What Are Your Plans For Summer 2015?

Now that graduation is over and school's out, it's a time for not just parents but pretty much anyone to figure out what to do to enjoy the hot months.  Many parents work so programs such as Kama'aina Kids, Summer Pals, and the YMCA come in handy. But some of us use the time to spend quality time with our kids.

Personally, there is swimming in the Iao Stream that we as young kids very much so enjoyed. There was also Twin Falls, and the hike up to Waihee stream to swim as well. My kids enjoy diving off the rocks and waterfalls.

Others prefer to take their kids to the beach and enjoy the sun and salt water. Bonus to that would be some of the most beautiful sunsets around. On the beach kids enjoy body boarding, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and skim boarding. Others enjoy sunbathing.

Then there are others that enjoy the sport of diving, scuba diving, fishing, spearfishing(which is part of our hawaiian culture) and diving off the rocks. It is enjoyable to see the underwater life and for some its a way of survival as some of us enjoy eating fish.

Family reunions for may also is planned around the summer. Many of us have a certain spot that the families have come together for years to spend time, meet the newest members, enjoy the new additions of keiki that are added every year as the generations go on. Another favorite summer family activity of course is camping. A place to connect with the sky, water, stars, and sand in your toes depending on where you camp.

Personally, our family enjoys all if it but as a tradition we started from when our children were little making a point of taking them to Hana and around the back thru Kaupo. On this trip we would spend a little time at each of the waterfalls and ponds to swim. We would then eat lunch at the Hana harbor and drive further out to seven sacred pools for out last swim before we head out towards Kaupo side and out thru Kula to go home.

Another personal favorite we do yearly would be to drive to the top of Haleakala Summit to enjoy the Sunrise and the extra cold weather. The sunrises are pretty but personally I really like the sunsets. A drive to Haleakala before going into Hana is also a nice trip to take. Oh, and don't for get while you are up there to stop and the famous Komoda's bakery for some of their awesome pastries and cakes.

The other trip we enjoy is the trip to Kahakuloa with is the head of the island of Maui. We take the kids on a windy narrow road which a little past the small town becomes a one car road on a very high cliff. Pass that point and further out we have some of the most nicest beaches such as Honolua bay, and DT Flemmings beach park.

After spending the time past Kapalua at the beach eating lunch and sometimes dinner. We enjoy the sunset before we head home.  Going back through Lahaina town just about wraps everything up on a day worth remembering.

With that being said I hope you find your way to enjoying your summer with your family on this beautiful island we call Maui.

Have A Nice Summer!!!

The Lahaina Banyan Tree

One of the most well known landmarks and also historical site in Lahaina is the Lahaina Banyan Tree. Recently it celebrated its 140th birthday. Not only is it the oldest tree in Hawaii, but one of the oldest trees in the United States.

Recently while writing a feature article on the Lahaina Banyan Tree I got to learn more about the history of this tree other than it simply being a landmark. The tree originated from India and was brought here by missionaries.  Sheriff William Owen Smith planted it to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first protestant mission to Lahaina.  Not only did it commemorate the first protestant missionaries but it also was the site of Kamehameha III birthday and was the celebration site of Hawaii's inclusion of the United States.

From when the tree was first planted at 8 feet tall until now, it has grown over 60 feet tall covering and estimated two-thirds of an acre with a dozen main trunks.  People have enjoyed its shade, children have climbed its limbs, artists have used it as a place to sell their artwork and crafts. Others have used it for photo opportunities, not to mention events.

As far as I can remember we would always stop to sit under the tree to enjoy the shade after walking Front Street, spend some time looking at the various arts and craft work displayed here. Yes, back then when we were younger it was a place for kids to climb the limbs of the tree but now being so old they encourage people to sit on the benches instead.

So, next time you are in Lahaina and either drive or stop by the Banyan Tree on Front Street hopefully you will remember why the tree was so special. Not only is it a landmark to us locals but  part of our history as well. 

Pretty Morning Colors

I am just so inspired by the morning colors. It is just such an awesome sight to start the day off with. The colors that come off of Haleakala Mountain in the morning is some of the most awe inspiring and just takes your breathe away.

Haleakala In The Morning

As we know the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Everyone knows that some of the most beautiful sunrises are seen on the top of Haleakala. But as I've seen thru the years and have loved is the morning sunrises that you can enjoy from just about anywhere on Maui.

I so love the play of the morning colors and the clouds. Or how some days it may be perfectly clear with no clouds at all. What ever it may be it is just so refreshing.

Actually, I think sunrises and sunsets are the perfect beginning and end to any beautiful day.

Waiehu, Maui

Lahaina, Maui 6 A.M.

Waiehu, Maui

No matter how many times you see a sunrise from the same area or side of Maui it aways seems to amaze me as to what I will get to see the next morning. Hope you enjoyed my pictures. I may add more in the future. Maui No Ka Oi!!! Have an awesome day everyone. =)