Return to Alohaland

Greetings one and all! :) After traveling 13 months I have finally returned to Alohaland! :) Maui is my favorite little island in the middle of the Pacific ocean! :) I've had the most amazing homecoming welcome possible. A million calls from my wonderful friends, sunshine, and a MONSTER swell on the North shore! :)

On Maui when the big waves of Jawz graces our island the traffic makes it almost impossible to travel to that part of the island. In preparation for this historic swell a friend and I went out to Haiku Sunday night and slept in our car.

Its like those people who camp out in line for tickets to some music venue or sporting event. Except we were in pursuit of WAVES! The waves of Jawz 2009!

Settling in for the night we tell tales of adventure as we are serenaded by a chorus of confused roosters. Just as we were about to attempted to sleep a security guard informs us that its 1am and the parking lot is closed. Moving on to another spot we snooze until discovered by a couple curious drunks at 3am.

Once again we return to the Haiku parking lot. The roosters were finished disturbing the peace and one Haleakala bike tour company was opened for business. This allowed us to use the parking lot for the second time in this nearly sleepless night. I'd like to give a shout out to Haleakala Bike Co. in Haiku for the amazing Aloha extended to us at 3am! Free coffee and the use of their bathroom!!! :) You guys are No Ka Oi! :) Approaching 4am we were finally able to slip into an uninterrupted slumber.

I woke a little before 7am feeling not so refreshed when a truck pulling a jet ski passed us. Instantly my heart jumped into adrenaline mode truck+jet ski = BIG BIG WAVES!!! I fired up the car and we were on our way!

Arriving at Jawz there was an unbelievable energy in the air. The sonic boom-ish crashing of the waves could be heard from miles off shore. We hitched a ride from a passing truck and in a few moments we were experiencing JAWZ.

I don't think its possible to exaggerate the size and grandeur of the giants passing before our eyes. Wave after wave emerges from the sea. The wonder of this natural phenomenon is enhanced by the fact that there are tow-in surfers charging down the face of these waves. With each one the wide eyed, breathless crowd witnesses feats of superhuman ability.

There was an uncanny unity that swept over all observers. We gasp in terror with each wipe out. We cheer with exhilaration for every surfer's trek down these mountains of water. Our hearts well up with emotion. Do I let the impending tears of elation escape my eyes? Not a chance... I can't miss one second of the wonder before me! :)