I spent eleven days exploring the island.  My son and my daughter-in-law live there.  They took me all the way around both parts.  We hiked.  We laid on the beach.  We ate scrumptious hamburgers at several different places.  They showed me the best of what they have discovered so far. I even got to fulfill a long time dream to see Pe’ahi (Jaws) breaking and surfers riding it!

Waterfalls, bamboo forests, cliffs dropping into the sea, whales breeching just off shore, beaches, volcanic mountain sunrise, high ridges with muddy trails, a beautiful luau.  Yes.  I experienced all of these and more.

But, the best part of my trip was time with my children.  Seeing how they live and interact with each other.  Hearing them plan what they wanted to do with me.  Her patiently taking photos for me. Him patiently coaching me through the physical challenges of our adventures.  Watching him help her look for sea glass at every opportunity.  Watching her do her daily tasks making their home lovely.

Yes, my favorite thing about Maui is the two of them.

I was glad to go and hope to go back.  But, I was glad to come home.  I missed him.  He doesn’t think I did.  I kept myself busy reading when we were at home and not sleeping.  I kept waking up on the wrong side of the bed wondering where I was.  I am very happy to be back with the one I love more than breath.  I love our adventures together.  I love our simple, beautiful life together.  No tropical island needed.