Sunday Photo: Kama'ole Beach I

Kama'ole Beach I
Taken by Kris Nelson on April 22, 2008
Location: Kama'ole Beach I in Kihei
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How's up for a little beach hopping? I'm starting a beach theme for the next few Sundays and the first in that series is the above photo of Kama'ole Beach I taken this past April. Although it was a partly cloudy day for a good amount of the time we spent there that day, one of the things I like about this photo is the details in the water right at the bottom. I just love walking along the shoreline and snapping photos, but when you can look down and the water is so crystal clear as it washes over your feet, it's pretty neat.

Kama'ole Beach I was the first stop on our beach hopping day during our '08 Trip, and it was a great way to start the day. For us, coming from the Lahaina/Ka'anapali area, it is a little bit of a drive, so to get the most out of your trip down to South Maui, be sure to make a day out of it and plan to stay awhile. Kama'ole Beach I is actually the northern most of a series of 3 beaches that share the Kama'ole name. Beaches II and III each offer something a little different, and are more popular with the local residents than Beach I. Still, with a view of Molokini, parking nearby (that fills up fast), lifeguard, restrooms and showers and a mini mall across the street for a quick snack, you pretty much have everything you need for a day in the sun.

What I thought was neat about this particular beach in the chain of 3 was that there were a few hours along the north end right up against the sand, with only a small line of bushes separating them. The one below, for example, looks like it would be a blast to live in, having full sized windows and stunning views of the ocean. The sunsets alone will probably make you weep with joy. I can only imagine, though, that buying a house like that comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Oh well.



Mahalo.

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If you'd like to see more photos, you can check out our Sunday Photos category here at the blog, featuring a new photo every week. Our website also features daily photos on the Today's Photos page, and if you're Flickr fans like us, you can check out our Ka'anapali Dreamin' collection.

What to own or use any of our photos? Check out our new photo store, Maui Wall Candy, for purchase info and ideas on what you can do with them. Both print and digital formats are available.


Also, subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates throughout the week.

PWF Whale Regatta Race '09

Get Your Whales Ready

It's just about that time of year again when the Pacific Whale Foundation is preparing for their annual Whale Regatta race to take place during their annual Whale Celebration Day, which will be held on Saturday, February 19th, 2009.

It is a Maui spin off of the familiar ducky races that they have in various cities (including here in Chicago), but instead they use little rubber whales, darn cute ones I might add. There is no cost to enter, although they to suggest a $5 donation per whale. Last year, our little entourage of 10 whales didn't take home any prizes, but this year, we'll be there on Maui to cheer them on in person.

This year's prize is round trip airfare to Maui from any major US city, and at the rate things are going with the airlines, that's quite a big deal. You don't have to be present to win, but in reality, just being there is just as good as winning anyway.

You can find more details about the race and how to enter at pacificwhale.org, and if haven't looked into their annual memberships, be sure to check it out. We've been members for about 3 years now, and visiting their store in Lahaina, talking with their staff and going on their boat tours, they are truly a great group of folks doing a lot of great things not only for the whales, but the environment, the communitity and childhood education in the islands.

Mahalo, and good luck.

Sunday Photo: Molokai from Maui

Molokai from Maui
Taken by Kris Nelson on June 4, 2006
Location: Sheraton Maui Resort in Ka'anapali
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As mentioned in the comments from the previous Sunday Photo, this photo was also taken from our time at the Sheraton, and to my amazement, I haven't featured it yet in our Sunday Photo series. Of all the photos from our trips to Maui, this has to be one of my favorites. You can read more about the details at my photography site.

This shot was also one from of my first days with a DSLR camera, and I just remember being so overwhelmed with all the options. I am living proof, however, that a little luck and a beautiful canvas can still lead to magical things. Now, two years and a few thousand photos later, this is still the desktop wallpaper on my primary computer at home and I even have a 20" x 30" version of this hanging on the wall in my home office.

Even though I see this photo everyday, this scenic view at the Sheraton is still one of the first spots we go to every year. It really has that "welcome back" feel for us. I hope you enjoy it.

Mahalo.

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If you'd like to see more photos, you can check out our Sunday Photos category here at the blog, featuring a new photo every week. Our website also features daily photos on the Today's Photos page, and if you're Flickr fans like us, you can check out our Ka'anapali Dreamin' collection.

What to own or use any of our photos? Check out our new photo store, Maui Wall Candy, for purchase info and ideas on what you can do with them. Both print and digital formats are available.


Also, subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates throughout the week.

Sunday Photo: Maui Vista

Maui Vista
Taken by Kris Nelson on April 19, 2008
Location: Sheraton Maui Resort in Ka'anapali
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It's been raining nonstop here in Chicago for the last 48 hours and I really need to see the sun again. For our Sunday Photo this week, I chose one of the many shots I enjoy taking from our lanai at the Sheraton. This one has just about everything but the sand.

In the distance, you have the island of Lanai with it's fluffy white clouds overhead. Aside from that, the bluest of blue skies. Next, one of the few palm trees that greet us every morning on the oceanfront lawn at the Sheraton, standing tall and dancing in the gentle ocean breeze to get my attention. Last, but not least, a quiet reef area behind Black Rock that, for late on a Saturday morning, is currently absent of the regular snorkelers that often frequent these waters.

This photo makes me miss the island, yet it also makes me feel fortunate that all of our hard work throughout the year gives us the opportunity to enjoy such a paradise, even if only two weeks at a time. Some sources will argue that paying extra for an ocean front room isn't worth the money, but we feel differently. We know it's a big splurge and we could save a ton of money by getting a room in the different part of the resort and just walking a few steps to see the ocean, but for daily views like this one from your own private balcony whenever you step outside, I'm okay paying extra for the time being.

Mahalo.

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If you'd like to see more photos, you can check out our Sunday Photos category here at the blog, featuring a new photo every week. Our website also features daily photos on the Today's Photos page, and if you're Flickr fans like us, you can check out our Ka'anapali Dreamin' collection.

What to own or use any of our photos? Check out our new photo store, Maui Wall Candy, for purchase info and ideas on what you can do with them. Both print and digital formats are available.


Also, subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates throughout the week.

Sunday Photo: Warm and Golden Maui Sunset

Golden Maui Sunset
Taken by Kris Nelson on June 6, 2006
Location: Offshore near Kahekili Beach in West Maui
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By my estimates, it's time for another sunset photo in our weekly series. Checking the posts here filed under the sunset category, it looks like it's about every month or so. I was just writing about sunsets the other day on my newest photography site, so I was sort of in that type of mood this weekend.

In any case, this shot was taken from the Teralani on our first sunset cruise back in 2006, which nowadays seems like ages ago. The orange sky at this time of day and under these conditions leaves a warm and inviting impression on you and it makes you feel so alive and ready to do it all again tomorrow. While some of my favorite sunsets are the ones that drop right down to the ocean at the horizon and leaves a sparkling reflection in the water, this one is a keeper, too. Here, the sun is escaping behinds clouds as they hover above the island of Moloka'i, and catching it at halfway through the event gives it just enough definition around the edges to come out perfect.

Mahalo, and have a great week.

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If you'd like to see more photos, you can check out our Sunday Photos category here at the blog, featuring a new photo every week. Our website also features daily photos on the Today's Photos page, and if you're Flickr fans like us, you can check out our Ka'anapali Dreamin' collection.

What to own or use any of our photos? Check out our new photo store, Maui Wall Candy, for purchase info and ideas on what you can do with them. Both print and digital formats are available.


Also, subscribe to our blog to get the latest updates throughout the week.