First up is the beach. Close your eyes for a minute....do you feel the warm sunshine on your head and shoulders and the breeze on your face? The waves are crashing, people are talking and laughing. Little kids are running in and out with the waves. Relaxing...
But don't forget your sunscreen!
The beach is usually what people think of when they think of Hawaii but there is much more to see. We rented a car...get in with us for a winding trip to the top of Haleakala. It quite cool compared to the beach...you might want to take a jacket along.
The peak of Haleakala is 10,000 ft and looks like an atomic bomb went off or we accidently landed on the moon. No vegetation and it seems as though we and the other people there are the only life forms around.
On the trip up here we went through many stages of vegetation. In the beginning there were lots of things growing. Grasses, shrubs and even some pine trees. Gradually it got more scruffy and scrubby and eventually when we got to the top this is what we saw.
This is what remains of the crater. It has eroded over time so that there are only little cones of secondary eruptions left.
And since there were a few clouds that day, we've driven though them and are on top of the clouds! How cool is that... :D
One of the best ways to see the waterfalls and the whole island in one short trip is to go on a helicopter ride. So come on! Lets jump in and buckle up and go for a ride!
Side note. If you've ever been carsick you might want to take that Dramamine now! I've never been car sick at any time but I wish I'd had some...
The pilot was excellent and she told many interesting things about the island.
Here are windsurfers on the east side of the island. Look see how clear the water is. You can see the shape of the land under it. In places there are coral reefs.
And waterfalls. There are lots of waterfalls and you get a very close look at them.
Our helicopter ride was with a family from Russia. The college age daughter and the mother spoke English quite well. And it would have been fun to get to visit with them but time really didn't allow it.
Since we still have the rental car, lets go for another ride! We keep hearing about the "Road to Hana" and so that will be our next destination.
This trip is through the rain forest. And it is, as you would expect, damp. Where the road is in the shade it is damp even though it is the middle of the day. The forest and the folliage is thick and dense and at times the road is a tunnel through it.
The road winds back and forth with the highest speed 35 mph. There are numerous one lane bridges with yield to oncoming traffic signs posted at each end of the bridge.
This is bamboo growing on the left side of the road.
And during the drive the ocean is never very far away. It's warm here. You sure don't need that jacket today!
Since it is the end of January and perfect time for seeing whales, it is time to climb on board the "Hula Girl" for a sunset ride to see the whales. Be sure to bring your sunglasses. It's bright out there. And don't bother with shoes, just flip flops will do, you don't get to wear them anyway!
To board you walk up a stair that is on the front of the boat. Watch out for the waves...you're going to get wet!
I never did see any whole whales but there were sure a lot of whale tails flashing around.
If you look closely you can see the top of a whale that was really close to the boat. They say they are as big as a large school bus...
It is exciting when someone yells, "Oh there's one!". Everyone rushes to look. Cameras are clicking.
It's beautiful on the water. The sun is warm. The ocean is calm. The boat ride is smooth. You can see forever. Relax. Wind down. Enjoy.
Aloha!
