Tough Turnin' 40

To celebrate my 40th Birthday on March 3rd, I flew to Maui to relax in the sun and recharge.

This photo is from the Hyatt Regency Resort in Lahaina, where we stayed and enjoyed the pool-side service and awesome views.

The Hyatt is laden with Hibiscus, exotic birds, and even African pengiuns, who make their home in a tranquil spot just past the open-air lobby of the resort.

After beachin' it for a couple of days, we decided to venture out, driving around the northwest shore of the island in the convertable we rented. Twisting winding roads came to one lane paths along with spectacular sights of the lush mountainous terrain.

Here are some photos of that trek ...



All of that driving can give one an appetite, so it was time for a stop at the legendary, Mama's Fish House, in Paia for some fabulous lunchtime ocean front dining. It's all about the food!




One of the highlights of our trip was taking the ferry over to Lanai with my friend and fellow chiropractor, Dr. Stephen Maglente.

A native of the Hawaiian Islands, Stephen is an avid diver and fisherman. He doesn't fish the way you probably think, however.

Equipped with just a snorkel, mask, and fins, he dives in and swims to the bottom to await his catch, usually holding his breath underwater for over a minute.

We grabbed some snorkel gear and set off for Lahina ... no spears, however. The cruise over to Lanai was beautiful. The Humpback Whales were in and surfacing often. Their magnificent jumps only add to their mystique and beauty.

Upon landing in Lahina, I knew this was my kind of place - peaceful, not very populated, and quiet - a perfect spot to spend the afternoon ... and this was our snorkeling spot. The lava rock washed and manicured by the sea had left behind some really cool rock formations. Better yet, we had the beach to ourselves.

Our plan for the day ... snorkel the beach at Lanai and grab some lobsters to take home for dinner. Stephen warned me about sharks in these waters and how to respond if we saw one. You know ... "Don't act panicked and don't make any sudden movements." Ya right!

I was so busy keeping an eye out for sharks, that I wasn't much help in spotting lobsters. Stephen, on the other hand, ventured out a bit and found our prize - a Hawaiian spiny lobster ... and a big one, too!

After soaking in the sea and relaxing at the beach, we packed our new crustacean friend up for the ferry back to Lahaina. We popped in to the Lahaina Fish Company where I coerced the manager to cook up our catch. We ordered steaks and the chef outdid himself on our lobster. The other patrons were jealous as the waiter paraded the plated fresh lobster and we were in our glory.

A perfect end to a perfect day in Hawaiin paradise.