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Maui Vacation

December 2 – 17, 2013

In December of 2013, JEDEC had a meeting in Maui. Helen and I arrived a week before the meeting and stayed 4 days after the meeting. We had a great time and have a few photos to share with you!

Maui Tropical Plantation

The Maui Tropical Plantation is a tourist trap, but a very good one! On the plantation, they grow a huge variety of tropical plants. They have a 30-minute tram tour that takes you through their many fields of growing crops. Here are a few we saw:

This is a papaya tree. It was very interesting to see how papayas are grown.
This is a papaya tree. It was very interesting to see how papayas are grown.
I've seen many banana trees before. There is nothing unusual about this tree.
I've seen many banana trees before. There is nothing unusual about this tree.
I always thought avocados were grown on plants close to the ground. I didn't realize they grow on large trees!
I always thought avocados were grown on plants close to the ground. I didn't realize they grow on large trees!
Mangos are a Summer fruit. There were only a couple left on the trees in December.
Mangos are a Summer fruit. There were only a couple left on the trees in December.
An interesting sign explaining both Star fruit and Jack fruit.
An interesting sign explaining both Star fruit and Jack fruit.
Jack fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. They can weigh up to 100 pounds!
Jack fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. They can weigh up to 100 pounds!
Commercial macadamia nut farms were started in Hawaii in 1882. The macadamia nut is encased in an extremely hard shell requiring about 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to crack! This is why it took so long for the inner nut meat to be discovered as a food source. It wasn't until the mid-1970s that the nut became popular, as the price finally dropped due to the development of machinery that could efficiently crack the shell.
Commercial macadamia nut farms were started in Hawaii in 1882. The macadamia nut is encased in an extremely hard shell requiring about 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to crack! This is why it took so long for the inner nut meat to be discovered as a food source. It wasn't until the mid-1970s that the nut became popular, as the price finally dropped due to the development of machinery that could efficiently crack the shell.

Iao Valley

We took a short hike into the beautiful Iao Valley. The trail was paved and led to a pointed rock formation called the Iao Needle, which stands over 1,200 feet high.

The view from the Iao Valley out to the sea. The parking area in the picture is where we parked our rental car.
The view from the Iao Valley out to the sea. The parking area in the picture is where we parked our rental car.
Charles looking out of the valley. The picture on the right is what he saw.
Charles looking out of the valley. The picture on the right is what he saw.
The view from one of the upper levels in the valley looking out to sea.
The view from one of the upper levels in the valley looking out to sea.
Charles and Helen having their picture taken in front of the famous Iao Needle.
Charles and Helen having their picture taken in front of the famous Iao Needle.
This is a side view of the Iao Needle. It served as an important lookout point for the Mauians during the war with King Kamehameha I (c. 1758 - May 8, 1819). King Kamehameha was ultimately successful in his goal of uniting all of the Hawaiian islands in 1810.
This is a side view of the Iao Needle. It served as an important lookout point for the Mauians during the war with King Kamehameha I (c. 1758 - May 8, 1819). King Kamehameha was ultimately successful in his goal of uniting all of the Hawaiian islands in 1810.

Our Trek to the Top of Haleakala

We had a fantastic day driving to the top of the dormant volcano, Haleakala! The last eruption was in 1790, and it is entirely possible it may erupt again in the future.

On the way up the mountain, we were treated to many gorgeous views of the valley. This view looks South-West and shows the valley between East and West Maui. On the left is the city of Kihei.
On the way up the mountain, we were treated to many gorgeous views of the valley. This view looks South-West and shows the valley between East and West Maui. On the left is the city of Kihei.
Charles enjoying the view of the valley...
Charles enjoying the view of the valley...
Helen is also enjoying the view of the valley...
Helen is also enjoying the view of the valley...
As we traveled further up the mountain, we met up with some clouds that were quickly rolling in.
As we traveled further up the mountain, we met up with some clouds that were quickly rolling in.
The clouds flowed over the road and became much thicker the higher up we went.
The clouds flowed over the road and became much thicker the higher up we went.
The entrance to Haleakala National Park.
The entrance to Haleakala National Park.
The obligatory pose in front of the main sign marking the National Park!
The obligatory pose in front of the main sign marking the National Park!
A spectacular panoramic view from the top of the mountain.
A spectacular panoramic view from the top of the mountain.
Helen and Charles enjoying the view of the crater as the clouds roll in. Since it was noon, we ate our lunch while watching the clouds completely fill the crater below.
Helen and Charles enjoying the view of the crater as the clouds roll in. Since it was noon, we ate our lunch while watching the clouds completely fill the crater below.
By the time we finished lunch, most of the crater was obscured, but one of the peaks was just popping through the clouds!
By the time we finished lunch, most of the crater was obscured, but one of the peaks was just popping through the clouds!
After lunch, we hiked down into the clouds, but we didn't go very far.
After lunch, we hiked down into the clouds, but we didn't go very far.
Haleakala is 10,000 feet high at the upper parking lot. We then climbed up to the observation deck which sits at 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level! Fun fact: Haleakala is actually taller than Mount Everest if you measure from its base on the sea floor! Its total height is 29,703 feet, making it 675 feet taller than Everest.
Haleakala is 10,000 feet high at the upper parking lot. We then climbed up to the observation deck which sits at 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level! Fun fact: Haleakala is actually taller than Mount Everest if you measure from its base on the sea floor! Its total height is 29,703 feet, making it 675 feet taller than Everest.
The Silversword plant is only found at the upper elevations of Haleakala. It is not found anywhere else in the entire world! It has a furry covering over its branches to capture and hold moisture in this dry, high-altitude climate.
The Silversword plant is only found at the upper elevations of Haleakala. It is not found anywhere else in the entire world! It has a furry covering over its branches to capture and hold moisture in this dry, high-altitude climate.
The plant continues to grow for 5 decades without producing a single seed.
The plant continues to grow for 5 decades without producing a single seed.
At around 50 years old, the plant begins using all of its stored energy to produce a massive flowering stalk.
At around 50 years old, the plant begins using all of its stored energy to produce a massive flowering stalk.
The flowering stalk contains seeds to continue the species. Immediately after flowering, the plant dies.
The flowering stalk contains seeds to continue the species. Immediately after flowering, the plant dies.
The Nene, also known as the Hawaiian Goose, is a species of goose endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The official state bird of Hawaii, the Nene is exclusively found in the wild on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii.
The Nene, also known as the Hawaiian Goose, is a species of goose endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The official state bird of Hawaii, the Nene is exclusively found in the wild on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii.
The Nene evolved from the Canada Goose, which most likely arrived on the Hawaiian islands about 500,000 years ago, shortly after the island of Hawaii was formed.
The Nene evolved from the Canada Goose, which most likely arrived on the Hawaiian islands about 500,000 years ago, shortly after the island of Hawaii was formed.
Beautiful flowers on Haleakala.
Beautiful flowers on Haleakala.
More pretty flowers on Haleakala.
More pretty flowers on Haleakala.

Helen's 3rd Cousin

We were very lucky to have a chance to meet Helen's 3rd cousin, Matt, and his girlfriend, Jade! Matt works at the Kihei Surfside Condominiums as the director of maintenance. Jade was working at the Grand Wailea in customer relations. Fortunately for us, Jade was able to upgrade our room to one with a really pretty view of both the ocean AND Haleakala mountain! It was also near an elevator, which was incredibly helpful since I had a massive amount of equipment to haul down to the JEDEC meeting room every day. THANK YOU, Jade!!!

Left to right: Charles, Helen, Matt, and Jade.
Left to right: Charles, Helen, Matt, and Jade.

Grand Wailea

The December 2013 JEDEC meeting was held at the Grand Wailea resort on Maui. The resort is incredibly upscale and is a major favorite for tourists.

The absolute best amenity of the resort is the 2,000-foot-long, 770,000-gallon pool complex that consists of nine separate pools on six different levels! The pools are connected by a river that carries swimmers along whitewater rapids and gentle currents. Wailea Canyon includes four jungle pools, four intertwining slides, a whitewater rapids slide, a Tarzan pool with a rope swing, a sand beach, six waterfalls, caves, three Jacuzzis, an infant pool, a swim-up bar, and the world's first water elevator!

The entrance to the Grand Wailea at night. The illuminated trees look spectacular when driving up to the entrance.
The entrance to the Grand Wailea at night. The illuminated trees look spectacular when driving up to the entrance.
The exit for the slide can be seen on the left. Once you arrive in this pool, you can take the water elevator on the right up to the highest pool! The water elevator was originally built for the handicapped child of the resort's owner at a cost of around $1 million.
The exit for the slide can be seen on the left. Once you arrive in this pool, you can take the water elevator on the right up to the highest pool! The water elevator was originally built for the handicapped child of the resort's owner at a cost of around $1 million.
A small segment of the lazy river.
A small segment of the lazy river.
At the end of the lazy river, you have a choice of going to the sand beach (built right into one of the pools) or...
At the end of the lazy river, you have a choice of going to the sand beach (built right into one of the pools) or...
...going to a pool with an island in the middle featuring warm water jets (like a giant jacuzzi), or returning to the water elevator!
...going to a pool with an island in the middle featuring warm water jets (like a giant jacuzzi), or returning to the water elevator!
Along the beach, there is a beautifully paved pathway connecting several hotels together, including the Grand Wailea. The walk was incredibly picturesque.
Along the beach, there is a beautifully paved pathway connecting several hotels together, including the Grand Wailea. The walk was incredibly picturesque.
A gorgeous view from the sidewalk along the ocean.
A gorgeous view from the sidewalk along the ocean.

On the Way to Lahaina

On the way to Lahaina, we stopped to do some geocaching! The geocache was located on the old road to Lahaina. While hunting for it, we took these pictures.

This is the new road to Lahaina, which opened in 1951. This view is looking toward Lahaina.
This is the new road to Lahaina, which opened in 1951. This view is looking toward Lahaina.
This is the old road to Lahaina! It was built by prisoners in 1900. This view is also looking toward Lahaina.
This is the old road to Lahaina! It was built by prisoners in 1900. This view is also looking toward Lahaina.
The old road to Lahaina is on the left and the new road is on the right. The view is looking toward Kihei. The chain-link fencing is to keep falling rocks off the new road.
The old road to Lahaina is on the left and the new road is on the right. The view is looking toward Kihei. The chain-link fencing is to keep falling rocks off the new road.
A descriptive moving panoramic view from the old road to Lahaina.

Banyan Tree

The massive banyan tree on Front Street in Lahaina was planted in 1873 by Sheriff William Owen Smith to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Christian missionary work in Lahaina. The tree was imported from India and was originally only 8 feet tall with a single trunk!

Today, the tree is over 60 feet tall and boasts 16 major trunks in addition to the original core. It stretches over a 200-foot area and completely shades two-thirds of an acre! It is one of the largest Indian Banyan trees in the world.

This is a BIG tree!!!!
This is a BIG tree!!!!
At night, the tree is beautifully decorated with lights.
At night, the tree is beautifully decorated with lights.

Reef Dancer

The Reef Dancer is a submarine-shaped boat with glass windows under the water. Divers would find various sea life and bring them right up to the windows for us to look at!

View of the ocean from the top deck of the boat.
View of the ocean from the top deck of the boat.
A diver brought a sand dollar right to the window for us to examine.
A diver brought a sand dollar right to the window for us to examine.
Beautiful coral on the ocean floor.
Beautiful coral on the ocean floor.
Many sea turtles gracefully passed by the boat!
Many sea turtles gracefully passed by the boat!

Road to Hana

We braved the treacherous "Road to Hana" and beyond! The Hana Highway (HI-360) features 620 hairpin curves and 54 one-lane bridges. The road winds through brushy ravines, dense bamboo forests, small fishing hamlets, gorges, and spectacular waterfalls. It is an incredibly scenic trip with countless stops along the way.

We were very lucky to have been given the "Hana Audio Tour" CD by Mark and Janis, who had braved the road a few days before the JEDEC meeting. Since they weren't planning on doing the trip again, they gave us the CD!

Once we arrived in Hana, we continued to the Haleakala National Park entrance at Kipahulu, which is about 30 minutes past Hana. From there, we continued on the rugged backside of Haleakala on Hwy 31 to Hwy 37 back to Kahului. Rental cars are notoriously not allowed on this section of the road, but we chanced it anyway!

A view of the ocean on the North side of Maui at Ho'okipa Beach Park. This is a highly popular windsurfing area as the waves can be massive!
A view of the ocean on the North side of Maui at Ho'okipa Beach Park. This is a highly popular windsurfing area as the waves can be massive!
We stopped at Kaumahina State Wayside Park to do a little geocaching. While there, we purchased some incredible Macadamia nut brittle and mango nut bread.
We stopped at Kaumahina State Wayside Park to do a little geocaching. While there, we purchased some incredible Macadamia nut brittle and mango nut bread.
Also along the way to Hana was a lava tube cave! We hiked for about a quarter of a mile deep inside the dark cave.
Also along the way to Hana was a lava tube cave! We hiked for about a quarter of a mile deep inside the dark cave.
This was a beautiful view on the way to Hana. We were lucky to find this break in the trees to see the ocean below.
This was a beautiful view on the way to Hana. We were lucky to find this break in the trees to see the ocean below.
Vibrant, colorful lichen growing on a branch.
Vibrant, colorful lichen growing on a branch.
Once we arrived at the Kipahulu entrance to Haleakala National Park, we hiked up a trail to see the waterfalls.
Once we arrived at the Kipahulu entrance to Haleakala National Park, we hiked up a trail to see the waterfalls.
At the end of the hike, we were rewarded by seeing these two beautiful waterfalls. We were able to hike along a treacherous cliff right to the top of the lower waterfall!
At the end of the hike, we were rewarded by seeing these two beautiful waterfalls. We were able to hike along a treacherous cliff right to the top of the lower waterfall!
Once we left the National Park, it started to get dark. We tried keeping up with some locals, but they were flying at 50 MPH on this incredibly narrow road! If you look closely, you'll see we were sharing the road with cows. We actually had to stop and wait for some to move, which they were reluctant to do since the air was dropping but the asphalt was still warm!
Once we left the National Park, it started to get dark. We tried keeping up with some locals, but they were flying at 50 MPH on this incredibly narrow road! If you look closely, you'll see we were sharing the road with cows. We actually had to stop and wait for some to move, which they were reluctant to do since the air was dropping but the asphalt was still warm!

Five Palms Restaurant

This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants. It is very upscale, but if you arrive before 6:00 PM, you can enjoy a fantastic early bird special! The Mixed Green Salad, choice of Oven Roasted Prime Rib, Macadamia Nut Crusted Fresh Island Fish, or Soy-Ginger Glazed Chicken, plus Lilikoi cheesecake for dessert was excellent!

Helen & Charles enjoying the view while waiting for dinner to arrive.
Helen & Charles enjoying the view while waiting for dinner to arrive.
As the sunset neared, the restaurant staff actually ran outside to take pictures! Being curious, we followed them and were rewarded with this magnificent, fiery sunset.
As the sunset neared, the restaurant staff actually ran outside to take pictures! Being curious, we followed them and were rewarded with this magnificent, fiery sunset.

Pretty Pictures

Here are a couple of pictures that didn't fit anywhere else, but we really liked them!

Big Beach is one of the prettiest beaches on Maui. It is also the largest undeveloped white sand beach on the island.
Big Beach is one of the prettiest beaches on Maui. It is also the largest undeveloped white sand beach on the island.
This sunset was absolutely gorgeous. It was taken during dinner with Mark and Janis on Sunday evening after we had set up the conference room for the JEDEC meeting. We were at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea, well known for its great Irish food and music!
This sunset was absolutely gorgeous. It was taken during dinner with Mark and Janis on Sunday evening after we had set up the conference room for the JEDEC meeting. We were at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea, well known for its great Irish food and music!
A number of people have asked us what it is like to go geocaching! In this video, we are hunting for and successfully finding a geocache. We hope you enjoy this humorous look at our hobby!

Conclusion

We had a truly terrific time on Maui! We would like to heavily thank Matt and Jade for being wonderful hosts, giving us countless suggestions on what to see and exactly where to go snorkeling. We also thoroughly enjoyed the two dinners we shared with them. We are already looking forward to returning to Maui and meeting them again (possibly in December 2016!).

This was our last meal before heading to the airport to return home. Since we had an 11:00 PM red-eye flight, we drove back to Lahaina to eat at the Lahaina Fish Company. It was hard to eat this wonderful meal, knowing it would be our last for this trip!
This was our last meal before heading to the airport to return home. Since we had an 11:00 PM red-eye flight, we drove back to Lahaina to eat at the Lahaina Fish Company. It was hard to eat this wonderful meal, knowing it would be our last for this trip!

We shall return!!!