Heather Hodges

I had the opportunity to make a few dives while we were in Hawaii this last week. The first dive I did was a shore dive from Makena Beach. The visibility was about 40 feet and the swell was up, but the most fascinating thing about it was that we could hear the whales singing. Sound travels much farther underwater and we were able to listen to the mothers and their new calves.

The next day Wade and I arrived at the marina around 6:30am to take an hour boat ride out to Molokini Crater. It is a half moon shaped volcanic island that is a marine sanctuary under water and a bird sanctuary on the island. The visibility was an astounding 100 feet. Wade could see me diving on the bottom while he snorkeled. We were able to see tons of reef fish as well as moray and garden eels. I kept hoping to see a white tip shark, but nothing. I suppose if I had seen one, I would have had to end my dive early since I would have drained my tank of air in one gasp.

Hang loose.

Spiny Puffer

Moray Eel.

Chasing my dinner, the ulua fish. Very tasty.

The next day, I took a 2 1/2 hour boat ride to the island of Lanai to dive the famous Cathedrals. They are ranked in the top 10 dive spots in the world. I was completely awed by their beauty. These formations are agent lava flows that have now been reclaimed by the sea, coral grows over every inch.

The rare Bandit Butterfly Fish.

I have no idea what the name of this fish is, it was not on any of my charts. Does anyone know? She almost looks like a harlequin.

The Trumpet Fish, which was about two feet long.

One of the many sea turtles (honu) we saw. He was hanging out at the bottom eating his lunch. Usually we would see them either on the surface getting air, or swimming.

The Lanai dives were the best dives I’ve ever been on. If you find yourself vacationing in Maui and have the chance to make only one dive trip, I would recommend the Lanai Cathedral dives over Molokini. As good as the crater was, nothing can compare to the beauty of the Cathedrals. Since then I have dreamed that I was still swimming through the lava tubes and seeing wonders that only few will experience. I am humbled and amazed that I had the incredible opportunity to live that kind of adventure, and to see up close the majesty of creation. God’s power and imagination have never been more clear to me than when I was 70 feet under water diving in the warm waters of Hawaii.

Wade and I returned home today after our “second honeymoon” in Hawaii this past week.  My parents deserve a medal for their willingness to go above and beyond the call of grandparent duty.  Their heroism in taking care of and taming Caleb and Elijah for a week will not be forgotten.  Thanks you guys!!!!

The weather was perfect, while we were there.  Wade called it “weather neutral,” not too hot, not too cold, not too windy, just right.  The water was beautiful, the snorkeling excellent, the food delicious, and the company outstanding.  If it hadn’t been for two little boys waiting for us back home (and two grandparents who would have hunted us down) we would have started looking for an apartment and jobs at the Shaka Pizza Shak.

The worst part of the whole trip was leaving 79 degree weather and arriving in 9 degree weather.  That just HURT, especially since I still had on my Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and flip flops.  Poor planning on my part.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me pull-off this surprise for Wade, I’m in your debt. (R.B. I guess you will take your pound of flesh in a few weeks when we head to Siberia.  Burrrrrr.  Bring it on, I’m ready.  See you soon.)

Makena Big Beach.  The largest undeveloped beach on Maui.

Almost sunset. We were on our way to Cafe O’Lei, our favorite eatery in Kihei.

The last lava flow on Maui erupted out of the side of Mt. Haleakela in 1790.  The area is a still a desolate moon scape after 200 years.

We stopped at the Maui Plantation at the base of the West Maui Mountains and I learned how to make a lei.

My new hand made lei.  More pictures to come of our underwater adventures.

Aloha ! We are leaving for the Valley Isle in the morning. I hope to do a few dives (Molokini Crater and the Back Wall, along with the famed Cathedral 1 & 2 off Lanai.) Wade will devour a no-footnote book a day. We will both lay on the beach, get tanned, snorkel and hopefully come home with charged batteries.

While watching Scooby Doo today, my youngest son, Elijah, told me that I should get “Life Alert”. “How old do you think I am?” I thought. But instead of taking the comment as an insult I chose to hug him and say, “Thank you for caring about me so much.” On the other hand, it is important to know Someone on call when you’ve fallen and can’t get up, no matter how old you are.