Hawaii

I got to sit in the cockpit of a B757 while we awaited our Hawaii flight in Los Angeles--thanks to my brother.

My brother Gerry rented the Randy Travis estate in La Haina. This is the main house. There was also a guest house and a pool house.

The massive Banyan tree in La Haina is quite impressive. Here you see but one of its many massive trunks.

La Haina is on the west coast of Maui, on the Pacific Ocean. This is a typical view of the ocean with the ever-present palm trees.

We drove from La Haina to Hana on Maui's east side, stopping to see the foamy ocean.

This view of the turquoise waters and craggy coastline also boasts a blow hole spouting.

In the rain forest, we spotted thee whimsical green trees with exposed roots.

Behind one green tree, was a stand of golden cane, its thickness denying passage through.

In the rain forest, we found these rainbow eucalyptus trees with their multi-colored bark and interesting swirling top branches.

The rainbow eucalyptus tree is an evergreen that grows up to 200-250 feet tall. It sheds its outer bark, revealing multi-colored underbark.

Ted and Carmen at Maui's most-photographed waterfall.

 We went to a luau at La Haina. Islanders showed various crafts--here basketweaving. 

The freshly woven baskets came in all sizes, shapes, and colors and were for sale.

For the luau, a pig was placed in this covered pit, where it slowly roasted all day long.

At serving time, the pig was uncovered from the roasting pit and placed in a serving pan.

On the evening of the luau, the sunset was spectacular. A raised stage awaited the performance of the evening.

Dancers entertained throughout the evening, presenting a phased story pageant featuring the hula.

Here's the whole motley crew at the luau--all twelve of us, with our leis, and three dancers giving the Hawaiian friendly "hang loose" gesture. It was a great vacation!!