A Drive, Wine Tasting & Sea Turtles

Another pleasant day here on Maui had us planning a longer drive to the eastern part of the island. 

With the coordinates plugged into the GPS, we headed out.

Our drive took us to the top of the island where we found the Maui Winery.  It was the route that offered some very nice views.  And the route also took us by the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park. 

Sun Yat Sen Park Maui | Maui Vacations Hawaii Vacation Jon's Maui Info

The misty clouds would roll in and cover us then move on to provide some very nice views of the sea and other islands in the distance.

At the Maui Winery.       Home | MauiWine - Ulupalakua Vineyards

Our focus was not centered on the Maui Winery but it was at the end of our planned drive in the high hills. Once there, we were pleasantly surprised to read about the history and learn more about the flora and fauna that this island offers.  The local wines we tasted (one red Shiraz 2013 and another 2012) were really good.  And three of us enjoyed their white wine too. 

Walking the grounds at the winery

Although quite high up on the island, one can drive to even higher points.

We do have plans to get to the Red Hill Overlook at Haleakala National Park in the days ahead. Situated at an elevation of over 10,000 feet, the views, we are told, are spectacular, especially at sun rise.

The town of Makawao

Our drive back down from the higher elevations took us into the quaint little town of Makawao.  It's here that friends had suggested we would enjoy a lovely Mexican lunch at the renowned Polli's restaurant.  And it was a very busy place when we arrived.  We did get a booth within 30 minutes.  Although so many raved about the authentic Mexican food, I could not agree.  The food was OK.  Jeanette and I have had far better meals in true Mexican places everywhere we've been in Mexico; including Algodones.

Tourists and the locals do like it here.

The highlight of our day was to watch the large green sea turtles make their way onto the beach at Ho'okipa Beach Park, near Maliko Beach.

Watching the surfers from a high vantage point.

There were hundred of surfers waiting for the best wave.

Listening to the pounding surf on the volcanic rock

The green sea turtles are making their way to shore.

Tourists and locals are drawn to the turtles.

These large turtles return to this beach every day for a planned 12 to 14 hour rest.  It's also the place where many will bury their eggs.  With an average life span of 80 years, to witness this event was really a highlight of our trip.

Beautiful sea creatures

So much more could be said about our day but I'll end it here.  The days ahead offer up more travels on and around this lovely island.

Thanks for dropping in.

Mahalo