Sunday, July 30, 2006

Aloha!



Some weeks ago, I joked here about having gone to Hawaii as a reward for Roger finishing the textbook he's been writing, like, FOREVER. At the time, the idea was pure fantasy.

Well, Roger DID finish his book and as we were talking about how to celebrate this momentous event, he suggested that what he'd really like to do... is go to Hawaii! We looked at our calendar, found the one window of opportunity, called our travel agent, and next thing we knew, we'd booked a trip to Maui for 10 days! This is especially exciting as we've never really taken a vacation like this as a family. Since Caroline arrived 10 years ago, our vacations have usually involved visiting family and friends (in great places like Maine and San Diego), but still...this will be quite fun.

So, we are in BIG PACKING mode, as we leave bright and early Tuesday morning.

We'll be staying in Napili, which is just north of Lahaina... On this map, it's on the far left-hand side of the island.



We have a condo rented, which our travel agent assures us will be comfortable and perfect for staying with a child, near good beaches. We'll be somewhere in this complex, facing the water:



Looks gorgeous, huh? We are planning a whole lot of beachy relaxing, a horse-back riding outing, an evening at the Old Lahaina Luau, and, of course, plenty of snorkeling.



We are armed with a travel guide to Maui, all of our friends' recommendations about where to eat and what to do and (from my brother) the best place to buy fish for dinner. I have set out my pile of paperbacks for vacation reading, but I have already started rereading James Michener's Hawaii to get me in the mood.

So, if you don't hear from me for 10 days or so, you'll know why. This time I really AM in Hawaii. Really.

Aloha!

7 comments :

  1. Have a great trip!!

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  2. Ooooh, funFunFUN!! I LOVED Maui - one of my favorite places I've ever been in my life. When I was there, they were having a big art sale under the huge banyon tree (like "it takes up an entire block" huge) in Lahaina, so I hope they do something like that while you're there too. And the Hana coast...black sand beach...oh man, I want to go tooooo! Have a great time, Diane!

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  3. Anonymous12:17 AM

    oooh I am so jealous. we went to Maui two years ago. it was great. we stayed in Kihei.
    just be prepared to decide you must make a hawaiian quilt when you get back.

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  4. That's going to be beautiful! Have fun!

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  5. We are lucky enough to visit Maui every Fall. We rent a condo about 1/2 mile from where you are staying. Unpack 1/2 of what you are expecting to take, buy a moo-moo there, and just RELAX. The beauty will astound you and you'll sink into the island mentality before you know it.

    There's a little Deli across from the ABC store that's great for a pick-up before going to the beach...The Fish Market right there has wonderfully fresh fish.

    Be prepared...you'll want to go back!

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  6. Oh! We stayed there three years ago. The snorkeling is fabulous. There is a great restaurant where we had the best fusion sushi. Have a wonderful time - you deserve it - all 3 of you.

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  7. Sorry I didn't read this before you left, but just in case you are checking your mail: For good but inexpensive fish try Paia Fish Market; the best fish on the island (but $$$$) is at the Waterfront in Maalaea and Mama's Fish House in Kuau (we're going there on Sunday for our 18th anniversary). Visit Alii Lavender Farm in Kula. Don't forget Sew Special Too in Kihei (tell them I sent you) at Azeka Place (super quilt shop), and Aloha Bead Shop and Maui Craft's Guild in Paia. Have a GREAT time...the weather's been lovely lately.

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