We learned to Hawaiian words this week  Makai and Mauka .. Makai means ‘towards the sea’ and Mauka means towards the mountains.   We did both today. We began the day at Makenna beach and when it got too windy to stay there we headed back up to the are of Ioa mountain park.There we stopped at a public park on the river. It was beautiful

and cool.. we hung out on the river just like we might do in Vermont

On the way down from the river we decided to stop and check out a rum bar that  Max a friend of Becky’s and his girlfriend Suzanne had created. It was called Esters.   Great vibe. Max  turned out to be the creator of one of my favorite burning man art pieces ever. The lighthouse. An amazing craftsman. He came down and talk to us for a while

We called (our) Max and Becky to say hi to Maui Max.

and then we went up and saw the new place that he and Susanne are building.  It’s been built in an old gas station. They’re keeping the gas station vibe going… But having to do a huge amount of work to renovated. After seeing with Max did on the lighthouse I know it’s going to be amazing !

Then another really great dinner.. at a fish and chops place that Gabe found on a food blog. Not fancy but good !

nite all, ntite sam

-me

Posts for tonight… I always like to do our kids birthdays is separate post… And today is our son Max’s 34th birthday. What a wonderful human being. Got to talk to him on our way back from the road to Hana drive today…

The road to Hana is a much hyped to do here in Maui… But I have to tell you… It’s not what it used to be. Dianne and I did it 36 years ago on her honeymoon and it was quite an adventure… He drove around the island in unimproved roads and got to see a lot of unspoiled beauty. What it is now is like a carnival ride. There are so many people going down there that  everything you want to see is either at or near capacity… Natural beauty is still there… But you can only imagine what this is doing to the locals.… their roads, their stores, they’re swimming holes are packed with people from out of town.… it’s quite a bit like what’s happening in our town in Vermont…. Like there I’m glad that people get to see this natural beauty… I just wish we could figure out a way of doing it in a more respectful and less overwhelming way like

All that said… The nearly 12 hour round-trip did have its pleasures. We got to see a cool Arboretum, got some very yummy vegan ice cream had a great 4 mile hike to see some waterfalls… But you had to see them from a distance.… And had some really nice pokey on the way back as well as some great views. All in all it was a great day… But  I would not recommend this trip to anyone until they can make it more respectful to the land and to  the local people

thanks to Gabe for doing all the driving on this swervy and packed road.

nite all, nite sam

-me

Today is our wonderful son maxes 34th birthday!… He is such an amazing human being. Clever, creative and kind….   I love seeing  what a great man he’s become and how much fu,   grace and craziness he spreads as he  moves through  the world. I am so proud to be his father.  Happy birthday Mutz . I love you so much !

Niote all, nite sam

-me

Diane and I woke early and took a beautiful almost  4 mile walk on the beach ..  wonderful way to start the day.  the day was open. We all headed down to Makenna beach  which is a little south from here.. beautiful and not too crowded.. it’s below all the hotels.. so it backed up to beautiful forest and cliffs..

.. Sammantha, who has been a great source of “what to do next” ,… suggested the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. .. we stopped for snacks including gummy sushi !

Waihe’e Ridge Trail. . turned out to be an amazing walk up in the mountains.. .  cool and cloudy .

The trail closed at seven so we had to really hustle to avoid being locked in for the night.… Turns out that we made the up and back of the 4 mile trail in an hour or less than the average time.… Makes me really wonder what average means ?!

We ended the day with a wonderful fish meal at the. Paia fish restaurant in Kihea

Slept great with all that exercise

nite all, nite sam

-me