Terry and I spent a great 2 weeks in Hawaii. This was my 9th trip and her 3rd. It started off as a 40th birthday trip for Terry, and ended up with us getting engaged. (which most people probably already know, but if you didn't now you do. Details follow later on).
We arrived in Honolulu and planned on spending 4 days there. All on the north shore, possibly a sort trip to Waikiki and Honolulu. After about 3 hours there, we decided Oahu is not for us and left 1 day early. Too commercial and too crowded.
I dove one day with North Shore diving. We did 2 shore dives, both at the same beach, both to HUGE depths of 25 feet with not much to see. Very dissappointing. The best thing I can say about them is that they left the dive shop pretty much on time, and the people were pleasant. I'll leave all other details to private notes or read between these lines to determine if you should ever dive with them.
Did the Polynesian Culture Center the last full day we were there. This had been one of the stellar attractions of Oahu. Not any more. It's become SO commercial, you almost had to dodge the concession stands and people selling things to get form village to village. This was the main reason we went to Oahu this trip. Not any more. This is my last trip to Oahu.
We then spent 4 glorious days on Big Island. Spent 1st day at the volcano and looking at gardens. We got lucky at Volcano and there was lava flowing. This was Terry first time seeing lava. It is always very impressive.
Then we spent 2 days in Kona. Weather was nice and sunny, and I finally got to start working on my tan. Did 2 boat dives, one with Dive Makai and the other with Jack Diving Locker. Both were well run operations, although the 'newbie' dive master on the first dive with Dive Makai didn't seem to listen to the dive briefing and we ended up at 116 feet inside an old exhaust pipe big enough for a couple of divers at a time. Jacks Diving Locker was excellent. Would use either one again, but would have slight preference to Jacks. All 4 dives were good, and the fish life is much different from the Carribbean. Too bad my flash decided to stop working, so there aren't too many pictures this trip that came out good.
After kona/Hilo, we left for Maui which is becoming a second home for both of us. I had planned the engagement for a while and my friend who lives on Maui helped me out (Thank again Jim). He was waiting at the airport with a sign proposing to my lovely Terry. She said yes (of course), and Jim also had a ring I had sent him ahead of time. I think this surprised her the most. Here are the pictures from the airport. (Since Jim was holding the sign, he had to find someone sitting around to take the pictures).
Exiting the plane
Will you marry me??
THE Ring
THE Shock
After the airport, we headed to our room and settled in the the remaining week 'home'. Our room was in Maalaea Bay harbor area, overlooking the beach (5 miles of it), in sight of the marina and the whales. You're at most about 30-40 minutes from either side of the island.
My typical day was up around 6:30. Make coffee/breakfast. Sit on the lanai (balcony) with my coffee and binoculars and just watch the whales play off the shore. Did this until around 7:30/8:00, then went to meet Jim to do some diving. We did some shore dives and mostly kayak dives. Weather and conditions turned out great, so we got some excellent dives in. Even got in one dive with my PADI Open Water instructor who is now teaching again (yeah Mike!).
We found some terrific restaurants while on Maui. The Waterfront was as good as the Culinary here in Hyde Park. Excellent presentation and the dessert, warm brownie with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and raspberries was 'to die for'. I could have eaten there all week. After dinner we understood why the whole entranceway is filled with plaques for winning various culinary awards. Also went to my favorite, Leilanis in Whalers village.
After a week on Maui, we headed home, back to the snow, cold weather and normal routine of life. The trip was excellent as usual. Not sure where we're heading next, but I'm sure it'll be an adventure!
Here's some photos underwater that I took. Got some really good close-ups and also managed to flood my flash. ;-( It turns out it wasn't my fault, but its still not covered under any warranty). Oh well. At least I know I didn't do anything wrong. As usual, hope you enjoy these photos!
Rockfish
Turtle sleeping near landing craft
4 eyed butterfly fish???
Turtle close-up (and I mean close-up)
Turtle resting before his picture
Eel comin' at ya!
Turtle and trumpetfish buddies
Get your own Free
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