Just got back from a ‘Bucket List’ trip to Maui – 10 nights, 11 days exploring paradise with my family. Despite the time of year, we did all the usual Hawaii activities and even found a place where you could have your own private boat! Did I mention that we totally skipped the whole holiday thing? No tree, no lights, no stockings and no annual Christmas Party! Still got some of that in Hawaii, but honestly, I didn’t have to lift a finger, much less the 10′ Fraser Fir.
So, what they say is true: Hawaii is paradise. The Leis covered with orchid blooms, gorgeous purple/white dendrobium blooms hanging around your neck. Water, water everywhere – and torrential downpours at night followed by awe-inspiring sunrises and garden awaking lush and flush from their soaking the night before. No sprinklers needed at this time of year. Green, green and more green with punches of color everywhere. Fruits, flowers and herbs – passion fruit, star fruit, cherimoya, breadfruit, pineapple, bananas. Farmer’s Markets bursting with so many wild and wonderful offerings – fresh cut coconuts complete with a straw.
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
Just Like Home
Why the ‘homey feeling’, considering we were 4,000 miles away from home where we are currently facing a snow storm and single digits at night. Not sure if I can put my finger on it, but I’ll try; the people of Maui live pretty close to the earth. Their living is made right there, on the land or in the water. There is no ‘6 degrees of separation’, as everywhere you go, the land is with you offering up its abundance, almost for free. There truly is an ‘Aloha Spirit’; a warmth and acceptance that is genuine and sincere. They live in paradise, and seem happy to share.
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
Start with a magnificent sunrise at 10,000 feet at the top of Haleakala (bring warm clothes), then wind your way back down to Paia in the Upcountry where you grab a few eggs and chop some chives for a nice breakfast. Oh, don’t forget those oranges right outside the kitchen door.
4,000 miles to the east, we can watch the sunrise over a cut cornfield, head to the chicken coop where the ladies have left us enough eggs for a hearty breakfast, and those Red Waddle piggies are now breakfast sausage. No fresh fruit but we did freeze our berries for an almost fresh smoothie.
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
In Maui, a day is spent on an impossibly beautiful beach, or hiking up to a majestic waterfall. Back home, we can paddle our marsh or bundle up for a horseback ride along the James River.
So, I guess the ‘familiar feeling’ is the one that comes from experiencing places and people that keep themselves tied, literally and figuratively, to the land. I’ve tried to keep myself tethered (which at this point means going out in VERY COLD weather with a round bale to feed my cattle and break the ice in the trough) so I’m naturally drawn to places that have that same connection. Maui is definitely one of those spots.
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
The only thing missing ‘stateside’ is that spirit. We need to figure out a way to bottle it up and bring it back to this increasingly divided land, a land desperately in need of a dose of warmth, of consideration and of connection.
Aloha Everyone…
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
photo by Benjah-Photography.com
Thanks for sharing your photos and your insight about the whole scheme of things! Maui is a wonderful place! I went there when I was single, & I hope our family is able to go there some day. It is well worth the effort.
I hope you will get there as well! It was the best place for making ‘memories’ with our children … who, by the way, aren’t actually children anymore but young adults! Truly blessed to have that opportunity!
Thanks so much for sharing all about the family trip to ALOHA. Sounds like you had a great time, and didn’t have to deal with the HOOPLA for the holidays, you take out everything, and a couple weeks have to put all back. HA HA. All is well, and look forward to a safe and healthy 2018 – for you and your family also. TAKE CARE!!
Thank you for the good wishes … and same to you!
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing. I lived in Oahu for 3 years back in 1985. It is the most beautiful place I have ever been. The blue skies, the rainbows and the beautiful flowers!
Lucky you!! Not sure we can give up our ‘day jobs’ for a life in paradise, but just glad we had the chance to visit!
LOVE Hawaii and spent a lot of time in Maui, was in Oahu in May. Hawaii is a magical place, glad you got to experience it!
Can’t figure out why it took us so LONG to get there!! Magical, indeed 🙂
WOW!!! thanks for sharing! i never been there. but its on my bucket list!!
Absolutely! It was on ours as well!
Thank you for sharing, loved the photos. Maybe there is a herb or tow that will help you build bridges and heal our nation. We can only hope and dream.
SEND ME SOME CATALOGS!! I WILL GIVE THEM TO FRIENDS WHO GARDEN AND THEN THEY WILL ORDER FROM U AND USE UR WEBSITE TOO!! THE PRINTED CATALOG IS GREAT WAY TO SELL, ITS MORE DIRECT TO THEM.
TODD FISCHER
1508 LORETTA COURT
BRANDON, FLORIDA 33511
we get rain here most everyday in May, June, July and into August! a shower, not a sprinkle!
Ok, your name is on the list … give us a few weeks and your 2018 catalog should be in the mailbox!
A year ago in February we also spent 2 weeks in Maui. Wowi! I hope you had a chance to tour the AKL Lavender Farm. The road to Hana was another great adventure. It is a world away from my Michigan winter but we have some of the best snow days here. Ok yes I would trade it for life on the beach some of the time. Welcome back and now to plan my next growing season with your help……….
We did the Road to Hana ~ wow! Never made it to the Lavender Farm, so that is for next time! Thanks for sharing your experiences, and in a few short months we can all enjoy our gardens stateside!
I have always wanted to go. It looks
beautiful.
Thanks for sharing