Finding My Beach

Kaanapali and Lahaina
(Ninth of a Series)

Days 5 and 6 - December 19 and 20, 2013


Returning from our Hana Highway drive, we continued to West Maui and checked into Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas.  While this resort is different from our previous accommodation, it's still homey and comfortable nonetheless. Our hotel room, though much simpler and needed updating, is spacious with two queen beds, a dining table for four, and a small balcony with a view. And this time, we have a kitchen! It's stocked with all the utensils you could ever need. The boys were so excited that after dinner, we went to buy groceries for breakfast the next day.

The next morning (before our Kahoma Ranch adventure), I made scrambled eggs and bacon that the boys have been craving. I opted for a traditional Hawaiian breakfast with Portuguese sausage, my favorite passion fruit/guava juice and some banana bread that we bought from the Halfway to Hana store. So satisfying!

Then we were ready to do more fun stuff. The good thing about staying in Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas is that it fronts the famous beach of Kaanapali. All we needed to do was bring our oversized towels, walk a few steps, and then settle into our chosen spot in the beach.

After 5 straight days of activities, we decided today was going to be a just-lounge-on-the-beach day.

This is what Hawaii is all about.  Just relaxing and kicking back.

Pretty good waves out there.

Hang loose. I found my beach!

Staying in Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas also made it so easy to access Front Street in Lahaina where all the restaurants, shops, and all the action can be found.

The historic town Lahaina is a hot spot for restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Shopping along Front Street in Lahaina. He got some more authentic Red Dirt T-shirts.

Alan wanted to get more of his favorite Original Red Dirt T-shirts. So we stopped at that store and chanced upon the owner himself, Randy Williams! Inside the store was a TV playing a video loop of Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs episode about Randy's red dirt shirts. It wasn't until I saw the video that I recognized him. While Alan was browsing, Trevor and I enjoyed chatting with Randy. He regaled us with behind-the-scenes stories of the video. Really nice guy.

After some souvenir shopping, we went to Kimo's for dinner.  This is where I had the delicious glazed and baked "opakapaka" or pink snapper. We had a wonderful time here. Food was great, ambience delightful, and the local band's music was really good! 

Kimo's is also known for its gigantic Hula Pie dessert.

A little throwback: That's Trevor and me in 2000 when we ate at Kimo's during our first Maui visit.

Other places we visited during this trip:

Whaler's General Store - I know that ABC Stores and Hilo Hattie's are very popular for souvenirs and Hawaiian made items, but don't miss this store in Front Street. They have unique offerings that are worth checking out.

Aloha Mixed Plate - To get my Hawaiian fix, I had the traditional Lau Lau -- pork wrapped in Taro leaves and steamed in an underground oven -- and a side of Lomi Lomi or salted salmon tossed with local tomatoes and Maui onions. What I really wanted to order was the Ali'i Plate which includes Lau Lau, Kalua pork and cabbage, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Macaroni Salad, Rice and Haupia for dessert. But that sounded a bit heavy for dinner.

Fu Lin Chinese Restaurant - One of our fellow Kahoma Ranch adventurers talked us into going here.  She said the Chinese food here is really good... and she was right. The young waiter who attended to us was so nice and gracious too.

Honu Seafood and Pizza - This was our first restaurant choice when we arrived here but they were closed for a private party. Ugh! Thankfully, we had another chance. It's a very cute restaurant and they have a menu with gluten free options.  You ought to try the Crab Mac n' Cheese!

Castaway Cafe - Fellow guests of Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas were raving about this cafe on site. We decided to give it a shot before checking out. We took a table in the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. There I leisurely enjoyed my late lunch and my Mai Tai. Then off to our next hotel venue.  I guess this season is a bit popular and so Alan had to book our stay into 3 different resorts.


This story was continued from Clouds of Red and Chasing Double Rainbows. The last remaining stories of this series coming up next. 

Clouds of Red

Kahoma Ranch ATV Tours
(Eighth of a Series)

Day 5 - December 19, 2013

This adventure's website clearly stated "Clients MUST understand that this is an off-road adventure and they WILL get dirty and wet!"

They weren't kidding.

No doubt about it. You WILL get dirty and wet from this adventure!

It was Alan who discovered Kahoma Ranch online. Judging from the site's photos and videos, we could tell this outdoor experience is a ton of fun!

We were the first to arrive at their check-in kiosk in front of Office Max in Keawe Street. (Coincidentally, our tour guide's name is also Keawe.) The other customers trickled within a few minutes and soon we were shuttled up the mountain to Kahoma Valley.

After checking in and signing our waivers, we boarded a shuttle for a short bumpy ride to Kahoma Ranch. 

At the barn, we gathered under a rustic-roofed area and sat on huge logs as we listened to safety instructions. Then we picked up our helmets and gear from a wooden picnic table. I didn't even think of bringing a bandanna to cover my nose and mouth. Thank goodness, each of us was provided with a brand new one.

Once we were all geared up, Alan and I went straight for the ATV in front of the line.

Trevor picked the all-terrain vehicle right behind us.

The vehicle for this off-road adventure is a two-seater Polaris Ranger ATV which you can drive solo or share with a passenger.  Even though I'm a four-wheel enthusiast, I opted to share the vehicle with Alan and let him do the driving. Here are three reasons why:

     1.  I'm the stereotypical Asian woman driver. ('nuff said!)

     2.  I want to take pictures and videos for this blog.

     3.  It's cheaper. You get significant savings per person when two passengers share a vehicle.

Adrenaline started pumping as soon as Keawe hollered, "Here we go!" It's like the rush you get when you hear NASCAR's "Gentlemen, start your engines!"

I looked back at Trevor and gave him a big thumbs up. Even with the ATVs roaring, I could hear his excited woo-hoos.

                                          I filmed this using my iPhone in a zip lock bag.

Through private sugar cane trails, dirt roads, and rugged paths we went. There were times it felt like riding through multiple road bumps one after another. The challenging terrain is definitely not for those with back or neck problems.

Not only were we driving through dusty trails. We were driving on Hawaiian red dirt! Now that can really stain your clothes.

At one point, the lead guide spun his ATV on a hair pin turn and billowed thick clouds of red. For a split second, we had zero visibility! 

Trevor flashing the "hang loose" sign after the first leg of the adventure ride.

Alan takes a swig of water before continuing with our off-road expedition. 

We rode up a hill and then stopped at what looked like a little lake -- the place they call The Garden.  There we found three water slides that dropped into a reservoir. That was so much fun! And the views from up there were spectacular!

The lookout point from the reservoir offered a gorgeous view of the town of Lahaina.

Here's Trevor's trip down the first slide.  He got some air on this one for sure.

                            Alan went for the other slide. The water was a bit chilly but refreshing.
  
I bit my tongue both times I slid down.  That's what I get for keeping my mouth wide open and squealing "Whee!" all the way down the ridged slide.

During the water slide break, we were served fresh pineapple. What a delightful treat!

That's our guide Keawe on the left, Trevor drying off on the right, and in the center (perched on a stump) is a character I like to call the Kahoma Ranch Cheshire cat.

We were surrounded by pretty animals and pretty sights.

Reading the website FAQs was helpful. I came prepared. I read that you must wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can withstand dirt. So I wore old tennis shoes and worn socks.  If they get soiled, I wouldn't care about just throwing them away. I also had a swimsuit under my tank top and denims -- ready for a quick swoosh down the water slide and a splash into the water.

The ride back to the barn was just as enjoyable. This time we were driving behind a mother-daughter team. They did great! We were so happy that even if rain was in the forecast, we had sun the whole time. Or so we thought. As we headed back, large drops of rain hit the ground and splattered mud all over me.  Well, our vehicle didn't have a windshield. Just look at my picture again at the top of this page. Only my face, protected by huge goggles, was spared.

I still can't believe Trevor wore white! "This will be my authentic Red Dirt T-shirt," he decided. "It comes with bragging rights."

By the way, it took six Q-tips to get my ears completely cleaned after I got out of the shower. Yeah, you WILL get dirty!



View more Kahoma Ranch videos and photos here.

Continued from Chasing Double Rainbows.  Next in this series is Finding My Beach.

Chasing Double Rainbows

Road to Hana and Wai'anapanapa
(Seventh of a Series)

Day 4  - December 18, 2013


We've driven the long Road to Hana before and we still remember how much fun we had. One of the most scenic highways in the US, it's a 68-mile drive that makes for a whole day's trip. The zig-zag roads, narrow one-lane bridges, and compelling sights along the way make you willingly slow down and enjoy it.

Last time, we traveled all the way to the end where you'd find the Seven Sacred Pools. Since we headed out a little late in the day, we didn't quite make it that far this time around.

Scenic lookouts with breathtaking views command you to stop and take a photo.

You'll pass about 59 small one lane bridges while on the Road to Hana.

This popular landmark is where we stopped to buy some banana bread.

And here at Coconut Glen's is where we stopped to buy fresh coconut. 

I was craving for fresh coconut and hoped I could buy some at Halfway to Hana snack shop. Instead, I was directed to the next shack called Coconut Glen's.  I prefer to call it the "Happy Hippie Shack" because of the characters tending that store. They were very entertaining to watch.

In the left corner of the store stood a forty-something Caucasian woman wearing rain boots. The branches and ornaments at her feet convinced me that she was about to set up a Christmas tree. There was a Muppet Christmas Carol playing and she happily sang along off-key.  Meanwhile, a younger woman, sitting on a stool close to her, could not be bothered as she tried to sort her tangled seashell garland.

The lad, who was behind the counter, walked out to the front to get me a coconut. It was rather painful to watch him crack it open.  Typically, an islander successfully does so with only a few whacks. No one was in a hurry but soon it started to rain. So once I got my coco-delight, I jumped back in the car to continue our journey.

We've been to the usual stops before like Garden of Eden Arboretum. But during this trip, we found our way to the Honokalani Black Sand Beach of Wai'anapanapa. It was like entering a completely different world.

A bird's eye view of the striking Honokalani Beach in Wai'anapanapa.

Alan and I having fun on the black sand beach.

Trevor treads slowly on the rocky pebbles on this black sand beach.

These pebbles of volcanic origin are smooth with no sharp edges.

You'd never guess that I shrieked and sprinted about a half mile away when they pointed to a spider in there.

Trevor goofing off with Alan here.  The contrasting colors of lava rocks, lush vegetation, and deep blue ocean provide a magnificent backdrop for the photo.

Trevor takes another snapshot of this beautiful shangri-la.

We were among a handful of tourists exploring the breathtaking area.

Here's a panoramic view of the Honokalani Black Sand Beach in Wai'anapanapa. You'll even see a rainbow.

The rain poured again while we were there.  Some Japanese tourists joined us in taking cover under a big rock. Eventually, we all ran back to our cars.

I didn't mind getting wet.  In fact, I love the rain because sometimes it brings rainbows.

I found this while on the famous Road to Hana. It's a little faint, but there's a second rainbow outlining the first.

This was my second sighting of a double rainbow this year. And I did find my double pots of gold in Hana. Discovering the incredible Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach was one.  The other is having another priceless family bonding time in Hawaii.

Learn more about the History of Road to Hana and Wai'anapanapa State Park.

This story was continued from Heavenly Pampering. Next is our ATV off-road adventure called Clouds of Red.

Heavenly Pampering

Spa Grande at Grand Wailea
(Sixth of a Series)

Day 4 - December 18, 2013

Some pampering time at the spa? Yes, please!

I didn't want to leave Grand Wailea without experiencing the award-winning Spa Grande. I saw an ad in the Hana Hou in-flight magazine stating that it is the Top Hotel Spa in Hawaii (Travel + Leisure). I'm not going to pass up this chance unlike the last time -- see blog post SPA-tastic!

With an appointment set for 8:00 a.m., I was the first guest at this lovely sanctuary that day. I enjoyed the advantage of having the entire place exclusively to myself for an hour!

The grandiose entrance to Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea.

I started my self-pampering time with a dip in this inviting Roman whirlpool and cold plunge.

What's distinctive about this spa is its philosophy of East meets West...in the Hawaiian Islands. The East uses herbs and ancient Eastern techniques while the West uses new technologies to enhance inner and outer beauty. And here, it's a harmonious combination of both plus the Hawaiian touch.

The other differentiating feature of this spa is the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit. Words are not quite enough to describe the experience.  Thankfully, Spa Grande has this video that walks you through it. [Video Clip]

This video best explains the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit experience at Spa Grande.

After soaking in the Roman Whirlpool, I made my way to the Hawaiian corner.  I thoroughly enjoyed the cascading waterfalls. Imagine soaking underneath a giant faucet with water dropping from 10 feet above you. The hydro pressure on my neck, shoulders, and and back felt good! It reminded me of my favorite feature in Aquae Sulis Spa of JW Marriott in Las Vegas. 

The tropical shower was just as invigorating.  This shower enclosure surrounds you with 50 water spouts and a large shower head.  The result is a jet stream of water that massages you from head to toe.

Following this, I explored the sea salt baths. These magnificent baths were developed exclusively for Spa Grande using minerals, herbs, fruits, and essences that are indigenous to Hawaii.

The five Hawaiian sea salt baths. (Photo courtesy of Spa Grande at Grand Wailea.)

Each bath of various colors and aromas offered benefits ranging from relieving stress to nourishing the skin. I tried the Kaua'i bath with lava red sea salt and tropical guava; the Lana'i bath with green papaya sea salt and golden pineapple; and the Maui bath with Wailea Blue sea salt and cocounut nectar.  At the end of it all, I smelled like Hawaii!

This is what convinced me to go.  At the entrance to the spa is a display explaining the different bath soaks from indigenous Hawaiian sea salts.

In between my explorations, I was invited to the treatment room for a full-body honey-mango exfoliation.  I lay on my stomach on the spa treatment table while the spa attendant gently scrubbed my back, arms, and legs with a loofah.  It felt like light rain on my body when she rinsed me off using a shower wand.

Mind you, all of this is accessible to a guest for only $55 (2 hours in the facility) or comes complimentary when you book a spa treatment. Someday, I'd like to return and try the Six-Hand Lava Stone Massage.  It's where three therapists (yes three!) simultaneously massage your entire body with hot lava stones.  Sounds heavenly!

On the "East side" of the spa, I tried the Japanese furo bath -- a shallow pool with bubbles emanating from the bottom, gently massaging the body as the air bubbles rise to the surface. The spa attendant pointed out the traditional Japanese shower in this area.  It is low level and has no shower head. Instead, it has a shower wand and a wooden stool as it is meant for one to sit while showering.

I didn't know much about the furo bath until I did some research recently. I learned that in the traditional Japanese ritual of bathing, a wooden bathtub is filled with water and left overnight. It is important to be completely clean before entering the bath.  This is why there's a Japanese type shower next to it where one sits on a small wooden stool and lightly rinses off before entering the bath.

Spa Grande's private lanai. (Photo courtesy of Spa Grande at Grand Wailea,)

As a fitting finale to my pampering session, I went upstairs to the relaxation area -- a private lanai with sweeping views of the resort's Relaxation Pool and the Wailea Beach. This alone makes Spa Grande one of the best spas in the world.

Now I can check out without hesitation.


Continued from Bouncing Off The Clouds, It's A Hula-day, and My Heart Smiled. More on this adventure continued on Chasing Double Rainbows.

Bouncing off the Clouds

Haleakala Bike Tour
(Fifth of a Series)

Day 3 - December 17, 2013

My hubby Alan didn't want to just visit the famous Maui volcano again during our return trip. This time around, he wanted to try the Haleakala downhill bike ride. So I made arrangements for Bike Maui's 9:30 a.m. Summit Deluxe Tour. (Research warned me that the sunrise ride was a wee bit early and probably too cold for me. Although I hear that it's an experience of a lifetime.)

We rented our bikes from Bike Maui

After selecting our bikes and receiving our gear, our entire tour group boarded a shuttle commandeered by the lively tour guide named Kimo.  He drove us all the way to the Haleakala National Park's Visitor Center located at the peak so we could view the crater. Along the way, Kimo regaled us with his fun tales and historical facts while pointing at landmarks to help us easily find our way back.

The entrance to Haleaka National Park in Maui

At the summit (about 10,000 ft), you can look down at the breathtaking Haleakala crater. 

Haleakala, which means "House of the Sun," forms about 75% of the island of Maui.

I don't remember noticing the 'ahinahina or silversword plant the last time we were up here. Its leaves that appear like silver hairs piqued my curiosity. I learned that this endangered species has a very delicate root structure that can easily be damaged just by walking around the plant.

'Ahinahina or silversword plant

After our short visit at the summit, Kimo took us down to the 6500 feet level to start the 23 mile ride downhill.

Posing before our 23-mile bike journey

I guess I flashed the I Love You sign instead of Hang Loose.  

With Alan leading the way, me in the middle, and Trevor at my tail, we began our exciting downhill journey. I'll admit I was white-knuckled at first while zipping down the mountain and making the turns. I kept reassuring myself, "You're doing just fine. You're doing fabulous." Soon enough, I relaxed and bicycled with ease. The views were stunning!

Biking down Haleakala

It was a great day for an amazing bike ride down Haleakala.

It was gratifying to see stunning views of the vast blue ocean and the lush greenery.

We only made a few stops to take some pictures and get a quick bite at Maui Lavender. What an exhilarating experience! And there was no rain. We were yet again granted beautiful weather. I couldn't be more thrilled.

My favorite part of the tour was when Kimo, our creative and entertaining tour guide, took us to a spot for a perfect photo opp.  We were at a level above the clouds and it created a great backdrop.  He instructed us to jump as he quickly took a snapshot.  The result was a fun pic making it appear as though we're jumping on cloud trampolines.

At this level, we were above the clouds

With this great backdrop, all we had to do was jump to look like we're skydiving.

We're bouncing off the clouds!

Whee!!!

Later that day, I sent photos to my friend Cheryl via text.  She said, "From the pic, looked like a beautiful clear day. Lucky."

Lucky indeed!


Continued from It's A Hula-Day! Next is Heavenly Pampering. More to come on this Maui adventure.