Retirement's Good in Hawaii Too ! ! !

We took the week of March 8 to 16 to go to Maui, Hawaii. This was the third time for us here. It's a really nice, laid-back, warm, good weather, place to be in March when it's cold and rainy in Utah. Most everyone speaks English, which is something that we've really come to appreciate.We caught some really beautiful sunset pictures. The picture above is the nightly view from our balcony.


We drove up the 'Iao Valley, where they get more than 400 inches of rain every year. We had to wait for a clear day in this valley, because it HAD been raining there. They call this pointy prescipus (spell check isn't helping me out with this one) "the Needle".

We discovered a hiking trail following the river in the 'Iao valley. It was fun to amble over the big rocks. We got wet a couple of times -- falling on the slippery rocks. And then it did rain on us just a little.

There were some really clear, deep places in the river (more like a stream in places). We were wishing that we had our swimsuits. The water wasn't cold like the rivers and streams in Utah. No melting snow in Hawaii to fill the rivers.



We hiked hiked the PiPiWai trail that was about twelve to fifteen miles beyond the town of Hana on the far south-east side of Maui.

This hut was right at the beginning of the trail.
At the end of the trail was this beautiful, 400 foot waterfall to reward our efforts.
On the way we saw some really cool stuff. These mushrooms were small, and I would have missed them except for Dave's keen observations. They were a little bigger around than a quarter.
The most wonderful thing about this hike was the Bamboo Forest! They cracked together, making the most unique sound when the wind blew. It was similar to rain on an aluminum roof if you closed your eyes, and listened quietly. Some of the bamboo plants were nearly five inches in diameter, and they must have been over fifty feet tall.


There were several waterfalls as we climbed the trail. It was perfect weather for hiking. . . . not hot, and often a light breeze to keep us moving.
We passed a couple of these huge trees. Really amazing!

These pictures are taken at then end of the Road to Hana, at the Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu.

All the pictures that have the two of us in them are those fun, timed photos where Dave has to precariously balance the camera on a rock or branch, and hope that it doesn't fall into the river or canyon gulch below. Then he runs like crazy, trying not to trip over low-lying rocks, or plants to make it back to my side, before the camera clicks, and our picture is taken. It's pretty fun!

We saw chickens, and their families all over the place. They must run wild.
This is such a cool picture of the beauty of Hawaii, and how much we enjoyed the views.
More pretty sunsets!
We found several really good restaurants. The one above was an Indian restaraunt in Kihei. We had chicken korma with rice, and mulagatawni soup. Very tasty!

Hawaii is the rainbow state. This view presented itself to us the first day we were there. So pretty!

We went snorkeling one day, and we were fortunate enough to find a turtle to swim with. He let us paddle along behind him for several minutes.

We were also very lucky to be in Maui during the whale season. At almost any time we could pick up our binoculars as watch the whales jumping and splashing in the ocean.



We took time to lay on the beach and read and relax.


Being retired is great! This was a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable time together!