After a quick 11 hour flight from Newark Airport here I am on Maui.
The days leading up to my flight were as usual, before any big adventure, fraught with angst and rushing about, trying to accomplish what (I think) must be done. My lists were divided into *priority must do”, *secondary must do”, and *hope for the best”; all had to be considered; all had to be worked on. Angst and rush, push and pull. Most of the priorities were accomplished, some in a slapdash manner; a few of the secondaries were finished. Poor *hope for the best” got onto the priority list of *what to do when I return”
The trip---United Airlines 9:30 am (at Newark by 8 am) to Honolulu. 10 hrs 53 minutes (okay, I exaggerated a bit) and then 3 hours wait, and Honolulu to Kahului, Maui. I always look forward to getting a lot of work done on long flights. After all, there are no phones ringing, no email or google tempting me, and no errands to run. I bring a mini paint set, water brush, and tiny watercolor block. I bring the current Think, Jot, Draw, a really handy way to write and sketch anywhere, an invention of author/illustrator Leeza Hernandez.
What do I actually do on these long trips? Certainly not much work. Usually sleep-deprived, I go between journaling, attempting to sketch something, eating whatever is offered (at a price, nowadays), and catching up on movies and….sleep. Add on my own little exercise program of 15 minutes exercise every 2 hours or so, and time actually….passes.
How glad I was to see my daughter-in-law Cveta at Kahului Airport, Maui. We then zip to a grocery store where I needed to pick up a few things, and by the time we get to their place, my son Michael is home from work. It was now 9:30 Maui time, 2:30 am New Jersey time. By the time I retire (retire?) it’s 4 am. But I’m with the "kids"; it’s warm--78 degrees. And I hear palm trees rustling out my wide-open window. How sweet it is!
After going to bed at 4 am New Jersey time you would think I could sleep last night. Not so - too much excitement. After all I was not only visiting son Michael and daughter-in-law Cveta, I was on Maui, and Maui totally rocks for a marine obsessed, nature-loving person as I, especially when you throw in 80 degree weather and sunshine.
While they were at work, I thought I’d go tide-pooling at Napili; I enjoy searching out tiny marine animals in the small pools left behind from the tide. So I took a bus on the road leading there. I said to the bus driver, “I want to go to Napili, you know, that long narrow road which goes to the great tide-pooling?” Where should I get off?” Hello? Not everyone cares to know where the great tide pooling is, certainly not that bus driver, I was fortunate; a kind gentleman overheard my plea and knew exactly what I wanted, and told me where to get off (I mean that in a nice way!).
Once off the bus, I find my way to the ocean. What a great time for tide-pooling it was! Because it was almost twilight, I suppose the baby fishes in the tide pools felt safe and so it was easier to see them; they were “out and about”. I can and do spend hours exploring these mini-worlds. This is where juvenile tropical fish grow from egg to juvies to fishes large enough to leave the tide pools and make it out in the real world of the open ocean.
I saw miniature convict tangs, four spot butterfly fish, and even a butterfly fish; these range in size from ½ inch to almost 2 inches long. However, I also saw a glorious scarlet-colored fish I hadn’t seen before, either as juvie, or adult. How beautiful! In these tidal pools you also see tiny black with white polka dot crabs, pink and black and dusky rose pink sea urchins, gobies’ and blennies.. The sea cucumbers I saw were almost adult-sized. I rather think these extremely slow moving creatures feel more protected here. I spent over an hour just studying a few tide pools.
They are separate worlds; the baby fishes in one tide pool cannot see the baby fishes in another. That just fascinates me. They swim, chase each other, and eat; they cohabit, blissfully unaware of the tiny creatures in any other tidal pool.
If it’s ever windy and wavy almost everywhere else, it’s still going to be quite pleasant at Kapalua. Why? Picture a bay with the two arms in a great hug protecting the water within. The big waves break outside the inner reef hugging area and although there is certainly some wave action within the hug, it’s not enough to deter intrepid, fish obsessed folks such as MOI. And no, I am not a strong swimmer; I’m just totally fascinated by the world under the sea so much that I must explore it whenever the opportunity arrives.
Today was one such day. As it turned out, it was also a good day for snorkeling, sunshiny and not too windy/wavy. Michael dropped me off before going about his business; Cveta was at work already.
I know what you’re thinking....and you’re absolutely right. One should always have a snorkeling buddy. You do not snorkel alone. But if your “kids” are working and you’re only on Maui for 17 days (17 days! I’m truly blessed, and sincerely grateful), a snorkeler’s gotta do what a snorkeler’s gotta do.
Having said that....I do watch the waves…I make sure there are other snorkelers....and when I’m snorkeling, I look up a lot to see if there are still snorkelers around. I try to be relatively careful. But this....this was a glorious day for snorkeling on Maui.
Okay…my first time each visit is not without trepidation. I’m snorkeling alone. How cold is the water? Will the waves buffet me about so I enter and exit on my butt (not too graceful for women of a certain age)? Will my mask leak? Is it tight enough? Bathing suit malfunction? What about my leg cramps? Will I see my friend Stripe Belly Puffer this visit?Awwwwwh! Forget about that! I might see my friend Stripe Belly Puffer again; I surely hope so. I’m certain to see a couple of humuhumunukunukuapua’a, the unofficial Hawaiian state fish. What a beauty! Love that humu. Seriously. Google humuhumunukunukuapua’a and you’ll see what a beauty he/she is. AKA the Picasso Triggerfish....so art afficianados…look him up. Actually there’s 3 humuhumu types around and they are all beauties. I won’t bore you with the particulars, but here’s a fish I must write a picture book about…seriously. I love the way he swims…casually…like, here I am, lookin’ good, just cruisin’ around and seein’ what’s up.
Here’s another thing with me…it can’t be unique. I always have trouble with my own mask and snorkel. Always. The snorkel…..I get water in it. How? The mask? I get water in it. Always; I always adjust....and adjust...;and adjust. This while treading water and impatient to look underneath. What is it with me? I have snorkeled for years…why me? And....why is it when I pay for a special snorkel trip (like, out to Molokini, or in the Galapagos) their masks are A-okay? Anyway, there’s always this initial trial and error thing, treading water ,trying not to ingest too much ocean (too much sodium is a no-no). When I finally get it all adjusted..nirvana....ecstasy... thank you, God....I’m here....and I feel right. I feel connected.
Are you still with me? I saw so many fishes, sunny days and not many waves means good snorkeling. I saw....no kidding…about 26 species of fishes that first day. 26 beautiful species of fishes....for a first day, Oh, my....I’m swimming…the mask isn’t leaking…I’m cool… and then… a green sea turtle swims up to me. SWIMS UP TO ME. Sea turtles…turtle in Hawaiian is honu....they are, and should be, protected..;thank you! Don’t bother them! But today! Honu swims up to me. Oh, my! Honu gives me a friendly look and then goes about his business, grazing for algae on the coral.
I’m prefacing this with a shot or two of the fellows and gals we’re welcoming. Hokula---the whale, the humpback whale, to be precise. Of course I went on a zodiac raft whale watch first. Our pilot, our naturalist guide, and 16 whale happy guests raced off on a comfortable speedy zodiac raft hoping for close encounters of the whale kind. These 2 hour trips are always good, because between December and May the humpbacks are here, having come down from the Arctic.
Do humpback whales know how to vacation or what? Actually they come to mate and they come to give birth. The couplings the year before give rise to sweet 12--15 foot long 1 ½ tons babies, or calves, as they’re called. The calves have the benefit of warmer waters to grow and frolic in, and to learn humpback whale ways from their moms (the dads did their brief part the year before and are long since out of the picture). Mama will lose about a third of her weight nursing her calf, which calf drinks as much as 100 gallons of milk a day!
While the calves are learning to dive, control their buoyancy, and swim well from their moms, other humpback whales of mating age, are doing just that, and the competition can be lively. You get to see one, two, or even three young males chasing a female of charm. (strangely, actual coupling is just about never seen).
More on the whales later…let’s get to the festivities. World Whale Day. In Kihei this means a parade to welcome the whales with Grand Master Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mack fame; he does live here and has a restaurant in Kihei). All day festivities in Kalama Park. I enjoyed almost 2 hours of Hawaiian music and dance. Really spectacular! A very hot sunny day…at this time my poor New Jersey was having yet another snowstorm. The performers, men glistening with sweat; the ladies who were dancing every bit as fast, did not seem to sweat. I can dance and love to, but I can’t make my hips swivel as fast they can. A delightful show! George Kahumoku Jr., Slack Key Guitar master and multiple Grammy Award winner, played about an hour. Manute’a Nui E was the active professional dance group with over 50 years of combined hula and Tahitian dance experience. It was all great.
Naturally after a while they asked for volunteers to get up and dance. Naturally I was one of the first to volunteer, along with a 4 year old. I just left my bag and camera and all on the grass and ran up to the beat of the music (actually a woman said she’d watch them). Then others joined in, until we had a line of maybe 15 eager people, all being taught by the two woman performers.
The whole affair reminded me somewhat of the larger arts & crafts shows I did for years, at least those when entertainment was part of the deal, in NJ and sometimes out of state (for example the NJ Festival of Ballooning at Solberg Airport, held in July). At one booth I visited, I purchased some art cards and art-on-mouse pads from an artist whose lively, brightly colored work appealed to me. His name is Ken Loyd and you can see his work at www.artbyloyd.com
Eventually the heat got to Michael and me (Cveta was working) so we left, although we tide pooled that night at Napili again and as usual, it was fascinating. Mike even made a video of a tiny (one inch) crab who used the carapace of another (dead) crab as camouflage. It carried the larger crab shell above his tiny body like an umbrella/crab disguise and scuttled along the pebbles until he found the hidey hole he wanted and slithered inside, after quickly thrusting the dead crab aside!
A delicious dinner by Cveta finished out a great World Whale Day.
Lahaina! Lahaina is a great little town for walking around because its waterfront varies from little beaches to slips choc-a-bloc with small tour boats and exploratory zodiac rafts. The land part is user friendly with a combination of historic buildings, art galleries, shops and restaurants, and Banyan Tree Park. Once Lahaina was the whaling capital of the world as well as the former capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. It’s all so picturesque, so charming, that you want to sit on a corner, set out your watercolors, and paint. The colorful buildings, the vibrant flowers and exuberant vines are only overshadowed by tall rustling palms. Yes, it is crowded with …..tourists….and rightly so, but because there are so many happy faces you don’t really mind any crowds.
Listen, even the telephone booths are charming (yes, there are still phone booths around).
Banyan Tree Park is the place to meet up after looking at galleries, shopping, whale watching, etc. because there are not only lots of benches, the tree itself is fascinating to study and people-watching is fun. Yes, I said “tree”, because this Banyan tree came as an 8’ youngster from India in 1873 and has since grown itself about a dozen trunk sprouts, so that the one tree, although only about 50’ high, has spread out 200’ or so and spans 2/3 of the park. You think you are looking at many trees. It is fantastic! The old courthouse is also in the park, with two art galleries (one of which is in the old jailhouse), along with a souvenir shop, and a small theater which continually runs historic films (for free). One weekend a month the Lahaina Art Gallery members, artists and fine crafts workers, exhibit there. As well as a photo of the tree and park taken now, I include one from 2012 because I was there at Christmas time and just wanted to show part of the center trunks lit up for Christmas, although there are certainly white lights other times.
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| Banyan Tree Park | Banyan Tree at Christmas time |
Shop and gallery exteriors are often painted in bright or pastel colors; I show one with a cage holding a cotton Macaw to advertise its presence. Also there is a photo of the Baldwin Home. This is great to explore and your (relatively cheap) ticket to do this also allows you to visit the Wo Hing Temple as well. The Baldwin Home, built in 1834 and the oldest surviving building in Lahaina, was built of stone, wood, and…..CORAL. Reverend Dwight Baldwin and his family lived there. He was a minister but also had his medical office there and his implements are there as well. The children’s room is cute and what’s also interesting is that a lot of the cooking for the household was done outdoors behind the home. As for the Wo Hing Templ, this interesting piece of architecture includes art and artifacts; it is a colorful building which once served a the social center for the Chinese who had migrated to work in the sugar cane fields.
Art galleries abound. One of my absolute favorites (as well as the ones in the old courthouse) is the Village Art Gallery, on Dickinson Street, maybe ½ block behind the Baldwin Home. There are special exhibits up front but their stable of artists also permanently exhibit beautiful work in the really large gallery. I was wowed by George Allan’s impressionist oils, Kathleen Alexander’s large floral watercolors, and Lian Quan Zhen’s fantastic watercolors of tropical fish and corals. They also have art jewelry and cards, as well as giclee prints. I had purchased a lovely collage card only to find after that the woman I was speaking with is Lynn, the owner and she had created it. ( www.villagegalleriesmaui.com)
I also enjoyed walking along the waterfront where I embarked on the zodiac raft trips I took whale watching. Longer snorkeling trips to Molokini Crater leave from the Ma’alaea waterfront, near the Maui Ocean Center (the Aquarium).
Hooray for Hawaii’s sea turtles! In particular, hooray for the honu, the green sea turtles I love to hang out with on Maui, or off Maui, as the case may be. I could write a lot about them, and maybe I will some day, but I really want to show you these photos I took on this trip. Three times a sea turtle came up on Hale Maui’s small sandy beach while I was there….once to bask in the warm noonday sun, and twice at twilight, to rest after swimming and eating algae on the rocks just off the beach underwater. Always, everyone is glad to see a sea turtle. But you shouldn’t get too near them, to bother their rest. They won’t hurt you, but they might feel a bit threatened when beach walkers come close and take lots of close-ups (that’s what a zoom lens is for). They are cold blooded animals and do enjoy warming up in the sun, even though Maui’s waters are fairly comfortable, usually in the seventies. And they enjoy a rest. It might be tiring, that continual scraping of algae off the rocks to feed their vegetarian diet.
Oh, did you know green sea turtles are called that because their fat is green (from the algae), not because they are green. They are sort of gray or gray green, as you can see.
Speaking of algae, sometimes when you snorkel you can see some of the fishes cleaning algae and/or parasites off the back of the honu. In fact some cleaner fish have cleaning stations and honu and some larger fish go to be cleaned.
One of the most fascinating books having to do with animals of any kind is The Book of Honu by Peter Bennett and Ursula Keuper-Bennett, copyright 2008U. of Hawaii Press. They have studied Maui’s honu for many years; in fact they had made over 2500 dives studying over 750 honu by the time the book was written. I so enjoyed the tales of the honu they told and their photography is magnificent. And guess what? They were living (for half of the year) and studying right in Honokawei, between Hale Maui’s beach and Kapalua. In fact, I snorkeled where they snorkeled. We had to have seen some of the same turtles.
Of course when you are snorkeling, sometimes one swims right by you, or comes up and stares at you, and then goes back to grazing for algae. What a thrill! Most of the honu I saw close-up ranged between two to four feet in circumference. The sea turtles migrate great distances—many of these females will swim to small islands, or islets, off the coast of Hawaii, far away…to nest. They’ll return to mate and graze and play to Maui (or Oahu, etc). Sometimes some females will nest on Maui, but I’ve not yet been fortunate enough to see this (I have, in the Galapagos).
Cveta, my daughter-in-law, has her own business Cveta Designs (
http://www.cvetadesigns.com/ Fine Floral Artistry), which she started last year, but she also works part-time at Kumu Farms, which is part of Maui Tropical Plantation (
http://www.kumufarms.com/ and
http://www.mauitropicalplantation.com/)
Michael and I spent an afternoon exploring the whole set-up with Cveta’s guidance.
60 acres to explore, so we only made a start, but I was so impressed—with the beauty of the set-up, the originality, and the different shops as well as the landscaping. You can see a number of photos here, but they don’t do the plantation justice. I could have included the ducks and other birds, all the flowers, and more of the pond and stream. Sculptures, windmills, fountains, and more are created by using parts from the old pineapple and sugar cane production companies. It’s quite amazing. And gents….if your wives or sweethearts want to shop….you can sit and relax on benches around the pond or elsewhere and just enjoy the scenery (or eat, or try the zipline, or take the tram around the plantation).
When Kumu Farms first broke ground on Moloka‘i in 1981, the Ag Park was largely open grassland, with two startup farms along the road. The ‘Aina (the land) was yearning, a 4" standpipe provided the Wai (water), and a youthful vision of a productive future took root. The first great efforts involved creating windbreaks, installing irrigation systems, and believing in the ideal of the old-fashioned farm—independent, self-sustaining, and healthy. This idea was made manifest in the original mandala layout.” So much of the fresh organic veggies come directly from their huge farm on Molokai. A specialty is the Sunrise/Strawberry Papaya—yummy! But I also had to get such great products as Coconut candy, and Chocolate Chickpea candy, and more.
Another fun place to shop there is Moku Pua—this Hawaiian phrase means “Island Flower” and I just had to buy some of their products—the fragrant creams, the bath bombs—you put one in your bath and it fizzes up and leaves your skin so soft . I spoke with Vicki and Steve, the couple who create the soaps, fragrances, skin cream—you can see their story by going to http://vimeo.com/81065414 and it’s quite fascinating. All of their products are made by them, in small batches with food grade ingredients, natural and organic. The fragrances—oh, my! My favorites—pineapple coconut, plumeria, and mango-lilikoi.
It's a great way to spend a relaxing day, and if you want to sit and sketch, or paint--by the lagoon or gazebo or the shops themselves, you'll be extra creative as well.
I have to mention the most fantastic flowering vine, Jade vine– It blooms in February and the flowers are an unusual shape and an unique turquoise color. They are literally like no other flower I’ve ever seen, tropical or otherwise. Native to the Philippines, the Jade vine was imported and thrives on Maui, where the flowers are often used in leis. A stalk of flowers can reach over five feet in length.
The Maui Ocean Center is Maui’s wonderful aquarium. I have long been a member of this fine aquarium, which is unique in the aquarium world, because, and I quote from their brochure “All of the marine life you will encounter is from Hawaiian waters: the corals, the fishes, the plant-life, everything.” Although ocean naturalists are available and make presentations at the Living Reef, Turtle Lagoon, Hammerhead Harbor, Tide Pool (where you can carefully touch some of the creatures), and Open Ocean, there are no shows, no animal “performances”. Everything is very natural. The animals are pretty much in their native environments, with plenty of room (for that reason there are no dolphins at the center as they require more space).
My favorite parts are the reef surge zone pool (which is outside) and the Living Reef, which encompasses a whole building of many different tanks, and you can enjoy and study everything from gorgeous tropical fishes to moray eels, flounders, an octopus, different shrimp, different coral formations, etc. I literally spend hours there. Then when I snorkel I see many of the fishes I’ve just studied and they seem like old friends. The labeling system and information boards are unbelievably helpful.
The aquarium encompasses several acres, with several buildings housing huge tanks, and outside, in lushly landscaped acres, we find Turtle Lagoon, Hammerhead Harbor, and the Tide Pool, as well as a delightful food center, where the tables are set under cover from the sun and you can enjoy delicious wraps, salads, snacks, and more. As well as Turtle Lagoon, there is always a huge tank with a couple of hatchlings; the aquarium works hard to rescue and rehabilitate turtles. I’ve been fortunate to be present at the monthly weigh in and measurement of these darling young turtles.
The view from the aquarium is of Ma’alaea Harbor and the boats docked there (quite a few boats as most snorkeling tours to Molokini, Turtletown, and Lanai start from Ma’alaea). In one of the largest buildings there are several interesting rooms about Hawaiians and their relationship with the sea; you can see the way they originally fished, their tools, and more. Often there are tables set up with Hawaiians working at a native craft. A section on the humpback whale includes a moving facsimile of their infamous “bubble nets”, demonstrating how whales come together to trap herrings and other small fishes, by cooperating and creating bubble nets. For a splendid video of this phenomenon you can go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJvfjiCTvq4 Of course there is a “theater, or small grandstands in front of the gigantic ocean tank where you can just sit and observe (or listen to a naturalist talk) and an acrylic tunnel where you can see sharks, rays, and other fishes swim around you and overhead. The guide map and brochure which comes with your ticket opens wide to show you an Identification Guide of many of the creatures; those endemic to Hawaii are starred. There is also an audio guide available.
The gift shop is splendid. Allow lots of time if you are interested in Hawaii and its marine life. Or perhaps you want some food delicacies from Maui…or jewelry…or CDs or books on any number of subjects having to do with Hawaii. Their large children’s book section is of special interest to me. And yes, there are also the usual aquarium temptations as well, stuffed animals, tee shirts, cards, glassware, sculptures, and even some musical instruments. This is a great place to purchase souvenirs for those back home!
A Zagat Survey for the U.S. Family Guide said that the Maui Ocean Center was “voted Hawaii’s top-rated family attraction”, and I can see why. The interesting thing is, because it is so large and spread out, it never feels crowded, and I’ve never even had to wait in line for lunch. I can always easily take photos and I’m always seeing and discovering new things there. After all, Maui Ocean Center is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.
http://www.mauioceancenter.com/ http://shop.mauioceancenter.com/
One of my absolute favorite things to do on Maui is watch the sunset. I sit on a lounge chair on Hale Maui’s seaside patio where you can see the sand and water just below you, Lanai off the left and Molokai to the right. I bring my journal and a fish I.D. book although mostly I just stare out to sea. I usually have a “sundowner” and macadamia nuts and maybe grape tomatoes, as well. I try to be there for each and every sunset, and find it everlastingly fascinating. No two sunsets are the same and the afterglow is usually more gorgeous than just before the actual sunset.
What’s fun is that the residents of the Pitake and also of Hale Kai (two condos/townhouses), always salute the sunset by blowing on conch shells. Each and every night there are always a few people to perform the ritual. Just at the moment the sun disappears below Lanai, they blow the conch shells facing the sea, then to the left, then with their backs to the sea, then to the right, and finally, again facing the sea. (I have tried blowing the conch and was unsuccessful.) I always applaud them, as do other non-blowers.
I also enjoy watching the wildlife-the tiny geckos who are indeed speedy. They perch and look around, but if you go near them, they quickly dart for cover.
There are sanderlings who play tag with the wavelets. Often a green sea turtle can be seen grazing for algae on the rocks near shore. Three times there were turtles who needed a rest and came up on the beach, sprawling out to do just that.
A few times we sunset watchers were entertained by Girly, a wonderful swimming dog—part German Shepherd, part Rhodesian Ridgeback, and a tiny bit pitbull. Just past twilight a well-lit boat heads out from Lahaina to the far side of Maui.
It’s a relaxing time, a time for just appreciating the beauty on nature on Maui, and all the sunsets that God has painted. I’m truly grateful for the watching.
So let my photos be worth more than a thousand words and please enjoy the sunset on Maui, and the sunset outside your own home.
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There are two churches I always visit whenever I’m on Maui…one is what I think of as the Hawaiian Church, because some of the service is in Hawaiian and we sing a hymn or two in Hawaiian each time. Such a beautiful language! I’m speaking of Lahuiokalani Kaanapali Congregational Church. I am so fond of it!
Pastor Eileen Trout is a warm and welcoming person. There are three different ministers who all speak on different (but regular) Sundays; sometimes there are guest ministers. Eileen is always present and sort of moderates it all, and sometimes preaches, of course. There is exceptional music as well, including a trio with instruments and usually, a solo by a New Zealand man with a great voice. Fellowship with pineapple juice and niblets on the lovely lawn with gardens follows. This is a joyous House of God and you are definitely welcome here! There are regulars in the congregation…people who live on Maui….but there are many who come each year for a month or two or even a winter, or just a couple of weeks (like me! But then, I do work here in NJ). The church is opposite the small Honokowai Park, right on Lower Honoapiilani Road, and if you feel like it, you can cross the street, tide pool a bit, or, if you have children, there’s even a playground. Oh, yes, the musician you see in the photo is historian Katherine Smith, whose book The Love Remains, is a truly engrossing historical novel about the very real Kale Davis (1797-1867) who lived, raised a family, and was responsible for land and workers on the part of Maui now known as the Kapalua Resort. You can find the book on Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/Love-Remains-Katherine-Kama%60ema%60-Smith/dp/0972342052) I met and spoke with Katherine at church.
The other church is Pastor Chris Martin’s Lahaina Baptist Church….only….the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention has now chosen Christopher Martin, pastor of Lahaina Baptist Church in Maui, as its next executive director. So there is an Interim Pastor. This is a large church, with a couple of services, music and dance and I have enjoyed Chris Martin’s inspiring sermons, but I haven’t been able to get there since Pastor Martin’s departure. This church is on 209 Shaw St, Lahaina.
Pailtail Unicorn fish at Black Rock; I love their profiles!
Approaching Molokini Mike and I had a great trip with the Pacific Whale Foundation to snorkel out at Molokini and Lanai. We also saw several whales on the way out and returning
Black Surgeon fish--they came right up to us, very cool! Molokini
Because I am crazy about snorkeling, and might have included too many marine photos, I have left out many good pictures. I actually took hundreds of pix with my faithful Canon Power Shot D10, underwater photo and video camera. And I haven’t included family stuff, because I do respect the privacy my family and friends on Maui. But the fishes - well, they aren’t private, as long as you snorkel without stepping on any coral, and you don’t wear harmful sun block, the fishes, sea urchins, and turtles will pay you no mind. So I include a few more photos taken at fave snorkeling places. Enjoy!
Christmas Wrasse, not clear but I was swimming and this delightful wrasse was down a bit
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(02/14/15)