The Schroeder's

As we continued down the road, our next big stop was Black Sands (or something like that). This is where the lava rock has been ground down by the tide for so long that it becomes like sand. It was pretty cool.

Up away from the beach was a blow hole that blew while we weren’t looking one time and then we sat around waiting for it again but it didn’t happen while we were there (of course). But we did see some really intelligent people, like this guy.

He even made stupid comments like yelling “Hey (whoever), do you have my life insurance card?” and I had the camera at the ready, just in case.  But, alas, nothing happened.  Oh well, guess we weren’t that lucky in that situation.

Closer to the beach front we saw a lava tunnel that led to the beach.  We ducked into one and did the  whole “we’ll take your picture if you take ours” thing with two other people.

As we wound our way around the island we realized it was after lunch time and we were getting pretty hungry.  So we stopped at a place that supposedly was the best of the 3 places to eat in Hana.

Well, if that’s the case, then I have a suggestion for you.  DON’T EVER LIVE IN HANA.

Ordering was an experience, as the woman behind the counter could not have possibly cared less if we were there or wanted food.  They acted like we were freaks for asking if they had sides and the prices were steep for just getting a sandwich (yes even for Hawaii standards).

Somewhat satiated from lunch we continued our trek around the island.  You have a choice once you reach Hana.  You can either turn around and go back the way you came, or you can go all the way around.  We figured what the heck, let’s go around.  The road turns into a 1 – 1.5 lane dirt road for about 30 miles once you get a little ways past Hana.  You’re driving along the side of the mountain with the ocean on your left.  It’s a great view but you definitely have to keep an eye on the road and do some crafty maneuvering if a car is coming from the other way.  Fortunately not too many cars come the other way around the island, most go through Hana first.

I actually found the southeast shore to be more scenic than the Road to Hana because the back side of Haleakala looks really cool.  Somewhere along the road we stopped for a few minutes because there were some whales playing off shore.  Since no boats come around often they were just jumping without regard.  We probably saw them do some almost full jumps 5-6 times and a whole lot of other glimpses of action.  It was awesome.

Now a word to the wise.  When you pass a place on the southeast shore that says “Last stop for 20 miles”, take note.  They’re not lying.  If you have a pregnant woman with you, it’s a good idea to stop.  20 miles isn’t far, but on that road it’s forever.  Erin made it through, but it did involve swerving into a state park so she could run.

Our final stop was at the Paia Fish Market.  It was written up as being pretty good and my sister and Nathan had highly recommended it so we figured it was worth the trip.

I ordered some cajun fish tacos for dinner and Erin got something that had chicken in it I think.  It was quite tasty if I may say so myself.

I took a picture of my dinner but it doesn’t do it justice.

And after a long, long day, we got back to our B&B to crash for another night.  If only the people across the street hadn’t been playing poker that night…