Maui 2013

We had a fantastic time in Maui!  What a way to start the new year!  It was an early morning leaving cold, snowy Calgary but easy to get up when you know you are on your way to the airport to fly to sunny Maui. Although, I have to say, that Maui was not so sunny the first couple of days we were there.  Despite that, we didn't let the cloudy and rainy weather get us down.
We met Terry's brother Kim and his wife Jackie in Maui. We really enjoyed the opportunity to meet them and spend the 10 days in Hawaii together. We spent time together and time doing our own thing as well.  We made great travel companions.
Our first couple of days were spent at the Aston Maui Kannapali Villas and we then moved to the Westin Kannapali Resort and Spa.  We had stayed at the Westin before and love the resort for it's amenities and how close it is to Whaler's Village.
We enjoyed lots of down time, just hanging out by the pool and on the beach relaxing. When we weren't at the pool or beaches we were out and about exploring or eating. Terry enjoyed lots of seafood, especially the calamari and we both enjoyed a beverage or two (from Bikini Blonde - beer for Terry to the Lava Flows).
We took a day close to the beginning of the trip to drive to Julia's Banana Bread which is the best banana bread on the planet. That's what the sign says and it is true. We bought enough loaves to enjoy over a number of breakfasts.  The drive has so many beautiful stops but unfortunately it was raining so we didn't get to make many stops that day.
Highlights included:
-Morning runs along the beach in Maui - should have done this a couple more times as it was amazing!
-Playing "Lava" along the beach with Jaret and Kirra. A game Jaret made up where we run along the beach close to the water and when the waves come onto the beach we run away from the waves so that we don't get caught by the lava.
-Sitting out on the lanai in the evening sipping wine while hearing the crashing waves and staring up into a star-filled sky.
-Beachfront meals and walking the shops of Lahaina.
-We could do a Whale Watch every time we visit Maui.  Terry had a special moment with Jaret at the front of the boat when a baby humpback swam right under their feet, followed by the Mama. They were so close that Terry could have reached down and touched them. Then he had another moment with Kirra at the back of the boat where they saw half a dozen dolphins jumping the waves. Amazing!  I saw it all but not quite from the seat Terry did.
-Snorkeling was great!  We snorkeled off Kaanapali at the Westin Villas. It was Jaret's first time snorkeling and he snorkeled out to see the turtle that Terry had come face to face with earlier. However, later in our stay, Jaret spent a day at Kid's Club where the staff took him out snorkeling at Black Rock.  A highlight for him as he came face to face with a turtle and Eagle Ray.   Although he also thought it was cool to make a candy lei. Kirra enjoyed making a candy lei as well, but she also remembers hearing the parrot say "Aloha, Hi, Hello" and watching the koi in the pond.  They both enjoyed YogurtLand almost everyday. What can be better?
-Jaret learned to surf and it was so much fun to watch him. He and Terry took a semi-private lesson which ended up being a private lesson for Jaret because 45 minutes into the lesson, Terry fell with his hand landing on coral which cut pretty deep. He ended up in the medi-clinic where he received eight stitches. That ended his lesson and time in the water. Thankfully there was only a couple days left in our trip.  Jaret continued with his lesson and did well and had so much fun!
-Cabana massage. Need I say more?
I feel like I could go on and on.  So many reasons to love Hawaii.  When can we go back again?  Soon.  Definitely soon.
Mahalo!