kids had so much fun splashing around in the pool.
Jaret on the water slide.
He couldn't get enough between the slide, the pool, and the ocean.
Kirra loved the slide and would take every opportunity to go down the slide with anyone who would go with her.
Terry almost flipped on the water slide.
Kim flipping on the slide.
The boys had so much fun throwing the football around on the beach and in the waves.
Terry jumping off Black Rock.
Succession of photos of Jaret's jump off Black Rock!
Proud of Jaret, although also a little scared of his love for taking risks.
Justin jumping off Black Rock.
One of our favourite lookouts in Maui.
I could spend hours here just enjoying the view.
Kim, Jackie, Terry & Jaret checked out the Ovaline Pools.
The rocky terrain and bit of rain, made things too treacherous for Kirra and I to attempt this time.
Julia's Banana Bread -
posing with the friendly lady we visit with each time we visit.
We visited the penguins at the Hyatt Regency - adorable.
Ultimate Relaxation
Twin Falls
Kaanapali Beach - Playing in the Waves
DT Flemming Beach
Hula Lessons for our Little Hula Girl
Flowers of Maui
Snuba in the pool at Westin Resort Villas Kaanapali.
Sarah was so great with the kids.
Molokini in the background of this next shot.
You can tell from this shot that I was not doing well with the camera
shots and did have to put down the camera and refrain from
picture taking, due to feeling so sick.
Snuba at Molokini
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