WHAT A TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best trip ever........................until the next one- in May.............

Slack Key Masters- Brother Noland

Last night we went to theMaui Arts and Cultural Center to see a slack key guitar concert I found. It was presented by 4 time Grammy winner, George Kahumoku, and highlighted Brother Noland. We had seen George before here on Maui and we had seen  Brother Noland before on Kaua'i. It was a very intimate concert- the theater only held about 100 people. 

Before the concert we had dinner by a local restaurant and we're entertained because the tables were set up outside the glass doors to classrooms where they were teaching different types of native dances.

circumnavigating the island of Lana'i

We signed up for a 7 hour tour, historical saga and snorkling trip around the Island of Lana'i. It was captained by Captain Dave a self diagnosed ADHD, master story-teller, expert guide, and likeable leader.

We left from Lahaina Habor in the morning at a time we usually reserve for evenings only.....

   The island of Lana'i, which is off the coast of Maui, is largely unpopulated but has beautiful scenery and spectacular snorkeling sites.

   We visited the sight of a World War II ship wreck and got a close-up view of its cement hull.  Cement?!?!

   In case you don't recognize them, this is Paul and Judy at the first snorkel site.  The coral shelves and abundance of colorful fish were spectacular!

   The island had steep, rugged cliffs that were pock-marked with numerous caves.  Captain Dave would maneuver the boat into the mouth of the larger caves and allow the waves and swells to splash over the front of the boat.  Quite an exciting, and wet, adventure!

   At the second snorkel site, several of our adventuresome mates swam through a lava tube that was submerged.  We were not that adventursome; although, we did cheer on the Captain's mate when he dove off of the lava pinnacle.

   The crew threw some leftover rolls into the water which created a flurry of activity and splashing water.  The local fish were ready for us!

   We circled the island of Lana'i, which equated to about 100 miles of sailing.  The third, and most beautiful snorkeling site occurred in early afternoon with a warm sun, dazzling fish, and mesmerizing sunbeams dancing through the clear waters.  It was gorgeous!

   It was a day to remember!

Maui- one day in the life.............

Our daily afternoon activities..........

 My normal afternoon view.......



Marriott Maui Ocean Club @ Ka'anapali

We went to the old banyan tree right outside the harbor.

 We saw this guy playing a "Chapman stick"- its electric and has 12 strings. It was really good music and we bought one of his CDs.

They just happened to be having an art and crafts fair........... Carol bought some really nice pottery and I made some good contacts.

Here we are having a meal in Lahina on the wharf.

and yet again.............

Paul and Judy checking out some naked  chick changing!!!???

Oahu at the Marriott Ko Olina

Ko Olina- Judy and Paul's home timeshare with its four beautiful coves. But, our friend, Aileen (from Oahu) calls it the NO beach. Its open to locals, but no beer, load noises, BBQs..........all local customs!!!

The Black Pearl at berth.............but no Johnny!!!

Plenty of pinochile.............

Judy spying on the golfers........

A lot of beach weddings..........(for our friend and second daughter, Akiko)

Plenty of wave watching...........

Beautiful sunsets..........

 Good food and good friends.........

We traveled to theNorth Shore but no really big waves. This week they are honoring Andy Irons, a great Hawaiian surfer who died recently. It turns out, I taught his father, Phil Irons at Torrance High School and Carol and  I saw him surf on Makaha back in the early 70's............

 We always stop for garlic shrimp from the "trucks", when on the North Shore.

Oahu at the Marriott on Waikiki

Next we moved on to Oahu. We stayed at the Marriott on Waikiki for one night. Stan and JoAnne left for home after this and we went on to the Marriott Ko Olina after that.
We all had a great view of Diamond Head, but it's still big city..........

We scored BIG @ the Marriott Maui Ocean Club!!

another one out of order............sorry

Top floor, corner unit, all glass, newly refurbished..............
 to the left we see Kaho'olawe

straight across is Lanai

to the right is Molokai

truly beautiful!!!

Kauai at the Plantation House

Our first night in Kauai was at the Plantation House. We always stop there for lunch and I've always wanted to stay at these restored plantation cottages.

the grounds are beautiful...........right on the beach

We saw a missle launch from Barking Sands.....it was a joint exercise with the Japanese Navy and they shot down this missle.

We had a great meal on their patio

At least one of us were too tired.............

The next morning we went to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, then on up to Ko'kee State Park.

and huge hibiscus..............