Posted by: elfcroft | November 29, 2015

Yes, it is

It is not unusual to see peacocks and roosters at Long’s Drug Kihei Center.  The peacocks are mostly at home up the road around the Mango stand.  On one occasion, I stopped on South Kihei Road to wait for five peacocks to cross.  Wow!

Peacock

Peacock

Wild poultry is much more common around the island (and many Pacific islands).

Rooster

Rooster

Posted by: elfcroft | November 25, 2015

Uninhabited

Yesterday’s post had views of Kaho’olawe from Kealia Pond.  These photos were taken from the Ocean Walkway in Wailea.

Uninhabitated

Kaho’olawe is uninhabited.

Zoom

Zoom In!  It is very unusual to have rain.  (Profile of Molokini in the foreground).

I learned from reading Paul Wood’s story “Kaho’olawe Legacy” for Maui No Ka ‘Oi magazine Nov-Dec 2015 that US bombing practice started there in the 1920’s.  (I thought it was in the WWII era.)  The environmental problems started with goats in the 1790s.  Native vegetation was destroyed.  Planting mesquite trees required too much water.  Failed cattle ranching yielded to US Navy target practice.

http://www.mauimagazine.net/Maui-Magazine/November-December-2015/Kahoolawes-Legacy/

After seven years of effort to clear munitions (completed 75% of surface and 10% of subsurface) a ceremony was held late 2003 to transfer ownership from the Navy to the State of Hawaii.  To say Kaho’olawe is hazardous is an understatement.  Paul’s article has wonderful photos, details the needs going forward and ways to get involved.

Next day, better view of topography

Next day, better view of topography

 

 

Posted by: elfcroft | November 24, 2015

Kealia Pond

Overcast sky, the perfect condition for exploring the boardwalk at Kealia Pond in the afternoon.  The pond or marsh lies between Maui’s West Mountains and Haleakala.  The boardwalk opened to the public in 2009.

kealia pond

Kealia_Pond_National_Wildlife_Refuge

What you can expect to see:

pond1_IMG_20151124_132347_137 copy

 

pond2_IMG_20151124_132438_205 copy

Island of Kaho’olawe on the horizon

pond3_IMG_20151124_132651_536 copy

Molokini left center horizon.  Kaho’0lawe right center horizon.

Mountain side view from boardwalk. Notice the three white stacks from the power plant.

Mountain side view from boardwalk. Notice the three white stacks from the power plant.

The marsh is teeming with schools of small fish.  Outstanding bird watching.  Soon whale watching will be in season from the boardwalk as well.  The harbor is a play space for humpback whales.

 

Notice the faint image of wind mills on the ridge.

Notice the faint image of wind mills on the ridge.

 

There are three exits to Sugar Beach along the way.

There are three exits to Sugar Beach along the way.  The boardwalk is an asset which both educates the public and protects the ecosystem.

 

Posted by: elfcroft | September 7, 2015

After all these years

Ground broke for the Downtown Kihei Project this week!

Downtown Kihei Project groundbreaking

Downtown Kihei Project groundbreaking

(That’s my shadow at the bottom of the photo.)

View South to North, 27 acres

View South to North, 27 acres situated between South Kihei Road and Piilani Hwy

Now our lighted walking/biking trail (completed July 2012) looks even more inviting.    So far the purpose has been to connect subdivisions to the aquatic center and elementary school, however most people use the sidewalk on the east side of the street.

Posted by: elfcroft | September 6, 2015

Church is in session

One of the charming things about Maui (perhaps all the Hawaiian islands) are the small churches along the coast line.  These churches represent many denominations.  I believe there are nine in Lahaina!  My personal favorite is located at Makena landing.

Keawala'i Church

Keawala’i Church founded 1832                         United Church of Christ

Set up for social time

Set up for social time

All are welcome

All are welcome

Services are half Hawaiian language and half English, including hymns!  Ocean views from the  westside windows.

Posted by: elfcroft | September 5, 2015

Hidden in plain sight

I found the Maalaea General Store on Instagram!  They frequently post lovely photos of gourmet donuts, healthy lunch fare and island views.  This called for a short road trip to find how I had missed it.  The harbor is the main hub for snorkeling, whale watching, sunset cruises, etc.  The General Store is on the dock level.

Maalea General Store

Maalaea General Store

Maalea Harbor

Maalaea Harbor

Maalea Shops

Maalaea Shops with Seascape Restaurant on the right, which connects to the Aquarium

The General Store is out of sight from Seascape Restaurant and most tours cross the road toward the boats from the shops.  Glad I checked that out!

Posted by: elfcroft | September 3, 2015

Yoga by the beach

Yoga classes by the beach are a given for guests at resorts.  Class options on the beach for the public are harder to come by.

Wednesday morning I joined Sookie Kunst’s Yen yoga class on the lawn, under the tree at Waipulani Park.  Delightful!  The sound of the surf during the restorative postures is wonderful.

www.mykarmayoga.com

Waipulani Park

This lovely park features wide open green space on the beach!  It is a favorite launch site for wind surfing and kite boarding when the trade winds are gusting.  The tennis courts are available to the public.  (The sound of tennis balls during yoga class….a little distracting.)

Waipulani Park

Beach

Posted by: elfcroft | September 2, 2015

Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company has a new site in Maui Research & Technology Park in Kihei.  Garrett Marrero and Melanie Oxley launched, developed the business over 10 years.  They outgrew three locations.  This new facility was an $18 million project.  Tours  and tasting are offered.

Maui Brewing Company

Maui Brewing Company

Arid garden

Arid garden

Outdoor seating

Outdoor seating…Haleakala and ocean views!

My first tasting choice will be the Munich Helles-style lager named Bikini Blonde.  There are 32 craft beers on tap…Oh my!

Their story is the dining feature in the last issue of Maui No Ka ‘Oi magazine.

http://www.mauimagazine.net/Maui-Magazine/July-August-2015/Somethings-Brewing/

Posted by: elfcroft | August 30, 2015

After the sun goes down

Absolutely, the most popular activities are luaus.

Moon rise

Moon rise

Moon rise too

Moon rise too

 

Moonset

Moon set

Azeka Shopping Center hosts “Fourth Fridays” 6-9 pm.  Food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.  No admission!  Last Friday coincided with a full moon.  Wonderful choices from food trucks and shopping center restaurants.  Three different on stage performances had the community dancing!  kiheifridays.com

 

Hats

Hats

Last night we put our hats on to see the last performance of “Evita” at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.  I agree with the rave review published in MauiScene; News, Entertainment and Dining Guide this week…”a remarkable community achievement”.  www.mauiarts.org

 

Posted by: elfcroft | May 14, 2015

Look closely now

Look closely for kayakers, stand up paddle boarders and outrigger canoers

Look closely for kayakers, stand up paddle boarders and outrigger canoers

To the right of these water sports…at Ulua beach… are snorkelers and divers…even more of a challenge to get a good photo!

Fishing from the shore

Fishing from the shore

All of these ocean fun-loving people rose with the sun…or earlier.

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