Even though Cindy and I already have a lot going on right now, I still thought it’d be good to post the working agenda of things we’re hoping to do on our upcoming trip in February. With Thursday being Thanksgiving and all, February seems so far away by comparison, but never-the-less, here it is.
Watch the sunrise atop Haleakala – This one has been on my list for ages now, and I think we’re actually going to make it happen this time. Since we arrive on Sunday, we’re thinking either Monday or Tuesday morning will work the best. Crossing my fingers.
Another Whale Watch Cruise - As we did this past April, we’re itching to get back out on the water and get up close and personal with some happy 40 ton mammals. We’re going to need to hit the seasickness remedies pretty hard after last time, but I think it will be worth it. Besides, the whole point of going in February is to see the whales and maybe stop by the Pacific Whale Foundation Regatta Race.
More Astrophotography - Ever since my first round of shooting the night skies in Maui, I’ve been borderline obsessed with repeating my beginner’s luck. In fact, I picked these two weeks in February specifically because the second week (Feb. 24th) is going to be a new moon. We’re also hoping that we can schedule the Tour of the Stars with the Hyatt again this year and not have it cancelled because of clouds.
Driving the Road to Hana - After two years of guided tours along the Road to Hana, I think I’m ready to make the drive myself. To give us some extra time, we’re also considering an overnight trip with a stay at the Hana-Maui Hotel. That would give us one day to drive down, and one day to drive back. Plus, since we’ve already seen many of the major stops like the Black Sand Beach, we can pass those up and get to the more hidden treasures. The more photo ops, the better.
New Beaches - We have a tradition of visiting at least 3 new beaches each trip, which we happened to do all in one day this year. Ideally, I’d like to break it up across a few different days, and besides checking out beaches along the East Coast, I’m thinking of going back up to Kapalua and visiting Napili Bay, getting shots of the other two Ka’amaole Beach Parks for my collection, and maybe one or two others. Wailea Beach is calling as well.
HAPA, in Concert - As if seeing them already this year at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center wasn’t a dream come true, HAPA is coming back Friday, February 27th! Needless to say, we already have our tickets. It was just this past Sunday that I was talking about our final night tradition of taking a sunset cruise and watching the sunset one last time before the end of our trip. Well, it looks like we’re taking a year off with that tradition.
The Iao Needle - One of the gaps in our trips in the past has been visiting the Iao Valley State Park and seeing the Iao Needle. I’ve seen a lot of great photos on Flickr and elsewhere, and am looking forward to adding some of my own to that list. Also, with a renewed appreciation for the outdoors this past summer, I’m up for a little hiking.
Two Luaus - Since we stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort every year, we enjoy the convienence of taking part in their luau while we’re there. Being right there on the resort is a big plus, not to mention getting to enjoy a fantastic sunset and the Black Rock Cliff Dive ceremony all in one evening. It’s very special. And since we have two weeks to spend on the Valley Isle, we’re also thinking of making our first trip to the very popular Old Lahaina Luau, and from what I’ve read, we should have a very nice time.
New Black Rock Spa - Cindy always enjoys the spas while we’re in Maui, and this year, she’s going to have yet another option to pick from. The Sheraton is going to be opening up their renovated Black Rock Spa literally any day now, and come February, she’ll have something to compare against the Heavenly Spa at the Westin Maui. She says the Westin is going to be hard to beat, so we’ll have to wait and see.
I’m probably forgetting a few things, but I think this list is a good start, don’t you? For all our friends and family that think we’re silly for going to the same place every year, they obviously don’t realize just how much there is to do on Maui, let alone the rest of the Hawaiian islands. And with a two week trip, we’re able to do most of what I’ve mentioned here, and still have a few days in between to just relax, unwind and enjoy being on Hawaii time for awhile.
Could you really ask for anything more? We don’t think so.
Sounds like a fantastic agenda!!!
You are wise to plan to go to Haleakala on the first or second morning while you’re still jet lagged, it makes it easier. Be prepared for cold weather and possibly windy conditions.
Hopefully there won’t be a full moon while your up there so that you’ll see tons and tons of stars. We’ve seen quite a few shooting stars from up there.
I know you’ll have a wonderful time and I can’t wait to read all about it!
I’m really looking forward to seeing what the skies are going to be like on Haleakala before the sun comes up. Here’s one of my favs from Flickr that someone took there before the sunrise.
The real show starts before sunrise, by mattie_shoes.
Very Amazing.
Cindy’s aunt and uncle did a night tour with Star Gazers Maui and said it was absolutely incredible. I’d love to do that someday as well, but for now, getting to the sunrise is the first goal.