Our Trip To Maui, Hawaii

Last summer my wife and I took our first trip by ourselves since before our eldest daughter was born.  With both our girls grown, we decided to take one last summer.  However, I was swamped at school until the last minute, so I ended up planning a trip to Maui, Hawaii, two days before our departure date.  That was very unlike me, since I'm very OCD.  However, I was blessed to find a peaceful Bed & Breakfast in an old plantation in Haiku.

Haiku Plantation Inn Garden Bloom
Nikon D-3300 Photograph
GARTENGLÜCK LINKPARTY

Ho'okipa Beach Park Near Paia
Nikon D-3300 Photograph

Located in the Central Pacific Ocean, Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island at 727.2 square miles (1,883 Km2).  In my humble opinion, Maui is a glimpse of Heaven, with its diverse ecosystems, glorious landscapes, and rich culture.  Every morning, we'd start off the day with a healthy breakfast of locally grown fruits, fresh breads, and Kona coffee.  Friendly conversations around the table with people from all over the world were a treat as well.  Then, we'd pack our lunch, get in our compact rental car, and get on Hana Highway with our map and guide book in hand.  Everyday was an adventure, as we explored every breathtaking area of the island!

Haleakala National Park
Nikon D-3300 Photograph

Waianapanapa's Black Beach
Nikon D-3300 Photograph
Wordless Wednesday

Waterfall off of Hanna Highway
Nikon D-3300 Photograph

The island is named after Demi-God Maui.  According to legend, the days were short in ancient times, so crops took a long time to grow.  Maui's mother complained, so he decided to correct the situation.  He climbed Mount Haleakala, trapped the sun with his net, and convinced him to slow down its course.  This is why sugar canes can be cultivated in the island.  Some even say this is why the island's shape resembles Maui's head, neck and body (See Map).  By the way, Haleakala is the highest point, and is found at Haleakala National Park, which is definitely worth the drive up.  Just don't forget to take a light jacket with you and expect strong cold winds.

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Mill
Nikon D-3300 Photograph

Lisa and Me Off of Hana Highway Near Lahaina
I-Phone 7s Selfie

Although no longer its main source of income, Maui was once a thriving sugar cane mecca.  Two principal entrepreneurs were Samuel T. Alexander and Henry P. Baldwin.  In 1869, they bought 12 acres of land and began growing canes.  They were  responsible for the cultural richness in the island, since they organized a systematic immigration of laborers from China, the S. Sea Islands, Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Spain, and Russia, as well as some German, Scandinavian, and African Americans.  In addition, they were involved in ocean transportation, property management, and investments, as well as in politics.
Sea Turtle - 2 Corinthians 9:8 (Art Journal)
Water Color and Pen
Paint Party Friday

Aloha! (Etegami)
Hand Carved Stamp Over Watercolor Pencil
Moo-Mania: Your Favourite Colours

Scenic Dreams Card
Tim Holtz Dies and Distress Inks; Assorted Papers; and More
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #474
Word Art Wednesday

The highlights were many, such as the inexplicable excitement when we visited Waianapanapa's black beach or when we found ourselves surrounded by a flotilla of sea turtles at Keawakapu Beach.  The food and beverages at the various restaurants we visited were delectable too, with their traditional poke, varied Mahi dishes, pineapple wine, Hawaiian beer, and much more.  Of course, we did a little shopping too, and I had to purchase an authentic Hawaiian shirt in charming Paia.  I could keep going on and on about our exciting 5 day trip, but I don't want to bore you.  As you can see above, I was so inspired by our trip, that it was reflected in artwork too.  Aloha!

Comments

Christine said…
Lovely inspired art Arnoldo! Glad you enjoyed Maui!
sirkkis said…
Pooh, what a paradise you have visited! Thank you Arnoldo for sharing the wonderful photos.
Your watercolor paintings are beautiful.
Happy PPF 🌺🌱
What a great paintings and happy trip!
Mel
Valerie-Jael said…
What a wonderful trip you had, it's really a paradise on earth
Beautiful art as always.Happy PPF, Valerie
Linda Kunsman said…
The photos alone are so gorgeous I can only imagine seeing it all in person! Good for you to have planned such a spontaneous trip with your wife Loving all your inspired art- especially the turtle:) Please feel free to share more- I for one would love it! Happy PPF!
Gillena Cox said…
Thanks for sharing your heavenly trip. Luv this week's art. Happy you dropped by my blog today

much love...
Susan said…
We have spent many happy times on Maui and your photos and sketches are wonderful reminders of that paradise. Thanks for sharing and Happy PPF
Lisabella Russo said…
It sounds like an amazing trip! I love your sea turtle painting.
denthe said…
How gorgeous it is there. You look so happy in the pictures. And I love the artwork that was inspired by it, especially the last card. Happy PPF!
That B&B looks like the perfect choice of a place to stay! Love your wonderful photos and the artwork! What an amazing trip...sounds like it was well-deserved and long overdue!
Rosie said…
Beautiful photos and gorgeous art.

Thank you for joining us at MOO MANIA & MORE
Oh wow - an amazing trip - thank you for the fab photos Arnoldo and for the informations about Maui. Your sketches and cards are so beautiful and you made me happy to link to Moo Mania & More!
Thank you very much!
Wishing you a happy weekend !
Blessings
Susi
John said…
Your artwork is beautiful. I especially like your turtle. Love your photographs, too. It's been a while since I traveled, due to illness, so nice to see something different. Looks and sounds like you had a great time. Brilliant post.
Victoria said…
So lovely to visit your creative world again, wonderful photos of you both, and such beautiful sceneries..sounds like you both a very special and fun time! Gorgeous art, love the sea turtles, fabulous as always my friend! Love the quote too!
happy PPF
Victoria #33
DVArtist said…
Great post. I have been to Maui many times and to Hanna as well. The photos are fantastic especially the one of you and Lisa. I love the turtle too. Have a wonderful weekend.
NatureFootstep said…
I have been to Moui once long ago. I liked it. And I like the artwork too. Especially the turtle. :)
Wonderful pictures. Thank you for showing.
I wish you a very good time.

Blessings
Wolfgang
Tracy Freeman said…
What a gorgeous place and what beautiful art too. The turtle is amazing !
Thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog.
I hope you have a great day :)
Marit said…
Aloha to you Arnoldo... thanks for sharing not only the photos but a little history of Maui too, I loved to read it all. The waterfall is just stunning but so is all the scenery... glad the two of you had a wonderful time exploring. I really love your stamped turtle! Big hug from Holland, Marit (woyww #22)
Sharon Madson said…
Gorgeous Hawaiian inspired art! What a wonderful time you and your wife could have! So glad you got to go. Sometimes, last minute works out for the best. :) Happy WOYWW. #36
You take the best photos. I love them. My favorite of course, is the old Sugar Mill. I have a thing for anything industrial and rusty. Happy WOYWW from #1.
glitterandglue said…
Hi Arnoldo. What a lovely description of your trip. A beautiful place indeed with so much variety. Glad you so enjoyed it.
Thanks for already visiting and your beautiful comment about the death of my friend Marian. God is gaining the glory by her life and death.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #4
Hi Arnoldo, what an amazing place to visit. Loving your gorgeous art work too and hope to see the journal when it's completed. Have a lovely summer and thanks for the visit to mine, Angela xXx
Hazel said…
Beautiful photos and lovely crafting. Thanks for sharing - Hazel WOYWW #15 x
It looks a fabulous trip, and so well deserved given the length of the time since the last one, along with your truly busy schedule. Thanks for all the wonderful photos!
Dorlene Durham said…
What beautiful photos! We went to Maui five years ago and I have to agree with you regarding it’s beauty. Love your art pieces and how you were inspired by your vacation. Have a great week. Dorlene #40
Oh my Arnoldo what a fabulous post, full of happy memories and colour in abundance. I'm pleased to hear you purchased an Hawaiian shirt whilst there a true original. Your turtle painting is most splendid and I love that card, very fitting with all that marvellous photography!!
Thank you so much for sharing WOYWW, sorry i'm late to visit..
Enjoy the weekend Tracey #5
What an amazing place Arnoldo! I've really enjoyed learning about Maui. I always plan our trips in the last minute - so nothing wrong that - and sometimes you can pick up last minute deals that way - of course, there's also the chance that you can't find anywhere to stay, but that hasn't happened yet! Lovely art as well, as usual! Have a lovely week! zsuzsa #26
What a fabulous holiday you've had - I especially love it that you're creating wherever you go. And congrats on doing that last-minute trip!!!