We're in Hawa'i! This morning we got up *early* (6am local time) and hiked a mile down the beach to what's considered "the best beach in Maui", aka Black Rock aka Puu Kekaa. First thing I saw in the water were two large sea turtles!! I waved frantically to Tim, and he swam out to me where he got to see one (the other took off). There were only about 6 people in the water at this point, so there were tons of fish and visibility was clear too. I swam with the turtle for about 15 minutes until he finally led me out to deep water and disappeared into the depths (I swam back towards shore; I'm a good strong swimmer, but not a stupid one). I went back to shore to get the underwater camera (yes, I forgot it first thing and missed photographing a turtle) and took a few pictures -- kept trying to get close enough to snap a pic of the spotted pufferfish (aka blowfish) and Tim joked I was like Ahab with the thing.

Tim finally dragged me out of the water, and we dried off and watched a film crew set up (not sure what they were filming, but the plot involved a barefoot walk along the beach, with the actor finding "something glinting in the sand"; I felt bad for the lackey who had to bend over and hold the thing in the surf until they were ready, so it wouldn't wash away). A mile hike back to the hotel, followed by a nice clean shower. No more salty hair, hooray!

We went to the Old Lahaina Luau last night, and I actually got some decent pictures, which I'll try to post at some point. Tim was bummed they didn't have fire dancers, but we'd heard this was the most authentic and thus, no glitz and glam. Pooh. We'll try to catch some poi that doesn't involve taro root at some later point.

Gotta go eat breakfast! Aloha!