March 3, 2013: Oneuli Beach, Whale watching tour, Bubba Gumps:

Yet another beautiful sunny warm low humidity day on Maui!  Started out with our guests taking their daily morning walk down Kihei Rd.  We had talked about going on a whale watching tour, so while they were gone, I booked us a 2pm tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation.    Again Bill and Sue brought back treats from their walk---this time it was a malasada for each of us.  They actually got them from the ABC store right by our condo.  This is the 3rd time I've had malasadas (the other 2 times on Kauai) and each time they've been very different from each other: first time they tasted like funnel cake; 2nd time cooked but a bit chewy; this time very light and and doughnut like---all were very good.  Ken also cooked a great breakfast of eggs and sausage and toast to go with our malasada.  By the time we were done eating and chatting, it was past 10 and time to get on the road!  There were fishies to see and beaches to check out! 

Our plan was to go to Maluaka.  But that didn't work out. The parking lot was full.  So we headed .3 miles down the road to Oneuli Black Sand Beach.  My book said it was good for beginners when it's calm but at low tide or rough surf it was challenging.  Today it was challenging!  But we only had about an hour to snorkel, so we decided to give it our best try.  It is a really beautiful spot!  Right at the foot of the hill you see going into the ocean in south Maui.

 looking north

 looking south again

 the "black" sand.

Snorkeling wasn't too good there today.  It was a bit challenging getting over the rocky edge, then the surf was so high the water was churning up the sand and making the water cloudy.  But we headed to the cliffs and it did clear up a bit, but we didn't have much time to go too far.  Had to be back at our condo by about noon to get ready for our whale watching tour.

Some of the fish and terrain of Oneuli snorkeling---through not-to-clear water.

Getting out was trickier then getting in, especially with these waves pounding in.

By 1:15 we were on our way to Maalaea harbor for our cruise.  After walking all around the harbor looking for the check in area and asking 3 different places where it was, we finally found it.  Good thing we got there early.  At least we didn't have too long to wait for the tour after that.  Finally the time came for us to head down to the other side of the harbor again in our group to board the catamaran.

At first we were a little concerned.  Seemed like all we were seeing of interest was the shoreline---such as this different view of the windmills.

 Was neat seeing the area between mile marker 12 and 14 from the water.

 Bill getting comfy.  The cat was suppose to hold 100-130 people.  We probably had about 50 people.  It was great to be able to move around from side to side easily.  We stayed in the back and had it mostly to ourselves.

We did finally start seeing some whales.  Unfortunately no breechings. 

 lots of blowing

 here's another tour that was out by us.  glad we were on one that wasn't nearly that crowded!

lots of tails

 and flippers

 the calm water right by our boat shortly before 2 whales came up very near us.

We were told this was a "competition" pod.

 This was the closest any of them came to breeching!  We've had much better luck with whale watching on Kauai.

 But I think all enjoyed themselves.  The weather was great.

 We decided to try heading to Lahaina after the whale watching.  This time we made it.  We headed straight to Bubba Gumps for dinner.

Dinner was great.   I had mahi mahi with the mango relish and a fennel butter sauce.

 Love the decor in the restaurant.  Service was great, too.  I like that when you turn the sign to "Stop", anyone stops and gets you refills or whatever so you don't have to wait for your waiter.  Thought this sign was cute.

We finished dinner about 6, so we hung around by the oceanfront to wait for sunset. 

Not much color again.  Not sure why the clouds aren't lighting up more.

 Was able to catch this sailboat sailing through.

 On our way back to the car, we stopped for hawaiian ices here. 

Got back about 7:30 and it felt like 10!  Another jam packed day, but a great one.  The guests are packed and ready to go for their 11:55am flight.  Sure was nice having them around.  Tried to talk up going to Haleakula or Iao Valley, or somewhere other then snorkeling, but they were content to head to the beach.  I have no complaints!  Coming from a cold wet area myself, I certainly understand wanting to head to a warm sunny beach that I can play in the water by!   Especially if I were only here for 4 full days!