A few more Maui pictures....

Since it has been several weeks since Robert and I got back from our honeymoon in Maui and I wanted post a few pictures of hundereds that I have edited so far. These are of our last night in Maui on the beach in front of our hotel in Kaanapali and of the last day at Haleakala National Park.

This is the middle of the island.....they call this the valley of the sugar since this is where sugar cane is grown harvest and processed.....Haleakala is in the back ground

Argyroxiphium is a small genus of five species in the sunflower family Asteraceae. Its members are known by the common name of silversword or greensword due to their long, narrow leaves and the silvery hairs on some species. These perennials areendemic to Hawaiʻi, occurring only on the islands of Maui and Hawaiʻi in an extremely localized distribution. They are primarily found above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) elevation in alpine deserts or bogs, indicating an adaptation to low-nutrient soils. The plant forms a flowering reproductive structure. It takes 5-20 years before flowering, after which it dies.

Happy Fourth of July, Maui!!!!

WOW...what an amazing couple of days. After a wonderful week with family, Robert and I arrived in Maui for our honeymoon late in the evening on Thursday the 2nd. We spent the day on the 3rd regrouping, visiting a farmers market, walking the beautiful sand beach in front of our hotel and going to a luau. The morning of the fourth we took the Pride of Maui from Ma'alaea Bay, out to Molokini Crater to snorkel. We were able to explore the amazing tropical reef of the crater and see incredible see life. While the crater was extremely crowded it was well worth the elbows to see this beautiful protected ecosystem. Top side is a state protected bird sanctuary as well. I couldn't help but wonder if the massive amount of people were really appreciating the experience and chance of a life time. While we were only able to snorkel for about an hour we were able to mark a good portion of tropical fish off the guide books list of tropical fish species. The Pride of Maui then took us to mile marker 14 off the south side of Maui to snorkel as well. Unfortunately do to wind Turtle Town, a green sea turtle sanctuary/breed area was too murky for snorkeling.....however, Robert spotted the first green sea turtle of the day and was able to get an amazing picture. The turtle was so interested in him it came within feet of him. I am so excited to be able to say I have seen and swam along side green sea turtles in the wild!!!! We finished the fourth with a wonderful evening in Lahaina, walking the streets and watching their small fireworks display out over the water at sun set. Robert and I have seen fireworks in a lot of different places but this one was by far the most amazing....the picture below says it all......

Ornate Butterfly Fish and a Moorish
Idol

Unable to identify this one from our book

Spotted Puffer

Green Sea Turtle....AMAZING

What a beautiful evening......

Happy Fourth