Before this year's July struck, the anticipation of visiting the beautiful island of Maui (Conde Nast Traveler's Best Island for YEARS, btw) seemed unbearable. But after a couple of months and an almost 24-hour flight halfway across the globe - the sun, rainbow, beaches, clear skies, and much aloha made the waiting and the plane ride almost surreal. As soon as the cool breeze and the breath of fresh air hit our senses, we knew we were on paradise. We've traded our jeans to shorts and our shoes to slippers! Our 30-day vacation has taken its plunge!!!
In almost a month (with a side trip to a SF), we've scoured the Magic Isle with things to see and do, and Maui never disappoints. Maui's exquisite seascape and raw landscape fused with its unique towns, luxurious resorts and hospitable people make it an unforgettable getaway. 30 days sure ain't enough!
DID:
1.) Caught a Wave - I mean, really, should I say more?...But that's not all! The water activities are endless, from body boarding, stand-up paddling, wind surfing, diving, parasailing, there's so much to choose from... which, last but not the least, including the next...
In almost a month (with a side trip to a SF), we've scoured the Magic Isle with things to see and do, and Maui never disappoints. Maui's exquisite seascape and raw landscape fused with its unique towns, luxurious resorts and hospitable people make it an unforgettable getaway. 30 days sure ain't enough!
DID:
1.) Caught a Wave - I mean, really, should I say more?...But that's not all! The water activities are endless, from body boarding, stand-up paddling, wind surfing, diving, parasailing, there's so much to choose from... which, last but not the least, including the next...
2.) Rode a Banana Boat - Really, this was one of the best and most fun water activity ever. It's Rap's dream come true - me and him on the same carnival-like thrill ride! Towed by a ski boat with a crazy captain, the banana boat splashed, moved and bounced right into the deep blue ocean and against the waves forcing us to fall off the shark-infested??? water! Just kidding...
3.) Hiked Maui Mountains - Why do about 2 million tourists visit Maui every year? Because really, it's an Aang, master of land, sea, fire and air. Maui is so much more than a beach hang-out (though the beaches are truly A-mazing with a capital A) and it has some of the best short, long hikes with scenic routes to top.
4.) Jumped Off Rocks - After a long hike, what treat is it to find either a waterfall and/or a rock to jump from, to cool off? Out of the two jump sites we've been to, I've actually jumped off at least once at Swinging Bridges - a 10-15 feet tall rock beside a streaming waterfall. Clap, clap, clap for the uber-cautious bookworm!
5.) Zipped through Haleakala - Believe it or not, this next on the list is one of the things I've done before - Zipline! But this, oh this, is way faster, taller and longer. We've zipped through 5 zip courses 7 times! What's the Zipline Height and Length you say?
1st Line: 125' long, 25' above the ground
2nd Line: 165' long, 65' above the ground
3rd Line: 210' long, 75' above the ground
4th Line: 330' long, 110' above the ground
5th Line: 710' long, 125' above the ground
1st Line: 125' long, 25' above the ground
2nd Line: 165' long, 65' above the ground
3rd Line: 210' long, 75' above the ground
4th Line: 330' long, 110' above the ground
5th Line: 710' long, 125' above the ground
WATCHED
1.) Ulalena - a heartfelt depiction of Hawaii's history, Ulalena is one of the best theater plays I've seen to date. The hula dancing is of course phenomenal, the audience participation (yes there is!) is a breath of fresh air and the sound effects especially the percussion and drums, is quite riveting. Among the scenes, the Sugar Cane workers stood out the most. The intensity of the drums coupled with the now clanging gong and cymbals portrayed the mixed cultures of Hawaii, while the rigidness of the dance depicted such harshness of sugar cane plantation life then. So yeah, I'll stop right there before this turns out as a full-on review.
1.) Ulalena - a heartfelt depiction of Hawaii's history, Ulalena is one of the best theater plays I've seen to date. The hula dancing is of course phenomenal, the audience participation (yes there is!) is a breath of fresh air and the sound effects especially the percussion and drums, is quite riveting. Among the scenes, the Sugar Cane workers stood out the most. The intensity of the drums coupled with the now clanging gong and cymbals portrayed the mixed cultures of Hawaii, while the rigidness of the dance depicted such harshness of sugar cane plantation life then. So yeah, I'll stop right there before this turns out as a full-on review.
2.) Warren and Annabelle's Magic Show and Dinner - is a great dinner date! I've never seen a live magic show before but this one has been real entertaining and funny. I wonder how's Vegas' though? Just Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle! (inside joke ladies and gents).
3.) Luau - Our trip would not have been complete without attending a real Luau! Luau which means "Hawaiian Feast" takes every attendee to great eats, hula lessons, live local music and some fire dancing on an open air, grassy lawn beside the beach! Nothing can get more Hawaiian than that!
GRIND or pidgen for "Eat" because....A vacation is not a vacation without digging through the local foods and best restaurants. And, if you're blessed like Ralph and I, even have some of his family of chefs whip up some scrumptious, homemade dinner. And on a side note, the Maui community supports organic, farm-grown, fresh foods!!! YUM. oh, and of course SPAM! From "Poke" like Spicy Ahi Tuna wrapped with Rice and Nori, Passion Orange Guava drink, Spam Musubi (spam wrapped in rice and nori, too!), Fried Spam Musubi, Malasadas (local donut), Manapua (Siopao), Pineapples, Portuguese sausage with eggs, GuriGuri (local ice cream), Ulalani's Shave Ice, Kalbi Short Ribs, Katsu, Saimin, LauLau (pork, fish and beef wrapped in taro leaves), Loco Moco (burger steak bathed in over easy eggs and gravy), Kalua pig (pulled pork)....pasta, WHAT?
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