Maui - Day five

We certainly saved the best for last, folks. Today we were up and out of the hotel by 6:30 to take the Road to Hana. Everyone will tell you that this takes all day. When they tell you that, believe them. I was in the car longer today than the flight over here. Seriously. And by the way, let's hear it for the Mazda 3. It has been good to us this week.

Check out the map below for the Road to Hana. Remember, we started in Lahaina. 

And yes. We drove the whole way. I already said we left at 6:30 AM. We got back to the hotel around 4:30 PM. BUT, we saw some amazing things out there.

Lush forests

Random wildlife

The most interesting trees ever - rainbow eucalypti. 

Lava formations

Real cheap pearls - allegedly. I didn't get close to them to check. 

Black beaches

Lava caves

And waterfalls - just gorgeous!

How many miles is this trip again?!?!?

Tonight we ate at Mama's Fish House. Let's see how I can describe it...delectable, amazing, scrumptious, wonderful, delightful, surprising, freakin' expensive, totally worth it, best food I've ever had in my mouth, noteworthy, award winning. That should sum it up. 

For appetizers we had Polynesian Lobster Soup - coconut milk base. Booyah! Polynesian Seared Beef in a grilled papaya - can I get an amen! Entrees were Macadamia Nut Encrusted Pork Loin with steamed vegetables and rice - I just picked myself BACK up off the floor. (We both had that.) And then we finished off with Chocolate Kuau Pie (think chocolate mousse on top of a layer of caramel on top of a macadamia nut cookie crust) and Creme Brulee. Ok - I just drooled. Again. 

Needless to say, we had a blast. It was a great ending to a great week. And I got to see a cruise ship. 

See you all soon. 

Maui - Day four

Things just keep getting better and better around here. After a discussion with the nicest people on the planet last night, we decided to try snorkeling at Honolua Bay today. We stopped at Boss Frog's and picked up some snorkel gear and then we took off up north again. This place was gorgeous. Turns out we had taken some pictures of it during our drive, but this time we were up close and personal.

 

Having never been in the ocean, I was in for a treat! I wasn't ready for the salt water - I will say that. I was caught completely by surprise. Snorkeling is also not my forte. I was a little panicky, but I attribute all of that to it being my first time in the ocean. I did see a few fishes and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Turns out my superior floating skills are very handy for the ocean. I spent a lot of time just floating around. So relaxing and so wonderful. 

After a shower and a quick nap - Mondale is amazed at my napping skills. Tittles can sing and we can nap! - we headed back out for more shopping. We had been doing mostly looking up to now, but today we bought souvenirs for us and our families. It was fun to pick out stuff for everyone. 

Dinner was at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Turns out that the original one is in Lahaina. It lives up to its name with amazing views and equally amazing cheeseburgers. I was the ultimate tourist here - coming away with the souvenir mug and t-shirt. Such a great experience!

I finally got something with an umbrella in it. My cheeseburger! HAHA - I moved it to my Diet Coke later. 

Another great night. Tomorrow we are leaving here at 6:00 AM for the Road to Hana trip. It comes highly recommended and I hope it lives up to the hype. I'm not a fan of 6:00. We are leaving that early though so we can make it back to a 7:00 PM dinner reservation. One more night of blogs and then it's time to come home. So sad. But until then, Aloha! and enjoy your Monday. 

 

Maui - Day three

Holy Toledo, Batman! This place just gets better and better. I've already started my savings account for my next trip. Seriously. If you haven't been to Hawaii, get your funds together and get over here. We truly have not spent that much money since arriving and the trip over was very reasonable. Do it! You will not regret it.

Having no solid plans today, we decided to get up and do a little driving today. I made breakfast again and then we headed out. We headed north. I had only glanced at the map, but from what I could tell, we could drive all the way around the top part of the island. Oh you can, but about 8 miles of it is one lane. (and let's not tell Hertz. We weren't actually supposed to be driving it. Whoopsie!) It was a great adventure! We ran into the greatest little village ever. You just will never experience this anywhere else. The pictures don't even almost get close to doing it justice.

 

  

So, after this literal 3 hour tour, we were back to home base. We stopped for a little lunch and then Mondale let me shop again. :)

After a bit of rest we got ready and headed to our Luau. As if this morning's adventure wasn't enough, tonight's luau was magnificent. Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it. We got there, took some great pictures and then it rained. Those of you who know how I feel about rain can only imagine my mood at this time. No umbrella - no real shelter - my hair is still soaking wet. But, I could care less. Once the rain moved through we saw two gorgeous rainbows, had some of the best food ever and saw a fantastic show. We both left with huge grins on our faces. This is what it was all about.

   

Tomorrow should prove to be another adventure. I'll keep you posted. :)

Maui - Day two

After a good night's sleep, Day Two began. I got up this morning and made breakfast for us. Who wants to spend $10 on breakfast when I can whip up eggs, bacon and toast in no time?!?! I'm really loving having the full kitchen.

After breakfast we hit the streets. Lahaina is an old Whaler's village. It's very quaint and interesting. There are lots of jewelers and art galleries around. Not to mention all the tourist swag. I made Mondale stop at every little store along the way. He's such a trooper with all of my shopping.

I found no less than $7000 dollars worth of merchandise for Ms. Stella, but I held back. She's getting some awesome stuff though. And I sent post cards to folks today as well. I may beat them home, but who cares?!?! I'll also be shipping home the souvies. There's no way anything else is going in that suitcase!

We enjoyed a break under the Banyan Tree. What an amazing place! The tree was planted in 1873 and was only 8 feet tall. Now it shades 2/3rds of an acre and has 12 trunks. Awesome stuff.

This place is really just amazing. I'm shocked at every turn.

We headed back to our favorite dive, Betty's, and had a little lunch.

Afterwards I hit the lounge chair for some time in the sun and a little pool time. Since "sunning" is not on Mondale's important list, he hung out in the room for a while. LOL

Plumeria is everywhere. I've had one in my hair just about all evening and bought a silk one to bring home for the memories. It smells so wonderful. And it grows on trees. In all colors. Lovely.

We finished the night at Bubba Gump's. Now we are back and ready for rest. I'm not sure we've acclimated to island time just yet. We'll probably be used to it just when it's time to leave.

Still having a blast. I can see myself vacationing here again soon.

Maui - Why did I take so long getting here?

Last year around this time, one of my best pals, Mondale, and I were discussing vacation. We had met up in New York in the past and enjoyed vacationing together. We both talked about wanting to go to Maui. Then, almost simultaneously we both said, "I'm not kidding." LOL So here we are, one year later, and we are IN MAUI!!!!

It may be corny to say so, but I have never seen a place so beautiful in my whole life. The scenery is mesmerizing. We are very tired right now as we have been awake for 22 hours, but this is going to be the best week ever. Here's a taste. I'll post all the pictures on facebook.

Weary, but happy travelers.

Pulled over while driving to the hotel for this. Amazing. Just amazing. 

The wind is crazy and the sun is crazy bright, but here I am. 

I hope to post here often with the adventures!