More Maui days...

A few times on this trip, I’ve heard Cabell say in awe, “It just makes me realize how small we are.” There is something about seeing mountains rise above and a vast ocean spread out that gives you a fresh perspective. Then you go up the mountain and look down below. You see the towns, the hotels, the beaches, the cars and the people...and the feeling of “being small” is amplified. It gives us a glimpse into God’s perspective, His majesty and sovereignty. It’s a comforting feeling. And truly, it’s an eternal perspective that we would like to hang on to. Our lives on earth are but a blink in the eternal world. The hustle and bustle just don’t matter that much. It’s ironic, however, because we matter to God. The details of our lives, our thoughts, our habits, the way we care for others (including ourselves), our homes, our children, our attitudes, our routines—it matters to the One who made us and knows us. Moments when we can reflect on God’s goodness and His greatness are a gift.

Driving through the West Maui Mountains provided just that.... along with a whole lot of laughs and near-heart-attack moments. The road through these mountains is small. One lane. Winding. Without a shoulder or a guard rail. Falling rocks signs everywhere. And some “fallen rocks” on the road. I thought the Hana Highway was frightening at times—ha! We even saw one car almost fall off the cliff as he was backing up to make way for an oncoming car. It was so nerve wracking!! Cabell even got out of the car to look around the bend and make sure no other cars were coming. I had my eyes covered. You “had to the be there”, but really, it was unreal. And wow...the scenery that surrounded us was just incredible. We were on the edge of the cliff that fell into the Pacific. But the mountain continued to rise above us. Everywhere we looked, we were amazed. Pictures don’t do it justice, but thankfully we have them as part of our memory.

We headed up the coast to Kapalua, which felt like a mountain town overlooking the ocean! The trees were tall and beautiful—cook pines. The wind was whipping and we had an amazing view. A little farther up the road, we came to Honolua Bay, which was breathtaking. The water was clear, blue, green, and turquoise. Catamarans were there full of snorkelers. I can only imagine the beauty they saw below. As we ventured on, we arrived at the Nakalele Blowhole. The kids had never seen one of these and it was a sight to behold! The power of the water under the rocks pushed through the “small” hole and busted up and sprayed out. We continued up the mountainside and arrived at Kahakuloa Valley. Just when we thought we had seen all the views! (All pics above)

Other days, we enjoyed Polo Beach at the hotel. Cabell had a golf outing and Mommy went boogie boarding with the kids—it’s fun how excited they get when I join in the fun. :) Luke loved the Keiki Lani, so he enjoyed some afternoons there, even learning about the origin of the hula dancers, the Hawaiian islands, volcanoes and lizards. Cabell and I enjoyed some dinners out, too. Our favorites were Mama’s Fish House and Morimoto at the Andaz. (What a gorgeous hotel that is!!)

On our last day, we took a snorkeling trip to the island of Lanai (an island we could see from our hotel) on a boat called Quicksilver. It was the perfect ending to our island hopping adventure! What struck me the most was how blue and clear the water was—and I mean under the water. It was the most beautiful blue, yet crystal clear. For some reason, I remember waters that are a beautiful color from above, but once you get under, it’s clear/colorless. I saw the most deep and bright blue and it was striking. Keep your eyes open, friends, each day. There are always new discoveries and majestic moments, even in the activities that are not new.

We saw bottlenose dolphins on the way to Lanai, swimming right alongside the boat. They are gorgeous animals! (If you know me, you know that I LOVE dolphins.) At our second snorkel spot, we swam alongside 6 or 7 Hawaiian green sea turtles. They were swimming near an old pier that was knocked down during a hurricane many years ago. They are magnificent mammals that just glide through the water. It was incredible to be so close to them. And on the way back to the harbor, we came across a pod of about 200 spinner dolphins! They jumped in the air and spun (duh) and were a mass of marine life. There was even a baby in the pod. Wow!! We had a great experience on the Quicksilver...a nice breakfast, coffee, a vegan lunch for Cabell and myself, bbq sandwiches for the kids, cool breezes, naps, sliding off the slide on the side of the boat, taking pics with the rented underwater camera, listening to the Shady Ukelele band and Jimmy Buffet, $2 mai tais and beers (my new favorite is Maui Brewing Co. Bikini Blonde)—all on top of the super snorkeling.

We explored the adorable town of Lahaina after the trip and I got my Hawaii trucker hat. (Everyone in the family is going to pick one out—ha!) And we went to visit a friend/real estate buddy of Cabell’s who lives on the island. What a treat that was!

Maui did not disappoint! What a gift the last 3 weeks have been. We are pinching ourselves that we are not flying back to the mainland next, but going to settle into our house in Kailua. That is where the paradise pace should take full effect....