Wailea, Maui
The day started off very wet and rainy. We checked out of our condo in Kihei and took an Uber to the airport to pick up our rental car, then collected Carie and Scott arriving from California.
Scott & Carie Arrive
Friday, Feb 6
We went straight to Paia for lunch, then headed to Ho'okipa Beach View Lookout to see the turtles. The surf was really rolling in, and lots of surfers were enjoying it.
Afterwards, we walked around Paia for a bit, then stopped at Walmart to grab a few supplies. It was Carie's first time in a Walmart! Then, on to our condo in Wailea.
Our Digs
Wailea Beach Villas
We're staying at a fantastic ocean view villa, thanks to the generosity of Carie and Scott (by way of Joel, by way of Helen). I think it's the nicest place we've ever stayed. Huge! Normally rents for $1500 a night. Thank you, Carie and Scott!
Soon after arriving, we started exploring the property. Beautiful place. Love the peaceful walkway down to the beach. We saw all sorts of birds, fish and toads.
The outdoor mall, The Shops at Wailea, are right next door. We ate dinner at the Waikiki Brewery. Saw a cute pom. Walked around and enjoyed the fresh air.
Bougie Hotels & Wind
Saturday, Feb 7
Saturday, we walked next door to check out the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons Maui (where White Lotus, Season One was filmed). Lovely places, but not as nice as ours. 😄
Sadly, the weather turned nasty. Wind advisories, flood warnings, and we couldn't even use the elevators (what?!). After a long walk, we ended up back at the Shops at Wailea for lunch at Tommy Bahama's, then headed back to the condo for games. Dinner at the Pint and Cork was great.
Super Bowl Sunday
Sunday, Feb 8
Still stormy and rainy, at least intermittently, though never heavy. We took a long, 30 minute, walk to Carie and Scott's friend's house right on the ocean. She was out of town, but it's a beautiful property... too bad the weather was yucky.
On the way back, we stopped at the Fairmont to look around. Another gorgeous resort. But we still like ours better. 😄
None of us are football fans, but it was Super Bowl Sunday, so we watched most of it. Great game! Seahawks beat the Patriots.
Afterwards, we tried to go dancing at a nearby restaurant, but the band got cancelled due to weather. We drove to the Grand Wailea instead and had drinks and apps at the aquarium bar called Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. It was the best bar (of the day), and we had the best bread and butter with the best risotto!
For dinner, we walked back to the Pint and Cork. Really good food and a fun atmosphere.
Relaxing Days
Monday & Tuesday
Tuesday
Weather has improved, so we explored the Marriott resort next door, then hung out by our pool and enjoyed the warm air.
Late afternoon, we had snacks and drinks at our new friends Michael and Marji's beautiful home with a sweeping view of the west Maui bay from Molokini to Puʻu Kukui. They're kind, lovely folks doing nice things for many good causes.
Afterward, we ate at the Roy Yamaguchi restaurant next door to our resort. Best Brussels sprouts ever. Not so great sashimi. Amazing chocolate mousse cake and ice cream dessert.
Wednesday
The sun was out and nice weather had officially returned! We decided to spend the day back at the oceanside home of the Broecker's friend. Outstanding view of whales, dolphins, and waves crashing in. Scott & Ronnie tried to snorkel, but the water was too rough. We also got to watch how palm trees are trimmed. Quite a workout for the crew! It was a super relaxing day with a fantastic view.
For dinner, we drove back to Kihei and settled on Coconuts Restaurant near our previous condo. It was just okay. The sunset was blocked, but the glow afterwards was pretty. We made a quick trip to ABC Store to get a free mug, then walked down to one of our hot tubs and enjoyed the sound of the cane toads while soaking.
Last Full Day
Wed, Feb 11
Last full day on the island. Really sad to be leaving, but we had a fun day ahead. Started with a long walk down the beach to get our steps in. Down the elevator, through the winding path to the lobby, out the back of the open air mezzanine, down the steps to the walking path, down the meandering path to the adult pool, then through the gate onto the rec trail. We passed the Waldorf Astoria next door, then the Four Seasons, then beautiful oceanfront homes to the Fairmont and back. Such a beautiful morning for it.
After a brief rest, we hopped in the car and drove to the Kihei boat ramp where we met our captain, Mike, and his crew of one, Leila. Nice guy. The wave front in the bay was making its way closer, so he was concerned about how the weather might turn out. He let us know the trip might be shorter than planned. We boarded the 40 foot inflatable boat with the other 15 passengers and headed toward Turtle Town. We were originally scheduled to go to Molokini crater. Neither Kelley nor I have been, even though we tried on our last visit. Sadly, the weather was too rough today, so we headed to Turtle Town instead, a little disappointed.
Shortly after leaving the small harbor, we encountered three humpback whales. Two larger ones and a calf. They were only about 50 feet from us, coming right at us. Mike killed the engine and we bobbed up and down in the rolling bay. They dove down right before reaching us and went under the boat. It was really amazing. Neither of us have been that close before. They came up on the other side and kept going. I would have been happy to go back at that point. Just to be so close to a huge creature like that, effortlessly gliding through the water, was incredible.
Leila dropped a hydrophone into the ocean so we could hear the whales singing. She explained that humpback whale songs can travel up to 35 miles through the water, and that males sing complex songs during mating season that can last up to 20 minutes. We continued on and saw a few more whales at a distance, but nothing as close as that first encounter.
The coolest part was that the GoPro recordings I made didn't capture many good fish sightings, but it captured tons of whale sounds throughout our time in the water.
Turtle Town is a reef off the coast of Makena. It ranges from 20 feet to maybe just a few feet deep near the rocks. We snorkeled for about 30 minutes and saw some really interesting fish, including tangs, moorish idols, puffer fish, needlefish, Christmas wrasse and the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, Hawaii's state fish. We also spotted one small, shy turtle who retreated to the bottom when we got close. We sat across the bench seat from a nice couple from Sydney, Australia, and chatted about our experiences.
The ride back was an adventure. Large waves, big swells, and lots of ocean spray coming over the bow on the windward side. We got more wet on the ride back than when we snorkeled! Carie tossed her cookies, then actually enjoyed the rest of the ride back. The tour did end early, but we were more than happy with the outing.
After a quick shower, we headed out again, this time to the Four Seasons for drinks and apps. We found a table at Ferraro's. Wow, what a great place with excellent staff, drinks, and food. Highly recommended.
Afterwards, we walked down to the beach to snap a few photos. Sadly, the marine layer at the horizon obscured the sunset in the last 10 minutes, but the ocean breeze and warm light was very memorable. It was still early though, and we weren't ready to head home yet.
We headed to the Waldorf Astoria next door. We meandered through the lush, green pathways, past the pool, past the aquarium bar, through the palm grove with all the squawking myna birds, into the sprawling lobby. The bar in the center is cozy, warm, and inviting. A lovely lady provided live music that echoed gently off the distant walls. We enjoyed another drink and a couple of dessert options, including a 17 layer chocolate cake. We checked. It was 17.
Afterwards, we walked back through the shops and across the sprawling grounds. We heard music down the trail in the distance, past our place at the Marriott. We walked over and caught an excellent luau from the sideline. We'd seen a couple while here, and this one was the best. Amazing dancers and fire performers. We walked home, sad to be done, already looking forward to returning as soon as possible.
Headed Home
Thursday, Feb 12
Up early. A calm and peaceful morning. The sun illuminating Molokini in the distance was pretty. Final goodbyes to Scott and Carie, then we were off to drop off the rental car. We savored the warm, humid air during the walk to the terminal, knowing that 41 degrees and dry air awaited us at home.
We breezed (ha) through security and then the usual boarding fun. Five hours to Oakland, then another 1.5 hours to Boise. Not horrible, but we were both tired. I was a little cranky. Tilly and Susan were happy to see us. Good to be home. At least that's what we're supposed to say. 😄