Kannapali, Maui
We're starting this month-long trip via a generous gift from Bill & Fran by meeting up with Kelley's family to celebrate Bill’s 80th birthday.
Boise to Maui
Fri, Jan 16
We started Friday with a 5am alarm for our 7am flight to Sacramento, then on to Maui. Jason & Kinley picked us at the airport around 1pm. We were pretty tired and needed food, so we drove around the industrial area near the airport looking for a place to eat while waiting for Bill and Fran to arrive. Found a local Hawaiian spot that worked out well, though the weather was cold and windy. Apparently it had shifted just the day before.
After a quick Walmart stop for supplies, we picked up Bill and Fran and drove to the Sheraton Maui Resort in Kaanapali, north of Lahaina. Checked in around 6pm to a big, comfortable room with a partial ocean view and nice views of the tennis courts and mountains.
Had dinner at the Coral Reef restaurant in the hotel with Bill, Fran, Jason, and Kinley. We sat on the patio and the food was great, even though it was still pretty windy and chilly. Supposed to be warmer tomorrow.
Chill Day
Saturday
Saturday we slept in and had a lazy morning. Maddie and Donovan had arrived late the night before, so they joined us for breakfast downstairs. Kelley and I passed on the $47 buffet and grabbed muffins and POG from the room instead.
We walked over to Whalers Village nearby for lunch. The weather finally turned perfect. 73 degrees, sunny, and way less wind. This is exactly what we came for after dealing with the inversion and 30 degree temps back home.
After lunch, the group split up. Most of them drove north to check out a blowhole while Kelley and I headed back to chill by the pool.
After a very relaxing afternoon, we gathered for dinner at the Maui Brewing company. Good food, but the music was super loud, making conversation difficult. Great day... we all turned in early.
Rainforest & Turtles
Sunday
Sunday morning we did the big hotel buffet breakfast, then headed out to Iao Valley State Monument to see the Iao Needle. Along the way, we stopped to see several whales breaching and spouting.
The Iao Needle is a 1200 foot lava remnant that juts straight up from the valley floor. The valley is also where King Kamehameha fought in 1790 during his campaign to unite the Hawaiian islands.
The hike itself was pretty easy, mostly just a bunch of steps through a really lush, green area. After that we drove north to Paia to walk around and grabbed a snack at Paia Bay Coffee & Bar. The Bears were playing the Rams in the playoffs, so the place had some good energy. Did a little shopping, then went to Ho'okipa Beach to watch the surfers and check out the sea turtles. There were plenty of both. "White ladies love a sea turtle." Everyone enjoyed the view.
An hour drive back to the hotel, then had another dinner at the Coral Reef.
Road to Hana
Monday, MLK Jr. Day
Got an early start by spending an hour in line at the Enterprise car rental office. Even though we had a reservation, they didn't have a car for us. Thankfully, I had chatted with the manager earlier so he saved us one off the books. Another Jeep Wagoneer.
Jason and Kinley wanted to visit a black sand beach near Hana, but everyone else just wanted to explore a few stops along the road without an official destination, so we split up into two cars.
The Road to Hana is famous for good reason. It's only about 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, but the drive takes hours because of the 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of them one lane. The narrow, winding road cuts through lush rainforest with waterfalls or ocean/mountain views around many turns.
Our first stop was the Garden of Eden Arboretum. It's a large complex with walking paths, lots of flora and fauna, and a view of the ocean and a waterfall. Also, lots of ducks and peacocks. We grabbed lunch at the cafe. Outstanding sandwiches and delicious lemonades.
We drove on all the way to Hana Lava Tube, but they were closed. It was getting late so we turned back. Didn't realize we were within a mile or two of Jason when we decided to turn around. No cell service for most of the trip. Got back to the hotel around 6pm. Seven hours on the road today.
We celebrated Bill's 80th birthday at a really good Mexican place Maddie found called Coco Deck Kitchen. They served him a cake that Kelley and Fran bought at Safeway.
Our fourth day on the island. Maddie, Donovan, Jason & Kinley head home tomorrow.
Shuttle & Snorkel
Tuesday
Had group breakfast at the Coral Reef, then took Maddie and Donovan back to the airport this morning. Jason and Kinley headed out after we got back.
The rest of the day we just hung out on the beach and did some snorkeling. There's a cute sea turtle that hangs out right near the shore, not afraid of people at all. It just swims around everyone on the beach.
There's also been a seal Monk resting on the beach for a couple of days. She's roped off so people don't get too close, but she's not concerned about everyone either.
Dinner at the nearby Royal Lahaina hotel. Very pleasant evening.
Rain & Whaler's Village
Wednesday
Woke up to high winds and sprinkles. After breakfast, we relaxed in the open air lobby for a while and got caught up on emails.
Early afternoon we walked to Whaler's Village to browse the shops, then grabbed dinner later at Monkeypod. Best dinner so far. Afterwards, stopped by the ABC Store for some staples.
Nice, relaxing day!
Perplexity & Massages
Thursday
Thursday was another chill day with intermittent sprinkles. We sat by the pool, then the ladies got massages at the spa. Bill and Ronnie worked on some tech projects.
We watched several whales frolicking from the hotel lobby.
Went back to Monkeypod for dinner. Easily the best food in the area.
Aloha, Sheraton
Friday, Jan 23
Last day here. Bill and Fran headed to the airport late morning. We hung around the hotel lobby enjoying the warm breeze and ocean view until our Airbnb was available later in the afternoon.
It's been a wonderful trip. We really enjoyed the resort and hanging out with family.
Next Stop
Ronnie