Hawaii & Maui Summary

Summary:

- Best not to travel on an American long-weekend – too crowded.

- Yes go in summer. The trade winds keep a relatively even temperature: it’s always 82-85.

- Talk to the bus drivers to get the best information and tips.

- I felt safe traveling alone. You tend to get better service in restaurants because you are solo.

- In Maui, I saw better advertised prices for tours and helicopter rides as opposed to the travel agents in Waikiki Beach. If you only do one thing in Maui:drive the road to Hana.

- Split your time between Waikiki Beach and Maui.

- Next time: Go snorkeling in Molokai. Take the helicopter ride through the valleys of Kunai

Maui 2010 - Day13

Day 13: Wake up to singing birds. My last day, I head down road to Big Wave Café (in Long’s Shopping Centre) for breakfast. I pass early birds in surf school and of course lots of surfers already out on the water. It is 8am. In Maui early risers, early to bed.

Hint: Big Wave Café serves a full breakfast between 7:30-9 am for $3.99

Sadly I return to my room to pack and check out. I drive to Kaluilu to Fabric Depot to check out cottons. There is such a huge selection: I settle on a few traditional Hawaiian symbol designs. I decide to drive the north shore. When to road narrows and become a single lane, I turn around. Nothing can compare to the road to Hana. I decide to drive past Lahaina to see the hotel strip around Kaanapali beach. Golf courses, condos galore, residential homes all surrounded by tropical vegetation. I return to Lahaina.

It is a busy weekend. Luckily there is room to park in the free lot. It is my birthday and I treat myself to lunch at Lahaina Fish Co: coconut shrimp $12.95 and hula drink $6 (pineapple, mango, banana). The food was great but the service was poor: there only a few other diners but I was ignored and had to ask for service. When I left the host had arrived and asked me if all was well. When I recounted my experience he said he would take care of it. Could it have been because I was solo? I drive back and enjoy the ocean views. Clouds set in. Return car and check-in. Airport noisy, hot, crowded. Glad I am traveling first class on my 10:15 flight.

Hint: I arrived in San Francisco at 6am with a 5 hr. layover. I had trouble finding a hard bench to lie on and it was freezing in the airport. A long layover is a bad idea.

Maui 2010 - Day12

Day 12: Wake up to the sound of birds. Another calm morning with blue skies. After breakfast in my room, I leave for the south shore and drive to Lahaina, an artist community of 1960’s hippies turned entrepreneurs. I pass groups of early risers in surf class, fields of sugar cane, and the Haleakala volcano in the distance. The drive is beautiful as you travel along the shore with lots of places to pull in for a swim. Arrive in Lahaina. I find a free public parking lot on the north end of the strip. Wonderful quaint shops, small quaint houses with picket fences, seafood restaurants, and of course the waterfront with everything a tourist wants to do.

I wander in and out of the shops, stopping at a bakery to purchase a home made fruit scone (yummy). I notice a little sign The Shoemaker and deek down a small alley. I chat with a local Hawaiian shoemaker who will make you custom leather sandals. I learn a bit about the history of the town. I drive back stopping at one of the pull-over beaches to cool off in the waves and lay in the sun for awhile.

Once I get back to Kihea I decide to go down road past Wailea and check out a few more beaches. I drive by expensive homes and pull over to check out a small bay. I get to walk on the sand in front of multi million dollar houses. Down the road, I stop at Big Beach: a wide expanse of sand and 1 mile long. Then I look for Red Beach and end up high on a hill overlooking the sea. I ask directions from a man waiting for sunset. He tells me to go to the end of the road to see “new” land being built on lava. Off I go on the road that becomes one lane, driving close to the edge of the shore. A few cars are parked. I pass a few homes driving to the end of the road (La Perouse Bay). The land is being cleared to build houses. It is all black lava. It is like I am on a deserted, desolate, ruined planet. I get out of the car. It is dead quiet, spooky and gives me the creeps. I decide not to go to the end and manage to maneuver a turn. The sun is setting and as I drive the rays peek through clouds and it is truly beautiful in it’s orange splendor. I drive back up to Ahihi-Kina’u beach and a barefoot couple is getting married on the shore.I drive back to my hotel to shower and head out for dinner. Down the road at Kihea Shopping Centre I dine on the patio of 3’sBar & Grill: Coconut Shrimp appetizer $9, Tropical Salad $8, a glass of wine; perfect. A warm nite, I take a stroll on the moonlit beach.

Hint: Hawaii’s beaches are by law the domain of the public. You can soak up the sun on the beach outside the obscenely priced homes of the rich & famous.

Maui 2010 - Day11

The Road to Hana

Day 11: I wake to the sound of birds singing. I head out at 8am and drive to Paia. I have breakfast at Anthony’s Coffee Co. and order my picnic lunch (freshly made turkey wrap) for my drive to Hana: a serpentine road that winds around Maui’s northeastern coast. The scenery is breathtaking, a bit scary in parts, but it surely is like dying and going to heaven. Ocean views over steep cliffs, lush rainforests, breathtaking views. I stop at the first fruit stand and buy a bag of fresh cut coconut. Next stop: Twin Falls. Hike in 2 km. but there was hardly a trickle of water. Onward I go stopping to take pictures. It rains and fog sets in but the view is still gorgeous in its’ eerie state. The speed limit averages around 10km. and there are 39 single lane bridges to drive over. The sun comes out. I stop at Hana Farms Market and buy banana nut bread. I have my lunch (half of it it’s so big) at Hana Beach Park. I stop at flower farm and chat with the owner. I continue my journey to the 7 Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch) at Waiainanapa Sate Park. At 5:00 and I decide to start my drive back so I can stop at Haleakala National Park. It is a black beach. There are caves to explore and crashing waves to photograph. You can even camp in the family run campground. I chat with a local who shares some history of the area.

The sun I setting over the mountains, it’s getting dark and there are few cars on the road back. Everyone must have gone full circle, chancy as the car rental company does not warranty damage if you go that route. Local cars approaching you tend to drive too fast so I’m a bit nervous when a few come flying around blind corners. I was glad to reach Paia. I arrive back at my hotel at 7, tired but still exhilarated from exotic Hana.

Hint: Forgo the convertible that the rental cars push. I saw a few people having to stop and put up the top when it rained.

I did not have time to go to the bamboo forest but I definitely recommend you do.

Maui 2010 - Day10

MAUI - Day 10:

Take Roberts shuttle to airport and fly to Maui. Pick up my rental car and take the short drive to Kihei. I’m staying at Maui Coast Hotel. It’s quiet and I can sit on the balcony and hear birds. My room has beautiful modern island décor, a micro and fridge. There are bicycles to use and a pool with bar. It is across from a 6 mile stretch of beaches. I settle into my room then take a drive to check out the area. Three miles down the road is Wailea with stunning golf courses, grand homes, and exquisite tropical landscaping. I park at Ka’anapali beach and walk Wailea Beach path’s stunning shoreline walkway, past Westin cabanas and condos. This is how the rich vacation. What a view. Everything is immaculate and I can see the famous Gold Golf Course in the background. I return to my hotel to sit by the pool and relax with a cocktail and a book.

Hint: I booked my 4 day stay in Maui with AMA and was very pleased. The big overstuffed bed was dreamy. I liked the location with a beach across the street.

Hawaii 2010 - Final Days

Day 7: Waves are higher today and I spend the day on the beach, body surfing. I am covered in sand but have so much fun. In the evening I walk to the Sheraton bistro bar. I order a Pina Colada ($8) and an Ahi Tuna Salad ($16) which is generous and delicious. I stroll the strip, go into the Apple store (free use of all the stuff) to e-mail home.

Day 8/9: I stroll the strip and do a little shopping. I spend my last 2 days in Waikiki on the beach. For dinner I walk to F.P.Chang’s bistro, a modern designed 2 story open air restaurant (Kalakaua Street). My entree was delicious. Good value and excellent service.

Hawaii 2010 - Day 6

Day 6: After breakfast I take the bus to China Town to check out the markets. Fruit is cheaper here and I found a great bakery for fresh rolls. I head back to spend time on the beach as I am going to Paradise Cove Luau. Bus picks up at 3:00. It is Friday so the traffic is bad on the highway and the 1 hr. ride is slow. I meet some nice people from LA on the bus. The guide tries to amuse us with his jokes. When we arrive we are shown to our table, then free to wander the grounds and take in the activities (make bracelets, throw a spear, etc). I wait in line for my free drink. All of a sudden I hear this incredible noise in the air and a jet zooms by. The bartender tells me that Pearl Harbour air force is trying out a new bombardier jet. Well that was incredible: we watched acrobats for ½ hour. The noise made you feel like you were in a war zone. It was the high lite of the Luau (good timing). The ceremony for taking the pig out of the ground starts, and so does the rain. We run for shelter and they hand out white capes to everyone. (Now it really looks like we were attacked). We eat buffet style then watch the show. There is confusion with our people count and we are the last bus to leave. It pours all the way back and we arrive back on the strip at 10:00, very tired.

Hint: You get 2 free drink tickets with your Luau but they are just small plastic cup ones. If you want a nice cocktail it will cost you $9. Having traveled to many other countries and seen great stage shows, I was not impressed with this Luau for $80. I suggest you try the Polynesian Centre Luau.

Hawaii 2010 - Day 5

Day 5: Another gorgeous day in paradise. I scope out the area and find a bakery St.Germains and you can buy dinner rolls or half loaf of bread ($3). Apparently bread is not too popular in Waikiki. I wander through International Market Place. You can find lots of beaded jewelry and clothing at discount prices. I hunt for something different and bargain for a sundress. You can't be shy here as you have to try things out between the stalls. I spend the afternoon on the beach. I join a group of 5 others and go on a long canoe ride. We paddle out, catch a big wave and surf into shore.....lots of fun. You get to ride 2 waves for $10. I head to Duke's beach restaurant and bar for a Pina Colada $7.50 and Mandarin shrimp salad $12.95 (very good). The band plays as I eat overlooking the beach. I walk down the beach to the lagoon and marina to see a full sunset (high rises block your view from Kuhio beach).

Hint: Duke's is good value for food & drink. Throw your cover-up on and have a 4:00 cocktail listening to live music. On the weekends, there is afternoon jamming, dancing and good times on the beach to the sounds of 60's rock’n’roll music.

Hawaii 2010 - Day 4

Day 4: Take local bus to North Shore. Meet nice young couple on bus going to snorkel. 1.5 hr. later bus stops at the Dole Plantation. I get off and tour grounds and the Botanical Gardens. Have a delicious pineapple smoothie.

Hint: Dole closes at 5pm so go early. Use the coupon in the tour book for the train ride. Pay the $5 to see the Botanical Gardens: it’s gorgeous.

Wait 1 hr. for bus to continue on my journey. Pass farmlands, Waimea beaches and get off at Sunset beach. Bansai Pipeline is where the surfing championships take place in winter. Miles of squishy white sand, 10 ft. cliffs from all the crashing waves. Homes and cottages are set back in the palms. There’s hardly anyone around. I pick smooth baby shells and tiny round black stones. I cool off in the water and walk for 2 miles to next beach. I meet up with the snorkeling couple. They tell me they swam with a giant turtle. I get a drink and bite to eat at the Foodland and wait for the bus to take the circle ride back all along the windward side. Unfortunately the sun goes down at 8 and it is too dark to enjoy the scenery. Three students from LA were on the bus, so the driver gave us a history tour of the area.

Hint: If you are going to do the local bus like I did start real early in the am. It is $2.50 and you can use the ticket to get back. I would also start on the windward side and return via the farmlands. That way if you are late you won’t miss the best scenery because of darkness. Buses are cold so bring a sweater.

Better Bet: Rent a car to go to the North Shore. Spend the night and next day enjoying the laid back area of Waimea beaches. Bring an umbrella to sit at Sunset Beach – it is very hot with no shade.

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Hawaii 2010 - Day 3

Day 3: In the morning I find the Foodland grocery store. Roasted chicken $8, California rolls $4.29. ABC has inexpensive salads, fruit & liquor. I stock the fridge in my room.

I take the local bus to the windward side 2 hour ride. The bus driver tells me the best spot is Makapu’u beach across from Sea World. Use the washrooms & buy water there. Walk across the highway to the beach. It goes down so there is no traffic noise from the highway. Scenic spot, lava rocks, white sand, big waves, cliff parasailing, a Hawaiian graveyard. I catch the 5:00 bus back to Waikiki. Hang out on beach and watch the sunset.

Hint: Sea World not much to see. Bring your own lunch for the beach.

Hawaii 2010 - Day 2

Day 2: Breakfast. Take the free shuttle to Maui Divers Gallery. Very interesting to see how the artisans turn raw pearls into jewelry. Shuttle picks me up and takes me to Hilo Hattie outlet. Next stop Ala Moana Mall, an open air shopper’s paradise: Victoria’s Secret, Ugg, Cartier, you name it. The food court is huge with vendors selling everything even roasted pig or turkey dinner ($10.50)

Hint: If you take the divers tour you receive a free box of macadamia chocolates. I found Hilo Hattie had the same stuff as the corner ABC stores. The shuttle picks you up on the strip every 10 minutes ($2.50 re-usable ticket).

This afternoon I decide to sit in front of Weston Moana Surfrider beach area as there is no noise from the street. The waves are bigger and it’s more fun boogie boarding with the kids.

Hint: Sit far back from the shoreline as the tide rises around 3:00. I built a sand castle around me because I could see the waves coming closer & closer. People were chuckling. I’m the only one who did not get flooded.

Hawaii 2010 - Day 1

Depart Calgary 12pm. Stopover 1.5 hr. San Francisco. Arrive Honolulu 8pm. Take Roberts shuttle (pre-booked on internet) to Pacific Beach Hotel across the street from Waikiki Beach. My large room is in the front part of the hotel on the 8th floor.

OAHU - Day 1: Wake up to a fabulous view of blue sky, swaying palm trees and the most beautiful turquoise ocean. The surfers are already on the water. The streets are bustling with early risers and it's only 6:30 am. Buffet breakfast is included stay room. Slowly I head down to the dining room which features a 3 story aquarium. There’s a good variety especially fresh fruit.

Hint: Free breakfast is a bonus as you will not find breakfast on the strip for less than $10

I wander the strip to take in the sights, sounds and smell of all the tropical flowers. I take the local bus to Diamond Head, a 15 minute ride: cost $2.50 (ticket is re-useable). Walk 1 km. uphill to entrance. It is 10am, cloudy, warm and humid. Climb starts easy but path narrows, gets rocky and more challenging as I climb higher. There are lots of people on the trail. As I near the top there are tunnels, narrow steps, an enclosed very narrow staircase. There is no breeze and I have to stop and catch my breath. At the summit you have to crawl through an opening to get outside. It is a small area and crowded, but the views are spectacular and the breeze a relief. I take pictures, rest a bit, then head back down. It took 2.5 hours in total. I spend the afternoon at the Kuhio beach, across the street from my hotel. In the evening I walk the strip looking for a place to eat. Being July 4 holiday all places have line ups and are packed. I end up at the Sheraton bistro café & bar overlooking the waves.

Hint: I do not advise taking small children on the Diamond Head hike unless you plan on carrying them in the heat. Wear good walking shoes and a hat. Buy water and use the washrooms at the entrance as you will not get another chance.