Hawaii- Road to Hana

Our last full day in Maui, we spent driving the famous Road to Hana.  It winds through the tropical rainforest with 620 turns and 59 bridges. 

We stopped along the way at many waterfalls and views. We started with a short hike to Twin Falls. 

Then we continued up the super-duper winding road (which Morgan's stomach didn't like so much). It was a fun road to drive, even though there was a lot of slowing down at all of the one-lane bridges and turns. It was so breathtaking. It had rained that morning, so the sun glistened off everything, seeming even brighter and more green. Pictures really don't do it justice. 

The best part was when we when we took off the top panels of the jeep (thanks Mom for letting us in on that little secret on our last day). It was fun to feel the sun and hear the tropical birds overhead. 

After stopping to get the best banana pineapple bread ever at a roadside stand, we came to the Wai'anapanapa State Park to see the amazing black sand beach. This was probably my favorite stop on the Hana Road. I was taken back by the vibrant colors- the black lava rock, the lime green plants, and the turquoise water. The water was so rough here and the waves splashed high against the lava cliffs. 

Then, we ended at the Haleakala National Park to see the Seven Sacred Pools, which is a series of waterfalls and tranquil pools. It was impressive, but there were so many people and the pools were hard to get to. So, we saw it, went for a little hike, and called it good. Then, back down the curvy road we went.

Then, we ended the drive with an amazing ocean view and some gnarly waves. The evening sun lit up the surf. It was entrancing just to watch. Then we topped it off with a delicious dinner in the hippy town of Paia. 

Hike to Twin Falls

My super cute and adventurous mom

I want a jeep now. Travis and I have decided this will be our mid-life crisis/ empty-nesters car. 

These flowering trees were beautiful and left petals strewn along the side of the road. 

One of many bridges

Black Sand Beach

Seven Sacred Pools

The end of a long and adventurous day

... And the end of a really wonderful trip with memories that I will always cherish. Thanks Mom and Morgan- I'm a lucky girl!

Hawaii- Snorkeling & Beach Time

On the fifth day, we woke up super early and were at our snorkeling catamaran at 7a.m. This was such a fun-packed day. We started off with breakfast on the boat. Then we saw a lot of whale action on the way to snorkeling. Then we arrived at Molokini Crater, which is an old volcano crater in the ocean (one of 4 its kinds in the world) that makes for amazing snorkeling. We jumped in the water and snorkeled for almost 2 hours. This was probably my favorite thing we did all week. We saw so many different kinds of tropical fish. I really loved it. I could have snorkeled all day long. We came back on the boat to eat lunch and then snorkeled for a little while longer. As soon as the boat headed out, we saw spinner dolphins swimming with whales. We stopped and watched for a while, then once the boat started moving, the pod of dolphins swam with us! They were swimming and jumping in groups everywhere. It was amazing. Everyone on the boat, including the captains was so excited about it. It was a unique experience. They even captured them with an underwater video camera that we got to watch later. (Makenna and Hadley loved the video I got of the dolphins.) Then, we headed to "Turtle Town", which is an area of the ocean with a lot of sea turtles. They seem to have such chill lives.

Then once we got back to shore and off the boat, it was only noon! So, we headed to Makena State Part to Big Beach. This was by far my favorite beach in Maui. It had such a sprawling, golden sandy beach with palm trees as its backdrop instead of building, since it was in a state park. We soaked up some sun and had fun swimming. 

The next day, we had a relaxing morning going out to breakfast. Then, we headed to Napili Beach in the town of Napili to meet with a family friend. It was not my favorite beach at all. It was small and there were so many people. But the swimming was good.

My favorite sister ;) I love her. She even looks perfect this early in the morning.

Lookin' Good Sister!

The three Timoney ladies. I'm so lucky to have my mom and sister.

 Dolphins swimming with the whales

Big Beach at Makena State Park

 I learned how afraid of the ocean my mom is. So, we were super proud when she was swimming all by herself out there. :) Go Mamacita!

 Us with Jessica and her cute boys

 A beautiful sunset just a few steps from our condo