HUMPBACK WHALE WATCH January 2006
Like Last year, we took a humpback whale watch from the Pacific Whale Foundation. We saw several whales, but I must admit that they are quite difficult to photograph. Here are a couple of pictures of us, enjoying the trip.














Aloha!

TRIP TO MOLOKAI January 26, 2006

As part of my job, I had the chance to visit the neighbor island of Molokai. My travel schedule for the day allowed me a few precious hours to spare to see some of the sights on the "friendly island".

Beach in Molokai

Halawa Falls

Halawa Bay

Halawa valley is literally at the end of the road in east Molokai. The village that used to stand here was wiped out by the 1946 tsunami.

"Phallic Rock"

Phallic Rock gets its name for obvious reasons and naturally, it was a sacred site representing fertility for the native Hawaiians. This is on the north side of Molokai, about a five minute walk from the Kalaupapa overlook.

Views of Kalaupapa Peninsula from the overlook.

Kalaupapa Peninsula used to be where people with Hansen's disease (leprosy) were sent to live and die, away from the rest of the community. Father Damien became famous when he came here in the 1800's to care for the sick. Leprosy can now be treated and people with the disease are no longer banished to live apart from the rest of the community, although some people with Hansen's disease still live here and you still need a permit from the State Department of Health to visit. There are no roads leading to Kalaupapa. It is accessible only by boat, by small plane or by hiking 1300' down a narrow trail.

Aloha.

Biking in Lahaina
Sunday, January 15, 2006

What better way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon than exploring the old town of Lahaina by bicycle?

We visited many of the tourist sites, including a cementery where some Hawaiian Royals (Ali`is) are buried, plus stopped at a beach behind the Lahaina Shores resort and finished the ride with Margaritas, Nachos and beer at Compadres Restaurant at the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

This ride was very easy, about 6 miles total, all flat roads and the slow traffic of Front Street in Lahaina presented no problems.

Following are a few pictures of the ride...

Starting at the Lahaina Cannery Mall

The Buddhist Jodo Mission in Lahaina

In front of the remains of the brick Palace of King Kamehameha I, by the waterfront in Lahaina.

The Old US Seamen's Hospital, in Front Street.

The Old Lahaina Courthouse.

Royal Hawai`ian Tomb in Lahaina. Some "Ali`i" relatives of King Kamehameha and Queen Ka`ahumanu are buried here.