Our week in Maui was an escape from the mild winter, but still a much needed escape into the warmth. This was beautiful warmth, hot sun and cool breeze without the humidity that we were so used to in Kerala, Singapore, Cairns and other Caribbean countries. This was the type of heat where you could sit outside and not feel uncomfortable and sticky.
Maui impressed me with the weather and the seafood. I had poke, tried out their version of fish tacos with pineapple slaw, indulged in grilled mahi mahi, calamari and shrimp, gobbled up some expensive but buttery soft sushi and had the fancy fried fish dish. All in all, a great eating holiday, topped off by the best Hawaiian shaved ice I have ever had. Our go to place was Ululani's (3 times in that week), and best flavor was the Haleakala: coconut ice cream under coconut and lychee flavored shaved ice, with a snow cap. Sweet, tropical, creamy, refreshing magic in a paper cup!
I loved the beaches and ticking off swimming in the Pacific Ocean on my to-do list. Getting up close with the whales and the sea turtles was unforgettable, and I hope the kids will remember some of that epic day. The black lava beach was a beautiful contrast to the blue waters and the sky, and I so wanted to bottle up some of that shiny black sand! But good juju ranks higher than a souvenir bottle of sand, so the sand stayed where it belonged.
The road to Hana was highly recommended by friends and online, for the iconic windy drive, scenic ocean views, many hiking opportunities and beautiful waterfalls. This drive did not meet the 'scenic views' expectations. Maybe for the hikes and dipping into waterfalls, which we didn't do because of the kids. No, for drives that test your dexterity behind the wheel, coupled with gorgeous ocean views for the passengers and windy roads to push motion sickness limits, go along Chapman's Peak or the 12 Apostles road.
My favorite part about Maui was how well-ingrained the indigenous culture was among the touristy westerners. The hotels were all about sustainable living while teaching words in Hawaiian. Tourism focused on saving the whales and respecting the cultures. They gave homage to the ancient way of life and openly shared this with the tourists - in the middle of the national parks and all over the island.
Maui impressed me with the weather and the seafood. I had poke, tried out their version of fish tacos with pineapple slaw, indulged in grilled mahi mahi, calamari and shrimp, gobbled up some expensive but buttery soft sushi and had the fancy fried fish dish. All in all, a great eating holiday, topped off by the best Hawaiian shaved ice I have ever had. Our go to place was Ululani's (3 times in that week), and best flavor was the Haleakala: coconut ice cream under coconut and lychee flavored shaved ice, with a snow cap. Sweet, tropical, creamy, refreshing magic in a paper cup!
I loved the beaches and ticking off swimming in the Pacific Ocean on my to-do list. Getting up close with the whales and the sea turtles was unforgettable, and I hope the kids will remember some of that epic day. The black lava beach was a beautiful contrast to the blue waters and the sky, and I so wanted to bottle up some of that shiny black sand! But good juju ranks higher than a souvenir bottle of sand, so the sand stayed where it belonged.
The road to Hana was highly recommended by friends and online, for the iconic windy drive, scenic ocean views, many hiking opportunities and beautiful waterfalls. This drive did not meet the 'scenic views' expectations. Maybe for the hikes and dipping into waterfalls, which we didn't do because of the kids. No, for drives that test your dexterity behind the wheel, coupled with gorgeous ocean views for the passengers and windy roads to push motion sickness limits, go along Chapman's Peak or the 12 Apostles road.
My favorite part about Maui was how well-ingrained the indigenous culture was among the touristy westerners. The hotels were all about sustainable living while teaching words in Hawaiian. Tourism focused on saving the whales and respecting the cultures. They gave homage to the ancient way of life and openly shared this with the tourists - in the middle of the national parks and all over the island.
The plaque was in the entryway of one of the hotels:
He ali`i ka aina, ha kauwa ke kanaka,
The Land is a Chief, Man is it's Servant 