Did you know...

...that the word "honeymoon" comes from the long-ago practice of drinking honeyed wine for one full moon (or 30 days) after a couples' wedding? It's said to give the couple the most fertile chance of having a son.... Hmm...

Mr. & Mrs. Black

After relaxing for a few weeks after the hustle and bustle of our whirlwind wedding bash down in Florida, we're finally headed on our Hawaiian honeymoon this weekend, departing April 29, to spend 3 weeks in paradise ~~ Hawai'i style.

Did you know...

...that Hawaii is situtated very close to the equator, so the sun is stronger than any experienced in the Continental U.S.?

...that Hawaii is 3 hours behind Pacific Time, on Hawaii Standard Time (HST) ~ so 6 hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time?

...that Hawaii is about 2,400 miles away from California - about a 5 1/2 hour flight?

...that Hawaii consists of 7 major islands - the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, & Koho'lawe?

Maui ~~ The Valley Isle

Rich & I will be spending our vacation experiencing the whole gamut of Maui, also known as the Valley Isle.

With a population of about 120,000 and approximately 730 square miles of land, Maui is the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian islands.

Makena ~ South Maui

We'll begin our honeymoon in Makena, on what is known as "South Maui" which also includes the towns of Wailea and Kihei. South Maui gets very little rain & its beaches are renowned for their unabashed beauty. Yippee!!!

Just off the Makena coast is a tiny uninhabited island called Molokini - a well-known spot for snorkelling & scuba diving with its underwater visibility between 100 and 180 feet. We can't wait!! :-)

Hana Hale Malamalama

inside - our cool digs

Maui Prince

Hana ~ East Maui

After getting our feet wet (no pun intended - hehehe) in South Maui, we're headed off the beaten path toward Hana.

Hana stretches along Maui's east coast and is described as "old Hawai'i" - unspoiled, undeveloped, serene & mystical. To get there, you must drive along a long & winding narrow highway, passing through a coastal jungle, by waterfalls, lush growth, and a whole array of natural beauty, all at a snail's pace of about 15-20 mph. It's otherwise known as the Road to Hana.

Rather than making the journey to Hana a day trip, we're spending a few days there, staying at Hana Hale Malamalama, a village-like setting of 6 overnight rental accommodations clustered on a lush corner of Hana Bay. Cool beans!

Front Street is the busy thoroughfare, with restaurants like Cheeseburger in Paradise and oceanfront shops galore. :-) And, we'll be staying at a charming, little bed & breakfast less than a block away from all the hustle & bustle...

Lahaina Inn

Stay Tuned for more!!

Now that we're back and enjoying married life, we'll be sure to post pictures & tales about our Hawaii trip - so do come back soon... It's a work in progress!!

At the Old Lahaina Luau
May 9, 2001