Maui and Molokai Day 11: goodbye sweet Molokai and more Maui

Part three of our vacation was about to start. Our time on Molokai was short but sweet. I can see how many people love this island. So laid back, it looked like the locals knew each other and care for the island.  It is a great place to just chill and decompress.  There were many friendly smiles, hellos and waves as you drive by.  Lots of empty beaches where you can be alone. It is not an island catering for the tourist trade and I liked that.   I will never forget the Mule ride and Kalaupapa/Kalawao.  The fun at Aloha Friday at the Hotel Molokai was a highlight too.

I walked along the beach by the condo

These crabs were funny zipping around

This is Naupaka. If you ever forget your mask defogger you can crumple up these leaves.  Works great! There is a legend about lovers that were split up and that is why it looks like the flowers are missing a petal.

Somehow I stuffed our things in our minimal baggage. We gassed up the car  - check out the price!

I liked the clouds 

We made it to the airport the regular route this time.  Check in was the same as at the OGG commuter terminal but MKK was much nicer.  It even had a TSA area and tiny shop.

J and R were in row 1 and I was in two.  I got the right side seat this time and I think it was the best views again.  I think both times a regular passenger let me have it.  That's Aloha!

Kaunakakai and the wharf

Remnants of fishpond ponds.  You can see them on Google maps too

Maui 

Honalua Bay.  Next time I'll take a boat there.  I hate the rocky shore!

Wailuku and clear West Maui Mountains

We got another Alamo car (4 days for $76 is pretty good.  Thanks Costco!)  This time we got a mid size Hyundai Elantra that wasn't someone's personal car!.  We made a beeline to the MACC for the Slack Key Festival.  We walked in just as it started.  The kid had his laptop and found a shady spot so he was happy.   J and I parked ourselves in the middle of the lawn. We didn't have any mats or towels chairs but that was ok.  There were a bunch of chairs set up for kupuna.  I wonder if we are old enough for that?  AARP card get you in?

First up was George Kahumoku's "orchestra" made up of teachers and students from his slack key and ukulele workshop last week.  J's friend but she was dancing instead of playing.  

I don't know the line up but the guy on the left is from Kauai

This is Glen Smith and Alaka'i, the Morning Goddess on KPOA.  She's a hoot.

We took turns going for food, checking out the vendors. Turned out we each got hot dogs and sodid the kid!  J got some shave ice and later i got a locally made Popsicle.  I bought a lovely shirt for myself and a festival shirt for J.  There were some wonderful things for sale. But the suitcase can only hold some much (and my wallet stretches only so far).  It was hot hot hot in the sun and the trades weren't enough.  We decided to leave about 2:30.

We picked up our other suitcases and closed out my storage locker.  So easy!

We headed to our next destination in Honokowai, Hale Kai 209.  VRBO 101213. 1 br with loft bedroom and two bathrooms.  It overlooks Honokowai Park.  I've never stayed in this area but it feels like a beach town.

J walked down to the strip mall for dinner fixings.  It was on a Sunday so there weren't many choices without getting in the car.  We made do from the farmers market  and fish tacos.  I noticed it was almost sunset so I went out to the beach.  Lots of conch bellowing at this complex!  The sky showed some very pretty colors, interesting clouds.

Caught up with making notes etc, and went to bed.  Busy day next up ... or so we thought...

Kim