OT - My Holiday in Maui

[snapdragen]

Let's see if this link works:

Maui Trip

[SadieKate]

Maui oui! But where is the travelogue?

[snapdragen]

Maui oui! But where is the travelogue?

I keep trying, but everything keeps freezing up.

[snapdragen]

10/17/05

Arrived in Lahaina, with my usual first day “I want to go home” feeling. Walked around a bit, it’s bloody hot and humid.

I decided I don’t like driving in Lahaina, the car will probably be parked most of the time. I’ve signed up to go to Molokai on Thursday – I think I’ll enjoy it bunches. I like the idea of the history of the island.

Had dinner at the bar and grill downstairs – Pretty decent Lemon Drop. Coconut shrimp, served with fresh baby spinach and rice, with a chili sauce. Very good. Dined with a very small gecko, running up and down one of the posts.

I’m exhausted, and it’s only 7:00.

Oh! The birds! My room looks out on the Banyan Tree, and this evening the birds came in to roost. The singing and calling was absolute madness – it’s great. I wish I had a way to record it.

10/18/05

Today is the second day of “Boat Day”. There are two cruise ships out in the harbor, and what seems like millions of gray hairs and no hairs; some mobile, some on wheels. I overheard one lady on the phone “Aloha! Well, I’m in Hawaii, I’m not sure where” her friend whispers “Maui”. “Oh yeah, we’re in Maui”.

I walked down to 505 Front Street – didn’t seem to be much of interest except Pacific ‘O restaurant. The local kids are all in school; I passed a Catholic school on my walk. I like the Hawaiian version of the school uniform – shorts and a t-shirt with Hawaiian flowers across the front.

Drove to Kaanapali today to see Whalers Village. So discouraging, condos have sprouted up everywhere. Whalers Village may as well be another Westfield Shoppingtown. On the way back I stopped and had lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate. What a cool place, they make you feel right at home. I had the Hawaiian mixed plate – Kalua Pork and Cabbage, Lomi Salmon, Rice, macaroni salad and poi. I liked it all except the poi. Pretty boring – but at least I tried it! Also had a Mai Tai – now I remember, I don’t like rum.

Next stop was near a parasailing site. I found an old cemetery, and took a couple of pictures. Hope I wasn’t breaking any rules – old cemeteries are fascinating.

I went to see Warren and Annabelle – what a great show. First you go into Annabelle’s parlor. She is a ghost, and entertains you by playing the piano, while you eat and have cocktails. Our server was great, a NY transplant; she also sang a couple of times. The main show was Warren, a magician and extremely funny guy; so far the high point of the trip. I've yet to figure out how he got two bowling balls into a hat.....

[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.

[SandyLS]

Snap, It sounds like a great vacation. We try to get to Hawaii as often as possible. Maybe once every two or three years. I know that Maui is getting over crowded but is still a wonder filled place. Did you go past Hana to "The seven sacred pools"? It is very beautiful there. If you like less crowded areas try to make a stop on the east side of The Big Island next time. We hope to spend our retirement years there someday.

[aka_kim]

Instead I went into the bar and had pupu’s and Blue Hawaiians.

Mmmm, Blue Hawaiians, yum. Haven't had one in years.

Someday I want to ride up Haleakala on Maui, and reading of your trip and the tasty tropical beverages has me thinking it should be sooner rather than later.

I really enjoyed your pictures and write-up - thanks!

[Nanci]

Sounds heavenly. I need a Mocha Momma. In my old life, I used to vacation in Cozumel twice a year. I miss that. though now I live in paradise...

Nanci

[snapdragen]

Someday I want to ride up Haleakala on Maui, and reading of your trip and the tasty tropical beverages has me thinking it should be sooner rather than later.

I really enjoyed your pictures and write-up - thanks!

I've read reports by others who have ridden up Haleakela, it's a kicker! I'd be interested in a ride to Hana; I saw a group of 4 cyclists doing it on the day I went. Course, then I'd have to spend a day or three in Hana.

[jobob]

pssst ... road trip

[cindysue]

those are lovely pictures darlin, but where are you? I like pictures of people!

so how about a TE trip to some exotic locale? hills are a bonus!

[snapdragen]

those are lovely pictures darlin, but where are you? I like pictures of people!

so how about a TE trip to some exotic locale? hills are a bonus!

Well, I was traveling solo! Besides, it was so hot, I was a tomato face most of the time -- too pretty huh? Here are a couple shots from the only time I let someone else take my pix. Snap on a giant p*nis rock.

[snapdragen]

Pic the second:

[SandyLS]

Nice pictures of you, Snap. You are braver than I am. When we were in Moloka'i I was careful to stay out of touching distance from that rock! At my age I sure don't need anymore children filling up our empty nest! Did you take the mule ride down to the leper colony? That's on my to do list next time around. I can't imagin biking up Haleakala. Driving that road was hard enough for me! The groups that were riding down the mountian looked like they were having fun though.

[cindysue]

that picture is HILARIOUS! Thanks for sharing!