I took a ton of pictures for our trip to Maui.  Many are not making it on the blog, but many are.  I decided to group them in themes; otherwise, this would be the longest post in the history of this blog.

This first post will focus on the beauty of Maui.  We visited in the summer for the first time.  Typically, we go in the winter.  It was a joy to discover flowers in bloom that do not occur in January.  so, sit back, turn on some Hawaiian tunes, open the window, and breathe in ALOHA...

Leaving HNL to Maui...

My favorite flower...the plumeria...

The view from our room at the Westin Kaanapali Villas North...

Da Palms...

This is from the "Shower Tree".  In all the years I have been going to Maui, I have never seen this tree in bloom.  I love it!!



Variety of lovely flowers...


Beautiful foliage on the road around Kahakuloa...

The gorgeous sunsets...



Views heading up Haleakala...

Overlooking Wailuku and Kahului...

You can see the island Kahoolawe and Molokini crater ...

Haleakala summit.  10,023 feet!!!

The summit has an observatory that is closed to the public.  OK, so it's not so pretty, but it's still kind of cool.

The Haleakala crater...

The silversword.  This plant only grows on Haleakala.  It's lifespan is 50 years and will bloom only once.  After it blooms, it dies.

Kihei...