Christmas in Maui

Dec. 18-26th we traveled to Maui, Hawaii for vacation. We decided this year to take a year off from the traditional celebrations of Christmas and gift exchanges and instead gave this vacation as a gift to ourselves (I know, talk about selfish). We had only been to Hawaii in the sumertime, so when we left and when we returned it was still warmish here. This was much different because we left the rainy, mid 30's weather and went to sunny, low 80's weather. It was so rejuvinating to get some sun rays. We had a very relaxing time. We missed our families on Christmas, but overall liked the change of pace.

Us on our lanai at the Westin Hotel on Kanaapali Beach. We were supposed to have a "mountain view" (i.e. parking lot view) with our good deal package, but when we walked into our room, this is the view we had instead. Well we weren't about to complain.

Even though it was 80 degrees outside, it was still Christmas...

Flamingos in the lobby of our hotel

One of the 5 pools at our hotel

On Christmas Eve we took a day trip along the mountain side and ended with dinner at a well-known Maui restaurant. We visited a lavendar farm on the side of Mount Haleakala. There were many varieties of lavendar, all smelling wonderful.

The cute little gift shop selling everything lavendar you could think of.

We visited the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm where they make all kinds of cheeses. We said hi to the cute baby goats.

We ate a delicious meal at Mama's Fishhouse Restaurant.

Beautiful scenery

We took a hike to see the blow hole. We walked along some gorgeous coastline.

Then we came upon some interesting rocks where water over time had eaten away at the rocks. Me checking it out.

Hmm, what's in there?

Oh, so that's what it does!

Us at the Hula Grill.

Just another Maui sunset

Jacob body surfing

Christmas dinner was eaten on the lanai of our condo unit. Jacob BBQ'd some steaks and we enjoyed the view as we ate the delicious meal. I must say, a much different Christmas than most, but one we'll never forget!