OT - My Holiday in Maui

[snapdragen]

10/19/05

Woke up at the crack of dark and got ready for my trip to Molokai. Too bad it’s not until tomorrow! Had breakfast at the Pioneer Bar and Grill, then took off in the car. Drove over to Kihei first, not nearly as overbuilt as Kaanapali, I’d consider staying there next time. Then drove to Haiku – but wasn’t much to see, it was still pretty early. I figured what the hell, and hit the highway to Hana. Such a fun drive, lots of twists and turns. I didn’t have any guidebooks or maps; I’d pull over when I saw other cars stopped. I’d usually be rewarded with a great waterfall or view. Got caught in one small downpour; it is a rainforest after all. Hana was very quiet; I think a couple of days would be the maximum I could stay there. I would like to explore it more though.

On the drive back I stopped at an overlook and watched the surfers for a bit; then I headed home to Lahaina. Dinner at the Front Street Grill and Bar – grilled Mahi-Mahi with rice and Mango salsa. Still don’t like mangoes.

10/20/05
Finally got to the correct day for my trip to Molokai. I think this was the highpoint of the trip. The ferry crossing was uneventful; we were given a continental breakfast, half a muffin, some fruit and juice. We were met at the dock by Van – our guide for the day. He is a native born Molokaian – and very proud of his home. First we went to the Kalaupapa Lookout. 1600 feet below is the village of Kalaupapa where the worst cases of Leprosy were sent; essentially to die. Father Damien arrived in 1873 and stayed; caring for the people until his death.

By the lookout is a short hike up to Phallic Rock. The legend says a barren woman would spend the night on the rock, and nine months later would have a baby.

Next we went to a coffee plantation, tasted the local coffee (yum) and had ice cream – OK a Mocha Mama – Ice cream, chocolate, espresso all whipped together (double yum). Then on to Purdy’s Macadamia Nut Farm. Tuddie Purdy told us all about his grove; which is not large. He harvests, processes and sells all his nuts; they are roasted with a bit of sea salt. He too is a native Molokaian, very proud of his work and loves sharing his stories. We had lunch at the Hotel Molokai – not bad, I could stay there a few days. Then on to St Joseph Church, originally built by Father Damien. There was also a life size statue of the priest; he was quite a small man. We went into the town of Kaunakakai for a bit of shopping then back to the boat. The crossing home was a little bit rough; nothing too terrible though.

I went to Kimo’s for dinner, but the wait was too long. Instead I went into the bar and had pupu’s and Blue Hawaiians. (Shrimp cocktail and Kalua Pork Ribs) Then on to the Pioneer Inn for Spring Rolls and a final Lemon Drop.