We had the opportunity to visit Maui, Hawaii, as part of an Employee Recognition Program at AT&T Wireless. Employees are nominated by their peers for outstanding performance each quarter. Then a selection committee narrows the field and chooses a group of winners, based on various criteria, to represent all the outstanding employees. I was nominated for my work on our team's simulation software training and fortunate to be selected.

Shelly and I joined many other employees and guests from across the country during the last week of March. We were treated like upper management at Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali. (Hawaiian is translated with only 13 characters. Each syllable ends in a vowel. So this is pronounced Kah-ah'-nuh-pah'-lee.) Maui is formed from two volcanos connected by a valley, and is known as The Valley Island.

While at Kaanapali we enjoyed the beach (33k), beautiful gardens and tame animals (21k), and pool with hanging bridge (29k), slide, and waterfall. Some planned activities included team games (16k), a luau (21k), roving photographers (20k), and plenty of relaxation (35k).

We went in to the Lahaina, a former whaling village. The city square is covered by a single Banyan tree (37k), increasing its breadth by dropping roots from its huge branches. Here we went on a whale-sighting (11k) boating trip, but without a telephoto lens. Throughout the winter you can see many whales everyday from shore, before the whales make their yearly spring trek to Alaska. I spent many hours on shore with a pair of binoculars. This was spectacular viewing.

The work part of the trip lasted 5 days. We stayed an extra three days at Napili Beach (33k), at the Napili Surf Beach Resort, which was recommended by a co-worker. We had a lovely view (37k) from our room.

We rented a car and drove the famous "Road to Hana." We found a black sand beach (27K) in Hana, although it's hard to tell from the lighting in the photo.

We also went snorkeling, renting equipment from Snorkel Bob's. We tried Olowalu, Napili, Kahana, and Honolua Bay. Honolua Bay (19k) was the best for us this time.

What a wonderful trip. Being fairskinned and growing up travelling to the mountains, I'd never really been interested in visiting Hawaii. But Maui was great and we left still much more to see!

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