Hawaii

Henson (our favorite lumber company) asked us on another trip this year!  We were super excited to get away.  A lot of stress leading up to this trip but we finally got the all clear and got to go to Maui!  We had to get dumb tested so many hours before we could get on the plane and fill out waivers to make it into Hawaii.  Thankfully all went through and we were cleared!

We got leis right when we got there and decided to rent a car so we could do our own thing.  

The first day we had a little time so we read by the beach for awhile.  That night we had a welcome dinner with the company and all the other builders.  We were pretty tired so we just did that and headed to bed.  Then we woke up early and headed out to go on the road to Hana. Our first stop was the Black Sand Beach.  It was a really cool park but it was super windy and long drive.  I felt sick a few times but made it.  The waves crashing on those big black rocks with the bright green growth was so pretty.  

Then we headed out and went on passed Hana to Haleakala National Park.  We parked and did the hike to see the Makahiku falls and Waimoku falls.  They were huge and so amazing.  It was about 4 miles total and afterwards we did a short hike to see the 7 sacred pools.  We were both pretty tired and hungry so we drove back towards Hana and ate at Hana Farms.  We had yummy pizza

We of course had to buy stuff at the produce stand (which we ate on the whole time!).    Then we went to Hamoa beach and laid out and swam for awhile.  It was so pretty and not crowded at all.  Then we came back to Hana for a popsicle from the friendly lady :).  

We stopped at several lookout points on our drive back...Pua'a Ka'a state wayside park and a cool waterfall that Logan braved and jumped in.  The water was a bit chilly for me.  Then we found Hanomanu Bay which was a super cool secluded beach but it was getting late so we didn't stay long.  

We had made dinner reservations at a restaurant at our hotel for 8:30pm so we got ready super quick and went to the restaurant.  We ordered sushi, appetizer, salad and an entree.  One of the Henson guys walked up and started talking to us and then offered to pay for our dinner.  We thought it was an all-inclusive hotel (HA!!!) so that's why we ordered the way we did.  He thought it was hilarious and was so kind and bought our meal....there's no telling how much it was!!  Goodness...that was pretty funny.  So we ate our meal and crashed...long day but so fun!

The next morning we got up super early again and headed out for our snorkel tour at the Molokini crater.  We got all checked in and suited up in our wet suits!

I don't have any pictures of the fish but first off it's the warmest I've ever been snorkeling....the wet suit was awesome!!!  AND the mask was the clearest I've ever had!  There were so many fish...it was so amazing.  The second stop was by the crater and we saw huge sea turtles.  That was so neat but it got so cold.....I was shaking and my chest even started hurting because I was so cold....not sure what my problem is!!  So we got back on the boat and laid in the sun and it was so relaxing.  Maybe the best part of snorkeling was the WHALES!!!  They were so close to the boat and would jump up.  I've never seen them that close.  Amazing!

When we got back we went back to a state park called Pu'u ola'i beach. We ate fish nachos and a smoothie at a food truck on the way which was so yummy.  The beach was beautiful.  White sand and pretty water.  We stayed a long time.  The only negative was that people were smoking weed all around so if you were down wind that's all you could smell...boo!  

Afterwards we headed down to Ahih-kina-u natural area which was basically more volcanic lava rock.  We watched the sunset and then headed back to Kihei and ate dinner at cafe o lei.  They didn't want to let us in because of our covid passes (too many hours had gone by) but they did!  We ate sushi (with eel) and mahi mahi.  Then we came back and crashed.  Fun day!

Last full day....we got up and I went on a run and ended up seeing Logan on the run!  Ha!  Then we cleaned up and went to breakfast at the Swan court at the hotel.  We got to drink coffee out of our little white cups...which is always important on a trip :).  So ridiculous...we had to put our masks on and even gloves on to go through the line at the buffet.  They are definitely still in covid-mode.  But at least we got to go!  After that we packed up our stuff and headed out for our surf lessons down the way at a beach.  Luc was our instructor (high school senior) and was so fun.  We both loved it, got up and learned a lot!  

We got lunch at some food trucks and then headed to a park to eat.  Logan spotted turtles right by the shore so we got to watch them while we ate.  Then we headed back and went to the beach at our hotel.  We read and relaxed and then took a turn in the pool for a bit.  It was actually superbowl Sunday so most people were cheering and watching the game.  Then we went back to the hotel and walked to Whalers village.  We got coffee and a smoothie and walked back to our room and watched the rest of the game.  Rams beat the Bengals.  

Then we got ready and headed to the Henson farewell dinner.  It was a Luau with great food.  It was a fun night with everyone.  We sat with the Staples who are so kind to us.  It was a great night!

Last morning I got up and ran and we cleaned up and went to breakfast.  We rented surf boards and tried to do it on our own on the beach.  I was TERRIBLE.  But it was fun trying.  We laughed a lot.  Then we cleaned up and packed up and headed to Whaler's village again to shop and hang out.  We bought the boys swimsuits and stuff for Lucy (stuffed whale of course!).  Eventually we made it to the airport and got all checked in.  We flew home through the night and made it back at 5:30am to DFW.  We got to see the kids for a few minutes right before they left for school.  Long day....took a 2 hr nap and then made it the rest of the day.  I sure missed my kiddos but such a fun trip!

Sad faces :)