Aloha, Maui! (January 2, 2026)

We and the Moraga Lewises flew home on January 2. At the Maui airport, our bags were inspected by the US Department of Agriculture. No pineapples allowed?

According to Polynesian myth, the demigod Maui captured the sun at the summit of Haleakala. After the sun promised to traverse the sky more slowly for the benefit of humanity, Maui released his captive. The sun represents life and knowledge.

Ah yes! We arrived on Christmas Day and flew home on January 2. The tree was still up.

We flew from Maui to Seattle, where we changed planes. Then to Austin early on January 3, where the moon greeted us.

Red sand pocket beach (January 1, 2026)

We almost didn't find the very secret Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach) in Hana. Accessed by a steep, slippery trail near the Hana Community Center. Google maps kept taking us to the hidden trail head. Do you see the sleeping monk seal?
 

The Hawaiian monk seal is a critically endangered tropical seal known for its solitary nature. Only about 1600 monk seals remain. The Hawaiian name ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua means "dog running in rough water." We stayed at least 10 feet back as required. This seal sighed in its sleep. So cute!

River really wanted to visit the red sand beach. We did!

More Happy New Year (January 1, 2026)

 At the end of the Road to Hana (actually about 10 miles past Hana) is the portion of Haleakala National Park that contains the Seven Sacred Pools. We took the Kuloa Point Trail for views of the pools and ocean. Swimming in the pools has been banned since 2025. Can you tell which shadow is who? I took the photo.

There are far more than seven pools and they are not technically sacred. The name was coined for marketing purposes. Which begs the question: is nothing sacred? The real name is 'Ohe'o.

Papa Tom and Ryder on the 0.5 mile Kuloa Point Trail. The banyon tree is unique because it is a "walking" forest-forming ecosystem, capable of living for centuries and covering acres from a single seed. The complex system of aerial roots descend from the branches to become new trunks.

Piper in a banyon tree.