Days four and Five were pretty much preoccupied with getting ready for the wedding and then going to the wedding. Now I realize that other peoples' wedding can be pretty much of a bore... but I will say this.... It was the absolute best site I have ever seen for a wedding. We went to a place called the Spirit of Aloha. It is a 12 acre parcel of land on the very beginning of the Hana Highway. It overlooks the ocean with a vista that would make any heart leap. I have not the words to describe it.. but simply awesome does not even come close. There was a small chapel [I would guess that is what it was] right next to a 300 foot cliff. A Hawaiian minister officiated... A beautiful combination of spirituality and love.. However, enough of that.!! 
:[attachment 199598 David-Denise-wedding.jpg]
During those days four and five, we still managed to find time to get into the water for some snorkeling. ; Both in the morning and evening. Every time was beautiful.. the vibrant colours, the sea life.. we had a ball.
Day six; Early morning snorkel;: What else?? However, the ladies [Alice and her sister] wanted to go to Front street on Lahaina for a look see and maybe some shopping. Nothing else would do but to go there. I will admit that front street is a pretty unusual and exotic experience. There are shops of most every description selling pretty much anything that you could imagine. There is a lot of duplication what with multiple jewelry stores and clothing shops. I hit the jewelry stores for a look while the ladies hit some of the clothing stores. There really were some unique pieces of jewelry... but very, very pricey. This is, after all, tourists central on Maui.... and the prices reflect that. But it was still an enjoyable time.
From there we went to Makawao.... not as touristy; but even more fun. There is about a three block main street that is nothing but 'turn of the century' old shops. There is a large variety from a unique general store to a very high end jewelers. Alice asked about a very nice bracelet in a case and how much was it. "That one?? $68,000.00 " was the reply. Not today!!!!:
Now since Makawao was close to the road to Haleakala, nothing would do but for us to go up there. Haleakala is an old volcano [Royal already knows this:]. It is a national park encompassing a part of Hana all the way to the volcano crater. The road is very curvy and twisty. However, it is all two lane to the top so the drive is , compared to Hana, easy. You start off by the ocean at sea level and then over the next 26-28 miles , rise to an altitude of 10,000 feet. You go through lush forest to pastured land, through arid scrub type land to the most austere, harsh environment that could be imagined. As best as we could see, the only plant to grow at the top was the Ahinahina, also called the silver sword.[attachment 199600 silversword.jpg]
These plants are found only in this place and are so sensitive that even stepping on the ground where the roots grow can kill them. There are signs everywhere telling people to please stay on the designated areas and NOT to tread where the roots might be. In spite of all the notices, we saw one lady who just could not resist going off the path to 'get a better picture'. Some people just do not get it.!!
[attachment 199601 silversword-sign.jpg]
When you arrive at the top, there are two parking lots. The top one is at 10,000 feet. Then there is a short walk to the observation post which shows an altitude of 10,023 feet.[attachment 199603 haleakalasummit2.jpg]
From this building, there in an unobstructed view of the whole caldera. There are two lava cones, a large field of scree and an observatory. The description on the plaques say that the view from this observatory is the fourth best on earth. The clarity of the air from here would certainly seem to verify this.[attachment 199602 observatory.jpg]
[attachment 199599 haleakallavacone.jpg]
We stayed until sunset and watched the sun set... awe inspiring.
More later
Fair winds
Micheal
:[attachment 199598 David-Denise-wedding.jpg]During those days four and five, we still managed to find time to get into the water for some snorkeling. ; Both in the morning and evening. Every time was beautiful.. the vibrant colours, the sea life.. we had a ball.
Day six; Early morning snorkel;
: What else?? However, the ladies [Alice and her sister] wanted to go to Front street on Lahaina for a look see and maybe some shopping. Nothing else would do but to go there. I will admit that front street is a pretty unusual and exotic experience. There are shops of most every description selling pretty much anything that you could imagine. There is a lot of duplication what with multiple jewelry stores and clothing shops. I hit the jewelry stores for a look while the ladies hit some of the clothing stores. There really were some unique pieces of jewelry... but very, very pricey. This is, after all, tourists central on Maui.... and the prices reflect that. But it was still an enjoyable time. From there we went to Makawao.... not as touristy; but even more fun. There is about a three block main street that is nothing but 'turn of the century' old shops. There is a large variety from a unique general store to a very high end jewelers. Alice asked about a very nice bracelet in a case and how much was it. "That one?? $68,000.00 " was the reply. Not today!!!!
:Now since Makawao was close to the road to Haleakala, nothing would do but for us to go up there. Haleakala is an old volcano [Royal already knows this
:]. It is a national park encompassing a part of Hana all the way to the volcano crater. The road is very curvy and twisty. However, it is all two lane to the top so the drive is , compared to Hana, easy. You start off by the ocean at sea level and then over the next 26-28 miles , rise to an altitude of 10,000 feet. You go through lush forest to pastured land, through arid scrub type land to the most austere, harsh environment that could be imagined. As best as we could see, the only plant to grow at the top was the Ahinahina, also called the silver sword.[attachment 199600 silversword.jpg]These plants are found only in this place and are so sensitive that even stepping on the ground where the roots grow can kill them. There are signs everywhere telling people to please stay on the designated areas and NOT to tread where the roots might be. In spite of all the notices, we saw one lady who just could not resist going off the path to 'get a better picture'. Some people just do not get it.!!
[attachment 199601 silversword-sign.jpg]When you arrive at the top, there are two parking lots. The top one is at 10,000 feet. Then there is a short walk to the observation post which shows an altitude of 10,023 feet.[attachment 199603 haleakalasummit2.jpg]
From this building, there in an unobstructed view of the whole caldera. There are two lava cones, a large field of scree and an observatory. The description on the plaques say that the view from this observatory is the fourth best on earth. The clarity of the air from here would certainly seem to verify this.[attachment 199602 observatory.jpg]
[attachment 199599 haleakallavacone.jpg]
We stayed until sunset and watched the sun set... awe inspiring.
More later
Fair winds
Micheal
