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In January 2005 we were blessed to spend a week on Maui with great friends, Kenny, Jennifer, Kailee, and Kelsie Hansmire. Kenny is the Chairman/CEO of Overtime Sports Pacific, the new managers of the Hula Bowl. He invited us to go with him, which was our very first time in Hawaii. We had an absolute blast and are dying to go back!
Outside our room
The pool at our hotel in Wailea.
The stream coming down the hill from the pool, still at the hotel.
Now it truly IS paradise! There's a Krispy Kreme on Maui!
A nearby beach
James, Jasmine, and
Kailee playing on the beach. Click here
for a short video of our playing in the surf. That water was a bit on
the chilly side (thus the reason for the noise at the end)!
Jasmine feeding Special K to the quail that came on the patio of our room.
One day we decided to take a long road trip with Jasmine and Kailee. We drove on the road to Hana, which starts on the northeast side of the island and travels east and south to Hana, which is on the eastern side of the island. Although the road is only 53 miles long, it has over 600 curves and 54 bridges and took us the better part of the day to go there and back. It was absolutely awesome!
One of the many vistas we saw on the road to Hana.
We tried to swim in a waterfall pool on the road to Hana, but it was waaaay
too cold!
Near Hana, a view near the black sand beach.
The black sand beach.
At the lava fields.
Another day we spent in Lahaina with the Hansmires and extended family. Jennifer acted as tour guide and took us to her favorite cheeseburger place. Great burgers and great service!
Lunch at Cheeseburgers in Paradise in Lahaina with everyone.
Kelsie, Kailee, and Jasmine at the Sugar Cane Train.
Wendy and James on the Sugar Cane Train. Don't waste your time or money.
The only sugar cane you see or get to eat is the stuff you have to buy
from the snack bar.
The girls getting pearls from oysters in Lahaina.
The girls holding a colorful macaw in Lahaina.
The primary reason for our trip was to go to the Hula Bowl. It was too cool. We got to have full access passes, which took us anywhere we wanted to go. Kenny said we could have even gone into the locker rooms. HA!
The girls in matching outfits at the Hula Bowl.
Jasmine kicking back before the game got started.
Hard to see, but the girls got to walk with the Captains of each team
to the middle of the field for the coin toss. They're all standing in
between the big football players.
After the game, we got to go out on the field for autographs and photos.
Extremely cool!
On the last day, right before we had to leave, James decided we NEEDED to drive to the top of Mount Haleakala. The road was twisty and turny and we all experienced a bit of elevation sickness, but it was worth it. There were amazing things to see on the way and at the top. I've never been that high up and NOT been in a plane.
Elevation 10,023 feet
at the top of Mount Haleakala. Talk about shortness of breath! Whew! Had
to take the walking thing a bit slowly.
Jasmine and Wendy at the top of Mount Haleakala. Way above cloud level!
Going to the top of the mountain. What do you mean, "No Left Turn?"
Where exactly can you go?