Maui: You are a Paradise!

Last full day on Maui and what better way to spend it than in the sun!

As it turns out, the windy weather we have had the past two days has been “unusual.” I was wondering what was going on. So many people had told me that Maui was a paradise...but I was not seeing it. I suppose I was seeing a side of Maui that is a little different.

Laura and I decided we would just stay at our own beach at the condo and this was the best idea we’ve had so far. The beach was almost empty, there was a jettied area so the water was calm. We spent 4 hours out there sleeping, reading, floating in the water. It was finally paradise!

Around 2 we headed in and got showers to begin our journey north to Lahaina. We had a few things on our list we wanted to see--like the giant Buddha, the giant banyan tree, Ulalena, and eat at Aloha Mixed Plate (famous with the Greensboro crew). 

On the way out, there were some beautiful views across the bay where the whales would come to mate. Seeing as how it was the end of mating season, we didn’t see any whales. But we took some great pictures!

Lahaina is quaint little town packed with shops. We didn’t have any time to really shop. We first hit the main square where the banyan tree stretched across the city block. If they allowed climbing, it would be playground heaven!

We next headed out to see the big Buddha at the Jodo Mission. It was a beautiful area--very quiet and serene. We hung out with Buddha and the temple for a few minutes then headed down the road (past the “Jesus is Coming Soon” neon sign on top the church) to Aloha Mixed Plate for dinner. This place is famous with the locals. The food is affordable, the view is awesome and the drinks are divine! Unfortunately, you can only drink up on the wooden deck instead of down closer to the water. But I survived.

We then circled the blocks a few times looking for parking for the show. Ulalena was a fantastic show! It was filled with fantastic music, dancing and the most amazing drumming I have ever heard. It tells the story of the Hawaiian Islands and is done mostly in Hawaiian. If you are ever in Maui, I strongly recommend it!

Maui is a beautiful little island. It’s easy to get around, the shopping is good and the beaches are beautiful (if the wind is not out of control), and it is a relaxing place to be. But it is still not my island. Tomorrow we fly out to the big island and meet up with some friends. I’m looking forward to new adventures!