Upcountry and Sunrise on a Volcano Crater

Aloha. It's hard to say that when it's 40 degrees and rainy, but hey, it's the Aloha Spirit, and it's in your heart, not the environment. I've been reading up on the Hawaiian artist Israel Kamakawiwo'ole lately. Google him if you don't know who he is. You probably know his music from commercials, tv or movies. He sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with 'ukelele that you may hear from time to time. An amazing talent that was taken from us too early. He died in 1997, he was greatly obese and that made life hard on his body. Anyway, I'm doing a presentation on him for my History of Rock and Roll class (I've gone back to school to finish my degree), plus if you haven't guessed, I'm obsessed with Hawai'i now. Anyway, if you get a chance, I'd suggest listening to Bruddah Iz's music.

Now, on with the show. Just a couple more posts of Maui and the pictures are done. Towards the end of our trip we were blessed to be able to spend time in upcountry. It's a part of the island removed from the tourist ideal. There are ranches and orchards and beautiful scenery there. We stayed with Murray and Elaine Gildersleeve. They have a gorgeous home where they rent out rooms to travelers. They also go to the Seventh Day Adventist church in Lahaina where we went. They used to live in Alaska on a floating town. Very interesting people. From there we went up Haleakala, the summit on Maui. It means "House of the Sun." So, on with the photos from that leg of our journey.

Sunset from the lanai, looking at the West Maui Mountains.


At the end of this lanai is our room. This was all built by Murray.


Remember the coconut grove? Here's how you get into one.


That's Murray enjoying fresh coconut with us.


Shaka baby.


A picture of Murray & Elaine's. What a beautiful house.


They are wonderful people who treated us like family. Mahalo for taking us into your home Murray, Elaine.


This is what sunrise at the top of the world looks like. From its base (in the ocean) Haleakala is taller than Mount Everest. But it's about 10,000 feet above sea level. It was breathtaking.


A few minutes later... Looks like another world, yeah?


Ava enjoyed the view.


Yep, I was there, too.


As with nearly every other event, Ava takes a break :) That's a silversword behind Becky. They only grow on this summit. Each plant grows for years and years, blooms and dies. They're amazing. And protected, as people tend to tample them by being careless. Though they are making a comeback.


See, it's high!


Here's another Ali'i Kula Lavendar Farm pic.


Well, as with all good things, they seem to eventually come to an end: probably only two more posts left for our Maui adventure. Then it's back to the grind :) Ava met Samantha for the first time yesterday. She was SO cute! I'll get to those photos pretty soon. Meantime, head to Rachel & Nick's blog to see the first photos of Samantha. She's a real peach! Warmest Aloha to you all.