2010 Maui Furlough Week

Furlough week - due to the state budget cuts, we will not be working and not get paid. What to do? Go to Maui!!! A fellow teacher and furloughed worker, Chris, has volunteered to be my travel partner on this trip. The goal - rest, relaxation, and some fun!

Here's the view from Ka'anapali Beach, just outside of our hotel, the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. The sun sets just over the end of the island of Lana'i. Fabulous views.

Black Rock, on Ka'anapali Beach. Moloka'i is in the distance.

Sunset viewing

And when the sun fades away, the sky turns purple and then inky blue, where the stars and planets emerge. We sit out every night, looking for shooting stars.

Bright and early, here I am on the balcony of my room, ready for the day!

At this time of year, Maui is less crowded. We found mainly two types of visitors -- older folks and young honeymooners. A young woman arranged fallen plumeria flowers on the lawn, and then took photos to keep this image forever.

SIGHTSEEING ON MAUI

Driving towards Lahaina, we stop at a Japanese Buddhist temple.

A 12' high bronze statue of Buddha, it's one of the largest outside of Asia.

Nearby the temple is this lonely cemetary. Many headstones are made of simple stones carved with Japanese characters.

Iao Needle, created from the extinct volcano on Maui. This was the site of a fierce battle between King Kamehameha and the Maui army, resulting in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands, in 1790.

Paia Beach, known for world championship windsurfing. This side of the island has the wind, and it's perfect for windsurfers, kite-surfers, and surfers. Four ladies are watching the windsurfers race across the waves.

Here they are - ripping across the waves.

THE JUNGLE ON THE WAY TO HONOLUA BAY

Enormous vines caught our attention, and we had to stop. Just the sheer size of the trees, the vines, and the lush jungle drew us in.

This turned out to be the path to Honalua Bay, accessible only on foot. Apparently it's popular with surfers and snorkelers.

We found vines that Tarzan could swing on!

Honalua Bay, at the north coast of Maui.

Snorkelers in the crystal clear waters of Honalua Bay.

THE ROAD TO HANA

We took the alternative route to Hana, going upcountry, and circling around Haleakala volcano. Upcountry is lush and green, with views overlooking the entire island.

We're here in Ulupakalua - this is cowboy (paniolo) country, with cattle ranches all around. Some great characters hangin' around the general store.

Makawao corner

Roadsign in Makawao, upcountry.

Once we got past the southern tip of Maui, the countryside changed dramatically. The south end of Maui is a huge lava field. Vegetation is slowly returning, but through a brutal landscape. This is the only road that will take us to Hana, a 2-lane road, paved for a stretch, and then it turns to a gravel unpaved road. Many bumps along the way!

The few trees along this route look pretty dry and desolate!

Most of the eastern side of the island is rocky.

But surfers still have their favorite spots.

The countryside gets greener as we get closer to Hana.

An old homestead in Hana.

Fabulous waterfalls everywhere along the road.

End of an enjoyable trip