Aloha! Welcome to the first of our trips around the world. Our most recent was to Maui – Hawaii, in March 2020; phew, we beat the pandemic!
My goodness … can you say “slice of paradise” ?. The restlessness of majestic ocean waves framed by the calm grandeur of rolling mountains, clad in elaborate greenery of rich verdue all blended in the distance with a cloudless blue sky!
Peace!!
Skimpily clad in a two piece bikini, the crisp morning breeze caresses the crevices, setting off low grade explosions of rhythmic shivers … like mini orgasms without the chores of sex! … whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo … I can still feel it as I reminisce!! Here are a few tips if you’re going to be making the 9 hour flight from Toronto with children – that is, if you still want your mind intact on arrival.
I think it is smart to break the trip. Since we were going to transit through Los Angeles with 3 children, which was still five hours from our destination, we decided to spend a couple of days and take advantage of the tourist attractions there. We spent the first day in Disneyland. The following day, we went water ski-dooing and to the famous Hollywood walk of fame. Fun times. The subsequent flight from Los Angeles to Maui was bearable.
In Maui you will benefit greatly from renting a car. Let me reiterate; please rent a car. I advise you to reserve one well ahead of your trip. Though the island is relatively small, it is difficult to get around without your own vehicle. Next tip, do your grocery shopping before getting to your resort; unless you want to blow a whole in your pocket! One finger of banana at the resort will cost you two-four bucks, depending on the mood of the seller. We stayed at the absolutely gorgeous Westin in Kaanapali which is about 40 minutes drive from the airport. There is a Walmart close to the airport. It was handy to grab breakfast items for the kids. Our villa came equipped with a washer/dryer, which was a lifesaver. I didn’t fancy taking any Hawaiian sand home.
Ok, those were the basic essentials. Now, these are the things I highly recommend.
“Lahaina” is the Maui for “Front street”. It has lots of restaurants, souvenirs stores, and other tourist attractions. One of our favourites was “Fleetwood’s restaurant”, as in Fleetwood Mac, the British-American Rock band formed in 1967. Again, advance reservation is necessary. Clothing is casual. Great food, live music, and good ambience.Lahaina grill is another favourite on Front street. Kimo’s, monkey pod and Hula grill in whaler’s village are my topmost picks.
Then there were things you could do in and around water. Whale watching is a must for the children. They absolutely loved it. Get acquainted with the exotic colors of underwater creatures through submarine diving. You stay dry under water! My best snorkeling was at the Molokini, a crescent shaped partly submerged crater peeping out of the ocean to welcome guests. It was a whao! Just make sure it is not spewing larva when you are there – just kidding – it last regurgitated larva 230,000 years ago! The Maui aquarium brought the Ocean indoors. Worthy place to spend a quiet afternoon.
If you are a princess and you don’t want your toes wet or your nails chipped, get a helicopter ride and see the views from the air. The waterfalls are incredible. Now, make sure you are not motion sick. The pilot may not invite you back if you puke all over him. Sometimes they come so low that you start wondering whether your will is up to date.
The evenings were not boring. “A luau” is a must! Why not? Your trip is not complete without it. We did the Drums of the Pacific and were not disappointed.
Nothing; absolutely nothing, beats the contrasting chill of the vaporladened ocean breeze and the seductive fondle of a mid-morning semi-tropical sun. Ensconced in the distant hum of an ever grumbling ocean, I lay supine in sync with the gentle sway of a rope fashioned hammock, a book in hand and Mai tai in the other. The tarty taste of this Hawaiian favorite seemed to clarify the mind, as vivid images rose from the pages in hand. Drifting between the realms of wake and sleep, my inner voice gently whispered “the rest of the world can go on without us!”
ALOHA!
