Today was our first full day on Maui. Since it was Sunday, we attended morning mass. The church itself was lovely, and packed with both residents and visitors alike. Everyone was very friendly, and it was especially interesting to see how Hawaiian culture was incorporated into the service in both song, and in a special ceremony where catechumens were presented with leis by their family members.

Since we'd had a long day of travel the day before, we decided to stay at the resort and enjoy a first walk along the beach. It was not at all crowded, and even though Sugar Beach is in a sheltered bay, the surf crashes harder here than other beaches I've been to. It is a joy to listen to the ocean out on the lanai or inside the condo with the doors open. I can already feel the stress and tension of everyday life melting away.