Maui Paradise
Just back from the paradise that is Hawaii. Some islands just have that magic you can’t quite explain. In Hawaii it’s the way the palm trees reach out into the blue skies, the breathtaking sunsets with shades of purple, orange, yellow and red, the lush tropical vegetation and the friendly alohas wherever you go. This trip was to Maui, one of the 8 major islands that make up the state that is in the middle of the immense Pacific ocean…. it has local charm and a cute tropical island feel mixed with the conveniences of American retailers and products. Not as city-like and vibrant as Oahu, making it perfect for those that just want a tropical getaway that is also comfortable.
I stayed in Wailea which is the South west part of Maui. It’s peaceful, full of beautiful coastal beaches mixed with 5-star resorts, and by the scenic Wailea golf courses. It’s not as lively as West Maui which is up North, so it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. It’s advisable to rent a car from the airport to give you the ability to move around as you please. I didn’t do the drive to Hana, frankly my days were taken up learning golf at Leadbetter’s Golf Academy – highly recommended, enjoying the beach, shopping and having big American-size meals washed down with lovely Mojitos and Mai Tais. The road to Hana is something I may want to do in the future, but it’s one of those things where once is definitely enough. Windy roads no matter how scenic can be quite a nightmare. I believe the best way to view the waterfalls, mountains and craters if you aren’t afraid of flying is by helicopter. Even just by going horse-riding through Mendes Ranch I was able to see a clearing with the magical Maui mountains and gushing waterfalls streaming through – very beautiful.
While Wailea is about 30 minutes from Kahului airport, West Maui (Lahaina, Kanaapali and Kapalau) is about 45 minutes give or take. I think I may try West Maui next time to enjoy the wonderful shops and restaurants at Front Street in Lahaina town, such as the Vintage Poster shop with the ever-friendly and charming Franc who only sells original vintage posters from Cappiello to Toulouse-Latrec, and restaurants like Lahaina Grill for some seriously good food and service. Then there are some top class golf courses, notably the Mercedes PGA championship golf courses in Kapalua – the Plantation Course and the Bay Course, and the Kaanapali golf course which is home of the Champions tour. There are some top resorts like the Westin Villas and Westin Maui, don’t confuse one for the other, they are a few blocks apart separated by Black Rock (for some recreational snorkelling, swim with the local sea turtles!) and hotels like the Sheraton Maui and Royal Lahaina Resort. An interesting option would be renting out a vacation home/timeshare and spending it with friends or loved ones.
Funnily enough, I was there when they had warnings for Hurricane Felicia so they kept saying a big storm was coming in… which is rare in the summer. Luckily, I enjoyed 4 days of sunshine before having some on and off rain for two of the days, nothing close to a tropical rainstorm, but enough to have the helicopter ride cancelled. I will have to do it next time, and there will be a next time. One week in paradise was clearly not enough, there were still so many beaches to explore and so much more laying out and golfing and relaxing to do… think the next trip will have to be at least 2 weeks with a short visit to the more rustic islands of Hawaii like Kauai and the Big Island. Till then, I’m still dreaming of the Hawaiian islands…
