Bold and Beautiful
Whale watching season!
Plaque @ Overlook
“The waters of Maui County are the winter destination of the Humpback whales, huge leviathans over 40 feet long and weighing over 40 tons, from November through May. They can often be seen from this point, caring for their young which are born here each year. Watch for their spouts and broad flukes as they surface, sometimes very close to shore.
These air-breathing mammals are the last members of a mighty family that once roamed the North Pacific. The people of Maui join with concerned citizens throughout the world in supporting programs aimed at protecting all whales, the gentle giants of the sea.”
Lahaina Rotary Club 1979 Scenic Overlook with 270 degree viewing, Highway 30
Better yet…viewing from the boat 🙂
Posted in Activities, Beach | Tags: overlook, tours, viewing, whale watching, whales
Haggai Institute
Haggai Institute entrance
Furniture sale this weekend! The open gate and sign reminded me how mysterious this facility seems. It was one of the first hotels in Kihei. The site is a quarter-mile from the beach. It has over 200 rooms. It was acquired by the Haggai Institute to be a conference center. The entrance sign reads “Training Leaders Globally, To Impact Their World Locally”.
Why is this mysterious? Month after month, it does not look like it is being used. There is no seating on any of the generous balconies or any sign of people stepping out for the view.
Southwest view
East side
North side
A Google search lead me to this synopsis of a typical conference. Participants come for a month. They have training sessions all day and into the evenings. One day a week of their stay is designated for touring Maui. Church services are scheduled on Sundays. Transportation from the airport must be in buses, because the parking lot would overflow with a capacity crowd with rental cars. From the account below, the meals are provided on site. It is a glowing account and interesting background.
As of 2008, 60,000 have participated in the Institute training. There is also a conference center in Singapore.
http://ca.judiciary.gov.ph/index.php?action=mnuactual_contents&ap=j50210
Posted in Local | Tags: Christian, conference, conference center, facility, Haggai Institute, leadership, Pacific region, training
Pi’ikea Park
Soccer field
This park/soccer field is bounded by homes in Pi’ilani Village 3 and Safeway Shopping Center. The land is part of a watershed/flood control plan as well as a lovely green space.
Street view of Pi’ikea Park
Field view about 8 feet below the street. Definitely feels like a large basin.
In fifteen years, I cannot say that the space held water for long. However, the concept was probably designed for a 100 or 500 year flood plan. In the meantime, it is a beautiful place to play ball!
Posted in Local | Tags: flood control, green space, park, soccer, soccer field
Kihei wetlands
Kihei wetlands are small versions of Kealia Pond. I photographed four areas this morning, wondering how they will be impacted by the Downtown Kihei Project.
Behind Long’s Center, north side of Piikea Ave
Behind Azeka, south side of Piikea Ave.
Southside of Kauhaa Street, appears to be connected to area in first photo.
Official sign of La’ie Wetland, south of St. Theresa Church on South Kihei Road.
La’ie wetland
‘Ulili are just one the reasons these spaces are important…
featured in the latest issue of Maui No Ka ‘Oi
http://www.mauimagazine.net/Maui-Magazine/January-February-2016/The-Voice-of-the-Ulili/
Downtown Kihei Project, Feb 2016
OK…What do you see?
Looking northwest to West Maui Mountains
The trees are gone!
Looking west, across the parcel that backs up to nature preserve and Azeka Shopping Center……..The trees are cleared.
Also, looking west, the roof on the horizon is Long’s Shopping Center on S. Kihei Road…….The trees are cleared.
Posted in Local, Shopping | Tags: downtown Kihei project, open space, progress, tree removal
The flight
If you have had the experience on an eight-hour flight of NOT being able to recline your seat, you will appreciate this observation. To me, a partition with compound angles is an elegant solution. Space is created to recline in the forward row and have leg room in the row behind. Outstanding! Let’s hope this remedy is swiftly implemented across all planes.
Look! Room to recline back AND stretch legs forward.
Posted in Travel | Tags: airplane, design, leg room, long flight, recline, seat adjustment, solution
Mele Kalikimaka
Yes, there are Christmas trees in Hawaii….imported from the west coast.
Christmas tree sale tent
Here are a couple of examples of decorations Hawaiian style.
Court yard @ the Shops of Wailea
This tree features white orchids and protea for the tropical spirit.
Lobby of the Marriott, Wailea
Super size plumeria blooms, bold blue feathers and gourds decorate this feature tree.
Posted in Flora, Local | Tags: Christmas trees, decorations, holiday, imported, tropical
Mongoose!
Over there! Climbing the rocks…a large mongoose!
From the restaurant balcony at Kahili Golf Course
In our Hawaiian ecosystem, the mongoose is a problem. They were brought to the islands in the 1800s to suppress the rat population in sugar cane fields. Now they endanger birds by eating the eggs. The staff says the mongoose will also eat small fish and have threatened the koi pond.
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/11/an-invader-advances-in-hawaii/?_r=0
https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/blog/2012/05/11/mongoose-on-the-loose-a-tale-of-bad-planning/
Dining suggestions
D’lite
D’Lite Breakfast and lunch
Located north of Foodland and across from Kalama Park. This facility was originally a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Now, local small business! Menu developed by a chef. It seems most customers use drive up window. There is not much parking.
Ulu Market
▶ 2:04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAen3yLZt0w
This is a satellite location for the well known and popular upcountry market. This site (across from D’lite on South Kihei Road) was originally a 7 Eleven. Island treats are a speciality.
Two suggestions located in the Kihei business park are:
Chez MeMe Bistro and bakery
Eskimo Candy Seafood market and cafe
Two suggestions located in the Azeka Shopping Center (Oceanside). Brand new in 2015:
Nalu’s Southside Grill
Maui Pie
Posted in Dining-Food, Local | Tags: business park, dining, food, local, restaurants, South Kihei Road
Kihei life 