This year for my birthday, Dave and I went to Maui, Hawaii for the week. On Friday morning, (9/10/10), we caught a plane at 7:00 am, flew to Phoenix, (with a 2 hour layover), then a 6 1/2 hour flight to Maui, (arriving at 2:00 pm). The weather has been wonderful, in the 90's everyday, abit humid compared to Salt Lake, but wonderful. After renting our car, driving to our condo and checking in, Dave decided to take a quick dip in the ocean, (which is only 20 yards from our condo). Everyday we sit on the patio and marvel at the spectacular view we have, and every night Dave falls asleep on the patio to the sound of the waves hitting the shore.
After unpacking, we went down to a little restaurant deli called The Fish Market. They sell fresh fish on one side, and have a small deli on the other side. We ordered a bowl of seafood chowder to share, Dave had a Mahi Mahi sandwich and I had a Snapper sandwich. Both were so good, very fresh! The salad had a great ginger dressing. We then stopped at a small grocery / farmer's market to pickup a couple of items for breakfast tomorrow. By now it was 8:30,(with the 4 hour time difference, our rising at 4:00 am to catch the flight, and we are going to be picked up at 7:00 am tomorrow for our tour of the two volcanoes that formed the islands), we were exhausted and ready for some much needed sleep.
SATURDAY:
Up early Saturday to catch a tour of the Haleakala and the Iao Needle. These two volcanoes are very different and both very beautiful to see first hand. Our first stop at over 10,000 feet above sea level was Haleakala. From the warm 90 degrees that we left at the base, our tour guide, (Judy), drives up the volcano, (about a 2 hour trip with wonderful narration of sites along the way), to a windy and chilling 40 degrees at the top of the summit above the clouds and all of Maui. But what a site to behold.
Next, across the western part of Maui to the Iao Needle, and the inside of this volcano. A very lush and green volcano with all the tropical plants that you would expect to find on Maui. Beautiful beyond words.
More sites around the western side of Maui and funny little stories about people and places from Judy, then it was back to our condo. Oh my, it's already 5:00 and time for dinner. Why does the time fly so fast in paradise?
SUNDAY:
After a quick breakfast, we decided to drive the Honoapi'ilani Hwy around the west side of Maui and catch the sites. First stop, Dragon's Tooth. There are no signs to tell you how to get here, you have to know where to find the pull off, (it's at the Ritz Carlton parking lot). A short walk along the golf course and there it is! Lava rock that looks like giant dragon teeth, and the ground looks like dragon scales.
Next on to The Blow Hole. Also an area without any signs and markings, you have to know how where to pull off the road and walk down a path to get to it. Alot like the one in Mexico, but this one is on a flat rock and you can actually walk up to the hole and feel the ocean spray on your face. Because the climb down was rather steep and rocky, we stayed a little up on the rocks and watched people down below. None of the sites have guard rails around them and are actually dangerous, but people still flock there everyday.
Next on to The Blow Hole. Also an area without any signs and markings, you have to know how where to pull off the road and walk down a path to get to it. Alot like the one in Mexico, but this one is on a flat rock and you can actually walk up to the hole and feel the ocean spray on your face. Because the climb down was rather steep and rocky, we stayed a little up on the rocks and watched people down below. None of the sites have guard rails around them and are actually dangerous, but people still flock there everyday.
Next down the curvy, switchback and sometimes one lane road around the west side of Maui. Some of the most beautiful sights and interesting people you will ever meet, (like the lady who has been selling fresh cut up pineapples from her yellow van for 16 years - she used to be a chief), (or the young man who sells ice cold coconuts, that will gladly tell you how they grow as he husks and cuts one for you, and ladies - you will notice he was very easy on the eyes !!), (and don't forget the little farmer stands all along the road, where you can pick out the freshest fruits' and the farmer will tell you how to prepare it and eat it). Everyone has an interesting story and personally to match. We love to talk to people when we travel and get to know them and get tips on sites to see and places to eat.
MONDAY:
Today's my birthday, and I told Dave I wanted a relaxing day. First we did some snorkeling outside our condo, (but the tide was so high and the water today was a little too murky to see anything), so we drove out to the Maui Tropical Plantation to tour the site and see various plants that are grown on the island and harvested commercially, and do some shopping at the local Arts and Crafts fair. Everyone at the little booths where we made purchases wanted to give me something free when they found out it was my birthday. The locals are such friendly and giving people. A little lunch while we were there, then some more souvenir shopping and a quick stop at the Harley Davidson store to get Dave his traditional HD vacation shirt for his collection.
Today's my birthday, and I told Dave I wanted a relaxing day. First we did some snorkeling outside our condo, (but the tide was so high and the water today was a little too murky to see anything), so we drove out to the Maui Tropical Plantation to tour the site and see various plants that are grown on the island and harvested commercially, and do some shopping at the local Arts and Crafts fair. Everyone at the little booths where we made purchases wanted to give me something free when they found out it was my birthday. The locals are such friendly and giving people. A little lunch while we were there, then some more souvenir shopping and a quick stop at the Harley Davidson store to get Dave his traditional HD vacation shirt for his collection.
Then home for a nap and our evening dinner cruise on the Pacific Whale Foundation Discovery boat. Before the dinner cruise, we did a little walking tour around old Lahaina. We walked through a park that has the 2nd largest Banyan tree in the world. The whole park was this one tree.
There was a guy on the pier making fresh lais and we watched him make a fresh one that Dave then purchased for me. I had a delicious Mahi Mahi fish dinner, Dave had the Maui Cattle beef dinner. The live music and the lovely sunset make it truly a memorable relaxing birthday. Thanks sweetie - it was a great birthday.
I bet by know you have guessed that I am doing my best to have Mahi Mahi as much as possible while in Maui. Well, it is the local fish, and they prepare it so well so many ways. Stay tuned for Maui Part II (Tuesday through Friday).
