Whirlwind Tour of Maui - Day 2

by don

Day 2 - Friday

Today we started out with breakfast crepes at the stylish Café Des Amis in Pa’ia (Pa-ee-ah). It had a very European atmosphere and the crepes were outstanding. Pa’ia marks the beginning of the “up country” meaning you are heading into the mountains and away from the touristy part of the island.

Leann and Mom enjoying breakfast

Next we drove to Ho’okipa (Ho-oh-keep-a) Beach to watch the windsurfers, and then went back to the Maui Prince - Ralph told us there was great snorkeling there. Ralph and Alaina joined us at the beach. Wow - Ralph was right! Within minutes of getting in the water we saw a coral reef teeming with beautiful tropical fish, an eel, and a Sea Turtle! Leann and I followed the Sea Turtle (Honu, in Hawaiian) as he took us on a slow relaxing tour of the reef. Suddenly the reef dropped off and the water got very deep (50+ feet) but it was still very clear. We looked up and realized we were pretty far from shore and headed back. What’s amazing about snorkeling here - other than all the underwater scenery - is the water is nice and warm and you literally ‘float’ as you are snorkeling. You almost don’t need to swim you are so buoyant in the salt water.

Leann and me

All the bad things that can happen to you in the ocean…

After an amazing afternoon at the beach it was time to get ready for Leann’s graduation ceremony. We went back to her place to get ready, and then on the Baldwin High School Auditorium in Wailuku (Why-loo-koo).

CONGRATULATIONS Leann!!

Leann and Mom

Leann with her friends Tiara, Annabeth and Karen

She graduated with honors (GPA 3.8+) from the University of Hawaii with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and Pacific Island Studies. Or something like that. She’s worked very hard to support herself and earn this degree at the same time - we’re very proud of her!

Later that evening, her friend Jessica got reservations at this very unique and interesting place in Wailuku called Café Marc Aurel. The food and wine were great. The meat and cheese tray is highly recommended! I was only impressed more with Leann’s friends - genuine, down to earth and fun people. We had a fantastic time and it was a pleasure to meet them and celebrate Leann’s graduation together.