Category — Travel

Day 4 - Sunday

Another action packed day. Today is my last day here and I’m having waaay to much fun to think about leaving.

Leann took us to a “local” place for breakfast called Fran’s Island Grill in Wailuku.

This place was hopping. The super friendly staff took care of everyone though. The Pulled Pork Hash Browns were awesome! If you ever go to Maui make sure to check this place out.

Then we drove up to ‘Iao (Ee-ow) Valley and the Cultural Heritage Gardens. This was set in the West mountains and was an absolutely beautiful area. The Gardens had areas dedicated to each of the nations who had a large amount of immigrants in the late 1800’s early 1900’s who came to work the new Sugar industry on the islands. Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Tongan, Portuguese each had their own building and gardens dedicated to their people.

We then drove up higher near the sacred burial areas; in the 15th century, the remains of chiefs were buried in secret hiding places throughout the valley. Leann was full of great information about the history and folklore of the island. In 1790 this site was where the Battle of Kepaniwai was waged for the unification of the Hawaiian islands. There is some very interesting history to this place!

Next we drove to Lahaina (La-hi-na) on the West side of the island and walked and shopped on Front Street. The Peter Lik Gallery was my favorite on Front Street. This part was fun, but much more “touristy” than other parts of the island. This town was supposed to be a whaling town in the old times, and I was hoping to see some of the old buildings like Cannery row in Monterrey, but there weren’t many vestiges of it left.

Next we went back to Black Rock Beach for more excellent snorkeling. This time we saw two Honus! Now we are 4 for 3!! I love the Sea Turtles and can’t wait to tell my daughters about them when I get home.

Then we went back to the Hula Grill and enjoyed a nice dinner in the evening breeze. Ahh, this is the life!

Then, back to Leann’s place where I had to pack, and to the airport in Kahului. When I went through the agriculture check they took away my Lei - they said it had something in it that couldn’t leave the island. Darn!!

I can’t believe how much we packed into four days. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more interesting tour of the island, food, culture and recreation. We had such a great time - we really hated to leave. Thanks for everything Leann!! We’ll be back!

Here is a link to complete photo album

* Official Hawaiian pronunciations provided by Leann

Day 3 - Saturday

Whew! How to top that? Well, day three was just as exciting.

We started off the day with a great breakfast at Charley’s in Pa’ia. Did some shopping, and then went to the Craft Fair at Seabury High School in Olinda (Oh-lin-da). To get there we drove through some very scenic areas in up country, like Kula (Koo-la) and Ulupalakua (Ooh-la-pa-la-kua), which gives you some gorgeous views of the whole island and the bay. The campus was also very beautiful. We bought some nice things at the craft fair, I bought some hand made “twirling dresses” for my daughters Abby and Shelby, and my Mom picked up some things too.

At the party the previous night, some of Leann’s friends had recommended Black Rock Beach in Ka’anapali (Ka-ah-na-polly) as a great place for snorkeling. So we drove there next, did some more snorkeling and watched kids jump off of the black rocks. When snorkeling you could just swim along this beautiful coral shelf and see all kinds of fish. We also saw a Sea Turtle today. Swimming around with the Honus is so peaceful and relaxing. They are beautiful creatures. 2 for 2 so far!

After another great day of snorkeling Leann took us the Hula Grill & Barefoot Bar in Ka’anapali for PuPus. A nice relaxing time outside by the beach with Mai-Tais. The Crab & Macadamia Nut Wontons are HIGHLY recommended!

After this relaxing evening we drove up to the Haleakala (Ha-lay-ah-ka-la - The House of the Sun) Crater to catch the sunset. A big storm cloud had settled over the crater and it took us quite a while to drive to the top, but we still got some amazing views. Wow was it cold up there!!

Day 4 >>

Day 2 - Friday

Today we started out with breakfast crepes at the stylish Café Des Amis in Pa’ia (Pa-ee-ah). It had a very European atmosphere and the crepes were outstanding. Pa’ia marks the beginning of the “up country” meaning you are heading into the mountains and away from the touristy part of the island.

Leann and Mom enjoying breakfast

Next we drove to Ho’okipa (Ho-oh-keep-a) Beach to watch the windsurfers, and then went back to the Maui Prince - Ralph told us there was great snorkeling there. Ralph and Alaina joined us at the beach. Wow - Ralph was right! Within minutes of getting in the water we saw a coral reef teeming with beautiful tropical fish, an eel, and a Sea Turtle! Leann and I followed the Sea Turtle (Honu, in Hawaiian) as he took us on a slow relaxing tour of the reef. Suddenly the reef dropped off and the water got very deep (50+ feet) but it was still very clear. We looked up and realized we were pretty far from shore and headed back. What’s amazing about snorkeling here - other than all the underwater scenery - is the water is nice and warm and you literally ‘float’ as you are snorkeling. You almost don’t need to swim you are so buoyant in the salt water.

After an amazing afternoon at the beach it was time to get ready for Leann’s graduation ceremony. We went back to her place to get ready, and then on the Baldwin High School Auditorium in Wailuku (Why-loo-koo).

CONGRATULATIONS Leann!!

Leann and Mom

Leann with her friends Tiara, Annabeth and Karen

She graduated with honors (GPA 3.8+) from the University of Hawaii with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and Pacific Island Studies. Or something like that. She’s worked very hard to support herself and earn this degree at the same time - we’re very proud of her!

Later that evening, her friend Jessica got reservations at this very unique and interesting place in Wailuku called Café Marc Aurel. The food and wine were great. The meat and cheese tray is highly recommended! I was only impressed more with Leann’s friends - genuine, down to earth and fun people. We had a fantastic time and it was a pleasure to meet them and celebrate Leann’s graduation together.

  Day 3 >>

Last weekend I went to Maui for my sister’s college graduation. My wonderful Mom traveled all the way from Michigan to join us there too. Leann - my sister - got her degree from the University of Hawaii through a new extension program that allows people on Maui to earn their Bachelors and Masters degrees on the island.

Leann has lived on Maui for five years, and has studied the Hawaiian culture and language. She gave us the most amazing tour of the island in those four days. We got to see much of the island that I don’t think most people see when they go there for vacation.

Day 1 - Thursday

The first thing after picking me up from the airport, we went to “kite beach”. There you can see some amazing Kite Surfers - a sport that I’ve been thinking about picking up. A couple of my friends are into it and now I can see why. These guys would start on the beach - get wind in their kite and then run to the water, strap the board on their feet and take off. Catching a gust of wind with a wave and they could get 20 feet in the air! It was amazing and I’d love to try it someday.

Then we picked up my Mom from the airport, and went to see Leann’s place. On the way we stopped at the Stopwatch in Makawao (Ma-ka-wow) for appetizers (PuPus in Hawaiian) and a cold beer.

After visiting Leann’s cool place in Haiku (literally in the jungle!) her friends Alaina and Ralph hooked us up with a Luau at the Maui Prince Hotel in Wailea (Why-lay-ah).

Watching the sun set over the ocean was beautiful. There was even a wedding on the beach.

What an exciting first day on Maui!

Day 2 >>