The Garden Island of Maui – always worth another trip!

The Garden Island of Maui – always worth another trip!

Posted by Steve Macknight in Our Travels 07 Oct 2016

I just returned from a whirlwind adventure to one of my favorite islands, Maui – some work, some fun, five day, three hotel, plenty of restaurants and experiences. A few highlights:

Upon arrival, after our 5 ½ hour non-stop flight from San Diego on Alaska Airlines, we were off to collect our Alamo car rental. We’d driven about 12 feet when another renter backed right into us. Oops. Not my fault, and Chris, the manager on duty, knew that, got us into a new (upgraded) car in a few short minutes. For once, our first stop on Maui was not Costco! Instead, we popped into Tin Roof Maui, Chef Sheldon Simeon’s (Top Chef fame a few years ago) newest restaurant. It’s a takeaway place – only a few seats at a counter. My chicken bowl and beet salad were both fresh and delicious.

 

We had several dining highlights – great breakfasts at Longhi’s in Lahaina and Sarento’s in Kihei, lunch at Star Noodle in Lahaina, still our favorite. Best dinner was unquestionably at the two year new Ka’ana Kitchen, inside the two year new Andaz in Maui. Try the Bigeye Ahi…and the Grilled Octopus.

 

We stayed one night at the Honua Kai, a large condo complex in North Kaanapali. Our one-bedroom mountain view unit was a little better than okay. The two bedroom, two bath ocean view units are gorgeous, great for two couples or a family of four or five.

 

Off to Wailea, 50 minutes or so south of Lahaina, for a three night stay at the Andaz Maui. I did a hard-hat tour here a couple of years ago, but this was my first time seeing it and sleeping here. It’s pretty – great pools, great (smaller) beach, good service. Best part is the multi bedroom villas, up to four bedrooms.

 

We had to stay again for at least a night at what was Four Season’s first resort – the Four Seasons Wailea. It’s still terrific – recently renovated rooms are fresh, big, very comfortable. There is a little construction going on – not all the rooms are done and they’re re-doing the area between their pools and their beach, but it wasn’t too noticeable. The adults-only pool remains my favorite part of the resort.

Finally, the unforgettable, must save for and do experience was our 50-minute tour of Maui & Molokai with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Hard to describe in print – just do it!

 

For more information, please call or write(760) 317-4499, steve@perfecthoneymoons.com