Lāhainā Whale-Watching and Sunset Dinner

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/6.4, 1/1250 sec, ISO320
“Whale-watching Gathering” Lahaina, 2022

While we were on Molokai, we decided to book a whale-watching tour in Lāhainā. It was last-minute, so we were only able to reserve a spot on the first boat out. That meant we had to arrive at about 6:30 am!

The early start worked out nicely because the drive over from Wailuku was quick and we were able to park in the Lāhainā Free Public Parking lot, which was just a couple blocks from where the whale-watching boats depart from.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5, 1/1250 sec, ISO320
“Whale-Watching” Lahaina, 2022

We chose Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel because of the excellent reviews, and they were great – informative and funny. The boat itself seated about 20 people, and you had a good view from wherever you sat. We started on one of the seats at the rear of the boat, but then moved up to the front for an even better view.

March is the tail-end of whale-watching season, but we saw plenty of humpback whales – mothers, babies, and males sparring for the females’ attention. It was so cool! We even saw a few breaches (whales jumping out of the water) which were spectacular.

The early morning tour meant we were treated to the sun rising over the western Maui mountains, and the sun wasn’t too intense. It was great.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 55mm, f/6.4, 1/1400 sec, ISO320
“Tail!” Lahaina, 2022

After the 2-hour tour, we grabbed a table at the nearby Papa’Aina restaurant. The menu is on the pricey side, but that’s expected for a premium location in Lāhainā. We ordered the fish & eggs and biscuit. Yum!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 48.4mm, f/4, 1/480 sec, ISO320
“Fish and Eggs” Lahaina, 2022

We shopped around Lāhainā town for a bit, and then drove back to Wailuku and ran some errands which included some shopping at Takamiya Market and Tamura’s Market. Wailuku is an old town so it’s interesting to visit the businesses that have been around a long time. (Takamiya, not Tamura’s)

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/600 sec, ISO320
“Takemiya” Lahaina, 2022

The evening’s plans took us back to Lāhainā because we had dinner reservations at Kimo’s. Our table had the best view of Lanai and the setting sun, and we ordered a couple of tropical drinks to celebrate our Maui vacation. It was one of those magical vacation moments!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/900 sec, ISO32
“Drinks” Lahaina, 2022

Drinks were followed by macadamia nut calamari and ahi poke & avocado appetizers. So good.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/120 sec, ISO32
“Appetizers” Lahaina, 2022

By this time, the sun was dipping lower and many diners were taking sunset photos. It was fun and everyone was enjoying the vibe.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/16, 1/220 sec, ISO320
“Lanai Sunset” Lahaina, 2022

For the main course, I got the cheeseburger (hey, I haven’t had a burger in a while!) and Mariko ordered the “Lobster Topped”. Both dishes were, as expected, delicious.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/20 sec, ISO3200
“Cheeseburger” Lahaina, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/30 sec, ISO3200
“Fish Dinner” Lahaina, 2022

For dessert, we shared a Hula Pie. The macadamia nut ice cream and chocolate cookie crust was awesome. OMG we were so stuffed.

It was another long, but memorable day. So far, this vacation has been a blast!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/16, 1/100 sec, ISO320
“Molokai Twilight” Lahaina, 2022

Hike Through Halawa Valley to Mo’oula Falls

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/2.8, 1/1100 sec, ISO320
“Mo’oula Falls” Kaunakakai, 2022

Today we did a hike in Halawa Valley to Mo’oula Falls. It’s one of our planned highlights of our vacation and we were really looking forward to it.

But first we needed some breakfast so we headed into town to pick up some goodies and coffee at Kanemitsu’s Bakery and Coffee Shop. The pastries were delicious!

“Kanemitsu’s” Kaunakakai, 2022

The drive to Halawa Valley follows Kamehameha V Highway east for about 26 miles, and is really narrow for the last few miles, with tight turns, so drive slowly and carefully!

We were told to bring some snacks or lunch to eat at Mo’oula Falls so we stopped at Mana’e Goods & Grindz at mile marker 16. They opened at 8am, and we got there right before. Mana’e has a pretty big menu of local food and when we asked the lady taking orders what would be good to take on the hike, she suggested the bento, and wrapped it up securely with plastic wrap so it be okay in our backpack. Thank you Mana’e lady!!!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/3.6, 1/1500 sec, ISO320
“Mana’e Goods n Grindz” Kaunakakai, 2022

We arrived at Halawa Park and met our guide, Greg of Halawa Valley Cultural Tours, who was friendly, funny, informative, and passionate about educating people about Hawaiian culture, and specifically Halawa Valley.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/6.4, 1/160 sec, ISO320
“Welcome Gifts” Kaunakakai, 2022

At around 9:30 am, we proceeded on the tour to Greg and his father’s residence where we participated in a welcome ceremony. The whole time, the interesting information kept flowing and we could really feel the value of the tour. It’s well worth the price.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18.8mm, f/2.8, 1/1250 sec, ISO320
“Cultural Hike” Kaunakakai, 2022

The hike up the valley to the falls was not too difficult nor long, but there are a couple of water crossings and your feet will most likely get wet. I suggest some water shoes or hiking sandals. The weather for our hike was perfect, with lots of sun, and a gentle breeze to keep us cool. There were lots of mosquitos, however, which attacked me when we stopped walking for our water breaks, so I recommend bringing mosquito repellant and using it liberally.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/2.8, 1/850 sec, ISO320
“At the Falls” Kaunakakai, 2022

When we reached the falls, Greg jumped into the 30-foot-deep pool for a swim, and a few of us followed. The water was cold, but not unbearable, and I was able to swim to the base of the waterfall. It was awesome. Make sure to bring a swimsuit!

After that, Mariko and I broke out the bento and had lunch. It was a wonderful experience!

The hike back to Greg’s residence was quick because it was downhill, and there were less breaks and I believe we reached our car at about 3 pm.

I 100% recommend the Halawa Valley Cultural Hike. We expected it to be a highlight of our vacation, and it didn’t disappoint!

Molokai

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/210 sec, ISO640
“Maui Morning” Wailuku, 2022

Today we woke up early to get ready for our overnight trip to Molokai. We are staying at our family’s house and the morning light is always amazing and energizing. It makes staying here so special. I love it.

Our plane today is a commuter aircraft flown by Mokulele Airlines. It only seats about 10 passengers and is so cute. The flight from Kahului to Molokai airport is only about 20 minutes and is so fun!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5, 1/3500 sec, ISO320
“Mokulele Plane” Lahaina, 2022

We had great weather, and smooth air, so we could enjoy the scenery of the north Maui coast (and we even saw a few whales in the water) and the stunning north Molokai cliffs.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/4, 1/1800 sec, ISO320
“Nearing Molokai” 2022

In the photo below, you can see the Pu’uka’oku Falls and a helicopter taking in the views up close.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 40.7mm, f/5, 1/1500 sec, ISO320
“Helicopter and Waterfall” Molokai, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/7.1, 1/2400 sec, ISO320
“Cloud Line” Ho’olehua, 2022

After landing at Molokai airport, which is the smallest airport I’ve flown to, we visited popular Japanese painter 山崎美弥子 Miyako Yamazaki‘s house to look at her artwork for purchase. I don’t have any photos since it was at her home, but it was a wonderful experience.

After that, we went back to town to walk around get some lunch, and also visited Kumu Farms for some fresh Strawberry Papaya (which we would enjoy for breakfast later in the trip).

“Strawberry Papayas” Kaunakakai, 2022

By that time it was time to check in to Hotel Molokai where we’d be spending the night. We had a drink at the bar while waiting for our table to be ready and then we enjoyed a delicious sunset dinner at Hiro’s Ohana Grill before retiring back to our room for the night. What a long and wonderful day!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/22, 1/280 sec, ISO320
“Beach Scene”, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/3.6, 1/60 sec, ISO3200
“Sunset Dinner” Kaunakakai, 2022

Traveling to Maui

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/5800 sec, ISO32
“Over Oahu” Hawai’i, 2022

Hi all! Today is the first day of our vacation to Maui and Molokai. It’s a long haul from Austin to the Aloha State, but at least we can take advantage of Hawaiian Airlines’ non-stop to Honolulu, and then a short 3-minute jump to Kahului.

The flight was nice, with one complimentary vino, a couple of meals, and a decent selection of movies. I watched the latest James Bond movie “No Time to Die” (which I enjoyed quite a bit) and then read on my Kindle/iPad the rest of the way to Honolulu.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/200 sec, ISO25
“Airport Wordle” Honolulu, 2022

We had about an hour layover at HNL, so I set up my GoPro for a time-lapse, and then caught up with Wordle.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/6000 sec, ISO32
“Gate A19” Honolulu, 2022

Here’s the video:

I hope you had a great day!