Back to Maui
by Kimi Werner
Going back home to Maui is so much fun. I’ve been flying back more than ever lately, and each visit home just makes me want to return there for good. I got to spend Thanksgiving in Makawao, and it was incredible. The trade winds were up and the water was dirty, but my dad, Christy, Garrett and I decided to go for a quick shore dive anyway. All my next door neighbor wanted me to return with was a big nenue so that he could make some poke, and all I was hoping to find was a kumu or two. Low and behold, we were both in for some luck.
This is my cat "baby", he loves to hang out while I clean fish.
After diving all day, we sat down and indulged in Mom’s cooking. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The next day, the winds were variables and the ocean was like glass. This ended up being the second day in my whole life I out fished my dad. I’ve been challenging him on a consistent basis since I was about 8. We caught a lot of fish, and these were my largest. A nice weke ula and a 2.5 lb nabeta! (just ounces away from the State fishing record!)
Garrett had to fly out so Christy and I were the only ones left to be my dad’s slaves. His newest chore for us is cleaning the franklins, so that we can eat them….fun. Christy and her franklin
Show me how you really feel Christy.
Pluck away!
I’m trying to think of it like cleaning a fish…
Looks like a miniature turkey
After brining for a day, they are ready to fry, and I must admit they were delicious!
Okay, Day 2 of bottom fishing….dad is back to smoking me. I only caught 3 fish!
I surrendered, and decided to hang out with my mom instead. We head up to Kula to pick out our Christmas tree!
Mom ends up choosing a live tree so that we can use it year after year, and eventually plant it in the ground. Isn’t my mom cute?
While in Kula we visit the property where my parents are building their new house, and every time we go there, this goat has his head stuck in the fence.
He’ll just stay stuck until someone frees him
While I’m here freeing goats, I might as well feed the miniature horses that live next door!
The black goat reminds me of Tonka
Fun day on land…now back to the water. The next day I got to do an awesome dive with some of my maui dive buddies. They shy away from pictures but are super divers and always take such great care of me. Everyone had solid catches and the water was beautiful. We gave away most of our fish before we even got back home. But here’s some of the leftovers.
My parents were stoked because they love mu. We went out for some onos the next day but didn’t have any luck.
Next on the agenda, sailing! My good friend and Nationals’ partner, Andy Tamasese flew over from the Big Island and we set off on a sailing adventure to Lanai w/ some pretty cool uncles. Life is good
Especially when aboard a 50ft catamaran!
Bye Maui!
Hello Lanai!
We chose a nice little place to anchor and sleep at. I love being able to choose our own back yard.
And there’s no better way to start the day than waking up on the ocean!
My bedroom view:
Look at the water!
We ate good food and drank great wine and basically went diving all day. We caught a nice ulua on the pole, and were visited by a very friendly monk seal. The diving was great. With so many fish to choose from we were sure to be extra selective. Here’s dinner!
Mike Spalding, owner of the boat invited his son in law, Kai Bartlett to join us for the second night. Kai and his buddies were bringing his boat from Oahu to Maui and so they dropped anchor for a night and climbed aboard. We had a feast. Fish quesadillas with ceviche with some grilled fresh venision. Delicious!
We all slept well that night. The next morning Andy and I got in a quick dive and then we headed back to Maui. I got to give my family the fish I shot that day…
and my mom went right to work on the uku.
Before I could even sit down to have a piece of sashimi w/ them, it was time to go to the airport. They assured me they’d enjoy it all without me. 
*sigh* I miss Maui already….good thing Christmas is coming up! 
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I’m jealous. Looks like a great time!