maui day 6: revisited

So sad to see the end of this trip in sight. I was hoping we would both magically get jobs here, and Emma (our little wiener doggy) could be flown over to be the island mascot and bask in the sun she loves so much. But alas, we head home tomorrow (although I feel at home here too). Our last day was filled with A LOT of water and sun.

We headed south again, past Lahaina, to mile marker 14 (Olowalu) along the highway. It was extremely windy and rained on and off (I was not so happy about getting in the water), but we were told it was an amazing spot to snorkel.

olowalu

At first it was intimidating because it was so shallow and the reef came up so high. After zig zagging our way through the maze of coral in the shallow water, we found some open areas of beautiful and incredible underwater gardens. I've never seen anything like it. The fish were so colorful, and the coral so intricate and delicate looking ("looking" being the key word as I have a nicely scraped arm from one attacking me).

Because I'm a baby and hate anything resembling "cold" while I'm at the beach, we headed back up north to Ka'anapali to get some sun and swimming in. The water was so clear and refreshing. There was a nice cove at the end of the beach by Black Rock where we did some more snorkeling--not as jaw dropping, but still pretty and lots of fish to enjoy. Drew stayed out longer than me and managed to hang out with a couple of honu (sea turtles).

Taking a break from the sun, we enjoyed a farewell mai tai at the tiki bar--then headed back to the beach for a final swim.

the clear water in ka'anapali

I didn't think the clouds across the way covering the island of Molokai would break in time for the sunset, but they did and it was a beautiful one at that. The perfect end to a fun day and final night in Maui!

journal entry, day 6

Kaanapali on Dwellable

maui day 4: revisited

I've become slightly obsessed with anything macadamia nut, pineapple, or coconut related. This morning I had macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup at Gazebo restaurant in Napili (last night I had macadamia nut ice cream--also delicious!). Good thing I surfed all afternoon to work those pancakes off.

my friend at breakfast, eyeing my pancakes

Yes, I finally got to surf today. We went to Lahaina Harbor--the waves were small but fun, and the water was so warm. A couple of local guys were out there too, and gave me some tips. Lahaina is my favorite town so far--the water is warm, the surf is fun, the people are friendly, and the town reminds me of a larger Balboa Island in Newport Beach with all the fun shops and amazing waterfront restaurants.

looks flat, but there were some small waves off the break wall to the far right

first wave caught of the day

3 hours later and happy

So we had to do the touristy thing and go to a luau, The Feast at Lele. It was a fun experience (one-time). The food was incredible--prepared by Chef James McDonald (I'O & Pacific'O). They served four courses, with each course being celebrated by a dance unique to that island. We were done by 9:00, the town shuts down around 10:00--and that is the late crowd. My kind of people!

the people on the paddle board enjoyed the show from the water

first course

journal entry, day 4

Lahaina on Dwellable

maui day 3: revisited

I love the simplicity here--no pomp, no circumstance, no malls (well not like LA anyway), and a lot of times no rhyme or reason (but it works!).

We started our morning off with an early check-in at Trilogy in Ka'anapali for a catamaran and snorkeling tour. What an amazing day! The Trilogy crew handed out breakfast on the way to Honolua Bay, and barbecued lunch right on the boat for everyone.  They are one of the only snorkeling tours that sails the whole way back. It takes a bit longer, but there's definitely no need to rush.

honolua bay

some kids chilling on the trampoline while sailing 

view from the water

we drove back to honolua bay the next morning before anyone was in the water

I am now obsessed with sea turtles after coming face to face with one while snorkeling. He was magnificent! The sea sirens must have sent him, knowing I was nearby ;)

honu

We made an early night of it, and went to happy hour at Kimo's on the water in Lahaina--enjoyed the catch of the day and a mai tai (or two). Down the street we met Mani, who carved us a tiki guy with a turtle on his head in honor of seeing our first Honu today. I see many more sea carvings from Mani decorating our house each year.

mani working on our carving

must end with a gorgeous maui sunset

Random sound of the day: Rooster crowing on the beach while we were snorkeling 

journal entry, day 3

Kapalua on Dwellable

maui day 2: revisited

view from my run

This morning I went for a run through the neighborhood and town of Kahana where we are staying. It was so refreshing, and even sprinkled a little on my way back. The air is balmy, warm, and calming--the sound of the waves, relaxing. The trade winds blow through on and off--sometimes cool and sometimes warm.

There is a little farmers' market in town (Mon, Wed, Fri), so we picked up our Bad Ass Hawaiian coffee and walked over to get our fruits and veggies for the week:

• mangos
• tomatoes
• pineapple
• sweet maui onions
• broccoli
• sprouts
• bananas
• pineapple salsa
• guacamole
• macadamia nut pesto
• pineapple bread

After making breakfast, we headed south and stopped in Lahaina. What a gorgeous little town. All the shops and restaurants along the harbor are so quaint, and the bungalows with their colorful gardens look like something out of a magazine (which I'm sure many have been in). We wandered by all the little shops, and peeked in a few here and there, then headed over to watch the surfers in the harbor. I've been scoping out where I want to surf this weekend since it's been so flat. It was crowded with beginners, but the waves looked fun and chill coming off the point. I'll be back!

We then headed 45 minutes south to Wailea, then Makena, and parked at Makena State Beach--also known as "Big Beach." The sand was white and red, and the water was clear bright blue (pic above). It was cooler than I expected, but 100% warmer than SoCal. My inner mermaid was happy!

We took the long way home and decided to take the northeast side of the island. It was much cooler, very windy, overcast, and lush compared to the west side we were staying on. The houses and ranches that scattered the single lane road reminded me of the tree house from Swiss Family Robinson, protected from the road by layers of trees, plants, flowers, and vines. Roosters, goats, and cows all greeted us as we drove by.

We made it back to the condo just in time to pour a glass of sauvignon blanc and enjoy the sunset from our lanai. 

journal entry, day 2

Makena Surf on Dwellable

nothing says spring like...

...a little trip to MAUI! 

Don't be too jealous...I've only been waiting my whole life to go, and finally get to in April.

In keeping with my love for planning (thanks, Mom), here's the proposed itinerary:

Tuesday:
Arrive in Maui
Lounge at the beach, and maybe get a little surfing in before dinner

Note: I have never surfed in warm water...it's winter wetsuit weather all year here in "sunny" SoCal

Wednesday:
Farmer's Market
Hit up Lahaina & the Maui Brewing Co. (shopping too, of course)

Thursday:
Snorkeling with Trilogy

Friday:
Surf
Feast at Lele Luau

Saturday:
Lounge at the beach and surf

Sunday:
Hike
Any suggestions on a good hike? 

Monday:
Head home
That's a big maybe