A Day at the Beach

Yesterday morning we started the day by going to the very nice breakfast buffet that was included with our package.  The dining area is open air – its inside but there are big giant wooden windows shutters that they open to make it open air.  As a result, the occasional bird hops into the restaurant.  They hop across the floor looking for tidbits someone might have dropped.  The birds actually match the carpet pretty well, so we think they’ve adapted themselves over time to blend in :O).  And the birds aren’t too shy to take a little something from your plate if you happen to walk away and leave it alone.  Ah, the price for paradise.



Karen at Breakfast, bird underfoot



We then went for a walk along the beach for the first time – in a word, incredible.  The sand is perfect – there really aren’t any rocks or shells to speak of.  We reserved a cabana, and headed back up to our room to get some things and head right back down to the beach.  The cabana is like a wooden platform that includes two lounge chairs that recline (with cushions) and a center area to put drinks, sun glasses, etc.  It also has a cover that can be fully collapsed or fully extended to provide shade and privacy.  I’m telling you, this is the way to do the beach!  We used plenty of SPF 50 and were able to stay on the beach from literally 9 to 5!!!  We did some snorkeling in the morning while the water was fairly calm.  We went along the edge of black rock and saw some amazing fish.  Big and small, different colors, some with what appeared to be horns (gulp), etc.  We got out a ways and it started looking like Jacques Cousteau’s ocean – deep and wide – so I wanted to head back in closer to the beach.  We think later this week we’ll rent some safety belts, and maybe some bigger fins, and head out to the end of black rock where there is a coral reef, and the snorkeling is even better!



Toes in the sand for the first time



The beach is called Black Rock because there is a big black outcropping of lava rock.  Each night they have a formal cliff diving ceremony to celebrate Hawaiian culture.  During the day however, people – young bold men, climb the rock and either dive or jump off themselves!  Crazy!  We also had people who were paddle boarding.  You can rent them by the hour and it’s basically like a surf board, but they give you a paddle and you stand up and just row.  A few people were boogie boarding and kayaking as well, but no surfers.  The waves aren’t big enough where we are.  I think that happens on the north edge of the island.  So between our swimming and snorkeling, and watching everyone else, we were very entertained for the day, and very active.  We are sore today!



Blackrock at Night (where the kids were diving from)



Next we hit the pool for just a little while.  There is a main pool and then it meanders around the common area so it’s quite a workout to make it all the way around.  There are some parts that are shallow enough to walk in and then at times you’re forced to swim.  There is the occasional waterfall, and a little water slide composed of tile and flowing water.  I think it’s meant for kids but you know Karen went down it! 

By the time we got to our room we were too exhausted to do much of anything else, so we ended up going to one of the hotel restaurants, which by definition, must be mediocre and very overpriced.  We knew that going in, but had no choice because I was too exhausted to even drive somewhere.  After dinner we took a short walk along the boardwalk by the beach and headed back to our room.  Both asleep by 9:00 HST.



Sunset as we were walking along the boardwalk



Today we head out for our whale watching cruise at 10:00.  Then we’ll probably get in the car for the first time since we got here and do a little bit of exploring, at least to find a grocery store so we can make PBJ’s if we’re too tired to go out for dinner.  That’s all for now – we’re looking forward to another great day in Maui today!  Hope everyone has a good day today in Columbus.

P.S.  Karen had on a Buckeye shirt yesterday and yes, we got our first disparaging remark about Tressel.  But it was a bitter Hawkeye fan.  Actually, it was all in jest and quite fun.  Usually when we travel and wear Buckeye gear, it elicits some kind of response, which is kind of fun.  You either run into someone else who is from Ohio and get an “OH!”, or a hater who is jealous of our success.

P.S.S.  Just remembered I forget to tell you about the white pelican like birds that would walk along beside us as we walked to and from the beach – too funny.  I’ll tell you another time.

Aloha babies!