Big waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, Hawaii
One of the fascinating things about digital photography is that it is possible to take way too many photographs, edit them down to a reasonable number and still have multiples of the number of photographs we would have had in the film days. That holds true for our traveling, and especially true for our trip to Maui.
Early morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui
According to my Lightroom catalog I took 4,654 photos with my Fuji camera, 160 with my Olympus point & shoot – exclusively out of the airplane window, plus about 78 with my phone. I typically use the phone only for food, wine, airplane window shots, etc. But they back up into Lightroom and get stored there. I have mostly gotten away from other storage methods like Gooble.
Out of those nearly 4,900 photos I processed 749 “picks.” Why such a difference? Because out of those 4,900 photos, many of them were “burst shots” of action, like crashing waves, elusive whales, or dancers at a luau. I generally chose the “best” one out of each burst, and while some of the others might be photo-worthy, there isn’t a lot of point in saving multiple photos with slightly different splashes, poses or expressions.
Early morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui
Out of those 749 processed photos, I have posted a gallery of about half of them – on my Adobe Portfolio page. And those 330 or so photos are still the equivalent of 10 rolls of 36-exposure film, probably about the amount I would have carried back in the Dark Ages!
Early morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui
So if you are really desperate for entertainment, feel free to check out my gallery. The page also contains links to photos from our other travels from the last several years!
Early morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui
“Out the windshield” photo of the Pulani Highway during our Road to Hana tour with Hawaiian Style Tours
Another “must do” in Maui is what has come to be known as “The Road to Hana.” It is marketed as some kind of scary beast that terrifies drivers and leaves them shaking in their seat belts. I suppose that might be true if the only roads you ever drive are 4 lane roads to the mall or interstate highways, but for the most part it wasn’t what I could call “scary.” Of course, (a) I didn’t drive, and (b) I have driven a few roads that I would consider scary! What the Road to Hana is, however, is quite beautiful.
“Out the windshield” photo of the Pulani Highway during our Road to Hana tour with Hawaiian Style Tours“Out the windshield” photo of the Pulani Highway during our Road to Hana tour with Hawaiian Style Tours“Out the windshield” photo of the Pulani Highway during our Road to Hana tour with Hawaiian Style Tours
The Road to Hana is actually a series of roads, only one of which is called Hana Highway. The loop essentially circles east side of the island of Maui which is formed by the Haleakala volcano. The loop is 52 miles long and reportedly (I didn’t count them!) contains 617 hairpin curves and 59 one-lane bridges. Hana is a town located on the eastern tip of Maui. We drove through Hana but didn’t stop, as it is mostly a little village with a few shops, restaurants and small motel. We did stop at quite a few places, including a black sand beach and several waterfalls. Along the roads are little villages, shops, roadside stands selling food and local crafts, waterfalls, beaches, scenic overlooks and much more.
“Out the windshield” photo of the Pulani Highway during our Road to Hana tour with Hawaiian Style Tours“Out the windshield” photo of the Pulani Highway during our Road to Hana tour with Hawaiian Style Tours“Out the windshield” photo of the Pulani Highway during our Road to Hana tour with Hawaiian Style Tours
We took a tour with a company called Hawaiian Style. They are locally owned and operated by a Maui native and his family. The tour was nice because our driver, although he was a transplant from Idaho, had lived on Maui long enough to have a lot of “native knowledge.” Our driver and the company in general display a lot of respect for local customs, and go out of their way to yield to “locals” in order to earn their trust. It would have been possible to drive at least a portion of the road ourselves, but most rental car agreements expressly prohibit driving a rental car on the “back side” of Haleakala, where the road is rough and unpaved in sections, there are many places where the road narrows to one lane, and several spots that are subject to flash flooding. Plus, I wanted to be able to look out the window! I was fortunate to be able to sit in the front seat, and although that left Kathy not sitting with me, she did have her own window seat farther back in the van. She liked it because she didn’t have to navigate! I got some nice “out the window” photos of the road that I would not have gotten otherwise.
Wailua Falls, in Haleakala National Park, along the Road to Hana near Hana, HawaiiWailua Falls, in Haleakala National Park, along the Road to Hana near Hana, HawaiiKailani Flower Farm, along the Hana Highway near Hana, Hawaii
Touring the Road to Hana with an experienced operator is really the way to go. I might opt for a 4×4 tour where we were the only passengers, in order to be able to stop at more of the photo spots that could not accommodate a larger vehicle. We swapped places on the road with a number of them, and frequently saw them pulled off in places that would have made for great viewpoints. It’s all part of the compromise of travel, and overall we had a great tour and it was a fun and educational experience!
Black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park near Hana, HawaiiBlack sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park near Hana, HawaiiBlack sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park near Hana, HawaiiPua’a Ka’a Falls in Pua’a Ka’a State Park. On the Road to Hana near Hai’ku, Hawaii“Halfway to Hana” banana bread and snack stand along the Hana Highway near Haiku, Hawaii“Halfway to Hana” banana bread and snack stand along the Hana Highway near Haiku, Hawaii“Halfway to Hana” banana bread and snack stand along the Hana Highway near Haiku, Hawaii“Halfway to Hana” banana bread and snack stand along the Hana Highway near Haiku, Hawaii
Pineapples Galore! Maui Pineapple Tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, Hawaii
At first glance, Hawaiian words, especially names, can be difficult to grasp. I’m still no expert, but it’s actually pretty easy when you pay attention. All of the letters are pronounced, and the vowels are pronounced only one way. The hardest part was parsing out a name like “Alanui Ke’ali’i” (ala-NEW-e kay-ah-LI-i) or “Upper Hamakuapoko Road” (hama-kua-PO-ko) in the 5 seconds between when you could read it on the road sign and when you passed it!
Maui Pineapple Tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, Hawaii
When we first started planning our trip, we knew that there were several places we wanted to visit around a place called Hali’imaile. We jokingly referred to it as “Holy Moly,” but not wanting to sound like ignorant tourists we decided to make an effort to learn how to pronounce the words property. Of course most of these Hawaiian words also have significant meaning, but we weren’t prepared to figure that out. When it mattered, a driver or guide would tell us the meaning!
So what is in Hali’imaile? First, it is the home of Maui Gold Pineapple Company. They are very proud of their home-grown pineapple in Maui, to the extent that they generally don’t sell beyond the island. Their fruit is sold all over the island, and wherever someone served pineapple, it was likely Maui Gold. But their picking method requires that the fruit be sold and used within 5 days for optimum freshness. Beyond that it gets turned into juice and used at the distillery that is conveniently right across the street! Ever had pineapple vodka? It’s pretty good!
We did a tour of the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm with a guide named Mo, who has lived in Maui for about 20 years, moving from California. A lot of people in Hawaii are from elsewhere, and now we know why! Mo talked with a confidence that sounded like he could be one of the owners, but I suspect that he is just a knowledgeable and enthusiastic employee. He did a nice tour, showing us pineapples in various stages of growth, how to make new plants from old pineapples, and slicing a fresh picked pineapple for us to taste. Yummy! After the tour, we were all offered pre-boxed pineapples that were carry-on friendly. We declined since we weren’t leaving for over a week. And we got plenty of already-cut pineapple in other places!
Pineapples Galore! Maui Pineapple Tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, HawaiiMaui Pineapple Tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, HawaiiMaui Pineapple Tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, HawaiiMo, our tour guide, slicing a fresh pineapple for tasting. Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, HawaiiPineapples Galore! Maui Pineapple Tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, Hawaii, Hawaii
After the pineapple farm tour we visited the Hali’imaile Distilling Company. Their main product is vodka made from pineapple juice. Because vodka is generally odorless with a neutral flavor, it can be hard to distinguish tastes, but the Pau Vodka had just a hint of pineapple sweetness. Even the Bourbon Girl liked it! They also make a flavored rum using local ingredients including Kona coffee, a whiskey that is made from blending Kentucky Bourbon with some local hooch, and a gin made with Hawaiian botanicals. We didn’t bring home any of their souvenirs, although we did make a point of seeking out cocktails made from their spirits!
Maui Pineapple Tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, HawaiiHali’imaile Distilling Company near Hali’imaile, HawaiiHali’imaile Distilling Company near Hali’imaile, HawaiiHali’imaile Distilling Company near Hali’imaile, HawaiiHali’imaile Distilling Company near Hali’imaile, Hawaii
Also in Hali’imaile is the Hali’imaile General Store. No longer an actual store, it is the name of a restaurant owned by James Beard Award recipient and celebrity chef Bev Gannon. We had lunch there and the poke’ was excellent! 😉
Hali’imaile General Store restaurant near Hali’imaile, HawaiiHali’imaile General Store restaurant near Hali’imaile, HawaiiHali’imaile General Store restaurant near Hali’imaile, HawaiiHali’imaile General Store restaurant near Hali’imaile, Hawaii
So how do you say Hali’imaile? Sound it out: holly-e-ma-EE-lay. Now you know Hawaiian! 🙂
Former Wells Fargo Bank at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, HawaiiFormer gas station at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm near Hali’imaile, Hawaii
We had 5 specific things we wanted to do in Maui, besides lounge by the pool and have Tiki drinks. 😉 We wanted to go to a Luau, see sunset on Haleakala, go on a whale watch, drive (ride!) the Road to Hana, and see the big waves on the North Coast. Anything else we did would be a bonus. We did a lot!
Myths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, Hawaii
Luaus are very popular with tourists to Hawaii, and there are many to choose from. Our travel agent recommended the Myths of Maui Luau, which from what I could gather is a smaller event, but still very good. We heard lots of comments from folks on our other tours, and of course everyone chose the one they chose for some reason, and generally thought theirs was the best. But I’m pretty sure they are all good!
Myths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, Hawaii
All luaus will have food, and although the authenticity of the food may vary a bit, it is all pretty good. The pork that was served at our dinner was pit cooked, as they do in Hawaii. The fish, though, was not local. It was some kind of Asian fish that is common to the island, but it was not caught off the shores of any Hawaiian island. Oh, well.
Myths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, Hawaii. Yes, it’s a little noisy – ISO 12800!
The performers were excellent. There were only a dozen or so, and with costume and prop changes that managed to tell a number of the stories that make up the history and culture of Maui. The narrator explained what they were doing and why, and that made it very interesting.
Myths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, Hawaii
We had sprung for ‘VIP’ seating, which gave us a table that was literally ‘front and center.’ It was a perfect spot to photograph the performers, although there were times when I could have used a wider lens – they were that close!
Myths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, Hawaii
We really enjoyed the show. I took lots of pictures, especially at the end with the fire performance. It was quite impressive – we could feel the heat coming off the torches – I can only imagine how hot they would have been to hold. I have no idea how one would learn to do that, but am certain that it involves lots of practice, and more than a few burned limbs!
Myths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, HawaiiMyths of Maui Luau in Lahaina, Hawaii
Big waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, Hawaii
We’re home again and doing all of our usual “just got home stuff.” I’ll be working on photos over the coming weeks but have a small collection that I worked on but hadn’t posted yet.
Big waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, Hawaii
This series is from time we spent at Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, Hawaii. The waves there are often huge, and as large as they were on the day we visited, there are times when we can’t stand where we were standing. As it was, our sunglasses and my camera were covered in fine salt spray by the time we got back to the car.
Big waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, Hawaii
I don’t know for sure, but would estimate some of the waves at 20-30 feet high! And if you look closely on some of the photos you will see windsurfers and parasailers on the water.
Big waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, HawaiiBig waves along the north coast of Maui from the Ho’okipa Lookout near Paia, Hawaii
Solitary tree along the Wailea Beach Path. Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
I’ve had a couple of portrait sessions with this tree, located just north of our resort along the shore. It’s got a nice shape, and situated on a little peninsula makes it a nice subject.
Early morning light at the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, Maui
Well, we made it! Kathy & I arrived on Maui this past Tuesday, and that marks our 50th state visited. We’ll be here about 10 days, home on Friday, March 4.
We’ve got a pretty busy schedule and I’ve been taking a lot of photos. But I don’t think I’m going to spend much of my time at the computer, so here are a few shots from our first evening and first morning to give you all something to look at.
The scenery here is amazing, the people are terrific, the weather is beautiful and we are eating lots of fish. I love Poke, and like lobster in Maine, Hawaii is the place for Poke! 😉
Early morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, MauiEarly morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, MauiEarly morning light on the beach near the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea, MauiEarly morning light on the Maui shoreline near WaileaEarly morning light on the Maui shoreline near Wailea
“Big Daddy” Don Garlits himself! Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida
Whew! After the (not) overwhelming response from my last post I needed a break. Actually, I just kind of got distracted and forgot that I hadn’t finished the series from our Florida trip.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida
If I had any boyhood heroes that weren’t astronauts, one of them would certainly be drag racing legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. Garlits’ name is to drag racing fans what Richard Petty’s or Mario Andretti’s names are to stock car and Indy car racing. Old fans, at least. 😉
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida
As we were driving past Ocala, FL on I-75, I saw a sign that said “Drag Racing Museum Next Exit.” Then I saw whose museum it was! We didn’t have time to stop on our way south, but made a point to visit on the way back home from St. Petersburg. Yes, it was another museum, and art of a different kind than painting and glass! And of course Kathy was thrilled to have something else to look at besides airplanes. 🙂
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida
Here are way too many photos from our visit. But there were way too many cars, and even this is a small sliver of what we saw. Highlight of our visit, of course, was that “Big Daddy” himself was there, giving a personal tour to a small group of fans. We listened to a few stories before they disappeared behind a door that said “Employees Only.”
Garlits has assembled an impressive collection of not only his own cars, but cars from the history of drag racing. And that is just in one building! A second building houses hundreds of mostly stock cars from the 30s forward. A few even older than that. Many of the cars are from Garlits’ personal collection, but a lot of them have been donated over the years by thoughtful and generous owners. We spent a couple of hours there. I could have spent longer, but we needed to move on up the road. So we could get home just in time for a winter storm!
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida
Enjoy the photos!
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FloridaDon Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida
When a restaurant bills itself as “The Best Italian Restaurant in St. Petersburg” and is walking distance from your motel, you need to go, right? Such was the case with Gratzzi Grille. Yeah, maybe the name isn’t spelled ‘correctly’ but I’ll bet it gets pronounced correctly!
One of the items on their menu is what they call ‘Cavatelli Bada Bing.’ It’s prepared tableside by one of the owners, and uses a lot of flaming vodka to prepare a very cheesy, very delicious cavatelli dish. I had to try it! It’s a bit more of a show than it is an example of fine Italian cuisine, but it was fun.
I didn’t take photos or videos, because I just wanted to watch. But the video below shows it better than anything I could have shot anyway. And the guy doing the cooking is the guy who did mine.
