Wrapping up in Paradise: Friends, Fish, Feasting!

We had a great last few days in Maui!

Sean and Jenna, friends from Humboldt who were staying with Jenna's mom on Maui, came up to visit, bringing their two kiddos, Jon (a month older than Iver), and baby Kira.

 

 

We had a lovely morning snorkeling in Kapalua Bay!.

Kelvin can totally take on two toddlers!

 

I saw many beautiful fish while snorkeling in the warm water and was within a few feet of a surfacing sea turtle, but alas had forgotten my waterproof camera on shore.

We had delicious burgers (and shakes-- this is vacation, right?) at the seaside shack.

On Thursday, we checked out Maui's Ocean Center (tropical aquarium), which we thought (correctly) would be fun for the kids. We loved that it was partly outdoors!

Black-banded Angelfish, endemic to the NW Hawaiian islands

Creepy garden eels

Sea turtles ("honu")

This ocean center, progressively, has no dolphins/whales/smart sea creatures, which was refreshing to see (if you haven't seen the documentary Blackfish about orcas in captivity at Sea World, see it. It still haunts me, and always makes me feel a bit bad for visiting zoos/aquariums.)

Sean has his hands full!

Since we were out and about in the mid-island, we visited Makena State Park's Big Beach, which I'd have to agree is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that I have ever seen in my life.

Iver had a ton of fun being chased by the tide in the sand.

Thursday evening, we went to an dinner-show event, Old Lahaina Luau.

The traditional Hawaiian feast, including ground-slow-roasted pork, and typical seafood and meat dishes (and open bar!), was incredible. We had a wonderful time in the lovely weather, viewing some of the traditional Hawaiian crafts and live hula dancing!

Iver enjoying standing at our low, traditional-seating table, ate extremely well, and was totally engrossed in the dancing/percussion show!

Anniversary dance for my parents!

(Iver didn't want Grandpa to encroach on Grandma!)

We had some crazy thunderstorms on our last day, but still enjoyed pool time!

(amidst the downpour)

It rained almost every hour of the day, but we did have some sunny times! 

This is what happens when you try to go for a quick jog inbetween thunderstorms:

(soaked selfie) 

We had a delicious last meal at Banyan Tree restaurant at our hotel.

Iver has actually behaved himself quite well in restaurants, as long as you give him crayons, a cup of ice, and vary the lap time.

 

I feel amazingly rested right now.  We had a wonderful, restorative family trip in Maui, and our travels really couldn't have gone better with our little one.    As they say in Hawaii, "A hui hou kakou" (until we meet again)....

(pics by Vanessa)