Being from a cold northern climate, we were determined to find a second home in the warm tropics, trading a snow shovel for snorkeling gear.

Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s climate, especially in sunny South Kihei, is exactly what we were looking for - warm days and nights with occasionally light trade winds.

Now one of our favorite pastimes is to swim and snorkel in the warm sapphire blue ocean, across the street from our door at Kamaole III Beach Park - though sitting on our lanai and watching the spectacular sunsets and the whales in season is a close second.

Our Master Bedroom also has a lanai with a great view of the ocean. We have air conditioning, but using our ceiling fans means we can fall asleep listening to the waves wash gently against the shore.