(The view from our hotel.)It's hard to believe that our wonderful vacation is coming to an end tomorrow. It has been one of the most relaxing trips I have taken in a long while (even with 3 kids). The last time I visited Hawaii I was only 12, so it's practically a new experience for me since I don't remember a great deal from that long ago. We are vacationing with our very good friends Tom and Marie, and their daughters Sydney (5) and Delaney (4). It's been great for all the girls as they have been having a blast together swimming, playing at the beach and generally tiring each other out all day. We are staying in Wailea on Maui at the Marriott, nestled between the Grand Wailea Resort to our left and the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort on the right. There is a 1.5 mile coastal walk that runs the length of all the area resorts, and spans several white sand beaches. Paradise.
This past week has FLOWN by, but it's been such a great week. I really disconnected more than I thought I would do-- I guess because I really needed to. I thought about blogging often, but when push came to shove, I kept choosing to be out there experiencing and relaxing, rather than sitting inside our hotel room in front of my computer. But since we are leaving tomorrow, I thought I should share some of our highlights from our time here in Hawaii.
One of my favorite things was a snorkel excursion to Molokini island right off of Maui. This wasn't one of Chris's favorite because he got sea sick for the first time in his life, but I loved seeing all the fish and sea turtles-- and the fact that we got Jordan in the water to at least see one fish underwater. All of these were taken with the point-and-shoot:
Jordan looking at Molikini, the small, uninhabited crater island famous for its clear blue water and great coral reef.
Speaking of the clear, blue water --it looks more like pool water. The slide off the side of the boat.
Another great snorkeling location was Baby Beach in Kaanapali. The water was pretty calm and you could go out a way to the breaker amidst the coral and sand. There wasn't nearly as many fish here, but Marie and I had fun falling over in the water while trying to walk in our flippers (we are both well known klutzes in our respective families) :)
Our very favorite spot to snorkel though was this little, off the wall cove in Makena, just south of Wailea. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of it because we just took our gear and left everything else in the car, but if you are in Maui and like snorkeling, this is a fantastic spot. Tons of fish and opportunities to see turtles. We didn't see any, but it was our favorite place. If you are ever in this area and like to snorkel, definitely check it out!
One of our favorite beaches: Big Beach, just south of Wailea. The waves were a bit big for the kids, but they still loved it!
I thought this kind of summed up the best way I can relax on the beach at this point in my life... only partially given the kiddos.
The girls looking for shells at the rock beach just below our hotel.
The Dad's took the girls out on this rock formation to watch the turtles. There were a ton that swim right here at our hotel each evening and morning. They said they came right up to them out there, so they saw 4 or 5 right below them. The girls loved it!
I'll have a few more to share, but wanted to get these up. I wish it didn't have to come to and end :(
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