Frame for Gallery 6

Old Lahaina Lu'au, Maui click pictures for larger views; click browser BACK button to return here
The Old Lahaina Luau is reviewed as the most authentic luau in the islands. It is part dining, part entertainment, part education. Local artisans give talks about the historic crafts before dining begins.	The main course is pit roasted pig, complete with a ceremony to remove the pig from the pit.
While dining, there is live traditional Hawaiian music.	At dusk the hula performances begin.
Hula was performed by individuals and by groups. The foot movements are very involved in hula.	The chief.
Early hula.	Middle epoch hula.
Later hula.	It was very interesting to see how the hula, chants, and songs had changed as the Hawaiian Culture moved through the decades.

Maui Ocean Center, Maalaea, Maui click pictures for larger views; click browser BACK button to return here
One fourth of the center is composed of darkened halls with small (~4 foot square) aquariums. Each with a different theme and a descriptive plaque on the wall. You can also rent an audio tour. It plays a description as you visit each display. This display is of the upper coral zone. Sunlight is actually shining through the open top of this display.	This is a lower coral zone. The diminished sunlight causes the blue tint.
This is a display of star fish. Not the usual ones we see on the beach.	About one fourth of the center is the outdoor displays in the central courtyard. Many of these displays have side windows for viewing. This is the window into the Green Turtle tank.
In the courtyard of the center, with the open air displays, is this very artistic fountain.	Jelly fish are presented in a column tank. The room is darkened for the jelly fish's benefit. Fascinating to watch them float up and down.
One fourth of the center is the Hawaiian Aquarium. It explores the relationship of the ancient Hawaiian peoples and the ocean.	The walk through the viewing tunnel in the large aquarium tank. Most impressive. The aquarium is designed so the fish are constantly swimming over the top of the tunnel. This offers rare views of the undersides of the sting rays.
The final fourth of the center is devoted to whales. It is almost all interactive that explain whale behavior and whale research methods. Most entertaining and educational.

William Owen Smith Banyan Tree, Lahaina, Maui

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Planted in 1873 by William Owen Smith, this one single banyan tree covers one full square block. It is located next to the Old Lahaina Courthouse building, now the cultural museum. Over the years the tree has dropped stringers to form secondary trunks and the city has also installed support poles to keep the branches from breaking.

South Pacific Kayak Tours, Kehei, Maui

I did not have one of the single use instamatic cameras with me, but I wish I had. Since I do not have the photos, I will need to paint you a word photo of this most special trip. South Pacific Kayak Tours signature tour is to a 4 hour kayak paddle down the coast. You stop at The Aquarium and at The Fish Bowl for snorkeling. Both these sites offer the best snorkeling I experienced on this vacation. I refer you to the narrative for details.

Ulalena Stage Show, Maui Theater of Myth and Magic, Lahaina, Maui

Photographs during the show are not allowed. However this was such a special event, I wanted to include a reference here. They do maintain a website with photographs and audio. I also refer you to the narrative for more details. This is the one event I would recommend for everyone if they are on Maui.

Puu Olai, Kehei, Maui

Java support needed. Please upgrade your browser to see the 360 degree panorama. Shortly after sunrise from the top of Puu Olai. From here you can see the coast of Maui, Big Beach, Kaho'olawe island, Molokini island, and the second cinder cone of Puu Olai. Sitting on the summit and watching the sunrise was quite a treat.
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