It’s been almost a whole week since we left the island and all I have are my photos to keep me going. I miss the sunshine, beautiful water, tasty eats, and time to do absolutely nothing. Here are the photos that I’ll be staring at for the next few months until my next vacation.
And by the way, I still don’t have a phone.
On our last day in Maui, Jes and I had a relaxing day in the sunshine. In the morning, we had a free brunch at the hotel, complements of Auntie Kiyomi, who gave us their leftover vouchers. We then took a walk through Lahaina to check out the little shops. Then it was off to Kapalua for lunch at a cute little place overlooking Napili Bay. After we finished eating, we walked down to the rocks and got a kick out of watching the turtles hanging out in the waves.
Jes tried to get up-close for photos but this is all he could get…a shell and part of his head. For dinner, we went to Lahaina Grill for a tasty New York Steak. Yes, we had steak. After a week of fish, pork, and fruit, it was really yummy.
On Thursday morning, we woke up to pouring rain. I guess it was a good day to be flying back to SF. On our morning drive to the airport I saw a huge rainbow but no whales in the water.
I saw another rainbow as we flew over Maui and the water was so blue! In Honolulu, we had a 3-hour layover but the time passed quickly.
Our flight back to SF was smooth and we watched “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” on Jes’ laptop. Since it was filmed in Hawaii, it was a nice way to prolong our trip just a little longer.
It was a great trip and a true vacation. We hadn’t stayed at such an enormous luxo resort for so many consecutive days since our honeymoon. It was nice spending time with my family, getting some desperately-needed sunshine, and just relaxing. I can’t wait for the next vacation!
We got home to a happy dog that had some tummy troubles over the week but he was fine. I think he had his own wild and crazy week at Smush’s house. I also got home to a message from my manager, who offered me the day off today. I couldn’t resist so I had a free day at home catching up on tv shows, doing laundry, and even a discounted pedicure. Now I’m ready for the weekend!
This is the moon setting and reflecting the sunlight.
Jes and I were a little crazy on this trip and actually got up at 3 am on Tuesday morning. We drove almost 2 hours to the peak of Haleakala Crater where it was 48 degrees!!! I layered my white button-up and hoodie for warmth but I really could have used a jacket. Jes had his North Face jacket but decided to wear flip-flops so his toes froze. The full moon was spectacular that morning and I watched it set behind the crater around 5 am. Once we arrived, there was enough time to take a short nap in the car and then it was a short walk up the stairs to the tower.
At around 6:20 am, the sunlight peeked over the clouds and we were seeing a little color. The sun wasn’t supposed to rise until 6:38 am so in the meantime we shivered and waited in the cold. It was really cool seeing the tops of the clouds and fog along with road below. Then we ran out of luck…a huge cloud came over the area and the sun got fogged out. Oh boo.
So, we drove down to the visitor center for a pee break and bumped into my auntie and uncle! They were so cute in their little rain ponchos that they got from the Polynesian Cultural Center earlier. I could have used a poncho for warmth!
On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at the AT&T store in town but left empty-handed since I still had one month left before qualifying for a discounted upgrade. Back at the hotel, it was sunny and warm and perfect for another snorkeling excursion. This time around we still heard the whales and dolphins and the water was much clearer and warmer.
In the evening, the whole family went to a big luau at the Hyatt. We got a great table and the food was tasty. The entertainment was also pretty good and I think everyone had a good time. It was a great way to have one last hurrah before everyone left the next morning.
My Mommy’s feet enjoying the Maui sun and sand.
After a few days of cloudy skies and rain, the sun came out on Monday and it was gorgeous! We all headed out to finally get some color on our skin.
We went snorkeling in the morning and the parents joined us at the beach and at the barefoot bar afterward. The water was a little chilly but warmed up with the sun.
Can you find the puffer fish?
I got some photos of the fishies but it wasn’t a completely clear day yet so I would have to try again another day. The really cool part of the day was when we could hear the whales and dolphins singing under the water. It was a little creepy at first, then really neat-o, and then it just became really loud! Still very cool though…
In the evening, the clouds rolled in again but made for a pretty sunset from our balcony. For dinner, we drove through a downpour to Sansei for some tasty sushi. Then it was time to go to bed early for the sunrise at Haleakala Crater.
Hi! We have been in Maui for about 2 days now the weather has been much warmer than O’ahu but still sprinkling a bit now and then. We got upgraded from a Garden Room to a Deluxe Ocean View Room and the view is amazing from the 9th floor!
Brother and Joy also got upgraded and their balcony is close enough for us to pass drinks to each other.
The parents arrived yesterday (Sunday) so after hanging out at the pool, we took them to the Maui Ocean Center. I saw a bunch of whales on our drive from the airport to the hotel on Saturday afternoon but they didn’t come out for us on Sunday.
It was fun going to the aquarium with my mom since she doesn’t swim and doesn’t get to experience the ocean and its creatures like we do.
She was fascinated by all the different fish and wasn’t shy about telling certain ones how ugly they were. Pretty funny.
Today the sun came out and we’re off to Black Rock for some snorkeling. Yay! Laters…
On Friday afternoon, I got to catch up with an old friend. Yoon has been living in Hawaii for about 7 years now and it’s so fun to hang out with her again. In the afteroon, we had Afternoon Tea at the Moana. We spent about 2 hours sipping tea and enjoying the mini sandwiches and pastries. The pot of tea was constantly refilled the whole time and they didn’t rush us out even though we were the last ones done and they were getting ready for the dinner service.
In the evening, we met up at Lulu’s for some bar food and drinks and to listen to Manoa DNA, which is a local cover band made up of a Dad, and his two sons Nick and Alex. They are one talented family with a very rich sound and lots of energy. Yoon was so excited to share her favorite local band with us and we were certainly not disappointed.
Afterward, we went over to Duke’s to meet up with Brother, Joy, and the cousins. It was fun to just sit with them, relax, and laugh about random stuff. It’s rare to have everyone together at once so this was definitely a special day. I wish my family and friends were always this accessible to me.
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