Molokini and Turtle Arches

We got up at 5:00am today and drove to Maalaea Harbour to take the 7:00am charter to Molokini and Turtle Arches. We were on the "Ocean Odyssey" -- a large catamaran run by the Pacific Whale Foundation. The boat can take 150 passengers and 6 crew. Today we had 100 passengers and 6 crew (all crew were certified life guards and naturalists).

Weather conditions were perfect --- light wind, clear skies, etc.. The trip to Molokini took about 45 minutes. On the way out, the crew served breakfast. Once we got to Molokini, we snorkeled for about an hour. We got in the water around 8:00am --- it was a little chilly, but not too bad. Visibility was at least 75' -- crystal clear water with a lot of fish. My only complaint was the number of snorkelers in the water with giant "pool noodles" --- it was a little irritating.

After Molokini we headed over to Makena Beach to a spot called, "Turtle Arches". When we arrived there were about 20 spinner dolphins about -- they did not seem too thrilled to see the big boat load of snorkelers. However, Derek, Dana and I jumped in the water right away. I put my head in the water and listened --- I could head the dolphins "clicking to each other" as they swam away. We tried very hard to find some turtles but we did not see any --- many people on the boat did see one or two though. After snorkeling we had a BBQ lunch on the boat --- the food was very good. Amazingly, Derek ate two vegie cheeseburgers (he did not realize they were vegetarian until it was too late).

On the cruise back to Maalaea harbour the captain slowed down and we were surrounded by about a dozen large "green turtles". We watched them for about 10 minutes before making the final approach to the harbour. I did manage to get a couple of picture of these turtles.

Spinner dolphins at Lanai

This morning we headed into Lahaina for a boat ride over to Lanai. We were scheduled to go with Pacific Whale Foundation - a non-profit society looking out for the benefit of whales and other marine life in and around Maui.

Our boat was the "Ocean Explorer" -- it seats 48 passengers with 2 naturalists and a captain. It was a great boat. However, even luckier for us, there were only 4 passengers this morning -- Derek, Dana, myself and one other woman. We had this HUGE boat all to ourselves. We also had the two naturalists and our captain.

It took about an hour to get to Lanai. Once we were there we instantly spotted a pod of "spinner dolphins". Amazingly, there were about 200 dolphins in the group. The first 5 minutes there was a 2nd tour boat with us. After that, we had the dolphins all to ourselves. They played around the boat the entire time. They were spinning and jumping everywhere -- unfortunately, I was not able to get a picture of them jumping. I did take a small video clip at the beginning though -- I will post it here -- it does show a few dolphins jumping. We stayed with the dolphins for an hour before taking the long way back to Lahaina. We were looking for other dolphin species on the return trip, but did not see any.

We were very lucky to see the dolphins. The naturalist said that yesterday it had rained all day at Lanai and the day before they were not able to find the dolphins. They also said they had never seen this many together ---- they were very noisy as well -- slapping the surface and talking to each other.

I've also included some pictures of a range marker (as you enter Lahaina harbour) and a fairway buoy --- because I'm sure everyone is interested in these (actually, I will use them in my Piloting course presentations in the fall).

Hiking and Kayaking

Today was a busy day. We got up early and went on a 6 hour eco-adventure. The first part of our adventure was a 2 hour hike on the shores of north-west Maui --- way past all the resorts, towns, etc.. The last small town we passed had only a handful of houses and no electricity. The hike was along a steep coastline of lava rock. It was beautiful but very HOT (or as Derek kept saying, "Bloody HOT"). I think the temperature was around 92F --- although it seemed more after we had been hiking for awhile. Our guide, Eric was very informative -- he explained how the lava had formed the islands, all about the vegetation, etc.. We saw two blow-holes up close, however, due to the lack of strong winds --- they were not spouting.

It was a picture perfect day in terms of cloud cover --- almost zero.

After our hike, we stopped at D.T. Fleming beach for lunch (and to cool off). After lunch we went sea-kayaking ---- it was LOTS of fun. We saw several turtles on the way out. One dived right in front of Dana and I. Another had a close encounter with Derek's boat.

Snorkel / Laundry / Shopping Day

This morning we headed over to Kapalua Bay relatively early (9:00am). I did not think it was early -- Derek and Dana thought it was. The snorkeling there was great! Many kodak moments -- of course I had not brought my camera so no pictures (oh well).

Afterwards it was a little cloudy (although still 86F) -- we did a load of laundry. After lunch we headed to the Cannery Mall and Whalers Village for some shopping. It was extremely HOT --- however, both Derek and Dana managed to spend some more $.

Tonight, we are hoping to BBQ again --- Derek did the steaks last night and they were delicious. Today's pictures are of our hotel -- the view from our Lanai and the BBQ area. Also Derek in the pool --- he spends a LOT of time in the pool with his foam football.

Derek took the picture of the gecko yesterday --- there are lots of them around (all different colours).

Blue Hawaiian Helcopter Tour of the Island

This morning we drove to Kahului airport. We had reserved seats on the 8:30am helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian. We had the deluxe Eco-Star helicopter. This helicopter took 8 people (1 pilot and 7 passengers). Seating assignments are determined by weight (i.e. the helicopter has to be weight balanced). Dana scored the premium seat beside the pilot. Derek and I sat in the 2nd row --- we had excellent seats as well.

The pilot was very funny --- explaining the souvenir air-sick bags --- if you use them, they are yours to keep. Derek, Dana and I did not use the bags. Unfortunately, one passenger did --- she got to take home an extra special souvenir of her trip.

Check out our pictures -- we also purchased the DVD (there are cameras on the bottom on the helicopter recording our flight).

The views of the crater were fantastic --- the top of the crater was cloud-free! Something which typically only occurs in the very early morning.

Sunday night

Derek cooked dinner tonight -- fried chicken with shrimp, baked potatoes with cheese sauce. It was very good. Dana had vegie burgers and yam (she said it was good as well). After dinner we went down to the beach. Right away, we spotted a whale about 200 yards out. We watched him for several minutes. He was blowing quite a bit. Unfortunately, he was too far away for me to get a picture.

When we got back to our hotel, Derek and Dana decided to cool down in the pool (the sun had gone down though, so the pictures are a little dark).

Maui Ocean Center

We checked out the Maui Ocean Center today. The shark show was pretty good. Lots of sharks and manta rays.

Can you spot the frog fish? Actually, there are 2 frog fish in the last picture.