Wonder of Maui

Sign up for the luau that was held in this resort twice almost every night. To secure your reservation, remember to book it in advance at the information center. There was a cocktail party near Pool 1 and the Aloha Shell Lei Greeting and Photographing when you entered the main hall of the luau. Be there early so as not to miss anything.

As Spirit of Lahaina sailed farther from the coast, the view of the Maui's coast became minuscule. Gradually, the coast diminished. There was nothing but blue sky and sea, and it seemed like we were the only surviving boat buoying on the colossal sea. An hour later or so, the sun began to set. At first, the sun ray was still searing. Thereafter, it turned mild and permeated the skies with an orangey hue. It was cloaked behind horde of clouds. It was the most romantic moment I had in life, especially with my love one beside me.

Near to the port, where yachts and huge vessels are anchored, lies the Hauola Stone (resemble like a stoned chair) over the seawall. Hauola means extending life and health. Back in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Hawaiians believed that this stone had magical powers to ease and assist in delivering a child and to cure ailing people, because this stone was located in an area with mixture of fresh air and saltwater, known for its healing power.

At the back of Lahaina Center, there was a remarkable banyan tree, the biggest in United States. It shades almost an acre of the park and reaches upwards to a height of 60 feet. This tree has spread over the area by the way of its aerial roots that grew into thick brawny trunks when they reached the ground. Up to now, there are 16 major trunks apart from the original trunk in the center. Under this tree is a favourite spot for painters to do their drawing.

Today, Iao Valley is renowned for its exotic tropical plants, easy hikes, and peaceful, luxuriant terrain, which has appealed both locals and tourists. The ridge-top lookout offers a stupendous view of the valley and Kahului Harbor. Crossed the bridge that spanned Mala stream, you may be surprised to see the locals dipping themselves in the clear and natural pools. After crossing the bridge, it was a good vantage point to take a picture of the Iao Needle. Deeper in, you will find more wonder of the valley, like a creek with smooth surfaced rocks, tropical plants, and even taro growing!

Some reminders still: saunter gingerly through the valley and keep out of the restoration area where exotic tropical plants dwell, and bring along your mosquito repellent. This valley seem to be an insect lair.

I started to feel giddy and nauseous after we had been sailing for 15 minutes. One of the staff members onboard was very helpful and caring. After knowing I was seasick, she offered me a cup of ginger tea and led me to the lower-rear cabin of the boat, saying this would help to reduce my giddy spell. As the boat was still in motion, I did not feel good and began to throw up for before reaching Molokini. When the boat finally came to a stop, I felt better. Resting for about 5 minutes, I grabbed the snorkeling gear provided on the cruise. I got an optical mask, boogie board, and personal flotation device before sliding down the water slide.

The ocean was splendid, alovely ecosystem of diversified fishes and corals. The water surface was smooth and clear. I dived deeper into the sea and made my own exploration around Molokini, as I thought different parts might bring new surprises. There were different community of fish and coral. When the school of fish comes in a larger group, they may be more brazen. They would swim and slither around your feet. Otherwise, you would have a hard time touching them. The snorkeling lasted for about an hour. We had our barbeque meal onboard before leaving for Turtle Arch.

The moment when we reached Turtle Arch, we saw a couple of turtles frolicking in the middle of the sea. By the time I could react to take pictures of them, they vanished into the deep-blue sea. It was then that I realized turtles are fast swimmers after all. Then I had my flotation devices ready and dived into the sea again. About 20 minutes later, I left the island and ended my 1-day snorkeling trip.

P.S. All meals, refreshments, and snorkeling equipments are included in the whole package! The total cost per person was only $65!!!

The first stop that I made on Hana was the Mama's Fish House on the east part of Hana. A great restaurant for fish lovers. After a meal, you can stroll along the coastline and viewed snorklers frolicking in the sea. Down the road, there was a twin falls. Due to the low volume of the falls, it was not so impressive, and the walk time to the fall was about 20 minutes. Personally, I did not think it was worth it to make this trip.

Ho'okipa was one of the spots where you should stop by. It was a good vantage point to view the cliffs and nice beaches. Though the sun was beating hard, the light sea breeze will still make for a pleasant day and not so much of muggy feeling. Ke'anae was a nice, secluded beach where you can jump into the sea without much notice. Besieging the beach were some black, low cliffs with pointed edges. Be wary of them while swimming around there. It would be a 'wild' swim without vigilant lifeguards.

Wailua Valley offers the best lookout to lush vegetation, including pineapples, padi, and local plantations. On the left side of these plantations were the a large acres of virgin forests await to be explored. Hana Bay was renowned for its black-sand beach. Most sea sports activties could be found here; kayaking, snorkeling and private surfing lessons! Before entering Nahiku, it was a tad interesting where tropical floras were planted along the roads. Enjoy hundreds of species that coexit in harmony.

A small state park exists along Hana, the Wai'anapanapa State Park. A fable was told about this Wai'anapanapa Caves where a Hawaiian Princess called Popoalaea fled from the cruel husband who then found the princess hidden in the cave and killed her. At certain time of the year, swarms of tiny red shrimp emerged from the pool and turned the water crimson, said to be a reminder of the blood of the slain princess.

Near to the end of Hana, I came to realize for the past 4-hour drive, I had been circling around the colossal Haleakala.