MAUI...

So we took off for the weekend to Maui. We have not been to Maui and have heard so many neat things about it. We lucked out and stayed in super nice hotels. I guess it pays to live in Hawaii, most resort will give you a discount for being a resident. Anyways, we had such a great time, let me warn you this is a LONG post! This is the island of Moloka'i. This island had a refuge for those with leprosy. There are no active cases of the disease today, but those who still live in the colony are descendant families of the previously afflicted patients. The island you see in this picture is Lana'i it is know as the pineapple island because in the past the whole island was basically a pineapple plantation. Back in the 1400's the Hawaiian legend, is many chiefs believed there were man-eating spirits. Then the maui prince Kaulua'au accomplished the heroic feet of driving the spirits away. The more popular myth is that the mischievous Kauluā'au pulled up every breadfruit tree he could find on Maui. Finally his father, Kakaalaneo had to banish him to Lanai, expecting him not to survive in that hostile place. However Kauluā'au was able to outwit the spirits and drive them from the island. This is a picture of the southwest side of Maui, where we stayed in the Grand Wailea. The nicest hotel ever! This is our room at the Grand Wailea. The huge bathroom, which as soon as Ty layed eyes on it, he said," mommy I want to get in the tub." Little did he know the amazing pools they had waiting for us outside! More of the room. The pull out bed that Ty slept so good on. Nic found his robe! You will have to blow this picture us, but from your balcony you could see all the whales. There are so many whales on Maui. It was so neat to sit and watch them. The grounds headed towards the pools. The beautiful sunset we watch that first night we got there. Ty of course found the boats to play with, as you can tell he has a buddy right along with him. Shay and mommy enjoying the sunset. Our happy girl. Nothing tops a morning tubby with lots of bubbles, and as full as the tub will go. He was in heaven. Let the water slides begin. At the Grand Wailea to get to each pool there is a water slide that connects them all. Ty had the greatest time ever! He wore his goggles to keep the water out of his eyes, and so he could see under water which is one of his favorite things to do. This was called the rushing river, and it really does go fast, Ty loved it! Next day we got up and headed to the race "run for the whales" which Nic participated in. Sorry I don't have pictures, they got deleted by accident. But he did awesome, 2nd over all, and 1st in his age group, he came in at about 18min. Then we headed for the aquarium, which was cool, but we went through it very fast, it was lunch time and Ty was tired from getting up early! These fish were so weird, they have big noses if you can see, I like to call them pinokieo. Yep honey we are almost done with the tour.... no he is listening to something about the whales. Jelly Fish This tank was cool, these are big Tuna I believe. Lots of sharks in this tank, both reef, and hammer head... if you want you can get in and scuba with them for a small cost of 250.00 don't know how I would feel swimming with sharks. Hammer head shark The cool water tunnel This sting ray was huge!!! Next day we stopped by the pool at the Marriott, Ty loved the pirate ship. SO FUN!! A shot of the beach And this was the water slid at the Hyatt which we also stayed at. It is on the west side of the island. We spent most of the day in this pool, going up and down the slide! Oh the little floaty Ty found and had to go down the slid with it. This is also a look at the kids pool at the Hyatt. Amazing how cool they make pools these days. I just remeber maybe being lucky that the hotel had a pool! Such a great trip, nice get away, but I would have to say I think my favorite island is still Kauai.