Relaxing at Papalaua Beach Park

Since today was originally to be spent hiking and relaxing at Polipoli Springs State Park, we decided to do pretty much the same thing at the beach park where we actually ended up. However, we also needed to make a run for supplies. So we headed to Kahului for that, but then came right back. Because…beach!

As usual, I woke first. One of the neighbors was tending his fishing lines. Keith had been laughing about them the evening before, because this was clearly not a place to fish successfully—at least, not with a rod and reel! (The natives used nets.) However, I had to explain to Keith that a lot of straight men use "fishing" as an excuse to get a little time to themselves, away from the womenfolk. Catching anything is actually irrelevant.

The sun began to light the sky beyond East Maui.

The ocean was calm (I've never seen it otherwise at this spot).

In fact, it was perfect for snorkelers who set out to view the reef just off the beach. (That's why the water is so calm.)

I recognized acacia trees from home, where they are an invasive species; and I wondered if these were, as well? But it turns out these are Acacia Koi trees, a relative but endemic to the Hawaiian islands. Most plants here are soft, but Acacia Koi have nasty thorns. So beware!

So, without other showering options, Keith and I visited the local YMCA for hot showers. We then made our stop at Long's Drugs, which is located in an open shopping center. Even though this wasn't a special day, they had a group performing traditional Hawaiian music and dances, right there.

Once we got back, we chose a slightly different spot and set up our chairs right away. Dibs on shade!

I decided to go swimming. (Keith is less of a fan of getting wet.) I wanted to make sure Keith could get pictures of me in the water to prove I did it. That meant pre-focusing the zoom lens on my DSLR. To test it I took the below snapshot of a tattooed couple who happened to be in the water.

When I went swimming and Keith raised the camera, the couple—who had noticed and possibly had the hots for him—kept trying to photobomb me! They also kept smiling at Keith. What can I say? They had excellent taste.

Regardless, the water was excellent.

What does one do when one is sitting on a beach for hours? I saw some people reading; many on their cell phones. But everywhere I looked, there was something interesting going on: boats going to or returning from tours; shifting clouds; the rising and falling of the waves. Boredom? Didn't see it anywhere!

Across the bay from us, to the left of Koho'olawe, was a tiny islet just on the horizon. That's Molokini, where we will soon be snorkeling. (And, yes, Keith will have to immerse himself in water to do that!)

By the way, let me point out Keith's and my footwear. Flip-flops are the nearly universal footwear in Hawaii (they call them "slippers" here) and Keith and I brought Tevas. But I also saw these "water socks" online and, since they were cheap, thought I'd try them. It turns out they are so comfortable on a beach. They don't let sand or rocks get inside, and provide enough sole protection for all but the most challenging terrain. We even wore them shopping; it was like being barefoot.

And then the Sunset Show came on!

And, yes, we didn't let nightfall interrupt us. I got an improved (over last night) pic of Wailea's lights.

Keith wished everyone on Facebook a good night. Then we hit the sack, again with doors open to allow the sea breeze in.