Maui

Saturday morning we got up bright and early to head to the Indianapolis airport. Mom picked us up around 6 a.m. and we were off on the long journey to Maui. We had a quick flight from Indianapolis to Chicago where we had a two hour layover. We grabbed breakfast and tried to mentally prepare for the 9 hour flight ahead to Maui. I had selected our seats and took a gamble. I selected the last row of 5 seats in the plan and sat us every other seat thinking that since the flight was not full no one would willingly select those seats. Mom and Jackson were both uncertain of my plan. IT WORKED!!! We had a row of 5 seats for the three of us. HOORAY! I had a pillow and blanket and sprawled across the three seats between Jackson and Mom. Hey, she who figures out the seating gets to use it to her advantage! The flight really wasn't that bad. There were movies to pick from and Mom brought her own entertainment village complete with two iPads and an iPod touch. It was amazing. I watched Top Gun for the first time. It was OK. I also watched Indecent Proposal for the first time. They had lots of older movies. Again, it was OK. I don't get the fuss about either movie to be honest. That's alright. They helped pass the time on the flight. We all agreed that the size of the plane and not being sandwiched next to strangers made the flight downright doable.

Mom and I handled luggage while Jackson got the rental car. Then we were off to find our condo. It was about 45 minutes from the airport. I think we ended up having traveled like 15-16 hours door-to-door. It was an excellent tradeoff as the weather here is significantly better than that at home. Mom drive through snow on her way to pick us up that morning! We settled in to the condo then headed out for a quick dinner and trip to the grocery store. Things are not nearly as expensive here as they were in the Turks and Caicos so we were pleasantly surprised by that. I'm not saying things are cheap, $5.39 for a dozen eggs, but they're not heinous like it was in Turks. 

By the time we got home from the grocery we'd had enough and went to bed at like 8 p.m. Maui time. This meant we woke up insanely early Maui time, too. We decided to just roll with it and make breakfast at 3:15 a.m. Why not?!

Jackson making breakfast at the condo

We figured since we were up we'd go to Haleakala National Park to try to see the sunrise from the top of the mountain. It was clear down by the beach. Up at 10,000 feet? Not so much. I was reminded of how much I loathe driving up mountains with this trip in the dark and fog.

Fog on the mountain :(

We got to the parking lot at the top and were in the clouds. Thinking it would burn off quickly we got out into the 47 degree air and headed to the edge. It didn't burn off.

All of the people on no visible sunrise! :(

We did meet some friendly folks from Detroit and Wisconsin while we waited, though. Once we headed down and got out of the clouds the view was still amazing.

The view down at 7,000 feet

So ugly ;)

We were literally in the clouds- amazing!

We stopped to take some photos and realized that the wind was not conducive to good-looking shots.

Trying to get a good photo with Mom in the wind just was not happening...hilarious!

Petefish.

We came down off the mountain and then stopped at a viewing point to take in the sights of the water.

I love the sound of the water.

Jackson running down the trail to the water

MADE IT!

We hung out there for a bit then went to see the famous banyan tree near our condo. It did not disappoint. Yes, I do have a thing for large trees.

Massive!

Jackson by the tree to show its size

We walked around near the tree's park and shops for a bit before coming back for a nap. We'd already been at it for 6 hours by the time 9:30 a.m. Maui time rolled around. After a nap we headed down to Kaanapali beach. We grabbed lunch at an awesome place called the "Hula Grill" and had just a terrible view while we dined. ;)

Hula Grill's view

I had the BEST fish tacos ever for lunch. The service in Maui has been amazing so far. We figure it is because these folks are professionals and tourism is the main industry here.

After lunch Mom went to shop and we went to the beach. It was LOVELY.

Ahhh the beach

Jackson taking a dip

Watching sailboats

Mom putting her feet in the water

The water was so clear and warm that I actually swam with Jackson. That does not happen all the often. We spent hours just relaxing on the beach soaking in the warmth and enjoying the breeze.

A rainbow!

We've been amazed at the number of rainbows we've already seen. It is just gorgeous here!

Sunset foiled by clouds!

I think our only "complaint" would be the clouds. We had a lovely afternoon at the beach but the sunrise and sunset were cloudy messes! WAH! Trouble in paradise! ;)

Jackson taking it in

My Mom insists that this is a good photo of me.

We left the beach after the sun pretty much set and grabbed some dinner before headed to bed exceptionally early Maui time again. This whole time zone thing has really thrown my body for a loop. I've been up since 2:30 a.m. Maui time without a thing to do besides blog! You're welcome. ;)