Maui, Hawaii "Making Memories"
Written: Jul 23 '00 (Updated Jul 25 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great food, surroundings of natural beauty & wonder
Cons: None, None, & None!
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| plaything's Full Review: Maui |
Maui, an Island for memories
Aloha! Oh the memories of Maui! This is by far one of the most exotic places I have ever been, and my favorite among vacation destinations. Maui is a place to get away from the hustle & bustle of the busy modern world and bask in the lap of luxury!
Unlike Oahu, the most populated Island of Hawaii, Maui is very laid back and you will not find much nightlife here. If you are looking for the bar scene & mega shopping, Oahu is your ticket. But if you are looking for some of God's most beautiful creations, you will find them all on Maui.
The island of Maui is a natural wonderland. At every turn is a wonder of nature, a beauty to behold. From the hilly mountains, to the breathtaking waterfalls, to some of the most colorful flowers & plant life; Maui truly takes you breath away.
The Road to Hana
My most memorable times in Maui were that of a tour I had taken, and the food; oh the food! The tour, called The Road To Hana, is not to be missed. It is quite the thing to partake of on the Island, and to live to tell about it.
You are taken in small tour vans (unless you drive on your own, not suggested due to the rugged roads), and let me tell you; hang on to your seats. Up and around this mountain you will go, hanging literally on the edge & overlooking the valleys below. For those with a fear of heights like me, best not to look out the windows much; because you really think any minute that driver is going to fall right off, you are that close to the edge!
This tour, takes a full day (from sunrise 'till dusk), and will make for a lifetime of memories. On the tour, you will be taken to some of the most amazing locales and secluded areas the island has to offer. You will stop to admire the beauty of the flowers, learn about the history of the island upon viewing some of the oldest buildings, stroll along the black sand beach, and stop in a water pool, from which a cascading waterfall flows from amidst the mountain top.
I recall that water hole most vividly, rocks surrounding it, (quite jagged ones) and one's leading up to the base of the waterfall. I could not resist, although it wasn't the brightest move; I dared to reach the falls and made my way along the rocks to reach it. Standing there beneath the waterfall, with the cool, fresh water drenching my body; I felt an inner peace and serenity consume me. I never wanted to leave from under those falls; how I dreamed of having a hut close by, to be able to relish in the natural beauty forever.
The Royal Lahaina Resort
In Maui, I stayed at a hotel called the Royal Lahaina. It was pure luxury, an ideal resort for any couple. The room itself was very nice, 2 king size beds, and roomy. The room faced the beach, on which the resort resided, and from the balcony overlooking the view at sunset was most romantic. The water couldn't have been more than 50 ft. away, and to have the sliding glass door open at night & to hear the waves crash against the sand; well those were some of the best night's sleep I have had in my life. To feel the cool ocean breeze, the sweet smell of the crystal clear water & sand; I knew I was in heaven!
Our room was also situated right next to another hotel, and at night (from our balcony), we could see the nightly Luau performance in their courtyard. Watching the hawaiin dancers, perform their "love" dance under the moonlight; well it was just dreamy.
Also on the property of the Royal Lahaina was a multi-cultural restaurant. I can't recall the name, but they have some of the best food bar none, I have ever tasted. It was an Asian multi-cultural restaurant, with the classic Hawaiin menu as well. Thai food, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, you name it; all wrapped up into one. The entrees were about $6-9 each, and you would order 2-3 for your meal. So you could mix and match from each type of food.
This hotel also served the best Pina Coladas I have had ever! I was told that they were made with Maui Rum, made right there on the Island. I can't begin to describe this purely titillating concoction and how you can loose yourself in these, while basking in the sun at beach side. You will just have to go there and get one for yourself!
The Luau
I also went to a Luau, on one of the neighboring beaches. Everyone sits on potato sacks in rows in front of a stage. There, performers do hula dances, fire shows, and more. And if you love pork, there is none better than can be found at any traditional Hawaiin Luau. The pork is cooked under the ground with hot rocks, and buried with sand. When it is done, they lift it out and you watch as they shake it on a rack and it literally falls to pieces.
The pork is served with a traditional dish known as Poi, which is a gooey gray substance w/a green tint (as it appears to me) similar to avocado dip in appearance, but thinner. Of course unless you are a native, this bland pasty substance is not likely to be very welcomed by your taste buds. But it is neat to enjoy the full experience and suffer through tasting it all the same.
Lahaina Town
For a nice area for some shopping and/or more traditional restaurants; go to Lahaina town on the island. It is a quaint little town, and nice place to spend the day and enjoy lunch or pick up a few trinkets to bring home. You will also find shops everywhere on the islands that sell fresh flower leis. I bought several everyday to wear; there is nothing more warming to the senses, then to be surrounded with the smell of fresh flowers under your nostrils. Just wearing them, smelling & seeing their beauty; will invigorate you and keep you in an upbeat mood.
Suggestions for 1st timers
When I went to Maui the first time, (of which this opinion reflects), I went on a package deal; air, room, car. 4 nights Oahu & 3 nights Maui. If you can find a good package deal I recommend them, but unless you want the nightlife or mega shopping district; skip Oahu. Plan for a full 7 days in Maui, or a combination of Maui and another island such as Hawaii, or Lanai. Here you will find more seclusion and more of the old time island surroundings; Oahu is too commercialized for me. Skip the Outrigger hotels, I was not impressed.
Before you plan your trip, try to get all the information you can on the tours available and where the "hot spots" are on each island you choose to visit. I know the first time I went I was quite clueless and felt much of the time was wasted not knowing what to see or do. If you do go to Oahu, the north shore is not to be missed!
The wrap up
From the white sandy beaches to the crystal clear water, the outstanding food, the breathtaking surroundings, the peace and the tranquility, the awesome sunrise & sunset; Maui is the ideal place to loose yourself in your fantasies of never leaving & to leave your worries of the real world behind.
If you have always dreamed of going to Hawaii and have never been, please dream no more! For your next vacation, plan on this destination for memories that will last a lifetime! I guarantee it! Aloha*
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
plaything
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Member: Cassandra
Reviews written: 48
Trusted by: 74 members
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