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I went to Maui

June 7, 2014 By Jennifer 1 Comment

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“Adventure is worthwhile in itself,” she said.  The daring woman who flew solo across the Atlantic when the whole world doubted her, the inspiring woman who dared me to dream big and live large, the female aviator Amelia Earhart.  Hers was the first biography I read as a newly inaugurated bookworm and hers is the lifestory I still marvel to study.

Adventure is in my blood.  Adventure kickstarted the international romance that landed me in Canadaland.  Adventure defined our roadtrip honeymoon.  Adventure took us to China.

Fitting, then, that we explored the desert, jungle, rainforest, volcano, ocean, beaches, and cuisine of Maui in commemoration of our second wedding anniversary.

When we showed up on the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii, I was expecting my trip to be all about the beach and the ocean.  Oh, was I mistaken!  The island is brimming full of culture, experiences, and landscape begging to be explored.

And the best part?  There are so many beaches on Maui, there were many times we had the WHOLE BEACH TO OURSELVES!  (Insanely unlike my experiences on the North Carolina coast where you tiptoe between beach blankets to claim a plot of sand.

We booked a Condo at the Aston Papakea with an ocean view.  We explored/swam/played hard during the day and then made supper for ourselves each evening. No lines, no waiting, no crowds.  (The money savings was also a perk. :-P)  I especially loved taking my Kindle out to the ocean to watch the sunset and then settling in on a lawnchair listening to the waves crash against the shore, watching the stars twinkle overhead, and relishing in the cool ocean breezes.

Despite spending the entire week outdoors, we both managed to avoid sunburn (and use an ENTIRE BOTTLE of sunscreen) . . . until I went snorkeling with the sea turtles for two hours and fried my back . . . and then the next day John went surfing all day and fried, too.  We get accolades, right?

I’ve never just gone to one place on vacation. I’ve always traveled to see relatives, or roadtripped place-to-place, or spend a weekend away at a time. Moving into a hotel, unpacking my suitcase, and settling in for a whole week in one place on holiday was a novel experience, but definitely worth repeating.

However, I’m not sure we’ll go back to Maui.  The world is too full of amazing experiences and destinations; we need to enjoy more of the world before we go back to the same place. (Though…we will be so glad when we can!)

 

Things to do on Maui

The Pacific Whale Foundation’s Molokini Wildside Snorkel Tour was hands down, absolutely, by far the highlight of my trip. We paid the extra pennies to avoid being on a boat with 86 other snorkelers, and instead had a cozy day with 14 other passengers, fresh grilled lunch after our snorkel, and two (almost three — if the manta ray’s had been spotted!) locations, LOTS of sea turtles, fascinating education, and two of the best naturalists I can imagine: our leaders Dana and Jackson were extremely knowledgeable, graciously personable, and delightfully helpful.

Going into the tour, I was mostly excited about getting a day of boating on the ocean.  For me, that was the point. Oh, that was far from the point.

We bounced along the waves for about an hour before arriving at the crater Molokini. I put on my mask and fins, jumped into the water, and the choppy, reflective waves were transformed into a bower of color and adventure and A WHOLE LOT OF FISH!  My face went into the water and in the first three seconds I saw a pool of about 200 hundred multi-colored fish to my right and a large rainbow-irridescent fish to my left.

Insert shock and awe here.

We won a free seat on the bus for the Road to Hana Tour with Polynesian Adventure Tours, so decided to spare our marriage a day of stress and strain along windy roads and uncharted territory and bought a second seat for a twelve hour ride through the rainforests and desert of Maui.  We started with breakfast at Whole Foods, continued on to Hana where we stopped for hot lunch at a ritzy resort, and then jumped into the waterfall at the Seven Sacred Pools on the outskirts of Haleakala National Park, circled the gravel roads into the desert to a Winery & Country store (ICE CREAM!), and finally made it home at 7pm.

Definitely worth the money (especially since we only bought one ticket — I’m not sure we would’ve done it otherwise) to have a tour guide sharing Hawaii history and culture while we spun around the island.

 

We spent a day hiking the Waihee Ridge after finding directions to the trailhead online and then having the plan confirmed enthusiastically by Travis of Expedia Local Experts.  The hike wasn’t an easy stroll, but most of the vertical climb happened in the first ten minutes while trudging up a cow chute.  It remained steep throughout the hike, but the views made it worthwhile — ocean, valleys, mountains, waterfalls. All in one fell glance.

I had heard that going to the crater of Maui’s Volcano was a definite must, but I didn’t expect the 10,000 foot drive to be quite so varied in landscape and scenery — and I definitely didn’t realize I volcanic crater would be so multi colored and beautiful!
















Inspired by Jete’s tutorial over on Urban Fig, I tried my own swaying-palm-trees photo.  Unfortunately, I didn’t stretch to full capacity on my shutter speed (hand-held limited me substantially) and I didn’t have much light pollution down on the quiet side of the island, but I LOVE this representation of the stars and moon and swaying trees that defined my cozy beachside evenings. (Nikon D700 at 2 seconds at f/4.5 and ISO 2500).


The cell phone photos of the island:

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Comments

  1. Jete Devisser says

    June 9, 2014 at 3:35 am

    LOve the pics!! Looks like you guys had an absolutely amazing time!! And you really did explore the whole island – thats so rad! And u seriously shot that 2 second exposure handheld?? #youshouldbeaneurosurgeon

    Reply

About Jennifer

Hi! I’m Jennifer and I’m a wedding photographer based in Abbotsford, BC serving the Fraser Valley. I’ve photographed weddings for the last eight years and built my business while working a desk job and living in North Carolina. Since marrying a Canadian and moving to the Fraser Valley I’ve fallen in love with the perfect wedding backdrops: lovely winter raindrops, glorious Pacific Ocean sunsets, and magnificent evergreen mountaintops.

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Why Jenni Marie Photography?

Jenni Marie Photography is for you if...

- Are in love with a great man
- Aren’t afraid of a little rain
- Want great photos filled with real life and emotions
- Know you are created in God’s image
- Love juxtaposing rugged adventure and femininity
- Celebrate marriage, not just the wedding day
- Don’t accept norms “just because”
- Think outside the box
- Believe in the beauty of a foggy day
- Find art in everyday life

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Jennifer is phenomenal. She loves weddings so much, and her experience allows her to anticipate the best shots. - Christina
2016-07-09T20:17:00-07:00
Jennifer is phenomenal. She loves weddings so much, and her experience allows her to anticipate the best shots. - Christina
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/christina-casey-2/

I had my wedding photos within a month of the wedding and was BEYOND pleased with her work! - Jenna
2016-07-09T20:17:38-07:00
I had my wedding photos within a month of the wedding and was BEYOND pleased with her work! - Jenna
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/jenna-brad/

Jenni Marie captured my wedding’s every detail and created a visual archive of memories just as beautiful as my own memories of my wedding day. - Joanna
2016-07-09T20:18:26-07:00
Jenni Marie captured my wedding’s every detail and created a visual archive of memories just as beautiful as my own memories of my wedding day. - Joanna
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/joanna-peter-2/

Her photos are perfection, and her talent is rivalled only by her beautiful soul. -  Ashley
2017-06-06T19:27:30-07:00
Her photos are perfection, and her talent is rivalled only by her beautiful soul. -  Ashley
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/ashley/

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Instagram post 2340141394864953984_49906028 Speaking of impressive views.... this is my favourite spot.⁠ ⁠ But ever since hubby bought a new truck he is hesitant to have it driven up there. Something about not wanting to scratch it yet. Understandable, I suppose, but I guess I need a 4x4 all my own. Any suggestions?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2338764808000930173_49906028 Pssst. I have many favourite wedding venues in the Fraser Valley, but this one has such impressive views I can't even stand it.⁠ ⁠ @americancreeklodge⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2337407766928557557_49906028 What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing some of my favourite photo tips and ways you can improve your own photographs.⁠ ⁠ We've talked about how to be smarter than your camera, we've talked about how to pose for more flattering photos and more natural smiles, we've talked about how to compose intentional photos.⁠ ⁠ (If you missed it, follow along at #jennimariephototip.)⁠ ⁠ BUT ULTIMATELY, the goal of truly exceptional photography is to follow the light, work with the light you can find, and utilize the light you see.⁠ ⁠ So.⁠ ⁠ What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #lifeofadventures #letswander #roamtheworld #visualwanderlust #stayandwonder #portraitpatrol #creativeportrait #fraservalleyadventurist #takeabreak #marriedadventure #photographerlife #meetthephotographer #fraservalleyweddingphotographer⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2335123837925953107_49906028 Here's my final #jennimariephototip for achieving natural smiles in photos: BE GENUINELY HAPPY.⁠ ⁠ It's not always possible to eliminate stressors of life, but as much as it is possible a photoshoot needs to be a happy experience showcasing your genuine happiness.⁠ ⁠ If I can be dramatic, THE NUMBER ONE TIP is to stop stressing about how you look and instead focus on how happy you feel.⁠ ⁠ Yup, that's right. Ignore appearances and focus on happiness.⁠ ⁠ During your photoshoot with me, it'll be easy: you'll be laughing at and with me and won't have time to worry about whether your smile is going to your eyes or not. I will make it fun, easy, and fabulous.⁠ ⁠ But.⁠ ⁠ If you can't let go and just laugh, if you're too nervous about your appearance to enjoy the forced make out session (aka date with a paparazzi), if you're scared to trust me (I have never had anyone NOT laugh during a photoshoot with me!), then it's going to have to be mind over matter: FORCE yourself to stop stressing and make every effort to let go of the tension and just be happy. ⁠ ⁠ If you want to look happy, you have to be happy.⁠ ⁠ End of story.⁠ ⁠ <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway #herecomesthebride #marthastewartweddings #huffpostweddings #marthaweddings #springwedding #tohaveandtohold #aislestyle #weddingbliss #weddingsofinstagram #bridetrends #weddingchics #realweddings #huffpostido #justsaidyes #myweddingbee #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #canadianwedding #vancitywedding #weddingwirecanada #bridetobe
Instagram post 2333623434294589707_49906028 For truly natural smiles, I remind you: it's all in the eyes.⁠ ⁠ Smize.⁠ ⁠ Smile with your eyes.⁠ ⁠ Let your eyes smile.⁠ ⁠ I don't care how you say it, just let the happiness make it to your eyes.⁠ ⁠ ALSO: this photo is almost two years old and I still love it just as much as ever. <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2332979113734537523_49906028 For the more extreme "Chandler smiles" (unpopular opinion: that's the one episode of "Friends" that I laugh at . . . ), I can only suggest one final technique: make him laugh with whatever means necessary. ⁠ ⁠ Even if it means tickling. ⁠ ⁠ I will admit that my own hubby doesn't have a very easy time of letting natural smiles happen in front of a camera. With as much as photos are part of my world, being photographed isn't his favourite thing and we make it as fun (and fast!) as possible.⁠ ⁠ We take a lot of photos together, yes, but this one from a couple years ago by @sherriprestonphotography I remember distinctly because I am very covertly tickling his side to get that very genuine smile and laugh.⁠ ⁠ So maybe that's the only way to get a real smile...and that's okay.⁠ ⁠ At least you're sure to create a memorable moment!⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip ⁠ ⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway ⁠ #phototips #photographyhacks #photographyideas #photographyislove #nikoncanada #canada_gram #lifeincanada #photographylessons #learnphotography #photographytips #photographersoninstagram
Instagram post 2329990227858230526_49906028 To continue the conversation from yesterday: pandemic life is not easy on relationship and family.⁠ ⁠ But. While it's important to acknowledge the struggles, it's also valuable to play Pollyanna and find blessings in the raindrops, gratitude in the storm. ⁠ ⁠ Is there something you can be thankful for BECAUSE of this season? ⁠ ⁠ I could complain for hours about the border closures and mandatory quarantine that has kept my newborn-ish daughter from seeing/meeting my family that all lives in Americaland (and sometimes I do :-P)⁠ ⁠ OR ⁠ ⁠ I can celebrate that a forced longer-than-planned maternity leave (my spring/early-summer weddings have been postponed) have granted me the opportunity to just get to know my girl, unrushed and unscheduled.⁠ ⁠ So there's my encouragement/challenge for you: play Pollyanna when you can, but take time to grieve when you need to. And, most importantly, give yourself and your spouse/fiance grace upon grace upon grace.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2329249062187390470_49906028 A global pandemic is NOT normal relationship strain.⁠ ⁠ Ha. Like, understatement of the year. Yesss, marriage takes work and yesss you'll face hard stuff many times in your marriage BUT the all-encompassing strain of a pandemic should not be underestimated. It's mental and physical and emotional and financial. It's inside your relationship, it's outside your relationship, it's coming from friends and family, it's coming from media, it's literally everywhere and affecting everything. I can't think of any other strain in a relationship that would be THAT all-encompassing. So give yourselves a LOT of grace, okay?⁠ ⁠ I wrote that in an email a few weeks ago to an overwhelmed bride and I've been pondering the reality ever since.⁠ ⁠ Pandemic life has uprooted all sense of normal, created an all-encompassing season of grief, forced plans to change on every calendar (calendar? what calendar?) and created a perfect situation for strain and pain.⁠ ⁠ This is NOT normal. ⁠ ⁠ So, what can you do today to bolster your marriage and strengthen your relationship to weather the storm? ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2327827676307304491_49906028 I love wedding details. <3 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #langleywedding #vancitywedding #vancitybride #vancouverbride #realcouplesofBC #realbridesofBC #bcwedding #langleyphotographer #embracehopeBC #weddingwirecanada #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #thefraservalley #fraservalleywedding #explorefraservalley #bcweddingphotographer
Instagram post 2327133089304562922_49906028 NATURAL SMILES: don't look at the camera. The easiest way to freeze into a blank smile? Staring at a black box. The best way to relax into a moment filled with genuine happiness and sincere smiles? Look at the person you are with. If you've ever been photographed by me, you've seen me create moments where you're naturally looking at one another and laughing. I will ask a silly question, for example, and suddenly you're looking at one another trying to answer it and...voila! ... its a genuine smile. So if you're trying to get a natural smile, look at someone you're with for a sweet, memorable moment. OR, you know, smile away from the camera for a minute and then come back to the frame for a moment of candor. (Fact: I'm not on a beach in Spain right now. But if I were, I wouldn't be six months pregnant like I was in this photo. 😂 If that isn't a testament to the power of knowing your angles, I don't know what is.) #jennimariephototip
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