Happiness is a Maui Sunset

A beautiful Maui sunset is something that should be shared with everyone! Here are two different views. One from the beach and the other on the deck of the catamaran. They are simply breathtaking! I look forward to visiting Maui again and experiencing more Maui sunsets with family, friends and Mai Tais! Aloha!

Maui Swap Meet

The best unexpected find during our stay on Maui was the Maui Swap Meet! The flowers, fruits and vegetables were out of this world! The prices were outstanding also! On Fridays, at the resort, local vendors come and set up stands. Prices were what I expected; so you can imagine my feeling of shopping euphoria when I was able to get the shirt I wanted plus two more for the same price as one! So, if you are there on a Saturday, you need to check out the Swap Meet at the Community College.

Resting at the Westin!

After spending time by the pools, soaking up the sun with all the families, it's time to head over to the adult pool! I think the most people that were enjoying the area with us were seven! It's quiet, no one splashing in the pool and as you can see, most of the time it was all ours! A great place to read, sleep and enjoy the warmth of the sun.

Mai Tais at the Pioneer Inn

Roy gives his vote for the best Mai Tais on Maui to the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina! Brenda's LavaFlow was pretty to look at and was tasty too! He loved the cost of the drinks, $3.00, the atmosphere and the history of the place. Of course, these were Happy Hours prices. We did go here a couple of times while we were there. We are thinking of staying there sometime, either before we go to the Westin Ka'anapali or after. The hotel courtyard was pretty cute. This place is across the street from the Banyan Tree and close to the harbor.

Paia Fish Market

This is absolutely one of our most favorite eating spots when we are on Maui! We visit every time we are there! This past summer was even better because we were there for two weeks.....and we visited this great establishment TWICE!! Roy was looking at the photo and commented on how he had something different each time we were there. As for me, I'm sticking with the shrimp and chips! Did you know that the Paia Fish Market was also featured on the Food Network? We only go to the best places!

Best Mai Tai in Maui

Ok, this was just our opinion but the best Mai Tai that we found was at the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali. There was a very close second but I will share that with you in a later post. Roy said it better be the best one since even at Happy Hour it was $10.00 lol. I really don't remember the cost. We had an enjoyable time while we were there; hula dancers entertained us and the sun was beginning to make its exit. I do believe I will go back there next summer just for one drink! Aloha!

Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach

A must-see on your Road to Hana visit is the black sand beach at Wa'anapanapa. You might even know it as Pa'iloa Beach. It's a park, a nice place to enjoy that lunch you brought from Paia. The sand is really made from lava...it's an amazing sight! I had to take a photo of the "No Nude Bathing" sign, it just gave me a good laugh. I also saw mongoose while we were there. It was a great day for a ride!

Road to Hana Views

Here are just some of the different views while taking the Road to Hana. Most people think of the waterfalls and the curvy turns but these different sites also make up the beauty of the trip! I would love to live in the little valley that we saw from a vantage point. The title of this page is "This is where I BELONG". I love the drive because of the scenery, the serenity and feeling that I am home!

Road to Hana

This is one of my favorite stops while we're driving the road to Hana. It is in the area called Huelo! You can find the best banana bread at a great little food stand. The waves are so amazing; the way they crash against the rocks! It is an area that you wouldn't go swimming, but to sit and enjoy the views and the sound of the ocean are top notch!

Libations at the Cool Cat - Lahaina

Here we are enjoying the Cool Cat's very cool libations! Instead of a MaiTai, I opted for a Margarita and it was pretty tasty! Brenda's drink of choice was always the prettiest wherever we went. Steve is a pretty good vacation photographer, he is not shy about taking a photo! I do appreciate it because I'm in some of the pictures!

Maui's Winery

Here is a view of the building that is the tasting room. It's not very large but serves quite a few people in a day. The other section of the home has photos on the wall sharing the history of the ranch and other family relics. The grounds are vast and so peaceful! You can take a picnic lunch and enjoy the serenity. The road up is windy in a car; just imagine what it was like during the mid 1800's.

Tedeschi Winery

One of our daytrips was to the Tedeschi Winery in the upcountry area of Maui. What a amazing drive, almost like the Road to Hana! Spectacular views and a great history of the Ulupalaku Ranch! If you are a wine aficionado, you must make a visit and try the local wine. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that you enjoy a pineapple wine! If you ever have a chance to try Maui Splash.....please do!

Old Lahaina Courthouse

The Old Lahaina Courthouse is in the same area as the Banyan Tree and we took these pictures on the same day. I always think of the movie "Hawaii" whenever I am there. I can just see Rafe running through the streets looking for Jerusha! I know it didn't take place there but it's what I picture! I just love feeling the history of old Hawaii. One of the things I want to do in California is to visit all of the Historical Landmarks!

Resting Under the Banyan Tree

Just a few shots of the plaque describing the history of the Banyan Tree. While we were walking around enjoying the shade of the tree, I noticed an older couple just sleeping while sitting up! It really made me laugh. They must have been so tired from the heat and walking around Lahaina! Anyway, I couldn't resist and I took their photo and here it will be in my scrapbook! Maybe that will be Roy and I one day...left at the Banyan Tree while the kids and grandkids are off enjoying Lahaina!

Visit to the Banyan Tree

When I think of Lahaina, I think of the the Banyan Tree. It is one of the most amazing trees in the world. It was planted in 1873 and has been maintained throughout the years. It still provides the shade needed during those hot days. In the early evening, you can hear the birds settling down for the night. When you go to Maui, if you miss the Banyan Tree, then you've missed a piece of Maui's history.

Michael's 10th Birthday!

Michael had his 10th birthday party at a place in Chino (no longer there) where kids could run around, go down slides and just become very smelly! LOL! In fact, we had to drive home with the windows open (I do remember that). A great group of his friends were there to help him celebrate. Brenna and Lindsey Russell also attended - I don't have a picture of Michael Russell but I bet he was there!

Michael's Kinder Photo

Michael, kindergarten 1988-1989 at Cabrillo Elementary. His teacher for the first part of the year was Mrs. Sedlack. While looking at his picture, I found myself missing those days! All the hustle and bustle. The years have just flown by and now his daughter is five years old and in kindergarten at Cabrillo Elementary.

Summer Wishes = Maui!

Going to Maui is one of the best summer wishes a person could have. Here is Roy showing us how large the whale carving actually is! I wonder who did the carving? Does anyone know? Thanks to Steve for being such a great vacation photographer....I'm at least in the pictures!

Ma'alaea Harbor

Ma'alaea Harbor was one of the places we visited at for Happy Hour! Had to try the Mai-Tais at the Beach Bum's restaurant and later that week, we tried their BBQ at dinner time. The carving of the whale was an interesting piece of artwork. I like how you can just touch it, stand next to it and enjoy the craftsmanship up close and personal. This is also the spot were quite a few snorkel trips begin their day trips.

More views 'Iao Valley

The history of 'Iao Valley is simply amazing. Just to know that a battle had taken place up here all those years ago, is mind boggling. We need roads to get anywhere and the ancient Hawaiians made their way through the brush, trees, rocks and streams all on foot. The 100-steps to the viewing point was enough to sap the energy out of most people and that isn't even to the actual peak (which is off limits). If the history of the Hawaiian Islands is of interest to you; you must make a visit to the 'Iao Valley.

Melanie's Official Kinder Photo

It seems like it was only yesterday that Melanie was born! And here she is in kindergarten. She is attending Cabrillo Elementary (her Daddy and Aunties went there too) and has a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Larson. I think I will be scrapbooking the kinder photo of my kids. Gives me an idea for an album. Melanie, you are growing up too quickly!

'Iao Valley 2010

After we made a visit to the local Saturday Farmer's Market/Swap Meet, we headed over to 'Iao Valley. What an amazing view and an important area in Hawaiian history. Kathy and I visited there a couple of years ago when were in Maui and this time Roy, Brenda and Steve wanted to see the place. There is more to Hawaii than just beaches.

Fat Daddy's in Kihei

We were heading over to a favorite spot in Kihie, Life's A Beach, when we smelled the bbq coming from a restaurant next to it.....Fat Daddy's! A small place with great service, great bbq and side dishes and very tasty drinks! Brenda's choice of drink while we were in Hawaii was a Lava Flow and I think Fat Daddy's made at least the prettiest one if not the tastiest! Just remember that if you're craving bbq while in Maui...head on over to Fat Daddy's! You will think you're in Texas!