MAUI 2014

Goat with three kids, Kula Maui. Goats are a problem in Maui. They now roam wild and are very destructive to native flora. They are legally hunted for this reason.

Brazilian bananas are the second most commonplace group of banana varieties in Hawaii. Brazilian bananas are commonly referred to in Hawaii as "apple bananas." The Brazilian group includes the dwarf Brazilian variety. Dwarf Brazilian banana trees reach a mature height of 5 to 10 feet. They produce sweet, slightly tangy bananas with a firm texture. Cavendish bananas are the most widely imported bananas to North America, and are the most prevalent variety grown in Hawaii. Around 80 percent of Hawaiian banana cultivars are members of the Cavendish group. These varieties include Williams, Valery, Chinese, Hamakua, and Grand Nain. Cavendish bananas are typically bright yellow in color when ripe. They are sweet and mild in flavor and creamy in texture. Cavendish bananas originated in China. They were brought to England in the 19th Century, where they were cultivated in the greenhouses of the Duke of Devonshire, who gave them his family name. They were subsequently distributed throughout the Pacific Islands by a Christian missionary named John Williams.

Known in the pet trade as Nutmeg manikins, these birds are common on all main Hawaiian islands from sea level to the mountains and alpine regions (on the Big Island). They are native to Southeast Asia and were introduced to Hawaii around 1865. They are also known as Spotted Munia, Spice Finch or Ricebird.

Known in the pet trade as Nutmeg manikins, these birds are common on all main Hawaiian islands from sea level to the mountains and alpine regions (on the Big Island). They are native to Southeast Asia and were introduced to Hawaii around 1865. They are also known as Spotted Munia, Spice Finch or Ricebird.

Purple finch, male. Though not native to Hawai'i they thrive on Maui.

Male, Northern Cardinal, Kula Maui Hawai'i. Cardinals are common in Hawai'i, though not native.

Green Sea turtles, Chelonia mydas are herbivores eating mostly sea grass and algae. They can weigh up to 400lbs. It is estimated that an adult Green Sea Turtle can live to be up to 80 years old if the conditions are right. Females mate every 2-4 years. They are on the endangeres species. They can stay under water for as long as 5 hours, but must come up to breathe. Hawaii has the larges population of Green Sea Turtles in the world. They also have been found in Australia, Mexico, India, and Asia.. In ancient Hawai'i, each family had an 'aumakua, a protective deity. Sharks, owls lizards, hawks or turtles- each symbolizes a different strenght of character. The honu, or turtle, is the 'aumakua of wisdom and good luck and represents longevity, saftety and spiritiual energy.

. In ancient Hawai'i, each family had an 'aumakua, a protective deity. Sharks, owls lizards, hawks or turtles- each symbolizes a different strenght of character. The honu, or turtle, is the 'aumakua of wisdom and good luck and represents longevity, saftety and spiritiual energy.

Myna Birds are not native to Hawai'i. They are very common. This one has a branch for its nest.

King proteas are the largest of this South African native. They thrive on Maui. Anywhere that cut flowers are sold, there will be proteas. There are many species.

Paragliding in Kula Maui from the side of the Haleakala volcano

successful paragliding landing, Kula Maui

The Ne Ne is a species of endemic goose, that is only found in Hawaii. These were on Maui near the summit of Haleakala' Volcano.

The Ne Ne is a species of endemic goose, that is only found in Hawaii. These were on Maui near the summit of Haleakala' Volcano.

Haleakala High Altitude Observatory Site, also known as "Science City," on the summit of Haleakala Volcano has the third biggest telescope in the world.

The Haleakalā silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) is a rare plant, part of the daisy family Asteraceae. The silversword in general is referred to as ʻāhinahina in Hawaiian (literally, "very gray" ). It is an endangered species. The roots are shallow, growing in volcanic cynders, and very sensitive to being stepped on or around. The plant lives to about 50 years. When mature at about 1 1/2 to 2 feet across, it shoots out a 6 foot tall flower stock covered with maroon flowers. After going to seed the plant dies. Wild goats, introduced Axis deer and grazing cattle nearly wiped it out before the park service fenced them out.

The Haleakalā Silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) is a rare plant, part of the daisy family Asteraceae. The Silversword in general is referred to as ʻāhinahina in Hawaiian (literally, "very gray"). It is an endangered species. The roots are shallow, growing in volcanic cynders, and very sensitive to being stepped on or around. The plant lives to about 50 years. When mature at about 1 1/2 to 2 feet across, it shoots out a 6 foot tall flower stock covered with maroon flowers. After going to seed the plant dies. Wild goats, introduced Axis deer and grazing cattle nearly wiped it out before the park service fenced them out.

The Haleakalā Silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) is a rare plant, part of the daisy family Asteraceae. The Silversword in general is referred to as ʻāhinahina in Hawaiian (literally, "very gray"). It is an endangered species. The roots are shallow, growing in volcanic cynders, and very sensitive to being stepped on or around. The plant lives to about 50 years. When mature at about 1 1/2 to 2 feet across, it shoots out a 6 foot tall flower stock covered with maroon flowers. After going to seed the plant dies. Wild goats, introduced Axis deer and grazing cattle nearly wiped it out before the park service fenced them out.

Scenes from the Kula Farmers Market, Maui, February 2014. This farmers market is regarded as the best on the island.. Pincushion proteas have long, thin filament type petals.

Scenes from the Kula Farmers Market, Maui, February 2014. This farmers market is regarded as the best on the island. This vendor was playing a Chinese, bowed, two stringed instrument called a ehru. The sound box has python skin on the playing end. Its characteristic sound is produced through the vibration of the python skin by bowing. This musician had fashioned an 'after market' holder than was suspended from his belt. Note the electrical tape and plastic overed wire holder.

Scenes from the Kula Farmers Market, Maui, February 2014. This farmers market is regarded as the best on the island.

Nasturtium flowers are available as a food source. They grow prolifically in the wild in Maui.

Scenes from the Kula Farmers Market, Maui, February 2014. This farmers market is regarded as the best on the island. The vendors and customers look like they do in farmers markets almost anywhere, except possibly in Maine where everyone wears sweaters and fleece. Nothing organic about that vendor's shirt!

Scenes from the Kula Farmers Market, Maui, February 2014. This farmers market is regarded as the best on the island. Several musicians perform there and sell CDs.

Green Anoles are not native to Hawai'i. Maui has 17 species of reptiles, none of them native.

Green Anoles are not native to Hawai'i. Maui has 17 species of reptiles, none of them native.

Plumeria, the tradtional flower of the Lei in Hawaii, Maui. This was photographed in Pukalani. I have been told that plumeria flowers have distinct frangrances and intensity of frangrance depending on where they are grown. Hanna plumeria are reported to be the best.

The last lava flow on Maui occurred around 1500. It flowed right to the sea from Haleakala. The stones seen here are lava.

Zebra Doves, also called Peaceful Doves or Barred Ground Doves, are plentiful in Maui. The origin of this bird is unknown, that it is not native to Hawai'i. It is believed to have orginated in Indonesia, probably Singapore. They are a small dove and well adapted to urban and rural Hawai'i.

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae grow to about 40 tons and 50 feet. They are endangered and had been nearly wiped out by the 1960s due to fishing. There are about 8000 estimated remaining on the planet. They feed in polar waters, then migrate to tropical waters to breed and calve. Killer Whales eat them in the northern waters. That predatory whale species does not live in tropical waters, which is why calving takes place so for south. The name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to Big Winged New Englander. These photos were taken off Lahaina, Maui on the Pacific Ocean. For a great whale watching experience see http://www.pacificwhale.org/