Kihei life

Posted by: elfcroft | January 19, 2011

One if by land, Two if by sea

Best overlook for whale watching with or without binoculars

This site is McGregor Point, west on 30 past the Ocean Center with 270 degree viewing at a great elevation.

One of many tour options to get a closer look at humpback whales

We are surrounded!

It is very hard to get a classic "post card" photo. Probably best to put the camera down and just watch!

Humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian islands each year to have their babies. They arrive in Nov./Dec., then head for cooler waters in March. Awesome experience! Whales are magnificent creatures. Some people even venture out in kayaks to get the ultimate encounter. (I believe there is a law against it.)

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Posted in Activities, Whale Watching

Posted by: elfcroft | January 15, 2011

One of the joys of aloha!

Island greeting with orchid lei

The quintessential Hawaiian island greeting is an lei. The purple orchid lei is the most common. Plumeria, kukui nuts and shell leis are also popular. These are available in refrigerators at the airport, Safeway and Wal-Mart that I am aware of. Prices vary from $8-$20+.

Mom and Claire modeling Rainbow Plumeria Leis

Pair of kukui nut leis

This pair of leis have been re-purposed as curtain tie backs 🙂

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Posted in Flora, Shopping

Posted by: elfcroft | January 5, 2011

Billion dollar view: Ocean walkway at Wailea

Why say billion dollar view? The Ocean walkway at Wailea is a 1.5 mile sidewalk between the shoreline and beaches of South Maui and expansive, luxury resorts such as the Four Seasons, the Grand Wailea, the Fairmont and Marriott as well as private condominiums.

Hawaiian beaches are public beaches. There are four public parking areas for beach access. Elua and Polo Beaches begin and end the walkway. The Shops at Wailea and the Grand Wailea both have public parking midway. The walkway is a GREAT way to see the views that the resort guests see and get exercise with sunshine.

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Posted in Activities, Beach

Posted by: elfcroft | December 26, 2010

Swap meet

The Maui Swap Meet could also be referred to as a farmer’s market. It opens weekly at 7 a.m. on Saturdays at the Community College in Kahului. There is plenty of parking. Many vendors sell clothing, souvenirs, you name it.

fresh produce Maui style

Tropical flora Maui style

The bunches of red ginger, heliconia, bird of paradise, anthurium and King protea are some of the best values on island. Expect to pay $3-$10 per bunch. Plan to buy an arm load to enjoy during your visit. (Note: Big flowers need big vases.)

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Posted in Dining-Food, Flora, Local, Shopping

Posted by: elfcroft | December 12, 2010

Better than cake and ice cream

The black pearl

The black pearl, a decadent desert and speciality of Mama’s Fish House first came to my attention on Maui’s Visitor Channel 7. September of this year, Yvonne and I had a wonderful lunch, fresh catch of the day. The black pearl was every bit as delicious as it was we when first tried it in 2003. Whether or not you have a special occasion, this is better than cake and ice cream 🙂

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Posted in Dining-Food

Posted by: elfcroft | December 11, 2010

Mele Kalikimaka

Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. English lyrics located at this address. http://www.mp3lyrics.org/c/christmas-carols/mele/

Island Christmas traditions bear a strong resemblance to mainland traditions of evergreen trees and inflatable snowmen (in front yards). This year the tree in the lobby of the Marriott is decorated with yellow plumeria. The tree at the Wave Cafe has darling miniature Hawaiian shirts for ornaments. Aloha!

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: elfcroft | November 30, 2010

Hello world!

Greetings from Kihei, Maui, HI! I consider myself a frequent visitor. In the past eleven years, I have been here 35 times. We were stranded on island for three days after the 9/11 attacks. We have seen changes, businesses come and go, new developments, road improvement projects, however nature’s glory of Hawaii remains the same. The expanses of sugar cane fields are breath-taking in the valley between Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains.

This blog will present some of my observations and photographs to share with others traveling here.