Hawaiian Paradise: Maui

 

 

As we begin our journey back to Hawaii, we dream of the beautiful beaches, swaying palms, tropical breezes and incredible sunsets. Hawaii is paradise.

After changing planes in Chicago, we are on our way to the magnificent Maui. As we begin our descent, we see the shimmering blue water, the array of colors of the beaches and ahead of us the mighty Haleakala volcano.

We grab our bags and rental car and off to Kaanapali Beach. After settling into our room and enjoying the beach and ocean view from our balcony we head out for dinner. Tonight, we are dining in Lahaina at Kimo’s on the water.

We have a table upstairs overlooking the ocean and in line to watch the first of the fabulous Hawaiian sunsets we will experience. Our dinner included Kalua pork ribs, lobster topped Mahi Mahi all washed down with a Lahaina lemonade. The highlight of the dinner was a Hula Pie. This is an incredible dessert of macadamia nut ice cream covered with whipped cream doused in chocolate sauce top with macadamia nuts sprinkled on top. Decadent but a great way to begin the Hawaiian journey. All of this while watching the reds, blues, greens, yellows and oranges of the Maui sunset.

The next morning, we are out for our walk along the Maui beach path. It’s a beautiful day! Although the volcano is cranking on the big island, there is no sign of it here. Crisp blue skies and refreshing breezes. We spend the day in the pool and a little time in the ocean. Storms off the coast have tossed up rough surf. The pool works just fine.

Dinner tonight is at The Mill Restaurant which is located on the Maui Tropical Plantation. It’s situated center island on the slopes of the mountains. We head over. Beautiful location with a botanical garden in the front. You wander your way to the back where the open-air restaurant is located. We hang out in the gardens until our table is ready. We have an excellent light fish dinner. As the sun sets, we enjoy magical skies over head.

Another relaxing day in the sun and off to dinner. We are dining at Mama’s Fish House. We skipped this last time we were here. Since then we have heard raves about it. So tonight we dine here.

We arrive at Mama’s which is right on the coast in the direction of the Hana Highway. We valet the car. Enter the property through an arched gate. What a spectacular view. Beach and Ocean and Sky at dusk. The pacific just goes on and on in front of you. We head down the hill to the beach. There is a giant sea turtle napping on the sand and causing a tourist sensation. To the left of the beach is the compound. Flowers, trees and trails greet us at the entrance to the restaurant. The restaurant has been carved from local trees creating a wonderful tropical world. Orchids everywhere. 

Its time to dine. We are seated at table that looks over the beach and out to the ocean. As the sun sets, the beach and ocean disappear from view but the waves continue to lull. It’s time for some blue Hawaiians. We dine on locally caught fish and lobster with some crab thrown in for good measure. Coconut ice cream with Mama’s homemade cookies finish off the meal. We don’t want to leave. The sound of the waves, the light from the torches and the Hawaiian music playing softly in the background keep us in our seats.

The next morning, we enjoy our balcony and watch as Kaanapali beach comes to life. Off to Wailea today for some exploring. On our return we stop at a lunch stand. We have a Lahaina hot dog and an Upcountry hot dog. There is a farm stand next door where we pick up some items for dinner. Tonight, we eat in.

It’s Wednesday and we are in the middle of our stay on Maui. We are headed for Slappy Jack’s for Pancakes. The line is long. Hot spot here on this side of Maui. Of course, it’s Macadamia pancakes for breakfast and off exploring we go.  

We head up the coast in search of the dragons’ teeth rock formations. To get to the shoreline, you past through the sacred Hawaiian burial ground. An ancient spot, discovered when excavating for a nearby hotel, where the native Hawaiians buried their dead. It is now a preserved location.  

We explore the cliffs that overview the dragon’s teeth. Great ocean and bay views. On the way back, we find a small local beach and hang out awhile.

Dinner is at Frida’s Mexican. The location of the restaurant is fantastic. It sits right on the waters edge. Dining at sunset was incredible. Every color of the rainbow appeared as background for the palm trees and boat sails.  We enjoy our dinner as the sun sets beyond the horizon, leaving another glorious Maui day behind. The ocean breezes intoxicate as we stroll along Lahaina’s main road.

 

 

As Thursday arrives, we take the day as relaxation at our great location on the beach. We enjoy pool time, ocean time and nap time. Tonight, we partake in the quintessential Hawaiian tourist activity, a luau. We have reservations at the Old Lahaina Luau.

 

 

As we enter the grounds, we see its another great ocean side location (I don’t think there are any bad locations on Maui!!). There are dozens of tables, some with pillows to sit on the ground and others with chairs, we choose the chairs. We are greeted with a Lei and a Hawaiian cocktail. As we walk through the grounds, there is all sorts of pre-show entertainment. The EMU pit where the highlight of the luau has been cooking in the ground for hours, covered in banana leaves. The photographer takes our photos and we take some selfies. Musicians abound the property.

As if on cue from a movie set or theme park, a full rainbow appears in the sky.  We have seen more rainbows here on Maui in the last week then in the last several years at home.

 

 

 

The buffet dinner is excellent with a wide variety of meat, fish, and side topped of off with Hawaiian desserts. The show Luau show begins. Hawaiian history is the focus and we learn of the culture through music, dance and storytelling. The show was highly entertaining and the evening was magical.

Friday morning, we head to the airport and begin on next part of the journey. We bid Maui Aloha for now and on to the big island of Hawaii.

As we approach the big island, we can see the smoke from the volcano in the atmosphere. This feels different already……….