Independence Day- Maui Style

Another real late post, a tehehe. Fourth of July celebrations on Maui on my side of the island concentrate around Front Street of Lahaina. All the store front restauants and shops pitch in for a fireworks show to put on for the families and people of Lahaina. The Street is packed, Mamas and aunties stake out their spot along front street so they have the best view of the fireworks. They set them off over the ocean, which makes it fun to see the reflection on the water during the show. Parking is a nightmare. After finally finding a spot, Toni and I walked down to meet our friends and right when we got there, the fireworks show started. We had our beverages and cameras ready and enjoyed the show together. Nothing much happens on Maui so when a mediocre fireworks show is put on over the ocean, its a big deal for the locals to have something to partake in :) 

We played some games on the beach and headed down to the main part of front street. Through connections we found ourselves on the backside of the major retail store Hurley, whose break room in a lawn in front of the ocean. After eating and chatting more we went down to the bar Longhi's where everyone in Lahaina would eventually end up. The most popular reggae local band called Sounds of Addiction was playing with a DJ spinning some top 40 in between sets. Any holiday on Maui gives the locals an excuse to go out and party all night.

Riding in truck beds in our main form of transportation

All of Lahaina was there

Later Jon and I put on our own Independence Day celebration since he had to work on the actual fourth of July

So we had a BBQ at our place

Played Catch phrase

Our poolside BBQ at night. So pretty

Jon going for a dip

More truck bed transportation

My best friend Toni

Getting the fishing gear

Jon and Toni strolling along

The nice thing about Maui is you can fish anywhere, just set up your fishhing poles, a few bells and have a beer while you wait

Using the resort's left out chair to recline and cruise on the beach

A rather large sand crab

Jon running away

From his midnight ocean wrestling match with my BFF Toni... she won

I imagine Ola screaming "LETS GET THIS STARTED!!!" hahah

Fireworks on the beach

But the cops did kick us out of there after too many noise complaints...

Holidays continue to be different and a new experience for me on the island of unchanging seasons. One thing I will always know though, wine will be involved :) If our month in Italy taught me anything, it's that wine makes everything better. 

Maui No Ka Oi