Maui Monster post part 2

You've been warned. How many photos of someone else's vacation can you really enjoy, we will soon find out! The correct answer is this is way too many.

My personal favorite day on Maui is the day we drive the Road to Hana. The windy road full of hairpin turns is so stunningly beautiful I am in a constant state of awe. We haven't ever driven the full drive, instead preferring to take our time, stop every few miles, swim, jump off waterfalls and explore.

This, by far, was my favorite memory from the entire trip. The waterfall was hidden behind rainforest and river (and a lower more popular falls). We were the only ones there for some time, and I felt so damn thankful I can experience things like this in my lifetime.

E lost his wedding ring at this fall (we think) and it was SO worth it. The water is deep and the pool is huge and you're nestled in this little pocket of paradise right in the middle of the Hawaiian tropics.

The bamboo forest was also magic. I need a new word. But honestly SO amazing.

She's grown up a bit since last time.

We all got matching Hawaiian shaved ice shirts because we're just that cool.

Everyone wore swimsuits because every stop included a waterfall swim.

There aren't many beach stops on the Road to Hana, Honomanu Bay is one of the few, but the black sand beaches and the fact that we had it to ourselves made it worth the stop for sure.

Eucalyptus trees have smooth and almost rainbow painted bark.

So many waterfalls, so many sticks to collect. (Do you see the bigger waterfall beyond?)

Ioa State Park is also a must visit. For some reason we didn't bring swimsuits (??!!) so undies had to do.

But before we stripped down to undies, Juliet explored the rainforest in a rainbow dress. These leaves? Couldn't get over them. I swear I could live in Maui and never tire of it. I'd hike for days and soak in the smell of guavas and flowers.

E loved the fact that we rented a Jeep, and wanted some photos with a nice backdrop. Ioa State Park was the perfect backdrop. Holy crap it's unreal even when you're standing there.

I really wanted to swim in this river, and am not opposed to an underwear dip myself, but decided to pass because there were two other men hanging around. Such a shame. LOL

Our big splurge of the trip had to be sailing on a catamaran out to Molokini Crater to snorkel. While both the kids gave it a go, neither we quite old enough to want to spend much time in the water. That was fine though, they were happy on the boat with endless supplies of soda while E and I snorkeled!

Molokini was incredible, the water clearer than I've ever seen it and absolutely teaming with fish. 

We sailed on this type of boat and everyone loved it. The trip included breakfast and lunch, plus two adult drinks per adult. After Molokini, we stopped at "Turtle Town" to snorkel there, and both E and I saw huge sea turtles.

I relaxed right below the sails on the upper deck and enjoyed this view as we sailed the Hawaiian waters.

These two thought the entire trip was so fun.

And what's a vacation post without some photos of vacation food?

Or dinner views?

Or overpriced Hawaiin drinks in novelty glasses and paper umbrellas?

Eating at a restaurant that overlooked the ocean, there aren't many things better.

Then we'd walk about old Lahaina and finish out the night with shaved ice. Almond, mango, coconut, there isn't a wrong choice on flavors.

One more playing in the waves picture, if you've made it this far, you deserve a medal.

Watching the crabs and the sunset on the last night before we headed home. 

James was my buddy on our flight home, and I asked him for a frown because we were leaving. Apparently looking at your crazy mother frown makes James smile. Good to know for the future.

Honestly, if you read all of this, you're a superstar. Maui, we love you, see you in a couple of years!