Five hours by jet and Maui is in sight. Hawaiian Airlines arrives at 1 p.m. at Kahului Airport. An airy, open airport with a tropical feel greets the tourists. Some arrange a traditional lei greeting, and all feel the exotic vacation excitement. Those of us from drought stricken California feel instant humidity.

Since this is not my first trip to this Island I look for changes. Starbucks, Costco, and Walmart are now here.  Many make their first stop on Maui at Costco, and arrive at the hotel with a carload of goods.  This a far cry from shopping on the Island when we arrived 25 years with our two kids.

The Royal Lahaina Resort which is actually found north of Lahaina, is a perfect location. The hotel is on the Ka’anapali Beach and the ocean view from our tenth floor balcony is gorgeous.

Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui

View from our balcony

Sunset on Ka’anapali Beach

Maui lends itself to many photographic opportunities, so I select my camera gear carefully for this six-day vacation. I take my Nikon D7100 with two lenses: an all-purpose 18-200mm zoom and a 35mm f1.8 for low light situations. I plan to use my small Olympus mirror-less camera for less conspicuous photography.  My Kipling bag, tricked out with a camera liner I made myself, and fits into a regular backpack with a tablet and a hoodie. My small Lowepro bag with 2 lenses also serves as my purse during travel time. My tablet allows me to check my images each night.

Tropical plants around the hotel paths

Poolside activities

Coconut Tree

Which way?

Hibiscus Flower

Gorgeous sand, beautiful sky.

Taking it easy

Another path around Royal Lahaina Resort

Soft colors in paradise

More photographs coming up. Any favorites?