Our 10th Anniversary in Hawaii

Saturday June 7th

We started our special vacation early by going to Billings and watching Malificent before checking into an hotel for the night.  We had a fun day (as always) and were well in the mood to get going to Hawaii :)

Sunday June 8th

After all the planning and waiting, we are finally on the way - up at 4:00 AM and on our way through the still sleeping streets of Billings 30 minutes later on our way to the airport.  It was a beautiful morning.

We flew to Seattle, a lovely flight and then the flight was from Billings direct to Maui - the time flew by (not sure if that pun was intended or not) and we enjoyed the flight and relaxing , thinking about our vacation and all that it means to us.

We arrived in Maui early afternoon (yup it was definitely evening on the mainland) and the colors, flowers, smells, sunshine and warmth reminded us of our honeymoon 10 years ago - as beautiful as we had remembered.  The rest of the first day on Maui was spent enjoying the drive to our hotel, strolling on the beach, relaxing, unwinding.

part of the view from our lanai at the hotel.

Monday June 9th

The day started with a presentation by the concierge about all that there is to do and see (a sales pitch but fun none-the less) after which we walked into the town of Lahaina, exploring, discovering and enjoying all the sights and sounds.  Relaxing, more walking and more relaxing.

Supper on the Lanai

Tuesday June 10th

We had been waiting for this day since I booked the trip several months ago - the Haleakala downhill cycle tour.  AWESOME !  We drove into Haiku, got there early, found some good coffee and thought what a good idea it has been to bring jackets in spite of the Wet Jackets provided for us - it was turning out to be a gray, cool and VERY WET day.

Top of Haleakala Volcano - observatory in the distance

I told you it was wet - we kept thinking that it had to stop raining in a mile or so

Rain or shine - we have a lot of fun

Are we going to get through the clouds and out of the rain soon?

A beach we discovered with about 50 or more kite-borders

Thursday June 12th

Zip-lining and back up to Haleakala.  We watched the sun set above the clouds and renewed our vows in the freezing cold evening at 10,000 feet

suspension bridge to first tower

top of first tower - we did this one side by side

Ready for the first line

Getting Instructions at 1st Tower

We had to climb THESE in the wind to get up to the last tower - this is the tower at the half-way mark of the climb up

The final line (4th) after a hair-raising climb up 2
suspension bridges in high wind

Top of the last tower, ready to go

I DID IT and it was awesome - 4 amazing lines and I am hooked !

Sun setting at the top of Haleakala

Fading sunset on the way down

Saturday June 14th

Snorkeling off Molekini and in the turtle bay

Molikini - the snorkel place !

See the Turtles?

Sunday June 15th

Discovered a Vietnamese restaurant in the Cannery Mall and enjoyed sharing a delicious bowl of Pho at a great price and enjoyed a traditional Hula Dance Show

Rise and fall of the Rainbow from the Lanai

Monday June 16th

Drove the road to Hana from Kihei round coast and up to Hukeu, some of the road was not recommended and just a single lane cart track, such fun :) - found all sorts of hidden treasure interest points

Looking down on Kihei

This road goes on and on and on

Wild goats abound in this area

I wish you could see how clear and how blue it is

sea water rusts !

Tuesday June 17th

A relaxing day by the pool and on the beach

The water is crystal clear with lots of coral, shallow for quite a way and 75 degrees all year round.

Wednesday June 18th

Discovery drive around Kihei and the snob area around the golf courses etc.

Getting the hand of selfies :)

Thursday June 19th

Went to Ma'alea Harbor and spent the most part of the day rock wall climbing and playing miniature golf then back in Lahaina drove up to the top of the nearby hill and watched the sunset

Friday June 20th

Is this over already?  No it is NOT, we spent the day in Kihei swimming and climbing out on the harbor wall, clambering out to almost the end of the wall.  Had a picnic lunch looking out over the sea and then had Mahi Mahi sandwich for supper just before getting to the airport at 7:00 PM for our flight home.

Saturday June 21st

Still not over ;)  After a good flight and a little sleep, we arrived in Portland at 6:00 this morning local time, a quick flight to Seattle gave us a couple of hours for 'breakfast' and relaxation with free wi-fi.  Our flight leaves at 12:30 PM and we will get into Billings at about 3:30 local time (2 hr flight), giving us enough time to make a quick visit to Costco for some milk, fruit and veggies (can't believe how expensive they all are in Hawaii)