Looking across Maalaea Bay, evidence of the drought affecting the South-Western side of Maui, a stark contrast to the lush green rain forest on the Eastern side. This is also a perfect whale watching area. Emilia and I drove along the Honoapillani Highway, which leads to the Forbidden Road, as the rental car companies call it. One lane road with boulders falling down, not for the light hearted, but well worth the trip.

A quiet sunset on the beach near North Shore, Oahu. We were in search of green sea turtles, but found none. The rains obscured the final sunset but made for some interesting views of the storm passing out to the ocean.

When entering Haleakala National Park on Maui, this helpful sign provides visitors the first hint of what is to come. We passed through several layers of clouds on the way to the 10,023 foot summit. Although the crater was engulfed in clouds, we did have a magnificent view of the coast and the Big Island. Rental car companies warn you about taking their vehicles up this road and state that you must use low gear when descending. The mini-van in front of us on the way down used their brakes the entire way, we could smell the brake pads burning.

Sailboat and a surfer caught in the last rays of sun off Waikīkī Beach in Oahu.

The `Ohe`o Gulch is located beyond the town Hana along the Pi`ilani Highway in East Maui. Also known as the 7 Sacred Pools of Kipahulu, the National Park Service is restoring the original name to the area as it has more than 7 pools and was never sacred to early Hawaiians. The Road to Hana takes 3-4 hours, each way, from the port town of Kahului and can be very treacherous, but well worth the adventure.

Emilia and I are on our honeymoon in Hawaii. This is from the West end of the island Oahu.

Birds taking in the last light at the Black Sea in Romania.