Saturday Summary
Saturday was the BIG day, and we already knew it was going to be the best day ever back in January when we found out HAPA was going to be performing at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center while we were on Maui. But that turned out not to be the only excitement on a lazy Saturday after we spotted what looked like a group of six whales out off of the shore, in perfect view from our lanai.

We all ended up waking early in the morning, mostly because the birds outside our lanai were having quite a conversation. Once we realized we weren't getting any more sleep, we finished getting ready and headed out to the buffet at the Sheraton for breakfast. We didn't have much planned for the day and were planning a light lunch at this point, so we made sure we had a good, hearty breakfast.

After breakfast, Cindy and I walked over to the Westin, where she picked out her spa day activities and booked them for Monday. She went with a little longer session this year over last, which ended up being a real treat for her.

Once we got back, we decided to take a little drive up north on Hwy 30. We found ourselves at the Subway we stopped at last year, but there was no place to sit. So, we decided on an impromtu picnic and just had to find somewhere to spread out. We kept driving north and turned off on Lower Honoapiilani Road, towards the shore. We drove for about fifteen minutes before stopping upon the Pohaku Park right along the water.

The three of us had our only little picnic table and had to share it only with the birds looking for leftovers. While we were there, we spotted a pair of whales passing by out near Molokai, and even a few sea turtles, too. By that point, it had gone from just having Subway for lunch to enjoying a nice afternoon picnic near the ocean.

Back at the hotel, Cindy went down to the pool and I stayed back at the room. Just standing out on the lanai, I noticed a handful of sailboats that we've seen throughout our trips. First I spotted the Gemini, followed by Trilogy IV and than the Kapalua Ali'i. Looking for a photo op, I just started taking pictures of the boats. It was about then when I spotted what the boats were looking at. There was one whale shooting water into the air, and after a few moments, there were actually 3-4 whales swimming together.

That began the chase, and I found myself switching between my camera, video camera and my binoculars. The whales started to lose interest in the boats and all began swimming north from where I was watching, leading the trail of boats behind them. Some of the photos I was able to get were perhaps the best of this trip, but the video I shot was amazing, considering I was quite a distance away on the safety of our lanai.

With that excitement passed and Cindy back from the pool, we started to make the drive out to Kahului and the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. After I slight detour (aka wrong turn towards Kihei), we made it in to town pretty early. We didn't know what to expect in terms of the pre-show festivities, so we ended up stopping at Burger King (of all places) before arriving at the MACC. Once there, we found out they had tables and vendors serving food, so know we know for next time.

The show itself was absolutely amazing. HAPA has been one of our favorite Hawaiian artists for years, and we only wish we could have brought our cameras to capture this moment to share with everyone else. Everything was so magical, with Brian and Nathan, along with Charles talking story and doing his Hawaiian chants. There was also a lovely hula madien by the name of Malia Peterson, who I guess was a former Miss Aloha. She added even more beauty to the music that we love and rounded off a wonderful night of Aloha.

We ended up back on the road to Lahaina around 10:30pm after waiting to get out of the parking lot. There aren't many street lights along HWY 30, which you don't really need anyway. Driving the road that late at night for the first time was pretty neat, seeing the moonlight tickle the waves along the shore and the lights from towns higher in the mountains as we looked back on Kihei as we drove. It was pretty much lights out by the time we got back to our room, though. What a day!!!

Itinerary - Saturday, April 19th

• Breakfast buffet at the Sheraton
• Stop at the Westin to schedule Cindy's spa day
• Picnic lunch in Kahana
• Unplanned whale watching from our lanai
• HAPA in concert at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center

Saturday Timeline

6:09 AM HST

Rising early this morning with the birds, had as much sleep as I was going to get last night.

Can't really say what all the racket was, whether the birds were fighting over food or somethign else. They just kept going at it, non-stop.

11:33 AM HST

Walking overr to the Westin to schedule Cindy's massage

We didn't get to do the full beachwalk this trip, but walking back to the Westin brought back memories from last year. It is a beautiful hotel, and if we weren't so in love with the location of the Sheraton, we probably would end up there.

1:07 PM HST

Having a picnic, Subway at Pohaku Park near Kahana. Handful of whales out here, too.

Totally unplanned, it turned out pretty nice. Getting away from all the activities and people in Ka'anapali and Lahaina and having our own little piece of the island for about an hour. When we pulled in to park at Pohaku Park, there was only one other car. About 20 minutes later, the lot was full of people stopping to take pictures, but we still had our own little spot. 10 minutes later, the lot was empty again.

3:29 PM HST

Watching the whales from our lanai, again. This time, there were 3 or 4 of them all together. Beyond words (good thing I have video).

One of the highlights of this trip (and unfortunately Cindy missed it). It was hard to describe, and the video I took does a pretty good job on it's own. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as good on YouTube than it does on my laptop or our TV.

5:32 PM HST

Arriving at the Castle Theatre at the MACC

Our first time at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. It's a nice little place and the Castle Theatre was gorgeous. Probably sat only 400 people, nice and intimate atmosphere.

7:23 PM HST

The show is about to begin

The long wait from January was finally over. We were so excited.

9:49 PM HST

Wow, that was absolutely amazing

2 hours of the best live music I've ever experienced. Probably a once in a lifetime evening, although we'd love so badly to see them again someday.

Related Links

• Blog Post - Slow Saturday? Not Any More
• Blog Post - Whales on Parade
• Blog Post - Magic Isle, Magic Mele, HAPA at the MACC
• Review - HAPA Music
• HAPA - Official Website
• Maui Arts and Cultural Center
• Photos - Whale Watching