Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. We have no equivalent word in English, which is sad when you think about it.  Commonly ‘aloha’ is used as both a greeting and salutation.  Every aloha is a blessing!  That – I think is wonderful and wish more people understood what aloha-ness means when they say it and receive it.

Maui has her own spirit and sense of place that is quite different from the other islands visited in the past.  I’ve been trying to think of parallels or metaphors to delineate the experiences but they have yet to form.  Maui has a slowness to her and the sense that I was still arriving from the last post has begun to dissipate – but quite slowly and subtly.

I haven’t found words yet for this sinking in and waking up feeling of being here (ok maybe those words will do but there is SO much more – only time will tell).

For now, pictures will tell the story.  Roll over for captions, or click any to open a slide show.

Aloha!

Day 1: Iao Valley, Maui

Day 1: Mother Mary in the Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Gardens

Kepaniwai Park’s Heritage Gardens

Day 2: Happy Kihei sunset!

Day 1: Bamboo Forest walk – Kepaniwai Park

Day 2: – Kihei & Makena

Day 3: My home away from home – a Maui style hobbit village

Day 4: Snorkeling trip to Molokini (sunken crater)

This hangs in my bungalow – good advice!

Day 5: Hiking (part way) Makamaka’ole with Pete & Jeanna

Day 5: Hiking part 2 – the Waihe’e Ridge Trail

Day 5: Hiking part 2 – the Waihe’e Ridge Trail