Maui the Valley Isle

We are now on Maui which is called the Valley Isle since most of the island is a lush valley located between two extinct volcanoes. Our condo in Papakea is located on the North West shore just above Kaanapali beach and has a great view from the balcony. The island in the background is Molaki and just to the south, behind the other building is the island of Lanai.
This area is teaming with Humpback whales and most of the times you look out to sea you can whales or sometimes spinner dolphins playing in the waves. We spotted this really cute mother whale and her baby (on it's side with it's fin in the air) just off the harbour in Lahaina.

Judy and I decided to try snorkeling off the Black Rock just south of our condo and the water was so clear you felt like you were in an aquarium. Just as we were a little ways off the beach I heard Jude screaming into her mouthpiece and pointing at a graceful sea turtle passing right under me.

As I dove down to film it I could hear the whales calling in the distance and I got some great pictures and some videos as well until the turtle got too far ahead of me to catch up.

I think this video gives you an idea of how magical it is to swim next to these beautiful creatures!

There are lots of other fish on the reef like these triggerfish.

Or this spotted trunkfish.

We also drove up the North shore to a famous bay called Honolua to watch the surfer boys .

There were a few surfer girls as well.

We caught another great sunset and then headed downtown to listen to live entertainment at some of the waterfront bars and restaurants.

We are really looking forward to sharing some of these special moments with the girls when the arrive next week.