Hawaii 5-0

Hi There! Today’s post is written by the birthday girl … yup, the big Hawaii 5-0 birthday has finally arrived.

We were awake today at 3:00 AM, so that we could leave the condo by 4:00 AM.  Destination … summit of Haleakala.  Dorothy drove for about 1.5 hours in the dark, along many, many switchbacks, until we reached the summit at around 5:30 AM.  The sunrise wasn’t until 6:49 AM so we had some time for a nap in the car … luckily we all brought pillows.  You can’t imagine the number of stars at 10,000 feet, when there is no light from any cities.  We were completely surrounded by millions of twinkling stars.

Sunrise was spectacular from Haleakala.  We had to wear jeans and shoes and coats, since the temperature up there dropped to about 44°F (from 82°F at the condo).  The wind was really strong up there, which made it even colder.  It was definitely worth getting up so early.  After sunrise we enjoyed some Maui Splash wine at the summit … great way to start the day!

After shooting many photos, we wound our way back down the mountain.  Stopped at Kula Marketplace on the way, to get some photos of Poinsettas (they actually grow here, on trees and bushes).  Then onto Makawao, which is in upcountry, and a paniolo (cowboy) town.  First stop was Komoda Store and Bakery, for the best cream puffs in the whole world.  And malasadas (sugar covered donuts) on a stick.  Breakfast of champions!  We spent a couple of hours in Makawao, checking out all the fabulous shops.  And then to the Market Fresh Bistro, for a hearty breakfast, in the courtyard. 

By this time we were all exhausted, and headed down to the condo.  We spent a couple of hours by the pool, and swimming in the ocean in front of the condo.  And then we were off on another adventure.

We had booked a sunset cruise on board the Scotch Mist II out of Lahaina.  Dorothy and I had taken this cruise before, and totally loved it.  Captain Gene has a huge beautiful sailboat.  We motored out of the Lahaina harbour, and into the channel between Maui and Lanai, and then the sails went up.  We sailed around the channel for hours, following many whales, and drinking champagne.  Dorothy and Paula surprised me by arranging a birthday cake on board.  Chocolate, and more chocolate … delicious.

We sailed until the sun had set, and the stars came out, and then headed back to Lahaina.  After a bit of shopping, we went to Aloha Mixed Plate for dinner.  This place has become my favorite Maui restaurant.  Beautiful location on the water, with great food.  The day started with stars on Haleakala, and ended with stars on the water.  The perfect way to spend a birthday!  

Thanks to Dorothy and Paula for a great day, and to everyone else for all the birthday wishes.  I wish you all can spend a birthday here some day.