HANA

This past week I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Hana, Maui. It was a much anticipated, and much needed vacation. I had been planning on going this whole summer, but I hadn't figured out when the right time would be. Postponing the trip had turned into a bad habit that I couldn't quite break yet. Finally, when the time was right, I asked my friend Robin to accompany me, and she was quick to oblige. So we booked our tickets on the Superferry, and were ready to go! Ironically, just hours after booking our tickets (while working at Kavaroots), I got a "surprise" visit from Granny Goo and Moana Hafoka. After hearing about my plans to go, those two monkeys invited themselves to go! I guess they're that comfortable with me to just "invite" themselves. But it turned out to be a lot of fun. Especially when Ben Chase joined us at the last minute. The trip definitely wouldn't have been as much fun as it was without them. Thanks guys.

The first day was probably the longest day EVER! We left Laie at around 3:30 that morning to get to the dock in time to catch our 6:30 ferry. It just so happened that my parents were out of town for about two weeks, so I was able to take my dads truck. We piled in all our camping gear, and bags in the back. How convenient. The ferry ride there was a little bumpy. I recommend sitting in the middle of the boat if you plan on taking a trip. The sitting area is beautiful. And the concession stands are reasonably priced. My fav: Kalua Pig Nachos for $6.75. It's HUGE!!!

Anyhoo...by the time we get there it's about 9:30. We take our time driving around Kahului, mostly because we keep getting lost. But after we're done with all of our sight seeing of the town, we were ready to get to Hana!!! The drive takes approximately 2 hours!!! That was sooooo not my favorite part of the trip. As soon as we get to the Hendersons, we head to our camping spot. Sadly, nobody took a picture of our cute little camp. But it was in the perfect spot. No one was around. We could make as much or as little noise as we wanted. We (I mean the boys) built a cute little firepit for us for our late night conversations. And it was just a few steps away from one of the many beautiful beaches there in Hana. One con: no bathrooms or showers. Thankfully, the Hendersons were generous enough to let us use theirs. Thanks Uncle Ray and Aunty Malia!
Tuesday was pretty much field trip day. It started off at Wainapanapa State Park. This is where we were supposed to camp, but we couldn't get a permit because the office (in Kahului) was closed. This is probably one of my favorite places to go. There's an amazing black sand/rock beach AND fresh water ponds. I could lay on that beach all day, and when it gets too hot, jump in the pond. It's heaven! The boys had a lot of fun jumping off "bunny ears." But, I couldn't be bothered. Me and heights don't get along.
Next was Puhaoa. It's this little pond off the Hana highway that isn't open to the public. That little water fall has a natural slide that you can ride into the pond. The water was ice cold by the time we got there. The sun wasn't shining in on it, but it was still a lot of fun. Especially when Granny got a special hair treatment from Moana. You have to ask Mo for the secret ingredient. Hahaha.
I love this picture. That would be Kara holding the camera as she gets a shot of herself in my shades. We went for a cruise behind her grandma's house. It's a HUGE field that leads to these cliffs by the ocean. Utter beauty! The first picture in this post is an example.

There was so much going on during this trip that it would take forever for me to write about. But to summarize, it is always a ton of fun in Hana! There is so much to do there, that you can never fit it in your schedule. But being in a place so untouched makes me better appreciate my life here on Earth. It is here where I definitely feel a sense of peace. I always feel a strong tie with my Heavenly Father here because I am surrounded by His masterpiece. And I can feel His love through the people there. Thanks again Hendersons. I love you guys!