We got island hopper flights on Mokulele Airlines and it was SUCH a fun experience! We rode each way on a nine-seater prop plane. On the way there the plane was full but on the way back there were only four passengers. It almost felt like a private jet. :)
There was no TSA, meaning we could bring full water bottles and things larger than 3 ounces. From the time they called our flight number to takeoff was five minutes. It was so cool! The flight there, Sean and I were in the first row so I could have literally reached out and touched the pilot if I wanted. We got to see the controls and instrument panels while we flew, and the flight there was over sunrise and the flight back was over sunset. It was amazing!
Since it was a smaller plane, we definitely got more turbulence than I have ever experienced. There were a couple times that we were definitely free falling and also getting jolted back and forth. Sean and I both just had big smiles on our faces the entire time. It was so fun! At the end, the pilot turned around and said to us "Sorry about that speed bump!" haha. I am glad that neither Sean nor I are nervous flyers.
We got to Maui first thing Wednesday morning. We grabbed food then headed out to a hidden hike on the Road to Hana that our local friends told us about. It was about 4 miles round trip with significant elevation change. It was through an underbrush trail that then opened up to vistas on the ridge. It required some America Ninja Warrior moves, crawling over and under and monkey-swinging on branches. It was muddy and rugged and was another hike that required ropes to descend the cliff faces. It ended up down at the water and was so incredibly beautiful. On trips like this, it makes me so grateful for Sean's and my health...that we can do hikes like that and not be slowed down by anything. We are blessed!
We met up with one of my closest friend from Junior High, Sam. She lives on Maui and it was so fun meeting up with her at a beach, eating lunch, swimming, and reminiscing. We hadn't really talked much in almost 13 years but it was so great catching up!
The rest of the trip consisted of waterfalls, hikes, beaches, hammocking, amazingly delicious food, slacklining, going on walks, and having really long and deep conversations. Specifically, the 'Iao Needle hike was particularly memorable of the various other places we went. We were able to climb a ridgeline overseeing valleys and rivers, as well as walk around the valley floor where pristine water flowed between ridges. Sean was even crazy enough to go in the sub-zero waters for a quick dip. We sat next to the river and balanced and skipped rocks, chatted, and relaxed.
Less than any other trip I had ever taken in my life, I made zero plans and done zero research. I had zero expectations and just let whatever was going to happen, happen. It was so nice to just "be." I don't know when I've ever been so unscheduled and it was really great for my brain to just detox and completely relinquish all control and expectation. I should maybe do that more often ;)
I am glad that we were able to visit this island and do one more hoorah before we move this May. We still don't know where that is or where we will end up, but we have been blessed to be able to make so much of our time here in the Islands!
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