Maui Wowee

Aloha! I’m completely rejuvenated after a wonderful week in Maui with mi familia (well, a couple fam members anyway…)! It’s been 9 years since I have visited that island and it was so nice to be back…

beachview

We stayed in Kihei and our timeshare is in the perfect location, across the street from the beach AND an ABC store – what else do you need in Hawaii!?!? πŸ™‚

Usually, it’s a lot of lounging, beach and plate lunches on our Hawaii vacays…but this trip we also dared to complete a 22-mile bike ride down Haleakala – with the Haleakala Bike Company. Now, if you’re my sister, Ade, it’s no big deal, because for her, biking is how she gets around in SF, but for me and my Dad…well, we’re not exactly “outdoorsy and adventurous” on the regular…

So, this excursion was the highlight of the trip because not only did we get to look at gorgeous views on the way down, but me, my sister Adrienne and my Dad successfully made it down the volcano together, with NO problems!!

hangloosebike

I mean I was out of breath…but I just gotta work on my cardio for next time..hehehe πŸ˜‰

bikers

Basically, they drive you up in a van (we didn’t go all the way up 10k feet to the summit, just a manageable 6500 feet), and then it’s all “downhill” from there… haha We even make a pit stop at the Kula Cafe to grab lunch. Good times, I recommend it, if you ever get the chance.

Another point of interest was our visit to the Tedeschi Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch in upcountry Maui, where they make grape and pineapple wines…

…and the winery grounds have an abundance of extra-beautiful trees and flowers.

Adrienne and I also stopped by one of our favorite beaches on the island…Makena’s Big Beach aka Oneloa Beach.

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I love that “Big Beach” is untouched and part of its beauty is that the ocean still rules above all…there’s also a very nice view of Molokini and Kahoolawee

BUT the wave breaks here can be very dangerous, so you MUST be careful…

And OF COURSE we had to go to a luau..because that’s just what you do in Hawaii…you know… to get “LEI’D!!” πŸ˜€

We attended the Old Lahaina Luau, which is a very authentic Hawaiian luau that showcases many beautiful hula dances and dancers, along with the history of the islands…

All in all, this trip was just what I needed to get ready for what’s to come! Remember… you just gotta HANG LOOSE in Hawaii!

Mahalo …until we meet again!