Although it seems like we’ve been talking about our 4th trip to Maui forever now, our final payment for this trip has cleared and now it’s official! It’s always one of those bittersweet moments when you’re trip is officially paid for. You know there’s nothing stopping you now, but that last 4 figure number showing up on your bank statement isn’t always that fun. 
Could we have travelled cheaper? Most definitely, especially with all the great deals out there right now. Will there be any buyer’s remorse? Maybe a little between now and when we takeoff. But one thing is for sure, once we land and settle in back on Maui, it will be the farthest from our minds.
Trip Planning Update
With less than six weeks to go, I thought I’d share another update with how our trip is shaping up. This is just a tentative schedule and is off of the working agenda we posted earlier. Our plans are always fluid, though, and we like having the ability to just go with the flow and decide as we go.
Sunday, February 15th
Our arrival day, which will pretty much stay the same as before. The only difference is that we might make an effort to get to bed a little earlier than usual.
Monday, February 16th
It will probably be decided Sunday night (if not early Monday morning), but right now we’re pencilling in a drive out to the summit at Haleakala to see the sunrise. Regardless of whether we make it up there or opt to sleep in, our day one habits are sure to continue.
Tuesday, February 17th
Our first beach day for the trip. Seeing that we’ve had a brutal winter so far here in Chicago, a day of sun and sand couldn’t be more welcome. One of a few beach days planned, but no decisions yet as to which ones we’ll visit on each day.
Wednesday, February 18th
Thar She Blows! We’re planning our first whale watch of the trip for this day in week 1. Depending on how successful (or unsuccessful) this one is, we may add a second tour. Dinner at Leilani’s is likely, along with some Hula Pie.
Thursday, February 19th
This is Cindy’s day, which she will undoubtedly spend at the spa. The question is, which one? We’re not sure right now whether the new spa at the Sheraton will be open in time, or if she’s going to stick with the Westin that she has enjoyed in the past.
Friday, February 20th
Who’s up for some hiking? Although we’ve been staying in West Maui these past few years, we have yet to make it out to the Iao Valley State Park. We hope to change that on Friday of week one. Also, all signs right now are gearing towards scheduling a night with Star Gazers Maui, if for anything their down jackets.
Saturday, February 21st
Saturday is our day in Kihei, attending the Whale Day Celebration and meeting up with Liza (from A Maui Blog) and her family. It looks to be a fun day.
Week 2
There’s still quite a bit left for week 2 as well, but I’ll save that for an upcoming post.
Until then, have a happy Monday!
Mahalo.
Hi Kris, looks like we will be overlapping our trips. I will toast you when we arrive. Two or three things to consider that we always enjoy. We spend a day in Paia shopping, hitting the fish restaurant on the corner and then spend an hour at Paia beach watching the surfers and kiteboarders (you’d go nuts with your camera there). We then go up to Makawao and visit Sherrie Reeves gallery. We have a number of her paintings. Her gallery is fantastic and there are gifts in all price ranges.
For hiking there are two places out of the way but spectacular, the first is at Poli Poli State park, the views are overwhelming and there are usually hanggliders in the air, and if you go up Olinda road towards the top, there is an old ag station where they grow trees and there is a nice 3-4 mile hike. It is easy, my then six year old did it with no problem.
Anyway enjoy.
Oh this is great! You guys are so organized.
Looking forward to meeting you two. If it fits your schedule, you’re invited to come to our house. My hubby makes a killer coconut shrimp, we’ll make some for you if you guys like shrimp.
@robertkudla – Mahalo for the tips around Paia. We’re planning an overnight trip in Hana for week 2, which will give us two full days to enjoy the East Coast, including Paia.
@Liza – Mahalo for the invite. We’re planning to spend the entire day in Kihei on the 21st, so maybe there will be some time there. We haven’t had coconut shrimp since our wedding reception.
The last 2 times you were in Maui we were overlapping a few days. Soo now that you are there again, and we are not…I will have to live vicariously through your travels. The one thing I really regret this time is that Jimmy Buffett will be At the Maui Center on Feb 24. That would be the ultimate to see Jimmy in Maui. Are you going to go?
No Buffett for us. We never really caught Parrothead fever, although we do have friends that would totally agree with you that Jimmy on Maui is amazing. We’ve got tickets to see Hapa again this year, playing at the MACC on the 27th.