Hawaii 4-0!, Mar 17-24
On St Patrick's Day we flew, via San Francisco, to Maui, the second largest and third most populous of the Hawaiian Islands, to celebrate Mike's 40th birthday.
At Kā'anapali Beach in West Maui.
The neighbouring island of Lāna'i is in the background.
A very popular snorkeling spot, the Black Rock Promontory marks the end of Kā'anapali Beach.
In the children's pool at the Sheraton.
Driving into Lahaina.
This is one enormous banyan tree, planted in 1873 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the missionaries.
Lahaina Courthouse.
A ferry sets off for Lāna'i.
And Ella waves it off.
Lahaina Harbour.
A happy hour Mai Tai at the Pioneer Inn.
Back on our balcony at the Sheraton.
We drove up the coast to Honolua Bay on the north shore to watch the surfers.
We settled down at the Lagoon Bar for the nightly Cliff Dive Ceremony, but sunset came and went and no divers were to be seen on Black Rock!
Back in the children's pool, and Ella makes a friend.
The gorgeous ocean view from our balcony.
The "Science City" observatories at the summit of Haleakalā are operated by, among others, the US Department of Defense and the Air Force.
Haleakalā ("House of the Sun") is a massive shield volcano that forms more than three-quarters of Maui.
Looking down into the crater of the dormant volcano, which rises 10,000 ft above sea level but measures 5 miles from seafloor to summit.
Back down nearly at sea level we visited the Tedeschi Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch in Maui's pretty Upcountry, where we purchased a refreshing pineapple and passion fruit wine.
That evening we returned to Lahaina for a very-informative Stargazing Cruise organised by the Pacific Whale Foundation - and we were accompanied on our trip by a whale!
Maui was formed when two volcanoes overlapped; the older, western volcano forms the peaks of the West Maui Mountains.
Ho'okipa Beach Park, just outside Pā'ia on the north shore, is one of the most popular spots in the world for windsurfing.
The Road to Hāna
A short trek through some rainforest on the Waikamoi Ridge Trail. That's pothos ("devil's ivy") growing on the eucalyptus trees, apparently.
Had to stop the car for our first waterfall!
One of several fruit stands along the "Road".
The black sand beach at beautiful Waianapanapa.
And finally we arrived in Hāna.
Wananalua Church (1838) in Hāna.
Our condo had no TV, radio or AC, but it came with a lizard and a nice view of the ocean.
A banana tree at Hamoa Bay.
Robert Louis Stevenson called it the most beautiful beach he had ever seen.
Then we stopped at Wailua Falls before turning round for the drive back along the "Road to Hāna".
Had a coffee and bought some delicious pineapple upside down cake at this cute rest stop.
More waterfalls, which were my favourite attractions along the road.
The rocky coastline of the Ke'anae Peninsula with its pounding waves was truly stunning.
Honomanu Bay with its black sand beach.
Bamboo was originally brought to Hawaii by the early Polynesians. Later Chinese labourers brought it for food (the root) and construction (the stalk).
A Rainbow Eucalyptus grove.
Hang on in there, Ella - we're nearly at the end of our road trip!
Finally, says Ella, I'm out of the car!
Enjoying our complimentary cocktails at the Marriott in Wailea.
Sunset as viewed from the Serenity Pool.
Shopping at the upscale Shops at Wailea.
Looking out over Makena Bay towards the island of Kaho'olawe.
She still wasn't sure about the water but we persevered!
The extensive grounds of the Marriott.
Pre-dinner drinks at the nearby Four Seasons.
Ella makes friends at Tommy Bahama's Cafe.
The weather in South Maui was definitely warmer, sunnier, drier and less windy.
A quick splash in the surf on Wailea Beach before heading to the airport.
