Just when I thought I'd not be able to show you the little videos I made around Maui, I found a way.... YOUTUBE! I'm not sure the YouTube Video Boxes/Links will show up in your email, so it's best to go directly to the Clavier Family Blog page, to view each of the videos. Enjoy.

Surf's Up: Surfer Caught on film

Luau and Hula at the Maui Prince Resort:

Pam and Paul treated us to a Luau at the Maui Prince. Unfortunately it was threatening to rain, so the Luau was moved inside. I think it lost a bit of its "feel" being in a large indoor room, but we were thrilled just the same. We were treated to great music, awesome dancing, and a fine spread of Hawaiian foods.

Traditional Hawaiian Hula:

Maalaea Bay: View from the first condo we stayed in.

Diving with the honu at Molocini Crator:

This video was made by someone else who took a trip to Maui, but I thought I'd post it anyway, since it gives you a good idea of what it's like to dive in Maui. Molocini Crator could be seen in the distance, from where we stayed. We watched dive/snorkel boats come and go all day, and into the night, heading for Molocini.

Red Capped Cardinal:

This little bird was a regular at the condo. I'd never seen one like it before, and it's a cardinal.

Bird Facts:

The Red-capped Cardinal, Paroaria gularis, is a small bird of the family Thraupidae (unlike other cardinals which are in the Cardinalidae). It was formerly placed in the Emberizidae. It breeds from Trinidad, Colombia and Venezuela south to Bolivia and central Brazil. This species is very common in suitable habitat in its South American range, but is scarce and localised on Trinidad.

Sunrise on Haleakala Volcano: Maui

I'd read in my many books on Maui that a "must do" was driving up to the top of Haleakala to see the sunrise. As I was waking by 3-4am each morning, I figured this wouldn't be too much of a challenge. So, one morning after waking at 2:30am, I decided it was time, dressed in the warmest clothes I brought (having also read about the many tourists who reach the summit and find the temperature quite unsuitable for tropical attire and flip flops!) and headed out the door. The crator was only about 30 miles away, but the road to the crator is well known for being the only road in the states that rises as high, as quickly, through the use of switch-backs.

I would guess the temperature was in the 70s when I left sea level. Halfway up the volcano the temperature dropped into the 60s, and continued to drop as I made my way up and up and up through the National Park. I reached the peak, along with many other insane vacationers (who probably had the same guide books as me) from around the globe, and the legions of folks who signed up to ride bikes DOWN the length of the road to sea level!

After my invigerating ride, I hopped out into the dark parking lot and carefully made my way up the two flights of steps to the observation room and outdoor ledge. What I didn't know was the air is much thinner up there. By the time I reached the observation room, I was getting prepared to ask if anyone knew CPR since I was having a rough time catching my breath! Geeee! Who knew!

After finally catching my breath, and realizing just how cold it was (40 degrees F), I made my way to the outside ledge. I heard a man tell someone it would be another 20 minutes till the sun came up, so I made my way back into the shelter of the enclosed observation area. Myself and a dozen other folks stood in this room with our teeth chattering, wondering why someone hadn't been smart enough to open a Starbucks up there! We'd have probably paid double the already high Maui prices for a cup of anything wet and warm!

Finally, the sun began to make its appearance known. When it was all said and done, and everyone's nose to toes were frozen solid, we quickly made our way back to our cars and headed for warmer ground. What I didn't realize till I returned another day with Tony, in the early afternoon, was how I'd missed seeing the actual crator as it was buried under a blanket of clouds. I also realized the temperature was much more civilized in the afternoon!

N Coast of Maui with BlowHole:

Tony, Mike and I made our way around the West end of the island. Mike and I had both read about the blow hole on this end of the island, so we found it on the map. Mike and I decided to hop out of the car and try to make our way to it. Well, as we got further from the car, and tried descending the cliff, it was obvious we were not prepared for such a hike. The wind was blowing full force, and the Pacific was pounding the coastline powerfully.