Maui - Days 1 & 2

Here is the trip report for the first two days of our Maui trip. I need to finish writing the rest.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

We set the alarm to get up at 5:30 a.m. The joy of early flights. We took a shower and made final preparations to the house before we left. We are lucky enough to a great friend and neighbor, Lynn, who took us to the airport at 6:30 in the morning. A big thank you goes out to her as well as Beth for taking care of Burdell for a few days.

We arrived at Hartsfield around 7:00 a.m. We did not have to check in because we did all of it online and had only carry-on bags. We sailed through the T-Gate security line and proceeded to our gate. Billy picked up our obligatory Burger King breakfast. After eating, we boarded our United flight bound for Denver.

While on the flight we were served a beverage along with the delicious Biscotti cookies. Surprisingly our flight was just long enough for us to get the opportunity to watch a movie. I watched Fool’s Gold with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConahey (mmmm…eye candy). It was shown on the small screens that fold down from the ceiling. The color was not the best but at least I had some entertainment.

We arrived in Denver for a 2 hour layover. We got settled in at our gate. Billy went Paradise Café and Bakery to pick up some sandwiches for lunch.

Finally, it was time to board our plane bound for Maui. With flights cutting back more and more, we enjoyed the beverage service but if you wanted food you and purchase snack boxes ($5.00), sandwiches or salads ($7.00). Luckily, we had our sandwiches from Denver. The flight was smooth sailing after a bumpy start out of Denver. During the flight, we watched Horton Hears a Who! and Wild Hogs along with some other programs.

After watching the movies and some short naps, we arrived in Kahuli, Maui around 3:30 p.m. As we exited the plan, we put on our sandals to enjoy the Maui weather. We breezed through the airport and headed to the rental car area to pick up our car. We ended up getting a bright blue PT Cruiser, which we soon found that many other’s get the same car. We stopped by K-Mart to pick up some sunscreen, towels, water and other snacks. As we were shopping I started to feel nauseous (surprise, surprise). We started our journey over to the west side of Maui. Even though it was rush hour, we traveled quickly to Ka’anapali because we were headed in the opposite direction of traffic.

We were greeted by a crowded entry way to the Westin Maui. Even though there was a crowd of cars, the line to check-in was non-existent. Billy had booked the room through Priceline for a wonderful rate. We showed our Starwood members card as we checked in. We lucked out and they upgraded us to the 10^th floor with a golf/mountain view.

We went up to our room (1044) and Billy unpacked his stuff while I lounged around. After reading reviews, I was worried that our room would be too small but found that it was just the right size to fit the king-sized bed along with table and 2 chairs. The bathroom area was a little small but it was nice to have an extra counter to place all of our snacks. To continue with the relaxation, we went to the pool. While at the pool, you had to wear a wristband. They change the color of the band each day. We had no problem finding chairs because it was so late in the day. We floated around all the pools and tried out the slide.

After relaxing by the pool, we went to the room to get cleaned up for dinner. We walked to Whalers Village. I did not feel so well so I wasn’t up for eating. Billy got food from the Chinese place at the food court on the lower level. We sat outside while he ate.

As soon as we got back to room, I went straight to bed. I guess all of the traveling got to me.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Wow, 2:30 a.m. comes really quickly even when you go to bed at 8:00 p.m. I was feeling better, so we got dressed and started our drive to Haleakala. We stopped at McDonald’s in Kahuli for breakfast. It is good to know that sausage biscuits are still on the dollar menu even in Maui. We made it to the top of Haleakala around 5:00 a.m. We found a parking spot at the summit, but my damn bladder decided it was time to go the bathroom. There are no bathrooms at the summit. We quickly made our way back to the visitors’ center area so that I could go to the bathroom. By the time we returned to the car, they had closed the road to the summit because the parking lot was full. Bummer! As we got our things out of the car, we noticed that the cameras were MIA. In our stupor at 2:30 this morning, we forgot to bring the cameras with us. We attempted to walk our way up to the summit, but after a few minutes of me huffing and puffing we knew that we would not be able to make it all the way to the top before sunrise. So we made our way over next to the visitors’ center with all of the bike tour groups to watch the glorious sunrise. I don’t even know if there are words to describe the sunrise that will do it justice. See the colors rising over the blanket of clouds was incredible. To add to the experience a park ranger chanted a traditional Hawaiian prayer for the start of the day. It was one of the benefits of being at the location we were out. I befriended a couple from California who had a camera. I got an e-mail address so that I could get some of their pictures. They were so sweet, they even took pictures of us. Thanks Julie and Craig!!!

After sunrise, we poked around the Visitors’ Center and then made our way up to the summit once again. Even though the sunrise was passing we were able to get some great views from the observation area. I find it very interesting that the military has there equipment (lasers) in such plain view near a national park. I’m sure that is very difficult to get near it though. After peering around, we made our way back down making a few stops at the viewpoints. Finally, we stopped at the visitors’ center near the entrance of the park. There is not much to see at this center unless you need information.

We then went to the Kula Lodge to eat breakfast. I highly recommend this place one for the view but also for the food. We had a great view of south Maui as well as the west Maui mountains. I ordered a strawberry, banana smoothie along with the some pancakes. The pancakes were a little crispy but tasted great. Billy preferred his French toast. We were sitting next to the kitchen which was a little loud but it did not take away from our experience. I was actually enjoying the music coming from the kitchen instead of the music playing for the guests.

After breakfast, we walked around the market area near the lodge. We then headed to Skyline Zipline in hopes of getting on with an earlier tour. No such luck. We hung out in the car. Billy ended up taking a nap while I read and people watched. We wouldn’t have had time to kill if we didn’t forget the cameras.

12:30 arrived quick enough. We were outfitted with harnesses and helmets for our zipline tour. We had two very friendly guides (Sal & Bennett). Throughout our tour, the guys made sure to put everybody at ease. I absolutely enjoyed the ziplines and wanted to do more. I will have to find other destinations that have ziplines. J Once again, we did not have our camera so I had to bum a picture off of a family. We exchanged e-mails; hopefully they send me the pictures. I don’t know why they would want to keep them.

After our excitement we headed back to the hotel for some relaxation by the pool. We were able to find chairs. There are usually a few chairs open but they may not be in the most desirable place (too much sun, busy walking area, etc.).

We then cleaned up to go to dinner at Hula Grill at Whalers’ Village. We had a 40 minute wait since we arrived at peak dining time. It wasn’t too bad because we walked around and window shopped. Then we chilled out in the grass until our buzzer went off. If you are looking for a beachside restaurant feel, this is the place for you. We got a table on the patio which is covered with sand. I indulged by taking my shoes off and sinking my toes deep into the sand. To indulge my stomach, I chose the teriyaki chicken with rice & veggies. Billy got a cheeseburger with fries. Our server seemed to be busy so we didn’t get the best service, but it was nothing to complain about. After we finished our dinner, we headed back to the hotel for the night. Hey, we did get up at 2:30 a.m., and I didn’t take a nap.