Honeymoon in Maui - Some photos to share

[polarsusd81]

So after our wedding on October 15th, my wife and I went on our Honeymoon in Maui. The flight out was a long one, MSP to Chicago and then Chicago to Maui. Nine hours was the longest flight I have ever been on, but it was worth it. We stayed at the Mahana at Ka'anapali. It was a very nice condo/resort. The place is literally right on the beach. I was standing in the water when I shot this photo.

I wanted to check out some of the local artwork so we went to a craft fair early the first full day we were there. I found these sweet little pendants. They were blown glass Jellyfish encased in additional clear glass. This one was about an inch long.

The following day we went upcountry to check out the Kula Botanical Gardens and check out the scenery from halfway up Haleakala - the volcano that formed Maui.

There were a few local artists painting scenes from the gardens while we were there. They were gracious enough to allow me to take their photo.

We took a tour bus on the Road To Hana. This road is quite possibly the inspiration for the Beatles Song "Long and Winding Road". The longest straight away couldn't have been more than 1/8 mile, and there are 50 something bridges that are one lane wide. In this photo about 2/3 up the side of the mountain, you can see the cut for the road.

We made a couple stops along the way. At this little road side stand, they had 7 or 8 varieties of Organic Banana Bread. We chose to go with one of the standard loafs and it was awesome. Here are some of the bananas ripening before being turned over for bread. The have what are called Apple Bananas on Maui that are really good. More firm than your typical banana and the flavor is just a bit sweeter. They look like a stubby banana.

Shortly after picking up our banana bread, we made a stop at a black sand beach. It was pretty cool, but loaded with Jellyfish and some extreme current, so nobody went for a swim.

A little while later we made it to Seven Sacred Pools Park and were able to walk down to the pools. Unfortunately we couldn't get really close because there was some rain earlier in the day up the mountain and they were expecting a flash flood at any time. I did happen to snap a cool pic of a young banyan tree, though this doesn't really do it justice. A page out of Steve's book. Looking up it's skirt.

Soon we came into the tiny town of Hana and had lunch. We didn't stay there long and were on our way again. We continued along the south end of the island. They do not recommend going down there unless you are in a 4 wheel drive or have a lot of local knowledge. It is about 20 miles of one lane unimproved road. Similar to a snowmobile trail you would find in the northwoods, but in a tour bus with not the most luxurious suspension. It is very arid along the southern coast of Maui, almost desert like.

[polarsusd81]

This is a photo of Lahaina boardwalk, from over near the pier. This was a spot we frequented quite a bit on our trip. It was the location of most of the restaurants, gift shops, and our favorite, Ono Gelato. We stopped in several times after dinner for a little treat. One scoop Chocolate Hazelnut, one scoop Tiramisu please.

We also made a trip to view the Iao Needle. Pretty cool little spire in the middle of the valley.

There was a cool meandering stream running through the valley so I hopped down for a closer, cottony look.

Right in front of the resort we stayed at was a coral reef. A frequent visitor to the reef was a giant sea turtle. He would come in to about 25 feet off the shoreline and graze. It was pretty cool seeing him ride the waves.

The beach was great. Always nice and warm.

Sunsets were pretty spectacular as well.

On our final morning, I went for a little drive while Denise slept in. I wanted to get set up on a black sand beach around sunrise. We were on the west side of the island and I didn't want to go to the east side. I found one about 10 miles south of the resort and had a little fun.

[polarsusd81]

This was something I didn't get a chance to try but will most certainly do when we go back. Stand Up Paddleboarding. It looked like a lot of fun.

Denise loves the Plumeria flowers, and I kinda have to agree. They are pretty cool and smell nice too.

The view from our Lanai was incredible. Right there on the edge of the Pacific. I can't wait to go back.

[shortfatguy]

Where are all the girls in skimpy bikinis? Can tell you're married! Haha really nice pictures. Looks like you guys had a great experience!

[CAMAN]

Congrats and incredible shots!!

[gatorhunter]

You're pretty good with a camera! Excellent composition on your shots!

[captainshane]

Very nice shots!

[dockothebay]

Ahhhhhhhh Maui! I love Maui and you've done an excellent job of capture her beauty. Thanks for sharing

[eyeguy 54]

Great series. Brough back fun memories.