Yes, yes…we are back from (just shy of) 2 weeks on Maui. It was a much deserved and well spent vacay for the clan.

And yes, I did come back with a tee shirt, but also picked up some nice earrings. If anyone scored during this trip it was Mads: a $10 book from the ABC store that was well worth the money, jibbitz from the Crocs store in Lahaina, a cute Hawaiian dress from TropiKidz in Paia, reefs (of the flip-flop kind), a pony/horse book and play scene, a tee shirt from Kiwi John’s in Paia….

So, here are the top 10 highlights from our Maui vacay…

• Bento boxes from the Pukalani Superette – stopped here to pick up some picnic items and left with some darn good bento boxes: beef teriyaki, chicken lau lau, roast pork, macaroni salad, chow mein, rice (of course!) and last but not least, spam musubi. So, so good we were trying how we could justify driving up to Pukalani on the way to Wailea.
• Palauea Beach – just a few minutes south of Polo Beach in Wailea, this beach was perfect for hanging out, playing in the water, snorkeling (there were turtle sightings) and had great views of Molokini & Kaho’olawe.
• Island Birds – even the birds are laid back…they would move (walk, not even fly) out of the car’s path at the last absolute second.
• A rainy hike to twin falls – didn’t quite make it to the falls, but we saw beautiful flowers, big a** spiders, and my mom off-roading in this short hike all in the rain.
• Waking up to a gorgeous view from our private lanai
• Sweet & fresh fruit: mangoes and pineapples, especially
• Paia & the upcountry of Maui – being on the windward side, meant it was a LOT cooler. Paia & the upcountry towns (Haiku, Makawao, Ulupalakula) we visited were much nicer than the touristy spots.
• Kalua Pork at HanaHou Cafe – and what would you know, the owner is French! The profiteroles and tarte tatin were pretty good too!
• A little girl at the playground referring to S & I as “uncle” and “auntie”
• Mads thoroughly enjoying the pool after being so uncooperative for swim lessons

Tagged: on Monday, August 24, 2009 · 2 Comments »