L is for Leeward Slopes: dry side of Maui

West Maui.

We have been having torrential rain here in the Iao Valley on Maui. They say these mountains are one of the wettest spots in the State and it is proving to be so.
How fascinating to drive to the dry west! I was not prepared for this dramatic climate and vegetation difference. The leeward slopes of West Maui are barren with golden tufts of grass and dwarf shrubs.

We drove the coastal road, the Honoapiilani Highway. As the clouds lifted and moved the volcanic mountains revealed themselves, a moody and lovely scene. We stopped to walk around the historic Lahiana village, buzzing on a sunday afternoon with visitors from the ship out to sea.

H is for Hawaiian: endangered and rare birds

Hawaiin Stilt, subspecies of the common Black-necked Stilt

We popped into the Queen Ka'ahumanu Mall yesterday to find some birds books for our trip here on Maui. Birding is going to be tricky the endemic birds are scarce and in hard to access places.
And endangered.
But the Hawaiian Stilt and Coot presented no problems, we popped out to the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk and the birds were easily spotted. The Wandering Tatler that we saw makes a non-stop 5000 km journey to Hawaii. Remarkable.

A morning on the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk