through the grapevine: Maui: Day four, boat trip, whale watching, snorkeling, luau

We got an early start because this day was packed full of fun. Kate had arranged for us to go on a boat to Molokini Crater, snorkling. Also, it just happened to be whale season. So the boat ride out to the crater was filled with whale sightings. Whale spouts, whale tails, whale backs, even baby whales. We didn't ever see a breach (where they jump) but seeing the whales at all was definitly a highlight of the entire trip.

The boats aren't suppose to get closer than 100 yards and we had to stop a few times. So that gives you a little bit of an idea of how close we were. I got some video of the whales but it really isn't worth putting on the blog.

On the way back we spotted a whale slapping his tail on the water over and over again. He continued doing it for over ten minutes. It was really cool.

This is the picture I got of Molokini Crater. This is on the convex side. The day was a bit gray and cold. The sun came out at times. I was really glad that the wind wasn't as fierce as it had been the day before. The crew said that it had got pretty bumpy out there. I am already prone to seasickness, but Kate brought me medicine and it is a good thing she did. I was even a little nauseous with the medicine.

This is the picture I got off of Google images. Our boat was anchored where those boats are. I did go snorkling for a little. The water was pretty choppy and I am not super confident in the water. But I did see quite a few fish. Most of them you know as Gil, Bubbles, and Dori.

This is the view we were watching quite intently for any signs of whales.

Here is our boat, Paragon II. It is a catamaran. We got back around noonish. So, it was just a nice morning trip.

Back to Kate's where we did our nails instead of taking a nap!!! What! Priorities, ladies! Actually, Kate did my toes and my nails, so the spoiling continues.

We got all primped for the luau. Kate knew some performers at this luau and scored us some tickets. It was really super fun. Here is the pig they have just unearthed. He was tasty, too. There was a buffet dinner and a beautiful sunset. Then when it was dark enough they had the dance performance. There were several different styles of Hula. From New Zealand, Tahiti, the Philipenes, Hawaiian and also fire dancing! It was super fun to watch. We got video of that, too.