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!